Tired of taking endless hauls to home-styled department stores? Us too. All avid Homegoods and Target shoppers, we know you’re out there, and we know you know how disappointing it feels to leave a store empty-handed when you had every intention of spending. Hurts, doesn’t it?
Well, what if I told you that there was an opportunity for you to get home decor items delivered directly to your doorstep? I’ll take a subscription box, but for home decor please!
Introducing, ARD Black Box. Curated by Ashley Romero, this seasonal subscription box is going to be the next best thing. If you’re looking to spruce up your home with unique, hand-picked items, get ready to meet your newest obsession—oops, I meant, subscription.
You’ll receive four boxes a year, filled with chic, seasonal home items that you got at a fraction of the retail price, and the best part is you never have to leave the house! Still need more convincing? Read on to check out the top items in their winter collection.
Champagne Flutes
These black swan champagne flutes bring the perfect edge to your home. They are perfect for hosting, bold, and they never go out of style. I can’t wait to use these flutes all year round.
Mini Marble Cutting Boards
These mini marble cutting boards look absolutely adorable and belong on display in any kitchen. Use them for prep work or as serving trays, the opportunities are endless. What can I say? I am a sucker for a good cutting board!
Woven Coasters
These woven coasters are such a wonderful, bohemian piece that you won’t find at any department store! They’re soft so they won’t scratch the table, and the fabric absorbs condensation from the glass. Sounds like the ultimate all-in-one coaster to me!
Today we want to share a few home improvements you should do now you’re working from home. Over the last few months, millions of brits have gotten acquainted with the pleasures of working from home. In fact, even after the pandemic has passed, it’s likely that a sizeable number of us will stick with the arrangements and make plans for telecommuting in the longer term. Having experienced the flexibility and savings that come along with working from home, we won’t want to give them up easily. And business leaders are in broad agreement. RBS have allowed 50,000 workers to continue telecommuting for the rest of the year, following similar moves by tech giants like Facebook, Google and Fujitsu.
If you’re on board with this cultural change, then it’s worth making plans to ensure that your home provides the best possible working environment. Let’s take a look at exactly how this might be done.
Creating a Space
If you’re going to work effectively, then you’ll need the space in which to do it. This doesn’t just mean physical space. While you will need a room that’s large enough to accommodate your work and all the equipment it requires. Perhaps just as important is the partition required between your home life and your work life. Converting a spare room or attic into a dedicated office will help you to get into a work-focused frame of mind, and to keep family members at bay during office hours.
If you’re at home all day, then you’ll be spending more on utilities. Any inefficiencies in your central heating system are going to be twice as damaging, as you’ll have the heating on during the day as well as the evening. Now that tradespeople are free to carry out improvements, but the weather is still favorable, you’ve got the perfect window in which to make those changes. If you’re working from home for the long-term, then now might be the right time to replace that boiler.
Storage Space
If you’re surrounded by clutter, then you might find it difficult to concentrate on what you’re supposed to be doing. A few creative storage solutions around the house may provide the space you need to stow these items out of sight and out of mind. On the other hand, you might elect to simply have a large clear out and send those unwanted items elsewhere.
Extra Windows
Natural light can make all the difference in your work environment. Anything that can be done to increase the amount you get in your home is going to be worthwhile. If you find that installing additional windows or skylights is impractical, then you might make other tweaks to improve light diffusion, such as installing mirrors or replacing heavy curtains with lightweight horizontal Venetian blinds.
If you a Martha Stewart in the making, or simply serious about homemaking here are 10 essential types of towels every home needs. Whatever your reason for learning, knowing how to properly stock your home with the right types of towels is essential to running a spick and span household. You may think “a towel is a towel,” but true masters of home care know there are a variety of towel types and uses for each type. If you’re ready to up your home-management skills, learn the uses of these 10 essential towel types every home needs.
1. Hair Towel
Hair towels are great for drying hair quickly without having to drape a giant bath towel over your head. They come in multiple sizes to suit different hair lengths.
Hair towels also dry faster themselves so they stay fresh longer and need fewer washes in between uses. This cotton hair towel and others like it exemplify the ideal hair towel.
2. Finger Towel
You may have seen finger towels in a high-end hotel or restaurant. Only the truly classy home-owners understand the value of a nice set of finger towels. Finger towels are among the smallest towels you can own next to wash cloths. They usually come in sizes somewhere between 11” and 18”. Finger towels are used for delicate drying.
For example, say you had to wet your fingertips to tame a piece of wild hair, a finger towel is the perfect amenity for ultra-quick drying. You may also see certain kinds of finger towels draped over a washing dish. They are hung on top of a hand towel and often used for decoration. Many finger towels come with embroidery or initials to add personalization to your decor.
3. Face Towel
Face towels are meant for drying your face after washing. Having designated face towels can help protect sensitive skin from exposure to particles that could clog pores or irritate it.
Think about it, when you use the same towel to dry your recently washed hair and then wipe your face, you could be rubbing residue from hair products, soaps, and more onto your face.
Bath towels are large enough to wrap around your entire body, drying you off and wrapping you in warmth after a shower or bath.
Bath towels are the largest type of towel, next to beach towels. Usually made of cotton, they tend to be thicker and softer than a beach towel.
They are intended for drying and warming bodies and because of the water content they can absorb, may take longer to dry than smaller towels.
5. Wash Cloth
Wash cloths are often used for scrubbing and cleaning. They are sometimes interchangeable with household rags. Next to finger towels, wash cloths are the smallest towels.
Wash cloths are usually used for wiping counters, cleaning spills, and drying your car among other tasks. Depending on the quality of your wash cloth or how new it is, you can use it for jobs like dusting and window cleaning.
6. Hand Towel
Hand towels are essential for bathrooms and guest bathrooms. These are the smaller towels that hang from the rack above sinks and next to mirrors. They are used for cleaning and drying hands.
Hand towels are of a nicer, thicker material than a kitchen towel as they are meant less for utility and more for luxurious drying.
7. Kitchen Towel
Kitchen towels are those handy little towels you see hanging from oven doors and stove tops. They are helpful for pulling things from the oven, resting pots upon, and wiping counters.
Kitchen towels are sometimes decorative. They can often be purchased with embroidered designs to suit the holiday or kitchen theme of your choice.
You may need to replace kitchen towels more often than other types of towels as they are used for a variety of purposes on a daily basis.
Beach towels or “swim” towels are typically longer and more tightly woven than the average bath towel. This is because they are used as seats for sandy beaches as well as a means of drying off swimmers.
Beach towels come in a variety of materials, colors and patterns. Typically, beach towels won’t fit as well in the standard bath towel rack so trying to smash them into one will look sloppy.
9. Gym Towel
If only because you don’t want to get weird stares in the gym for bringing a fluffy pink finger towel to work out, you need a gym towel.
Gym towels can either be long bath towels that you’ve purchased to use in the gym shower, or smaller, longer, hand towels used to wipe sweat.
Indoor cyclists and aerobics fanatics find gym towels especially useful for wicking away sweat during the middle of a heavy workout.
10. Pet Towel
This is a towel you don’t want to mistake for a bath towel. Especially when stocking your guest room.
If you have dogs, cats, or any kind of pet at home, you need to have a specific set of pet towels. No matter how many wash cycles a towel has been through, no one wants to discover they’ve just dried their hair or face with the same towel old Bruno was washed in last week…
Not only that, but pet towels work well for cleaning pet accidents that may occur around the house. When pet accidents catch you off guard, you’ll be happy you’ve already designated a towel for the pets so you don’t ruin a more costly bath or hand towel.
Various Types of Towels: Choosing Right For You
With all the different types of towels there are, it can seem overwhelming to know how many you really need to purchase. At the end of the day, if your household budget allows for it, each type of towel serves a useful purpose in effective house-keeping.
One rule of thumb is to own at least two full sets of towels for each individual living in a home. This way, even on laundry day, there’s always a complete set available for use.
Browse our blog for more useful home and living tips and hacks.
Ever since I received the keys to my first home I’ve been on a home decor craze. To be honest, I’ve been reaching for kitchen goods, flowers, vases, wall hangs and more instead of fashion and beauty picks. I know—who is this woman and what have you done with Cliche’s Beauty Director? Trust me, I’m still me, just with a new obsession that you’ll want to join me in after you read this. I get my interior design inspiration from so many outlets, but most specifically from Pinterest and YouTuber Kate Spiers of Katelavie. When decorating, I try to create a balance between an effortless, rustic, artistic and playful living space. I alternate little details throughout the seasons, some of which include adding artificial flower bouquets for spring, warm tones for fall and fairy lights for winter. Now you may be asking what about summer? For this season of sunshine I’m gravitating towards fruit prints, wicker baskets, orange + pink combinations and stripes. Are you feeling the vibes?
With all the decoration updates that can happen within a year, keeping it affordable, while paying those bills, is a must. Over the past year I’ve found spots that let me make the most of my buck with high-quality and cutesy decor. Don’t allow yourself to be duped by expensive ones that are marketed all over social media. If you’re looking to make your summer home decor as hot as can be, without breaking a sweat, take a browse for places + items you’ll want to call home sweet home.
HOMEGOODS My #1 spot for finding an incredible bargain is HomeGoods hands down. Not every HomeGoods is a winner though. You have to check the ones near you all out to see which is the best to go to find a steal. Personally, I have been to probably 5 around me and 2 out of the 5 are sure winners. Visiting during early store hours or on weekdays is better too so you don’t have to deal with so much foot traffic. You want to take your time to peruse every aisle without feeling rushed as you move items to and fro. Some of my favorite finds here include candles, artificial flowers, stationary, baskets, rugs and furniture!
H&M A recently new spot added to my list that is well deserved. I know, H&M, who would’ve thought? Don’t let your expectations fool you though. H&M has some of the cutest and trendiest pieces at prices that will make you want to add more than 1 of the same item to your cart. +10 please! Being a primarily fashion company makes them stand out. They always know what’s going to be “in style” before it even hits the market. I like to check out everything on their app. It’s way easier to navigate than their site I think, and you can easily see what’s new with just a tap of your nger. I recommend their vases, kitchen items and decor.
TARGET We all saw this one coming. Target is the suburbs fancy version of a Trader Joe’s meets K-Mart and none of us are mad at it. This spot will never get old, especially since it is always creating new store brands! Wondershop, Threshold, Hearth & Hand and more are exclusively Target owned and certainly keep us visiting every chance us decor-crazers get. One of my own Target secrets (although this may not be much of one if you already know) is to always check out their “dollar section” located near the entrance. It may appear to be a hurricane of mix & match items, but if you look, they include adorable items for so cheap. Think of office supplies, outdoor decor, pottery and even letter boards.
MICHAEL’S Not only can you buy supplies to create what they offer here, but you can purchase eye catching, artsy decor that’s almost always marked down. Michael’s is the bee’s knees for random discounts (i.e. spring black friday, anyone?) and making it known that they have them too (just ask their cashiers during checkout!). Recently, I bought a basket full of artificial flowers at my local Michael’s, all for 40% off. With them I created spring wreaths and added hues of oranges, pinks and yellows all over my living space. My rule of thumb for when visiting: Plan ahead. You don’t want to go here without an idea of what you want/want to create. Things can easily get out of hand and sooner than later you’ll be walking out with pipe cleaners, beads, paint and candy that you don’t know why you have.
AMAZON Amazon has become a go-to for me, especially when I need something in a jiffy. It’s much more than just an e-retailer that you can order toilet paper or cat food from and have it delivered the next day if you’re in a hump. Amazon has a plethora of one-of-a-kind, quirky items that can make your home feel as unique as you. I enjoy constantly searching to find “the one” to add to my home knowing that I can have it at my doorstep same-week. It’s exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time, but that’s what I like to call the thrill of the hunt. Check out their “Amazon Explore” page usually highlighted at the top of their home page. It includes a lot of interesting items gathered from your recent searches you may have never thought to see.
Read more Home Decor articles at ClicheMag.com 5 Places for Interior Design Inspiration. Image Credits: H&M, Target
Here are some fabulous decorating ideas using wall clocks. How many times per day do we all look to see what time it is? Probably more than you care to imagine. Whether your just waking up, fixing dinner, in the elevator, at the shopping center, the doctors office, or even at your desk working, we are always connected with time. No matter where we are or what we are doing, time is the essence of our daily lives that helps keep us on schedule and in tune with the world around us. Using clocks to decorate your home can be super refreshing, eye-catching and truly make any room in your home standout as the perfect accent piece.
Living Area: I think we can agree that finding the perfect place for a wall clock isn’t as simple as one might think. Do you use one that’s big in size or smaller? Modern or retro? To get the most out of using a wall clock when decorating a living area, placement is super important. For example, large wall clocks are absolutely beautiful but are most beautiful in homes that have expansive living room walls, fireplaces or single pieces of furniture that could use a decorative element to make it stand out. The main idea behind a large wall clock isn’t to be the main focal point of the room but to compliment existing decorative items or help accentuate certain types of wood or paint tones. If you can imagine a spacing that is using only half of it’s potential, a large wall clock could be the perfect compliment to fill that space and make a strong decor statement.
image by littlehouseoffour.com
Entry Way or Foyer: A wall clock can look amazing in your entry way or foyer. What a fun and inviting decorative piece that can really make whoever walks through your front door feel relaxed and welcomed. What types of decorative pieces do you have in your current entry way? Many of us have some sort of sofa table along with a pretty vase of flowers, a family photo or a candle. Envision a decorative wall clock this sits above your sofa table that one can easily see as they enter the home. Perhaps it could be the same color as your sofa table or 2 tones lighter or darker than the color of your wall.
Bedroom: We certainly spend a lot of time in our bedrooms. For most of us it’s our safe haven, our retreat and a place that we relax and enjoy special moments with loved ones. It’s also the room that we go to sleep and wake up in each morning. We have yet to see a bedroom without a clock nearby. Usually on an end table or on top of a dresser.
For those redecorating your bedrooms, consider adding a beautiful wall clock to your decor. If your headboard is low enough, you can easily place a large wall clock over the top of your headboard. If you have his/her dressers try placing a wall clock in between them at an appropriate height that looks appealing.
photo by architecturaldigest.com
Kitchen: The kitchen is the perfect room in your home to add a decorative wall clock. You will be thrilled to add a clock that suites your wall that equally exudes the style and personality of your kitchen.
There are wall clocks for your kitchen in every color, shape and style you can imagine. Do you have a room leading out of your kitchen? Consider adding a wall clock above the door frame so you can easily see the clock from anywhere in the kitchen and on your way out. Is your kitchen semi-open with a large opening to your living area? You can easily put a wall clock on the wall high above your kitchen counter so that people in both the kitchen and living areas can easily see the clock.
Do you have live in a small condo or have a smaller kitchen space? Consider a minimalist but really cool wall clock like an ultra sleek frameless clock. It will definitely standout and add a unique decorative pieces despite the small cooking space.
We hope you love our fabulous decorating ideas using wall clocks. Now you have some creative fire power to redecorate areas of your home that can easily be transformed with a beautiful and stylish wall clock. Give it a try and let us know how your decorating efforts went.
Read more home decor articles at Cliché Magazine Images provided by Pixabay & Flickr CC License, architecturaldigest.com and littlehouseoffour.com.
As Summer fast approaches us, we know many of you are wondering what are a few simple tips to brighten any room using cushions. Summer is the perfect time to redecorate a bedroom, living room, bathroom or even an outdoor living space. Adding new cushions to your redecorating project might not seem like an effort that will make a big difference but new cushions will absolutely have a positive impact on your living space. Let us show you.
Let’s be honest, for some of you it’s been forever since you’ve redecorated any part of your home or apartment. It’s okay, we get it. Work, kids, school functions, friends and all sorts of important obligations prevent you from even considering it. Well, now is the perfect time to redecorate. The best part is that we are going to start with something simple: cushions. Adding new cushions to your redecorating efforts might not seem like an effort that will make a big difference but believe us, it will. Lets start with your most favorite room. Are you ready? Here are some simple tips to brighten any room using cushions.
The living room for most people is their sanctuary. A place the family congregates on the sofa to enjoy a Friday night movie and pizza, where friends come over to relax in your modern wingback chairs to share the latest gossip over a glass of wine. Your living room should feel comfortable, inviting and project a true feeling of relaxation.
Let’s be honest. Nowadays when you purchase a new sofa, love seat or sectional you receive free cushions. Seems only right after spending a lot of money but these cushions are usually the exact color as the sofa and often times feel cheap. Quality and decorative cushions, like these from simplycushions.co.nz can provide the perfect touch for your living room and really spring it into life. Keep these simple tips to brighten any room using cushions in mind when searching for the perfect set of cushions for your living room.
Let’s next look at redecorating cushions for your outdoor furniture. Outdoor entertaining is huge during the summer. Pool parties, family BBQ’s, morning coffee or afternoon tea with colleagues or friends. and most trends surround transforming your outdoor space with elements of your indoor living space.
So what’s the most natural and awesome way to bring the indoors out? Decorative outdoor furniture and beautiful patterned or bright cushions of course. Colors like orange, lime green or even ocean blue scream that summer is here and it’s time to relax and enjoy the beauty that the summer months bring. When transforming your outdoor living space, keep these simple tips in mind to make the most of your creative efforts.
First, think about the overall theme or look that you’d like to have. It’s easy to go with “what’s hot” or what’s trendy but make sure it’s something that you really love. If you already have a theme for your outdoor living area, focus on how redecorating your cushions will enhance your current theme and the surrounding atmosphere.
Use your surroundings to influence your decision. Is your backyard in a dry and desert like atmosphere or are you next to a lake, swimming pool or lush garden with bright colorful plants and flowers? Is your furniture situated on grass, cement or cobbled stone?
Ensure you are using quality cushions. This will be an area of your home that you will likely use every day throughout the year but certainly every day during the summer. It should not only look and feel inviting but it should be comfortable and relaxing. Select cushions that do not fade in direct sunlight.
Please keep in mind that you can use these simple tips to brighten any room using cushions throughout your home including your bedroom, guestroom and even your bathroom. We want you to have a fabulous summer. You can start with a small redecorating project that focuses on replacing or purchasing new cushions that are comfy, beautiful and bring your room to life.
Read more home decor articles at Cliché Magazine Images provided by Pixabay CC License
Social media has introduced us all to a whole new world online and, as part of that, a new window has opened into the world interior design. Now, if we wish, we can have an exclusive domain of designers and influencers filling our news feeds on a daily basis with their beautiful spaces and interior trends. Plus designers are continuing to act as the pioneers for our interior scene, it is bloggers and influencers that our taking everyday products to the people and creating content that inspires people. With that in mind, it is no wonder we are all turning into budding decorators and DIY addicts.
It is no surprise that Instagram is one of the main social media platforms for influencers. It can offer creative inspiration and is platform driven by visual imagery. With the app becoming the fastest growing social platform, a huge opportunity has presented itself for influencers to build a big following here.
As a marketing tool, Instagram allows an influencer to give their followers an insight to their personal life and for them to explore, see and read all about their beautiful homes. With still and moving images, followers can really ‘get inside’ an influencers home and find inspiration. Whilst doing so, this builds a relationship with the influencer and their audience (as well as promoting lots of different products too).
Here we have put together a handful of creative and clever social media influencers who you can learn from to enhance your interior design.
Emma’s Designblogg Instagram: @emfex
A Stockholm based influencer, Emma allows you to get lost in hours of photographs of stunning interiors that are best described as Scandi-rustic. For soft minimalistic styles and functionalist beauty, this is the one for you.
Print & Pattern Instagram: @printpattern
If you need wallpaper, fabric or wall illustration inspiration you can guarantee you’ll find it here. Combine both the blog and Instagram together and you’ll be overwhelmed with patterns that you can put into your home.
If, while reading this, you feel like these designs and inspirations simply won’t work in your home, maybe you need to consider buying some new furniture to dress up. A great place to start would be with a new bed for a comfortable and great night’s sleep – and to cover in beautiful bedding to make a design centrepiece. Divan Beds Centre has a great selection to choose from. The bedroom is a great starting point before moving on to the rest of the home.
Habitually Chic Instagram: @Habituallychic
Based in New York City, Habitually Chic is all about being modern with an uptown taste. From her Fifth Avenue apartment to her beautiful dressing-room, there’s much to be inspired by here. For all things fabulous, floral and bright, you won’t want to miss this account’s posts in your feed.
Jonathan Adler Instagram: @jonathanalder
Looking at Jonathan Adler’s feed is like gazing into a fantasy of bright colours and styles from a diverse range of sources. Here you will learn how to mix together colours, prints and art in ways you never even dreamed off.
Apartment Therapy Instagram: @apartmenttherapy
Keeping up with new trends, this is a small-spaced-focused account showing you everything from industry trade shows to fascinating before and after photos. It’s a great mix and gives you inspiration for your bedroom, office, living room and beyond.
So, whether you are seeking some inspiration to update your space or just fancy some interior escapism, these are the Instagram accounts that you need for inspiration.
Read more Home Decor articles at Cliché Magazine Images provided by Flickr CC License
If you love interior design, you know Farah Merhi. With nearly four million followers and counting, Merhi has been inspiring people around the world through Inspire Me! Home Decor’s Instagram page. We chatted with Merhi about what drove her to pursue her dream, what continues to inspire her, and what’s to come in the future.
Cliché: Knowing how you started Inspire Me! Home Decor, what drives you to keep going?
Farah Merhi: When I launched Inspire Me! Home Decor on Instagram, it was an outlet for me to share my passion for interior design with others. Inspire Me! now serves as a platform that inspires homeowners as well as a platform for interior design professionals and self-taught designers to showcase their work with those who share the same passion. When I first launched my page and as months went by, I came to the realization that the economy had just picked up and people were starting to focus on home improvements, specifically redesigning rooms to give them an update. What was really interesting was that homeowners wanted to be involved in the process and were just looking for platforms that could simplify the process for them as they embark on their design journey. They were turning to social media for answers! That was my “AHA!” moment.
Since then, I have made it my mission to make Inspire Me! Home Decor a place to get inspired, get your daily questions answered through IG short videos, YouTube videos, Instagram posts, and blogs. What drives me is the comments, emails, and private messages that come through daily from my viewers and followers who thank me and share what they have done, saying things like, “You’ve inspired me.” That is so humbling; I have to pinch myself every once in awhile! My followers are responding so well to the tips and tricks I share with them and that in itself is what drives me to keep going, and to keep looking for other innovative ways to help out homeowners.
You were just short of applying for law school until you switched gears. What motivated you to take that step and pursue your dream?
I was miserable—plain and simple; there is no other way to put it. A few semesters short of graduating and starting law school, I decided that I was done doing what I thought I wanted to do and start doing what I knew I wanted to do. I was struggling daily trying to build up enough courage to face my inner truth. How can one throw away all the hard work and effort, and what about the time that has passed? I had to dig deep to find the courage to face my truth.
Two things did it for me. We were remodeling our home and the sheer happiness I felt from redesigning my home and the realization that interior design made my heart dance with joy. That’s exactly what I wanted out of life! I have always had a passion for interior design. I helped friends and family out, but never really thought much of it since I had the idea of becoming a lawyer already set in my mind. There was no other way.
The second thing that did it for me was going through some personal family tragedy; it put things in perspective. Life is too short to do what you THINK you want to do! Live it to the fullest and do what makes your heart jump with joy! With my husband’s support and my parents’ as well, I am thankful to live my dream life every day.
If social media wasn’t around, do you feel you would be at the place you are right now?
If social media was not around, I predict that I would have opened my own interior design firm as a self-taught interior designer and still lived my life doing what I love doing. But would I reach the amount of people I reach every day? Not a chance. That’s the beauty of social media! It brings people together from all over the world. You get to share what you love with those who enjoy your posts, your work, and what you do. Brands and companies recognize your passion and your connection with your followers through social media. You then get the opportunities to collaborate and partner up with them, something you could only dream of doing from your office without the power of social media.
You now have nearly 4 million Instagram followers, becoming the number one interior design inspiration page while being a busy mother of three. How do you balance work and your personal life?
OH BOY! That’s the million-dollar question! Inspire Me! Home Decor is like my fourth baby. I’ve been building it and growing it from the ground up. This is a constant for me; I wake up thinking about IMHD, and I go to sleep thinking about IMHD, and it’s a struggle to completely turn it off sometimes. But of course my family comes first. My day starts at 7:30 AM; I work from home so I am in my office or out on consultation appointments, ordering furniture for my clients, filming or working on projects for my brand. By 5:30, I like to shut everything down and focus on homework, dinner, cleaning up, and bedtime. I still have to post on my social media in the evenings though. Most people don’t realize that I am the only one that posts on IG and Facebook. No one is allowed to touch those platforms, so it’s hard to completely relinquish this responsibility to others because every post is a reflection of my design esthetic. It’s also a way for me to connect with my followers. So to be completely truthful, I am still struggling to find the balance just like a lot of working moms or even stay at home moms.
Where do you pull your inspiration from for new ideas for clients?
The work that I share is curated from everywhere. It doesn’t come from one set place. I get thousands of tags a day from professionals in this industry as well as interior design enthusiasts. My hashtag #inspire_me_home_decor has over 270,000 tags. I also receive daily emails from designers and their teams, sharing work for a possible feature. Aside from that, I like to explore and research images that will inspire my followers so I check out websites. Finally, I share my work as well!
As far as inspiration for work that I do for my clients, I attend furniture and home decor shows multiple times a year where I get to see firsthand what’s trending and what’s to come in the design world. There are certain designers who also inspire me with their creative work. Having a platform like Inspire Me! Home Decor, I am exposed to designs from all over the world which certainly inspires me in many ways as well.
Which project are you the most proud of to this day?
From a brand development perspective, I am most proud of the launch of my YouTube channel. For several years, I have seen questions come through with my followers asking for specific insight to help with their design journey. With over 3 million followers at the time, it was really hard for me to keep up with all the comments and questions that were pouring in. At the same time, it was hard to look the other way since my followers were turning to me as an expert and someone they closely connected with. So I decided, to better serve them, I would launch my YouTube channel as an extension of my Instagram page where I curate questions directly from Instagram and emails, and answer these questions through videos for better visual aid. I launched YouTube over five months ago, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
From a personal perspective, I am always proud of all the projects I take on for my clients. There is one project though, a project I am still working on, that I am particularly proud of. A young couple reached out to me for help in designing every room in their home. After interviewing multiple designers, they were frustrated that no one was “getting them,” as they said. The wife reached out to me and during our consultation, it was obvious that they were both frustrated. We are a few months into the project and the house is coming together beautifully. Most importantly, my clients are happy to see their house slowly turn into their beautiful home.
What plans are in store for Inspire Me! Home Decor?
Inspire Me! Home Decor continues to grow as a brand. I am currently working on projects that will start to launch in 2017. Unfortunately, I can’t elaborate on that just yet, but I can say every single decision and partnership I make, I make with my followers and subscribers in mind. Stay tuned!
Calling all stationary collectors, paper lovers, and fans of handmade pretty things out there! We’ve got something special to share just for you. We’re introducing a monthly box that brings you the most gorgeous paper goods we have ever seen, right to your doorstep—Wilde House. Created by the creative duo Lauren and Megan, this one-of-a-kind brand offers their fans paper pieces that are prettier than anything you’ve seen. Featuring handlettering skills, colors that pop, picture perfect designs, and so much more, this monthly box makes all of your dreams come to print. Founded in California (where the two talented founders met), Wilde House is done up more every month, even with the gals now living across the country from each other. Talk about girl power and teamwork! Learn more about how these authentic and magical women bring you a brand that is simply beautiful in everything that it does. Read our exclusive interview with Lauren and Megan below—we’re sure you’ll become just as smitten with them as we have.
Cliché: Tell our readers a little about yourselves. Lauren & Megan: We met in California during a workshop Lauren was teaching in 2014. We teamed up shortly after that and created Wilde House not really knowing yet which direction we were going to take it. After weeks of brainstorming and planning, it hit us that there was a gap in the market for stationery designed in our style. There are a lot of great designers, but none we felt that captured the mix of sassy, pretty, cool, and clean designs that we wanted. Megan moved to Philadelphia to create as a graphic designer for Free People, and Lauren stayed in Orange County lettering and styling for A Fabulous Fete. Since we were going to be thousands of miles apart, we knew handling a full line of stationary wasn’t a realistic plan for us, but designing a box once a month was totally doable. Just one month later, our first box shipped.
What inspired both of you to create Wilde House? Honestly, that it’s just fun to get pretty things in the mail. With all of the bills and junk, it’s nice to look forward to something each month that is like a gift. And each month we design around a theme, so we do our research and try to find what’s missing for ladies with our style. For example, in December we designed a box full of super cool wrapping items because it’s almost impossible to find decent holiday items around us.
Are there any challenges in working as a team split across the country? How do you two keep the ball rolling? Definitely! It’s not easy, especially with the time difference. We’ve started working further and further out from our ship date to ensure that we both have time to complete our tasks. A lot of our work is dependent on a decision or a piece of art from the other, so knowing that the other’s success in getting things done on time depends on you is a motivator. Plus we have frequent FaceTime dates… texting and emails are great for lists and to-do’s, but brainstorming is ALWAYS done “face to face.”
How is content curated for the boxes? What inspires each month’s theme? Themes are usually inspired by what is going on around us,which includes holidays. If it’s not themed around a holiday, it’s based on something fun we find a need for in our life, like our debut box filled with goods to deck out your bar (cocktails and wine are close to our hearts;).
If you each had to describe Wilde House in 3 words, what would they be? Lauren: Lighthearted, quirky, tongue-in-cheek (that counts as one, right?). Megan: Artistic, sassy, #onpoint.
Where do you envision the brand in the future? What do you hope for it? We’ll always be a box company… until people hate them and stop buying them! Who doesn’t like a surprise every month in the form of paper? However, we do hope that it can grow from here into a full stationery line eventually. We have so many ideas that either don’t make the cut, or we just can’t justify because of costs for our box. So to be able to create everything we come up with for a line would be amazing. Oh, and also working out of our ocean front office in Laguna Beach 😉
Join the Wilde tribe on www.wildehousepaper.com and don’t forget to share your lovely designs that you’ll receive with the hashtag #thewildetribe on Instagram.
Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite holiday of the year. I crave the warmth that is felt within this momentous time—not only by the homemade dishes being whipped up in the kitchen, but by the love that comes from one-of-a-kind people. When preparing for Thanksgiving, we not only head to the market well ahead of time to grab ingredients for grandma’s secret stuffing recipe and score ourselves a plump turkey, but to create that cozy atmosphere in our homes, too. After all the eating and resting that is going to occur, we want our guests to feel at home as much as possible. So before our places smell of pumpkin spice, roasted meats, and delicious baked goods, I’m sharing how you can make your humble abode a comfy oasis throughout Thanksgiving day.
If you’re missing the multitude of colors from fall leaves, or haven’t had the chance to experience them, this is an easy way to bring them straight to your home.
Besides the food, your tabletop will be the center of attention—where everyone gathers for the delectable feast. Decorate to your liking, whether that is subtle or super detailed. Check out some of our favorites below!
For a rustic, authentic feel, decorate your table with a brown paper table cover. Create plate designs with chalk or a Sharpie, filling in your guest’s names. Then decorate the center of the table with pumpkins, candles, lights, or leaves. Anything that you fancy! You can even have your guests write down what they are thankful for on the table for memories to come. Check out these two different options.
If your table is being set up with lots of decor, you don’t want the food to be squished into the picture. Opt for a buffet table where everyone can pile their plates and then head over to your beautifully decorated seats.
Last, but not least, keep everyone focused on spending time with each other by placing one of these at the front door. This way everyone won’t be honed in on their phones, but instead be making real life memories—the way it should be.
For the people who absolutely love finding unique and charming gifts, home décor, or items to just treat yo’ self with, I present to you five Etsy shops you not only need to browse but, more importantly, add to your favorite shops! From beautiful jewels and natural skincare to adorable stationery and planters, these shops not only create items you won’t be able to find in stores, but gifts you can add to any future holiday/occasion lists for your loved ones. Be ready to virtually walk into these shops and start your browser shopping right away — I can’t say I didn’t warn you once your cart starts to list item after item added! For those of you strictly controlling your shopaholic needs, be sure to still send these shops some love by favoriting them or their fabulous products. You’ll welcome these little Etsy shops into your life in a heartbeat. Happy browsing (or shopping), readers!
(Bathory $15)
(Wrapped $15)
(Rose Wolf Fur Reliquary $10)
Narcissus Gems Created by Jessica Lauren in my home state of New Jersey, Narcissus Gems is all about designing one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that are made to go beautifully with any look you’re wearing. Each piece is intricately detailed, made with eye-catching touches that make them a work of art. Jessica is an absolute gem herself who is focused on making her customers absolutely happy with their purchases. She not only offers a range of gorgeous jewelry pieces, but is open to any requests and custom orders as well. Make your gem goals come true with this gal!
(Big Pillow “The Unicorn”100% Cotton $27.91)
(Buttons: “Cat Lovers” $8.93)
(Miss pink Reindeer $2.23)
Kriboute Stationed in France, Kriboute showcases a world filled with soft, bright colors and the cutest animals created by shop owner Marion Kriboute. I’m totally guilty of favoriting each one of her intensely adorable products, being that each one is more charming than the next. You’ll believe me as soon as you click the link above and are whisked away into this whimsical wonderland. Filled with unicorns, hues of pink, and sweet sayings, you’ll only wish for more after becoming smitten with this shop. Take a peek at the “Miss Pink Reindeer” that’s too lovely to not stare at. Fill your Instagram feed with Marion’s designs via her Instagram account here.
(Dainty Name Necklace $34)
(Memorial Signature Bracelet $34)
(Stackable Name Ring $26)
Caitlyn Minimalist Soft, dainty jewelry that still makes a humble statement — you’ll find that all in one piece at Caitlyn Minimalist. Made by Kate Kim of Los Angeles, California, each product is 100% handcrafted with sterling silver into minimal designs for everyday wear. From dainty name necklaces to stackable rings, Caitlyn Minimalist offers pieces that are a must-have for any jewelry lover. Worn alone or layered together, you won’t make a wrong style move with these treasures. The shop is also currently offering a 10% discount on everything — one more reason to add any of their items to your shopping cart. Like Caitlyn Minimalist on Facebook for more updates, discounts, and even inspirational stories here.
(Wild Flower Honey Scrub $20)
(Beach Rose Beauty Balm $28)
(Beach Rose Tooth Powder $20)
Good4You I know “Good For You” by Selena Gomez totally came to your mind when reading this Etsy shop’s name; like Selena’s popular song, all of the skincare creations are totally good for you. Made by Jes from Woods Hole, Massachusetts, Good4You was born in 2004 after she found her calling for sharing knowledge about plants and their healing properties. After finding her niche, Jes focused on inspiring people and offering them quality products made from local and organic ingredients. Good4You sells raw ingredients, plant-based skincare, and makeup, which makes it truly a quality-focused shop. You’ll fall in love with not only the ingredients in the products, but the natural beauty of them as well. Follow the shop on Instagram here for more beautiful photos and product info.
(Neon Macrame Air Plant Hanging Planter with Tillandsia in Pod Planter $20+)
(Urchin Air Plant Planter Trio with Air Plants $30)
Thrifted and Made Are you searching for items to bring life into your place but are not sure what to buy? Thrifted and Made, started by Kate of Santa Clara, California, has just the right home décor pieces for you. They’re made to be vibrant, intricate, and add some color and plant life into your home. Kate’s products are either handmade or thrifted by her in which she puts her signature style onto each one. Her colorful and happy plant pieces have been featured in many places,including Elle Decor, Good Housekeeping, and Bust Magazine. Each design creates a lively atmosphere made to promote growth and greenery. Check out behind the scenes photos and more images from the shop via its Facebook and Instagram.
It’s time to ’fess up! I know each and every one of you is a sucker for holiday décor around this time of year. It’s no secret that you feel a little bit giddy when you see those front lawn lights, plastic reindeers and Santas, and a Christmas tree through a window. I’m here to tell you that it is perfectly okay to love all of this! You’re probably thinking right now, “Oh no… I’m turning into my mother. Pretty soon there will be tinsel everywhere!” Haha, well, there is nothing wrong with that! (Let’s just not get too tinsel crazy.)
Staying festive, stylish, and not going overboard isn’t hard when you keep everything simple, bright, and absolutely adorable, which are three descriptions that perfectly capture one of the most lovely Etsy stores ever, The Blush Bazaar. If you’re looking to decorate any room in your home or even a dorm room, this store has you covered, especially during the holidays. Created by sister duo Melike and Tugba Bayram from NYC now living in New Jersey, these siblings produce darling tassel garlands, fringe piñatas, and garlands to tie around balloons. Their gorgeous products are absolutely unique to display in any place and have even been featured on Glamour.com for their stunning and ready-to-hang quality. Personally, we’re all for hanging them up anywhere and everywhere all year round! Check out our exclusive interview with the darling sisters of the Blush Bazaar, and get to know their inspiration, how they make these fun goodies, and what’s in store for their successful and growing Etsy shop.
Cliché: What made you two start the Blush Bazaar? Melike and Tugba Bayram: We had originally started out creating handmade jewelry and tassel garlands, but when our tassels took off we had to put our jewelry to the side. We’ve always been pretty creative people, so we decided to pursue our passions and with positive reinforcement from family and friends, we opened our Etsy shop last year!
How/where do you find inspiration for the creation of your products? We get our inspiration from everyday life! If we see a particular piece of jewelry, clothing item, or even a bouquet of flowers with beautiful colors, we’ll recreate it in the form of a garland or piñata. There’s inspiration everywhere if you know how to look for it.
What are your favorite pieces from the shop? Our favorites are definitely the balloon garland tails. We love to bring them to any party or even as a birthday gift. They are just so bright and cheerful, and it’s hard not to smile when you have giant balloons in your face!
How do your customers use your products? Do you have any décor styles, ideas, etc? There are sooo many ways to use tassel garlands! The opportunities are truly endless. A lot of our customers use their tassel garlands to decorate the dessert bars at their parties. Customers also love to use our giant balloon tails in engagement and wedding photoshoots; it really adds that extra touch to photos. Mothers use our tassel baby mobiles to decorate their baby’s nursery. Our garlands also make the perfect accent to office spaces, dorm rooms, and bedrooms!
Do you two have any exciting or upcoming surprises to share with us about the Blush Bazaar? Give us a hint! We’d totally love to know. YES! This is the first time we’re publicly announcing that we’re working on a handcrafted jewelry collection with our father! Our father is bringing over 20 years of experience as a jeweler at some of the finest jewelers in NYC to Blush Bazaar. Our jewelry collection is going to be chic and trendy quality-handcrafted jewelry. We’re so excited!
Be sure to get your hands on some of your own Blush Bazaar paper goods at www.etsy.com/shop/BlushBazaar. Stay in the know as well with some of their creative and cute photos by following them on Instagram. For more information or to inquire about a product, email the sisters at info@blushbazaar.com. Grab some tassel love this holiday season!
Here we have put together a handful of creative and clever social media influencers who you can learn from to enhance your interior design.
Habitually Chic
Where do you pull your inspiration from for new ideas for clients?
