Decor – Page 3 – Let's Dwell

Winter Whimsy

January 9, 2018 Lisa

Ahh, isn’t the start of a new year refreshing?

My daughter looked a bit forlorn as we dismantled all the Christmas decorations. She would miss how “warm and cozy” they made the house feel. I, on the other hand, was relieved. Cozy turns into cluttered for me around January 1st, and we were well past that. I was eager for all things clean, fresh, and new.

Returning your home to it’s normal state after the holidays can be refreshing and therapeutic or just depressing. To tip the scales toward the positive, inject some

warmth and whimsy.

Showcase white with flowers, dishes, candles, and linens to mirror the freshness a new year offers.

The reflective quality of silver will also infuse needed light in this oft-dreary season. Add some cozy blankets to the couch or your favorite chair and increase the chances of snuggling up with a good book or loved one.

Starting a new year usually inspires clarifying of one’s goals and priorities. Why not include some inspiration toward that purpose in your decor? Funny, profound, or encouraging–our most familiar surroundings have extraordinary influence on our emotions. Fairy lights and sparkly snowflakes inspire lightheartedness and are fitting of the wonder we should embrace as we step into this year of new

possibilities!

Let's Be Honest, Uncategorized

Meaning is Subjective

October 6, 2017 Lisa

I have this theory that a house isn’t a home unless its contents are meaningful–meaningful to its inhabitants, that is. Which means that our homes aren’t complete when they are the best version of Joanna Gaines-ness that we can muster. (Just an example. Nothin’ but love for Joanna!) Rather, our homes get to be gloriously different, just as what fulfills and shapes us is wonderfully complex and different.

Here’s what I mean in pictures:

I love to travel. So did my grandmother, whose vintage suitcases I inherited. In our family room, they keep cards, games, and puzzles accessible. They’re practical and meaningful.

This planter, stolen from outside, displays a decade of beach treasures because I have such happy memories by the ocean.

This metal sconce preserves love letters from a long-distance relationship that turned into 22+years of marriage. (“Why didn’t you just text or email?” the young things ask us. Ha! It wasn’t invented yet!) It strategically hangs by my side of the bed: a gentle reminder of the love we fought for.

So, what items remind you of your heritage? Favorite memories? Deep values? Dreams or aspirations?

Work them into your decor; replace stock items for functional–but meaningful–ones. Start with a special item and find a way to make it useful or beautiful. Or, consider what part of your soul needs the most bolstering, and find a way to represent it in your decor.

Making meaning tangible in your home is like sowing a smile in every room.

(Cheesy. I know.)

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Autumn

Falling for Autumn

September 20, 2017September 30, 2017 Lisa

Just ‘No’ to the Orange

I love Autumn.

But I used to hate it. When I was younger, the only thing I associated with Autumn was ORANGE. And friends, I do not do orange. I’ve seen it used well, and I appreciate it as a color . . . I just didn’t want it on my birthday month calendar page, my party decorations, or smeared over EVERYthing standing still from September to November . . . (Yes, young problems were enviably lighter.)

My orange-hate has cooled considerably, but it still does not play nice with my yellow and gray living room. I’ve discovered, that while it’s hard to avoid orange completely when decorating for Fall, it is possible to keep it to a dull roar. If you’re not a fan of orange either, focus on the other Autumn colors that do coordinate with your decor or stick with neutrals.

Entry Niche: cream, slate, and hazelnut coordinate with any color scheme

Front Door Wreath (in the non-orange variety)

Pitcher (pulled from the cupboards) with cotton sprigs (Walmart) and Fall sprigs and mini pumpkin (both from the Dollar Tree)

And a shout-out to my friend Amy S. who taught me to love Fall. Her front patio is always covered in pumpkins–more sizes and colors than I used to know existed. Happy chrysanthemums shout, “Welcome!” and inside, yummy smelling candles flicker all around. Add some other seasonal staples: a pumpkin latte, a refreshing breeze, and a cozy blanket and . . .

What’s not to love?

Dried split peas, acorn pits, mini-pumpkins, artificial acorns (from The Dollar Store), painted pine cones (DIY)

Photo Credit: Lisa Runnels; Colorful trees in driveway; publicdomainpictures.net

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