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Finding Inspiration in Decorating Photos or Rooms

When it comes to decorating your home, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of options and styles out there. But, how do you figure out what you really like? Here are a few ways to help you discover your taste in home decor:

When browsing through a decorating book, magazine, social media feed, or out shopping for furnishings or in someone’s home, ask yourself: What do you see that catches your eye? Take note of the furnishings, decorative items, colors, and moods that catch your attention. Write down the words you would use to describe each item or take photos of each with your phone.

Include the colors, textures, feeling, age, condition, patterns, materials, and any other information about the items or the gathered items as a whole that comes to mind. It can be anything – the sheen of the hardware on a cabinet to the soft way fabric is draped over a curtain rod. Take note of the details that make your brain light up.

Is there a common thread to these items? Is it the color or color palette you like? For instance, items that are white, have aged metallic parts, or have texture. List the details of these items. Maybe it’s nothing specific, but more of the feeling the items, room, or decor evokes in you – make note of all these feelings.

Is everything new, old, or a mix? Does it have a strong or soft color palette. Is it neutral, eclectic, rustic, traditional, modern, or a complete mish-mash of all the noted styles of decorating? It’s fine if the items and colors you gravitate towards don’t fit into any one decorating style category or another. When you remove popular decorating style labels from your mind, some of the pressure to fit into one goes with it.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to discovering your unique taste in home decor. Remember, it’s not about fitting into a specific style, but about finding what makes you happy and comfortable in your own space.

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Creating a cozy, bohemian-inspired retreat on your balcony is a goal shared by many homeowners and apartment-seekers. To achieve this, we’ll adopt the bohemian style, which brings together a rich tapestry of textures, colors, and natural elements. Wicker furnishings and cane lightings are essential components of Bohemian balcony styling, as they bring warmth, comfort, and an organic essence outdoors. To help you create a beautiful space, regardless of the size of your balcony, the following elements can make your balcony stylish and functional while creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Rooftop relatively Young People townhouse Design with Bohemian Style

A bohemian environment is all about embracing individuality, and that’s what makes it so endearing. It’s a style that thrives on layering textures, using organic tones, and finishing with a handmade flourish. When applied to a balcony, this aesthetic brings together natural materials, vivid decor, and a dash of whimsy. The goal is to create a comfortably warm space that can be used to read a book, sip coffee, or simply unwind.

If you have a bohemian balcony, wicker furniture is a must

Wicker furniture is a staple in bohemian decor because of its lightweight structure, delicate weaving, and timeless appeal. Whether made of rattan, bamboo, or synthetic materials, wicker furniture is durable and stylish. The beauty of wicker lies in its versatility, allowing you to add cushions, throws, and soft textiles to create a cozy blend of warmth and comfort.

Modern Cane Lighting — Warmth & Ambiance

Bohemian spaces thrive on personal expression, and this is where individual elements like ceramic vases, handwoven baskets, and vintage trinkets come in. Wall hangings, such as macrame art or woven tapestries, add a boho-chic backdrop, while a low wooden coffee table offers a practical yet stylish touch.

By Training on Data Until October 2023

A bohemian balcony can be more than just a simple seating area. It can be converted into a meditation nook, a mini home office, or an alfresco dining space. A simple wicker table with rattan chairs creates a perfect breakfast nook, and a floor seating with cushions and low tables can be used for tea or reading.

Maintaining and Preserving The Finish

Wicker and cane are hardy materials, but to ensure their beauty and longevity requires some care. Dusting regularly and wiping with a damp cloth now and then keeps dirt from accumulating. Since these materials are sensitive to prolonged exposure to moisture, investing in weatherproof cushions and covering furniture during heavy rains can prolong their lifespan. Coating your wicker with a protective sealant will help keep it from being damaged by the weather and keep it looking good for years.

Conclusion

A bohemian balcony styled with wicker furniture and cane lighting makes for a warm and laid-back yet cozy space for relaxing. By incorporating natural materials, layered textures, and lush greenery, you create an inviting, stylish yet comforting atmosphere. With the addition of personalized accents, plush or soft textiles, or ambient lighting, a balcony can become a peaceful retreat away from the hustle of daily life. Large or small, a bohemian balcony displays the flair of individualism, ingeniously textile-filled homeland, and is thus a much-beloved nook of every dwelling.

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Ellis’ Big Boy Bedroom Makeover: From Nursery to Big Boy

I’m still getting used to the idea that my little boy no longer needs a crib or rocking chair. It’s one of those bittersweet milestones that tugs at my heart. As I prepared to upgrade Ellis to a big boy bed, I knew it was time to create a cozy and personal oasis for my sweet boy.

To plan his new bedroom, I started with a design board, featuring a dark, moody forest green wall color ("Tarrytown Green" by Benjamin Moore) and his trusty dresser, and swapped the crib and rocking chair for a new bed and bookshelf. I wanted the space to grow with him – a room that felt both playful and timeless.

The Evolution of Ellis’ Room

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane to see how this room has evolved over time. When we purchased our home in 2019, we tackled a phase-one renovation. Every wall was painted, the millwork, baseboards, and doors were replaced, and the dated upstairs carpeting was removed. This room transformed from a tired mint green to the deep, rich shade of "Tarrytown Green," paired with crisp "Simply White" trim. The green paint color really makes the space feel cozy and inviting!

Before and After: A Room Transformation

Here’s a peek at the transition from his nursery to his big boy bedroom…

Sources

I’ve tried to link everything I could from this new space. If it’s not listed, that means it’s no longer sold or it’s a one-of-a-kind item.

Ellis’ Reaction

When I transitioned our daughter from her nursery to her big girl bedroom, I did it all in one day! That meant she got a big surprise when she came home from school. For Ellis, this project was more of a slow burn, and I completed things in chunks. Honestly, I think he liked this because he would come home every day and eagerly run upstairs to see if anything was different. He was thrilled about the bed and feels very cool sleeping in such a big bed. He also loves that he can easily get his books and gaze at his beloved toys on the wall. All in all, I think he’s a big fan of his new room!

As for this mama, I’m happy that my kids are happy. Their rooms will always be special to me.

Here is the rewritten article:

Why Faux Granite Countertops?

Ok, you may be wondering if you really want to go this route, and that’s understandable! Painting your kitchen countertops to cover up the old look is a bit intimidating. Same with painting cabinets, walls, flooring, anything really – because once you start, there’s no turning back!

I think coverup projects are a great alternative when you want to see a big change but need to renovate on a budget. You already know we believe that if you’ve seen our post on how to cover up a kitchen backsplash. And hey, a few years down the road maybe you will have saved enough to go for real granite or another type of stone countertops, and you’ll have gotten to try out the look for a bit!

How to Paint Countertops To Look Like Granite: The Basics

We have some amazing tutorials to take you step by step through the process of faux granite countertops. But just so you have the basics down, here’s a the five “P’s” for painting countertops to look like granite.

The 5 P’s

1. Pick a Paint or Faux Granite Kit: Choose your granite countertop paint carefully. There are complete kits you can buy with everything you need. You can also buy your own supplies individually. If you do, do your research. The primer and sealer are the most important supplies.
2. Prep Your Counters: Make sure you do all the prep recommended by your chosen tutorial. This can include sanding, wiping down with alcohol or vinegar, and roping off the kitchen for a few days while you get your granite face on!
3. Prime the Surface: You must use a primer meant for sealing in a non-porous surface. If you don’t use a kit, Kilz Original or BIN Primer are good choices.
4. Paint Your Faux Granite to Your Liking!: There are several steps and layers when you paint a faux granite countertop. You will have a base color and one or more accent colors. Make sure the chosen granite colors complement the room. Follow the instructions of your kit or your tutorial for creating the granite pattern.
5. Protect Your New Faux Granite Counters: Ok, this step cannot be skipped! You must seal in your counters to protect them from moisture & wear. Never cut or chop directly on your faux granite countertops! If you seal your counters as recommended and let them cure, you can look forward to years of use!

DIY Granite Countertop Kit Tutorial

‘Kenya Rae’ used a granite countertop kit to create these awesome new counters! She walks you through every single step, plus has some great tips for you. She uses the very popular Giani granite kit, which we talk a bit more about at the end of this post.

Granite Countertop Paint Kits

Giani Granite is one of the most popular granite counter kits, and you’ve seen a few examples of results using these kits above. They seem simple to use and like most people are satisfied with the results. You can find their products at their site or at Amazon.

Additional Options

Another popular kit is “Rust-oleum Countertop Transformations “. This is the one that has the realistic chips to add over the base coat.

We hope you have tons of great ideas on how to DIY faux granite countertops! If you’re still looking for more options, consider a DIY butcher block kitchen island. Also, check out Kitchen Drawer Organizing and DIY Countertop Projects at our sister site, OhMeOhMy! And you might be interested in our DIY Landscape Steps and Stairs over at TGG!

I went to the fabric store to buy yards of new fabric so the chairs would get a brand new look with a trending pattern or color of fabric.

While at the fabric store, none of the rolls and bolts of colorful fabrics in the aisles popped out at me.

As I searched and searched, the more I thought about the chairs, I asked myself, “Why am I in this store looking to buy a different fabric when what I still truly like seeing on the chairs is white chair back covers”.

Plus, I knew I still had a big roll of the same white fabric, enough to make 5 new chair back slipcovers with no additional cost. I had bought a huge roll of white fabric about 18 years ago for $1 a yard. When buying it, I was confident I would use it all, it just took me 18 years.

In retrospect, it was a wise decision to buy that roll of white fabric so long ago. Not only did it save me money, but it also allowed me to have a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I had made a smart choice. I am glad I didn’t get swayed by the temptation of trendy patterns and colors, and instead stuck with what I knew and loved.

In conclusion, this experience taught me to be more mindful of my spending habits and to think twice before making impulsive decisions. It also reminded me that sometimes, the old ways are still the best, and that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective.

Double the Gallery Space for Contemporary Art in NYC

The New Museum has announced that its long-anticipated, OMA-designed building expansion will be completed in Fall 2025. The 60,000 square-foot addition, designed in collaboration with Cooper Robertson, will mark OMA’s first public building in the city. The expansion will double the gallery space and improve accessibility and visitor flow with new elevators, an atrium stairway, and a welcoming entrance plaza. The project also introduces new spaces for artist residencies and a purpose-built home for the Museum’s cultural incubator, NEW INC.

The New Museum has always been a forward-thinking space for contemporary culture in New York. Since its founding in 1977, the Museum has evolved to meet the needs of artists and audiences, expanding its footprint at key moments. "The New Museum has always been a future-facing museum — not a place for preserving and recording history, but a place where history is made," said Lisa Phillips, Toby Devan Lewis Director of the New Museum. With this latest expansion, the Museum hopes to strengthen its role as a civic resource for New York City’s diverse communities and the international art world.

The OMA-designed expansion will stand in dialogue with the existing SANAA-designed building, which has stood as a New York icon since 2007. "The New Museum is an incubator for new cultural perspectives and production, and the expansion aims to embody that attitude of openness," noted Shohei Shigematsu, OMA Partner. The building will introduce horizontally expansive galleries, contrasting with the existing museum’s verticality, offering spaces for gathering, exchange, and artistic creation. It will also feature transparent elements in its central atrium and terraces, inviting public engagement with the surrounding community.

The inaugural show for the expanded building, titled "New Humans: Memories of the Future," will bring together the work of more than 150 artists, scientists, and cultural figures. Spanning the entire museum, the exhibition will explore humanity’s evolving relationship with technology and what it means for the future. "’New Humans’ reveals how our most terrifying contemporary concerns are in fact as old as humanity itself," said Massimiliano Gioni, Edlis Neeson Artistic Director of the New Museum. This exhibition will place contemporary works alongside significant pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries, offering an interdisciplinary view of artists’ visions for humanity in a changing world.

The expansion will also feature a dedicated artist studio, a forum with seventy-four seats, and an expanded space for NEW INC, further supporting creative entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, the seventh-floor Sky Room will double in size, maintaining its panoramic view of downtown Manhattan. The new atrium stairway will improve circulation between floors, offering views of the surrounding Bowery area. An open-air entrance plaza will serve as an additional venue for public art installations. The expanded lobby will include an expanded bookstore and a full-service restaurant.

The New Museum’s expansion will bring more gallery space along with an elevated experience for visitors. This project will not only double the museum’s footprint but also enhance its role as a cultural institution in New York City.

Project Information:

• Name: New Museum
• Location: 235 Bowery, New York, NY
• Design Architect: OMA
• Executive Architect: Cooper Robertson
• Previous Coverage: October 2017, June 2019
• Completion: Fall 2025
• Visualization: courtesy OMA, bloomimages