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FIVE {Easy & Inexpensive Ways} to Jump Start Your New Year at Home

January 5, 2015

Happy first Monday of 2015!

I’m excited about the 360 days that lay ahead and all that I can accomplish, experience and do this year. I’ve been working on outlining some specific blog goals for 2105 and will be sharing it all with you soon. When I originally started the ConfettiStyle blog, my mission was to share tips, ideas and inspiration in the areas of interior design/decorating, entertaining, gifting and fashion. I’ve stayed true to my vision over the years while expanding a bit and including some DIY and crafting projects as well.

Because these are all things I’m passionate about, I’ve enjoyed sharing my knowledge, ideas and projects and plan to do more of that in 2015. I will also be introducing some new blog series throughout the year, one of which is the basis of today’s post–Jump Starting the New Year!

Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing tips and inspiration to jump-start the new year when decorating your home, to help you entertain creatively, to personalize your gift giving and to help you create your unique fashion statement.

So let’s get going and jump-start the new year!

I know many people feel that same way that I do when Christmas ends.. The tree comes down, the sparkling lights get boxed up, the Christmas music comes to an end and your home feels flat. Christmas can definitely add a magical feel to your home but there are FIVE easy and inexpensive things you can do now to make your home feel magical again as you move into the new year.

No. 1–ReArrange Your Furniture

The new year calls for a new perspective and when it comes to home decor, one of the easiest ways to achieve that is with a simple shift of your furniture. The beginning of the year is a great time to mix it up and change the focus of your room. Try moving the sofa to a new location, switch our lamps and maybe even change the area rug. Go through every room in your home and see what elements can be moved from one room to another. This little exercise is also a great way to reconnect with your design style. As you move things around you’ll begin to notice items that no longer appeal to you or fit your aesthetic. Purge those pieces so in the new year your home reflects only things that you love and that make you feel good.

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No. 2–DeClutter and Organize Your Surroundings

I for one cannot function if I’m in a disorganized environment. Whenever my home or office is in disarray it is reflected in my mood and my work efficiency. I grew up with a dad that believed in ‘everything in it’s place, and a place for everything’ and this is my mantra as well. Take the month of January to declutter, purge and organize the areas of your home that you spend the most time in. Start by organizing what is visible to the eye and then move to drawers and hidden spaces.

If you need some easy organizing tips, check out this post from The Budget Decorator.

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No. 3–Refresh With New Pillows

A new year often means a refocus on saving money and budgeting. You don’t have to invest in a lot in new decor to give your home a fresh feel for the new year, just refresh your pillows. Add a few colorful pillows to brighten up your sofa and the overall look of your room. Target, HomeGoods and Ikea are my favorite budget-friendly pillow sources and when I’m really on a tight budget, I get crafty and handcraft a few pillows using inexpensive cloth napkins. You can learn how to make a no-sew pillow from one of my favorite bloggers.

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No. 4–Surround Yourself With Inspiration

The other day I wrote a blog post focused on having a positive mind which I believe helps in creating a positive life. An inexpensive way to stay positive is to surround yourself with inspirational quotes and artwork. Create a gallery wall in your home office or in the hallway you walk every morning and night. As you walk by your art display, read the words and make them apart of your daily mindset. There are tons of free downloads on Pinterest and great DIY images via Etsy. You can check out my favorite inspirational downloads on my Free Download Pinterest board.

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No. 5–Accessorize With Feel Good Items

A great way to energize the new year and keep it going until the last day of December is to accessorize with what I call feel good items. Candles will not only make your home smell good but surrounding yourself with a beautiful scent will do wonders to help you relax and rejuvenate. Gather a stack of books that inspire you or that you want to read this year and incorporate them into your decor. Use the books to elevate decorative items and place a few on your nightstand. Here are a few books on my 2015 reading list:

Motivation Manifesto

At Home with Madame Chic

Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home

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Taking time at the beginning of the year will help you create a year filled with beauty, inspiration, comfort and Joy!

Inspiration {for blogging and life}

October 25, 2014

I’m deviating from my usual Saturday inspiration and design tip post to share another form of inspiration with you.

I am always working to be a better person, a better blogger and to grow my businesses and the universe must be tuned in to that because this week 4 great articles on blogging, business and life were in my inbox.

Each article is filled with lots of great tips and advice that is not only applicable to blogging but also to life so I just had to share them with you.

If you’re a blogger I hope this info inspires you in a new way and if you’re not a blogger, I hope the inspiration you find in these words enhance your life.

Enjoy and Be Inspired!

Blogging Organization Tips

Lessons Learned From Blogging

How to Have A Healthy Work Life At Home

What Blogging Can Teach You About Life

NINE Party Place Settings You Can DIY

July 31, 2014

When it comes to entertaining, creating beautiful tablescapes and place settings is an essential part of the decor. You table decor can be elaborate and over-the-top or simple and classic, and the best part is that there are so many beautiful place settings you can make by hand with a few basic crafting supplies. Here’s a round-up of inspiration photos and the steps to DIY these looks for yourself.

No. 1 Dollie Name Card

When it comes to crafting, I don’t think dollies get the credit they deserve. Paper dollies come in different shapes and colors and can easily be turned into a vintage inspired name tag that can adorn the center of the plate. If you’re using glass plates, place the dollie under the plate and it can stay there throughout the dinner service.

Get the Look:

Paper Dollies (this site has a great selection of colors and shapes)

(to create a keepsake paper favor, I recommend using a vintage cloth dollie instead of paper)

Ultra Fine Sharpie Pen

No. 2 Gold Rimmed Plate & Napkin Ring

Turning a clear glass plate into an elegant serving piece is as easy as gluing gold beads around the rim. And to compliment the plate, how about making a gold ball napkin ring?

Get the Look:

Gold Beads (use E6000 glue to secure the beads to the plate rim (E6000 is not food safe so only use for the plates for decor or as a layering plate)

Plastic Belt Buckles (look for vintage buckles at flea markets or you can find them on Etsy)

No. 3 Clip Board Menu Card & Place Card

I love this idea not only because I love clipboards but because it is just too darn cute. Pick up clipboards at the dollar store, spray paint them to accent your table and clip on the menu and a name card. If you want to use the clipboard as a party favor, I recommend adding a monogrammed pencil that can go with it.

Get the Look:

Small Clipboard with open clip, Small Clipboard with closed clip (I buy almost all my clipboards from thrift stores so keep an eye out for them when shopping)

Personalized Pencils (better quality), (cheap price)

No. 4 Striped Plates

This is a really fun and easy way to add a pop of color to your party table. All it takes is a little acrylic paint (you choose the colors) and you’ll have place settings that pop.

Get the Look:

Clear Glass Plate (in order to serve food off the plate, you’ll be painting the underside of the plate so make sure the surface is smooth)

Frog Tape (if you really want to get crafty use their Shape Tapes)

Acrylic Paint–you can pick from high-gloss, metallic, pearlized, glitter or satin finishes (this paint is even dishwasher safe)

No. 5 Decoupage Plates

Decoupaging your own plates is a great way to create inexpensive decorative plates. Just about any paper embellishment can be adhered to the plate surface, to fit with any entertaining theme you have going.

Get the Look:

Ceramic Plates ( check thrift stores, especially if you’re OK with a mis-matched look)

Decal or Paper Embellishment (you can also find these at Michaels or JoAnn Fabric)

Decoupage Glue (this is water-based, non-toxic, food safe and top rack dishwasher safe)

No. 6 Chalkboard Plates

This is one place setting idea that you will be able to use over and over again and mix with any decor theme throughout the year. Painting plates with chalkboard paint is super easy and a great way to personalize your table.

Get the Look:

Plates (this project definitely calls for thrift store plates since the entire plate will be covered up–you don’t need anything fancy)

Chalkboard Paint ( I like to use paint in a can but you can also use chalkboard spray paint) (tips on applying chalkboard paint)

No. 7 Personalized Plates

I love all things personalized and this place setting is right up my alley, especially for a holiday party, special celebration or even a New Years shindig. If you have good penmanship you can create this look by hand using paint or a sharpie, or for a more temporary fix you can get crafty with your Circut machine or use craft stickers.

Get the Look:

Solid Colored Plates (as long as the plate has a solid colored center you can use it)

Alphabet Stickers (the options are endless) or your Circut Explore

No. 8 Painted Plates

Ok, you could go out and buy plates in different colors and save yourself some work but DIYing is much more fun. I love the idea of combining plates in different colors to create a bold color theme for your table. You can use a single color family or vary each place setting for a more colorful table.

Get the Look:

Clear Glass Plates (paint your dinner plate one color and the salad plate another, and paint the backs of the plates so the food surface is usable)

If you want to add a metallic rim, use a Sharpie to color in the rim before painting the rest of the plate

Glass Paint (dishwasher safe)

No. 9 Glittered Charger Plates

How many times have you passed up scratched plastic charger plates at Goodwill? Me, about a thousand. The next time I see some of these I will definitely be getting them so I can DIY a set of beautiful glittered chargers.

Get the Look:

Plastic Charger Plates (if you can’t find any at the thrift store, Michaels carries them so look for a sale)

Glittered Paint (paint the backs of the plate and you’ll need to seal them with an acrylic sealer to make them hand-washable)

You can also use a glittered spray paint (I’ve heard this stuff is not easy to work with)

decoupage loose glitter onto the plate (mix glitter with decoupage glue and paint onto plate) If you do this you’ll definitely want to seal with a sealer to prevent having glitter everywhere

I don’t know about you but I’m ready to get crafty and have a party!

So, which of these DIY party place settings is your favorite.

5 Things

June 19, 2014

Happy Thursday! It’s almost the weekend and I couldn’t be more excited. The week after a vacation can be crazy and I am in need of a little extra sleep this weekend.

Have seen those post around blogland that highlight 5 things going on in the bloggers life at the moment? I always enjoy reading them and decided to do my version from time to time here on ConfettiStyle. It’s just a fun way of letting you take a peek into my life.

MAKING: my project list is long and the first thing I’m tackling is a DIY stationery caddy inspired by this.

EATING: There are so many reasons to love summer but eating cherries on a daily basis is one of the best parts of the season. This easy cherry tart has become by favorite summer treat.

READING: I am finally breaking down and ordering a subscription to this magazine because it is always filled with great business advise and inspiration.

PLANNING: I’m excited to be attending the Haven Conference for the first time and I’m starting to get prepared for it. I ordered this cute jumpsuit to wear and these business cards (at 50% off) which couldn’t be more perfect for ConfettiStyle!

ENJOYING: Sometimes your best creative ideas come when you are alone and this video makes me smile every time I look at it. Brilliant!

So what’s been going on in your life?

p.s. it’s gift giving season in my world and I’ve got some fun gift wrap inspiration post to share with you next week

So what’s been going on in your life?

DIY Trend: Faux Marble Contact Paper

June 4, 2014

This has to be one of my all time favorite DIY trends–Faux Marble Contact Paper! What a simple and easy way to turn a basic piece of furniture, picture frame or just about anything into something chic and stylish!

Prepare to be inspired…

Yes, I know–so lovely! Want to create your own faux marble DIY, this seems to be the best source for quality white marble contact paper. Also available on Amazon.

Happy Decorating!

11 Questions and the Liebster Award

March 26, 2014

If you’re anything like me you read a lot of blogs and think you have pretty good idea of what the person who writes it is like. Even though I’ve never met them, I feel like I know KariAnne from Thistlewood Farms and Sarah from Sarah M. Dorsey designs because over the years they have shared bits and pieces of themselves on their blogs.

Over the last three years I’ve shared a little about me and my life but I have another opportunity to share a bit more of what makes me tick because I’ve received an award that encourages just that….sharing!

…

Read the Post

Tips for Styling a Coffee Table

January 23, 2014

Styling bookcases and table surfaces are two of my favorite things to do and that often results in constant changes with my personal décor. My coffee table décor is a great example. I change the look on a frequent basis, switching out decorative elements, moving books around, adding flowers and re-working the arrangement. While there are no set rules for decorating a coffee table, there are certain types of items and a few design tips I use that have proven themselves time and time again.

1) LAYERING is one of the most important elements in achieving a great layout for your coffee table décor. Stacking books and using decorative elements that are different heights and widths are ways you can create layers. In my current coffee table arrangement I’ve layered the gold spike sphere, decorative jar and small silver urn on a tray which gives the smaller items more impact.

2) TRAYS are one of my go to coffee table décor items. I am constantly collecting them and changing them out from season to season. The animal print tray above is one of my all-time favorites and was an awesome find at a thrift store for only $7.00! Using a tray in a contrasting shape from your table shape is another tip I like to use. A round tray on a square table provides visual contrast.

3) BOOKS are always a good thing! I always have books on my coffee table, sometime several stacks at one time. Use books that reflect your personal interest and stack graduating sizes together to create layers and to use as risers for other objects.

4) When it comes to the DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES you use on your coffee table the only criteria I have is to use things I love or things that I use. Candles are a must and I often place them in decorative jars which still allows me to use the candle but adds a decorative look to the table. I almost always have a decorative box on my coffee table too. It’s a great place to store the remotes, matches and coasters. A few other things to keep in mind with your coffee table accessories…use a variety of items, incorporate different finishes and texture and add something unique and interesting. Your coffee table décor should be a reflection of you.

5) FLOWERS are one of my other go-to coffee table accents. They add volume, color, texture and visual movement while softening the entire table arrangement.

Like I said, there is not right or wrong way to decorate your coffee table. Spend a little time pulling together the items you want to decorate with and have fun creating an arrangement that speaks to you!

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BOOKS: Soiree, Vogue Living, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Inspired You, Decorate, Vintage Remix, The Perfectly Imperfect Home

Wood Slice–HomeGoods (similar HERE) // Tray–thrifted (similar HERE) // Magnifying Glass–HomeGoods (similar HERE) // Z Gallerie Gold Sphere // Silver Urn–thrifted (similar HERE) // Ceramic Jar–HobbyLobby (similar HERE) // Cloche and Base–Smiths Home // Vintage Spool–(similar HERE) , Sheet Music–my vintage collection

Favorite Candles:

Nouvelle Crepe Myrtle

Archipelago Eucalyptus

Votivo Red Currant

The Impact Pinterest Has Had on Me!

July 25, 2013

I must admit I spend a lot of time on Pinterest. Yes, I use Pinterest when I need to take a break from the computer or when I bored with TV in the evening, and I’ve been known to pin a lot when I’m the passenger on one of our road trips. But Pinterest is also an online tool that serves are a source of inspiration for me, a resource library of design ideas, a personal coach that motivates me and a business tool that I use for marketing.

The INSPIRATION comes from all the amazing room images that helps me focus on a design concept, gives me a starting point for an entertaining idea or leads me to a product or resource that I can use.

Although this starburst mirror has been around for a while and is very popular, it took this image to really sell me on the idea of buying this piece for a dining room project I’m working on.

The IDEAS are endless on Pinterest and Pinterest allows me to see how an ordinary item can be transformed into something great with a little elbow grease and more often than not a little paint.

This image got me thinking about how I could turn a simple black mirror into an elegant wall décor statement. I love the addition of the gold inner rim and the embellished gold corners.

I have seen and admired these embossed metal pieces at Scott Antique Market every month and now I have an idea of how to use them.

This image has given me the idea of buying a super cheap silver-plated coffee service and spray painting it gold. Isn’t this set so chic!

My DESIGN LIBRARY is full of beautiful room images and DIY projects that will keep me inspired and creating for years to come, thanks to Pinterest.

I have a four-poster bed that I felt was dated and no longer useful but this picture gives me a different perspective.

The next time I working on an office space or trying to sell the attributes of a small space to a client, I can refer to this image and will definitely recommend a bold desk color, dark walls and an eclectic mix of art. So beautiful & captivating!

When I see images like this I am reminded that it’s the little details that make a space come together. I adore this wishbone and how it adds an unexpected touch to this coffee table vignette. I have one on order and you can order yours here.

No longer will I send a card in a plain envelope…I’ll put my DIY skills to work and will add a pretty piece of decorative paper to make my note really special. Here’s a tutorial I did on creating lined envelopes.

While it may seem like an unlikely SOURCE OF INSPIRATION, if you are like most people on Pinterest you have a board where you pin inspirational quotes. My Words of Wisdom board serves as a motivation coach, reminds me of what really matters in life and helps me set and go after my goals.

And finally, Pinterest has become a great BUSINESS TOOL and a way to promote my businesses and bring new followers to my blog.

ConfettiStyle Interiors * Residential Interior Design and our Door-to-Door E-design service!

ConfettiStyle, The Blog * Inspiring Interiors, Effortless Entertaining, Glamorous Gifting & Fabulous Fashions

ConfettiStyleDesigns…Etsy shop featuring handcrafted jewelry, office accessories, entertaining accessories and vintage finds.

Ruffles and Remnants…Etsy shop offering a fun selection of gift wrapping supplies, embellishments and vintage paper items.

One of the things I’ve learned in my life is that inspiration can come from anywhere. Pinterest is one of my favorite social media tools and to me its much more than just a bunch of photos.

How has Pinterest impacted you??