So how to decorate using unused kitchenware in your kitchen? It's so hard to just stare at unused glassware and coffee mugs in your kitchen pantry. When we moved in last year into our first home I made a promise to myself that I will have function for everything in this house (I know massive commitment).
Affiliate links are used in this article
I had a blank wall next to one of my pantries in my kitchen and I needed to fill it with something appealing to the eye. In order to make it still functional I decided to display old glassware and underutilized coffee mugs in a eclectic style.
Here is what I used to make this happen:
Archway decal - I discovered a really simple and stylish decal sticker in the shape of an arch. It came in a light beige color so it was perfect for my white wall. It was 36" inches wide and it gave you the illusion that there was a actual archway within the space.
Purchased a set of wooden floating shelves - I made sure the shelves were 36" inches wide so they were the same length as the decal to bring the illusion of the arch to life.
Use unused glassware - I have lots of old glassware that I do not use anymore so this is a great way to utilize them! I made sure to have different heights in glass to show dimension and excitement. Also I purchased some inexpensive glass bottle to add a bit more.
Coffee mugs & bowls - On the second shelf I styled the many bowls & mugs I had in my kitchen. There is no big secret on how I positioned them, just have fun and make sure to have them set up in all different directions. That is the key to a somewhat unkept display.
Accent table - To finish my set up and to fill in the bottom portion of the arch I bought a really cool accent table from Target to finish the set up. I continued to display a mug, candles and a faux plant to create more texture.
I am beyond happy with the result and it just finishes the kitchen area for us. We are loving it! Do you have any key tips on how to fill up a blank wall? Share in the comments.
Shop some of the items from my set up below! Follow me on Liketoknow.it for more of my fav looks & items.
I wanted to sit back and reflect on the last 9 months and how we went from renting an extremely small townhouse to living in a 2400 square foot home with a screened in pool.
Our updated entrance with a ramp for my dad to go in and out easily. Family first!
As we all know 2020 was a tough year for many people and that included us. At the time in April 2020 my husband and I both worked for Macys in different roles. By April 2020 we were both furloughed without knowing what our next step would be.
Thankfully my husband was called back in 2 weeks so at least we had one income coming in. I went on unemployment, focused on my parents, dove into my social media, started my LLC and my blog.
In July 2020 I was called back to work and kept my salary which was a massive blessing. After that we realized that with the Cares Act and the low interest rates we could afford to buy a home. It was extremely stressful. Here's what we dealt with:
Competitive Market - As the rest of the country, South Florida's real estate was hot in 2020 and still in 2021. Every house we looked at had a line backed out the door to view the home. It was extremely intense and disappointing process. Every time we went to look at a place it had a line of people going in to view it. So competitive! One time as we were looking at a space, an offer was put in and accepted. We never even made it to tour the backyard!!
Ran our credit too soon - I regret going with the first mortgage broker/company so quickly and we ran our credit too soon so we really could not leave and move on to anyone else. I just did not want to go with someone else and run my credit again while trying to buy a home. LESSON - try not to run your credit so many times when you are buying...it will hurt you financially when you are trying to get a loan and it may lower my loan amount.
Out of state Mortgage company - We worked with Rocket Mortgage for buying a home and I regret it. They were ok but they did not work hard to get us the best deal and did not advise us on anything. I literally had to ask and find out on my own.
401K woes - With the Cares Act we were able to withdrew funds to put towards the downpayment. This was by far the most stressful thing for me because usually you are penalized if you take 401K money out before you are like 65 years old. The good thing is, it didn't penalize us. I just worry with everything when it comes to retirement funds.
Our loan for the house was very low compared to our income - I was extremely shocked and we had decent credit. This just shows that working with a major company virtually with no emotional attachment or real engagement it did not work in our favor. The person we worked with just really did not care honestly and it showed. I knew some friends who made less than us and had decent credit almost received the same loan amount.
Well let that all sink in a bit lol. Any moments when you purchased a home that just blew your mind?
More details to share for another blog session! Share your buying home experience?
This is by far the biggest transformation we have done with our home since we purchased it in 2020. Our original backyard had great bones but we needed to update severely. I am so excited to share with you the renovation of our pool area.
When we bought the house the backyard originally had the following:
Screened in patio
Chattahoochee flooring
Massive amount of potted plants
Much needed resurfaced pool
When we took on this backyard, we had a vision from the beginning. We wanted a mini oasis that we as a family could relax and enjoy at all times. My husband especially loves being outside and he was so excited to take on this project! I wanted more than anything to make this happened.
First, we chiseled away the chattahoochee surface. Chattahoochee is a pebble like rock that was used for deck surfaces in the 1980s & 1990s. It was extremely popular back then, the key was you had to get it resealed about every 5 years or so to keep it looking neat and safe to walk on. When we bought the home, the previous owner failed to reseal it and the pebbles/rocks were loose and you could not walk to the pool without shoes.
Next, we realized that that in order to install turf around the pool we needed to have a border surrounding the pool. The original design had the chattahoochee all the way to the tip of the pool. If you do not have a border or copping around the pool, the surface you have will mildew. See below the difference between having copping around a pool vs not having it.
Next, we decided to redo the entire pool. We replaced the tiles and resurfaced the inside of the pool. We hired an amazing company called Ivero Pools and they literally worked non-stop and completed the pool in less than 3 weeks. The pool transformed the space entirely.
After, the pool was completed we then hired a company to lay down turf grass. Turf will last close to 20 years or more and we wanted a green grass feel to surround the pool. Since turf is expensive and based on square footage if we laid turf in the entire backyard it would have cost over $5500 and counting. Our backyard was 850 sq feet and vs us covering the entire backyard we left about 280 open to lower the cost.
Here is the breakdown of what we did:
Having 850 square foot backyard equaled to the turf costing over $5500. To remain on budget we decided not to turf the entire area.
We took 280 sq ft and decided to make it our dining space.
To give the backyard some contrast we decided to lay deck wood tiles in the space that we did not lay the turf. We absolutely loved it.
We are using the same patio furniture that we had before.
I feel so blessed that we could do such an amazing transformation. We cannot wait to host people in our beautiful backyard. Just this past weekend we sat outside and enjoyed the start of the NBA playoffs.
This renovation of the backyard made me realize that I can do anything if I believe and plan. Because of this backyard I am working on returning to school to study interior design. What project have you worked on that inspired you to do bigger and better things?
White, nude and light furniture? Is it worth it? I always in the past questioned if I should go that route. I grew up in a household where white was the enemy and to never purchase things that are white because every blemish will show.
Affiliate links are used in this article
First, I stayed away from it in furniture and even clothes! I was terrified of white or nude till the trend kicked in about 5 years ago and now it is the trend. White/nude colors in homes really can transform a space in all aspects.
Now, When we went on our beach vacation a couple of weeks ago in Gulf Shores, AL the house we stayed in was decorated with some amazing linen white sofas. They were comfortable and actually easy to maintained. When we re-do our bedroom I am leaning towards some white, nude and linen bedding as well as pieces to really switch up the space.
Here are some benefits of considering white/nude sofas and other furniture pieces in your home:
Can go with any decor style - From modern to traditional to boho style you can always incorporate white in these decor styles.
Can brighten a room and create amazing content - A great example is a couch, one key white sofa can brighten the room and change the entire feel.
White can make a space look bigger - I agree with that very much. It's because the color white means pure and open so the mind automatically views things as lighter and bigger.
Creates a clean and fresh feel - What I do like about white or nude is it automatically holds me accountable to keep things clean. I hate seeing blemishes and when I see one I react. I have the urge to maintain and keep it looking amazing.
So do you like white/nude? Why or Why not? Share your view in the comments
My Favorite White/Nude Furniture Pieces
Also, shop some of my favorite white/nude sofas and furniture below. Remember to follow me on Liketoknow.it.com
