Sunday, January 24, 2016

Decorating with Cozy Fleece Blankets



The heat thermostat says 64 and you bet the house feels cold.  So I pulled the cozy fleece blanket from the back side of the sofa and it has enabled me to feel warm.   Know that I like to decorate with pretty pattern fleece blankets instead of putting them away in the linen closet.




When it comes to seasonal decorating you can pop up your décor by adding a pattern for your holiday needs. Show off this blanket in your living room, folded or draped on sofa or chair. Another way to use a seasonal blanket is to buy a large blanket and use it as a bed covering, over your comforter. 





For cozy comfort decorate your space with  Zazzle.com fleece blankets


How to decorated with blankets


While shopping at Zazzle I found that they have perfect sized blankets for decorating.  The baby size which is small can be draped over the back side of a chair and if the pattern works with your room theme then this blanket will pop up the decor. 


Another way to decorate with your cozy blanket is to hang it like a mural.  The small blankets would look fabulous hanging on the feature wall in a foyer or other feature wall.   Note it is better to hang the blanket offseason.



Shopping tips


Before you shop for a cozy fleece blanket you should determine your needs.  Are you shopping for warmth, decor or both?  Note your interior style, is it modern, vintage or classic?  Also, note the primary colors in your space.  Now you will know what type of blanket to shop for. 





Here are a few blankets that I designed at my zazzle shop



Modern Wildlife Mosiac Fleece Blanket




Cozy Multicolor Mosaic Pattern Fleece Blanket


Christmas Holly and Red Bows Fleece Blanket



Modern Dragonfly Fleece Blanket


Patchwork Heart Pattern Fleece Blanket



Rustic Pinecones in the Snow Fleece Blanket


Cozy Black Tartan Fleece Blanket


Pink and Green Daisy Collage Fleece Blanket







Friday, January 22, 2016

Vintage Style Beaded Valentine's Day Pillow



This year I thought I would feature my friend Sandyspiders vintage home décor pillows because they are perfect for anyone who has a vintage theme for their home.

Sandy has many vintage products at her print on demand shop, greeting cards, gift wrap, throw blanket, wrapping paper and more.  Whenever I visit her shop I go to look at her home decor and find that her retro pillows are lovely.  Here is the ornate throw pillow that Sandy designed.  It can also be viewed in the digital home set design. 

If you love vintage décor then you will want to decorate your living room with this exquisite pillow.




This year she designed a medium burgundy color pillow that has multiple colored beaded wreath that surrounds a singular red heart.  This pillow looks like it belongs in a turn of the century Victorian home. Yes, I can see it on a tufted high back sofa in a parlor where the ladies go to sip their afternoon tea.  I can also see this pillow on top of the bed in a guest room or in the doll room.  

The pillow comes in many sizes and the largest size is big enough for your kids to sit on, so no worries if the floor is cold.    Throw pillows have a variety of uses, from the decor to sleeping and yes oh so comfortable for your kids to sit on. 











Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Bathroom Makeover Ideas - Blue Theme

This week my husband and I  have taken on another bathroom project.  Our bathroom is white and beige with bronze accessories and it looked good in the winter months but now my husband and I are tired of the "natural look"  and it is time for a bathroom makeover.

My husband likes modern, and I like cottage style, so we are compromising by painting the vintage wood cabinet blue, leaving the walls white and then will add blue bathroom accessories.

We shopped around for something we both would like and everything that we saw was not right.  My husband wanted a leather look shower curtain and we found a few but they were not to our liking.

 I had some blue leather swatches that I had been working within my craft room and pieced them together with a few swatches and took a photograph.,  The grainy leather look appealed to my husband's taste and I agreed that it did look nice.  So I scanned the photograph of leather swatches and then uploaded to my Zazzle store.

At Zazzle, I edited the leather look photo to enrich the colors before making blue bathroom accessories.  I created a blue leather look shower curtain, bath mat, and bath scale and other bath accessories

When it comes to cosmetic bathroom updates, know that this is an inexpensive way to give your space a new look.  We painted the wood bathroom cabinet and also added a blue feature wall.  Then decorated the room with leather look blue shower curtain and accessories.

Here is a set that I designed at polyvore that will show you our bathroom makeover ideas.





NAVY BLUE WHITE Stripes Bath Towel Set


Elegant Monogram Navy Blue On White Towel Set






Do you enjoy updating your interior during the winter months?  What spaces have you made over?




















Saturday, January 2, 2016

Valentine’s Day Kitchen & Hand Towels for Seasonal Home Décor

Valentine’s Day décor doesn’t have to be extravagant to make an impact. Sometimes the most charming touches are the simplest ones a soft towel draped over the oven handle, a pretty patterned hand towel folded beside the sink, or a sweet seasonal accent in the guest bath. These small details bring warmth, personality, and a hint of romance into your home without overwhelming your everyday style.

If you love refreshing your space with gentle seasonal cues, Valentine’s Day kitchen and hand towels are an easy, affordable way to add a little love to the rooms you use most.



Why Valentine’s Day Towels Are a Seasonal Favorite

  • They add instant holiday charm with minimal effort
  • They’re practical and get used daily
  • They’re perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and coffee bars
  • They make thoughtful, inexpensive gifts
  • They blend beautifully with cottage, farmhouse, and modern décor styles

With so many people searching for small, meaningful décor ideas, it’s no surprise this topic already draws strong interest.

Popular Styles for Valentine’s Day Towels

Cottagecore Florals

Soft watercolor roses, vintage‑inspired blooms, and delicate greenery bring a romantic, timeless feel. These designs transition beautifully from Valentine’s Day into early spring.

Classic Hearts

From minimalist outlines to cheerful red hearts, this motif is iconic for a reason. It adds a bright, joyful pop of color to any space.

Personalized Towels

Names, initials, or custom messages make these towels feel special and gift‑worthy. They’re perfect for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who loves a personal touch.

Whimsical & Playful Designs

Cute animals, hand‑drawn heart illustrations, and lighthearted puns are ideal for family kitchens or kids’ bathrooms.



 Where to Use Valentine’s Day Towels

  • Kitchen: oven handle, sink area, coffee bar, breadboard styling
  • Bathroom: guest bath, powder room, kids’ bath
  • Laundry room: a sweet seasonal accent that makes chores feel lighter
  • Entryway or mudroom: folded in a basket for a welcoming touch

These small placements create a cohesive, festive feel throughout your home.

Gift Ideas Featuring Valentine’sTowels

A pretty towel can anchor a thoughtful, budget‑friendly gift:

  • Wrap it around a bottle of wine or sparkling cider
  • Pair it with a wooden spoon and cookie mix
  • Add it to a self‑care basket with soaps and lotions
  • Use it as a wrap for homemade treats or baked goods

It’s a simple way to elevate a gift while keeping it practical and heartfelt.

Final Thoughts

Valentine’s Day kitchen and hand towels are a simple, beautiful way to bring warmth and seasonal charm into your home. Whether you prefer soft florals, playful hearts, or personalized designs, these small accents make everyday moments feel a little more special. They’re easy to style, easy to gift, and a joy to use throughout the season.












Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Red Rose with Black Valentine Bedroom Decor


When it comes to decorating my bedroom for Valentines day I like to create an ambiance that is cozy and romantic. A room where husband and I can go to relax, unwind and reconnect. I prefer this room to be simple yet elegant, without the use of cupid figurines or silly Valentine's Day products.




This year I will cover my bed with Royal Velvet® 400tc damask stripe egyptian cotton comforter set that I found at JCPenny.com then accessorize the top of the bed with a variety of red rose and black throw pillows.


For the nightstand I will cover it with a red rose and black print tablecloth, then add an inexpensive table lamp from zazzle.com a few red votive candle holders that I picked up at Yankeecandle.com after Christmas sale and fill them with rose scented candles. Since my hubby has a sweet tooth I think a box of Belgium chocolates would be a nice touch.


When it comes to shopping for fresh cut flowers I prefer Proflwers.com. I find the arrangements of flowers have a wonderful fresh fragrance and enjoy taking rose buds out of the box, Instead of having one day of flowers to enjoy I can have up to a week. This is why I will buy a dozen red roses for my dresser in the bedroom .


Valentine’s day is not for one day, we try to make plans to get away just the two of us for a date night every week and then it is always nice to go to our bedroom and lock the door. We enjoy our time together and we really like when our bedroom is decorated with a romantic Valentine theme. 

If you are inspired to decorate your bedroom for Valentine's Day then know that it is best to decorate your space 10 days prior to Valentines day then add the chocolates, candles and flowers on February 14th for your night of romance. 



Here is a bedroom set that I designed that will show you what I mean when I say a Valentine theme bedroom.


Red and Black Bedroom by sgolis featuring red rose throw pillows

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Valentine's Day Decor Ideas for Coffee Table


I don’t keep a large collection of Valentine’s Day decorations, so I decided to create a simple focal point by covering the coffee table with a rose‑patterned tablecloth. That one change instantly set a romantic, seasonal tone, and from there I only needed a few thoughtful accessories.




In the center of the table, I arranged a small Valentine’s Day centerpiece made of silk red roses and greenery. To one side, I stacked a few of my favorite interior‑decorating magazines  always within reach for a little inspiration. Behind the floral arrangement, I placed a tidy stack of beverage coasters and a puzzle we’ve been working on. A box of chocolates, the TV remote, a notepad with a pen, and my laptop also live on the table, since this spot tends to be our family’s daily hub.

Some might say it’s a bit full, but I see it differently. Everything has a purpose, everything is neatly arranged, and together it creates a cozy, lived‑in Valentine’s Day vignette. In the evenings, I light the candle tucked into the centerpiece, and the warm glow makes the whole living room feel inviting and peaceful.







   

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Decorating Tips for Guest Bedroom

Decorating a guest bedroom is different from any other bedroom because it is a space that should be warm and inviting, with not only a bed but also a sitting area where guest can relax without going out into the family living areas. This sitting area in the bedroom should have ample space for guest to have a cup of coffee, read a book or check their email.

Guest bedroom looks cheerful due to warm yellow color.


Here is a space saver bedroom that I designed for one of my clients. You can see by the set-up that the design utilized the smallness of the room very well.





MY GUEST BEDROOM MAKEOVER IDEAS


Know that my guest bedroom is a converted baby nursery and it is small room that may look larger if we add a twin bed with storage space underneath. The drawer space under the bed will then eliminate the need for a dresser or chest of drawers.  Then we will add a two-drawer nightstand that would provide more storage for a traveler's things. 

By eliminating large furniture I have saved space.   Now I can add a chair with side table close to the window or I could have my husband install a window seat with storage space. The window seat would offer our guest a room with a view, comfortable resting area and more space for their things.

Since the room is small I will definitely install some mirrors since they tend to make the room look more spacious. Also instead of drapes on the window I am thinking white wooden shutters and maybe a swag.

When it comes time to install the twin bed know that we will set up on the longest part of the room and I suspect that I will paint the wall behind the bed with a pale yellow color. I like the color yellow because it is cheerful and also has the tendency to make a room appear larger.

I would like to decorate the room with yellow flower pattern accessories and a floral quilt, pillow shams and throw pillows. Since the room is small I will use the bed ensemble as the feature.  I thought I would decorate this space with cheerful yellow sunflowers accessories by Lokisbooksnmore. Everything that I viewed at this designer's Zazzle shop was positive or inspirational. Her designs are as American as apple pie and they make you feel good. I think the sunflower pattern would be perfect for my guest bedroom theme.  

Here are a few home decor products that I like.



On top of the bedside table add a placemat then set the table lamp on top of the mat. The yellow sunflower pattern will complement the room theme and also will protect the wood table from coffee cup or glass water stains.


Many people enjoy a cup a coffee or herbal tea while they rest in their  bedroom, so having a coffee mug that coordinates with your color theme is a good idea especially if your guest wants to read the paper or book in their room.

A lacquered jewelry or trinket box coordinates with the room theme and it also provides your guest with a place for their jewelry, keys, or other small items.


Embossed Sunflower Premium Gift Box
Embossed Sunflower Premium Gift Box by Lokisbooksnmore

If you are interested in any of the home decor accessories that are featured here click on the highlighted link to view in high resolution at designers shop or to buy.  If you are seeking a custom look please contact the designer on her homepage to discuss design options or other product needs.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Are You Mad About Plaid Home Decor

When I think of dressing in a cozy and warm shirt I think of plaid, so it is only natural to want to decorate my home's family space with plaid. You bet I am mad about plaid home décor because it is a classic look that is eye-appealing and sure does make a winter room look warm.

Are you mad about plaid home decor and want to learn more about how to decorate your home space? 

Here is a home set that I designed. It features red tartan home accessories by PL design.  You can see by this living room design that the plaid home accessories make the room look cozy.  I recommend that you decorate your home with a variety of throw pillows; plaids and solids that are classic square, round, and other.  I like to stage the sofa with contrast behind the pattern, but you can play with it and create your own designer look. 

Throw pillows make your sofa and chair look more appealing do you agree?







Know that PLdesign is a gifted designer who creates the most beautiful Tartan home decorations. Her throw pillows are so nice that you could give them as a gift and the recipient would be thrilled. 


Here are a few of my favorite plaid home décor accessories by PLdesign.  Note: if you like what you see but prefer to view in high resolution at the designer's online shop, CLICK on the highlighted text to view or buy.  










Friday, December 4, 2015

Decorating with Faux Leather Throw Pillows

Many people like the look of leather but do not like real leather so the next best thing is to decorate their home with faux leather throw pillows and home accessories.

Last week one of the interior design clients said he could not find a leather look pillow at the mall I recommended that he check out my friend Nadine May's print-on-demand shop because she has created home accessories that have a faux leather texture look. My client thought her collections were fabulous and this is why I am recommending her throw pillows to you.




Here are a few throw pillows that I would recommend for a modern interior. These pillows would look sensational in a gray or black room theme.






Leather textured pillow
Leather textured pillow by Just_Kidding
Browse other pillow designs on Zazzle.




These graphic pillows were designed with care and are sold at Zazzle but you will not find them at a shop at the mall.

Know that faux leather throw pillows are a great way to update the look of your interior. I have bought several and found that the pillows from Zazzle are high quality. They are soft to the touch and wrinkle-free.  I highly recommend them for your modern home.


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Cosmetic Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

My husband showed me a bathroom set up that he liked in a magazine. It certainly was manly or masculine and I saw that the colors were different but did not mind. Then he showed me the modern black cabinetry that he liked along with gray, black and white pattern granite in the shower stall and I knew that his BIG idea was to gut the bathroom with a sledge hammer.

Here are some photographs of bathroom designs that appeal to many men including my husband. Note the style is modern and the colors are black, white and gray with nickle or shiny chrome accents, along with neutral stone floor.





I would prefer that he would find another way to express his personal style because gutting the bathroom to make it ultra modern, uncluttered with a streamline appearance bathroom would not work with our finances or the design of our southwest adobe home.

I decided to try and compromise with my husband.

Since he likes the colors; black, white and gray. I told him that I thought it would be better if he did a cosmetic remodeling of the bathroom rather then gutting it. I suggested that he make a list of what he wants and then I would do a design board to show him the cosmetic changes.

I shopped at home improvement stores to get ideas, took photographs of products I thought he would like and then presented the paint colors for the walls, hardware update for shower door, faucets, and towel brackets. There was enough money for a black double door cabinetry, plus a new sink with granite top. I shopped online at Wayfair.com and found some bath towels that would look really nice in husbands bathroom and also found bath accessories.

Lucky me my husband agreed that the cosmetic improvements will appeal to his needs and agrees that it is better to not put all of remodeling budget into one project.

Know that when it comes to a man it is best to draw out or do a design board to show them your design ideas. Many times when they see that men see the cosmetic remodel l that is all the need to put down the sledge hammer and forget about taking out an interior wall.