Welcome

Welcome mats certainly have their place. Neon striped, monogrammed, or my personal favorite, clad with a witty phrase (my neighbors have one that reads "r u lost?"). However, these days I'm into more creative approaches when welcoming guests into my abode. Namely, these adorable pumpkins. Cute, seasonal, and easy to make. You can stick with a simpler approach that requires minimal effort, like this:

Or, if you're like me and prefer more color....

This one requires a bit more effort, but I just love the idea of the pumpkin used as a vase. To view the full instructions, pop on over to this post  from Better Homes and Gardens. I think I found my weekend crafting project!

Shaken, Not Stirred

If you're like me, you're in need of a pretty place to store your alcohol collection. Enter the bar cart. I particularly love this one... it's got two of my favorite colors, gold and pink, and some gorgeous crystal touches. I found it over at Catherine's blog, and immediately fell in love. I'm currently on the hunt for a bar cart to place in our living room, so I can cover it in pretty glasses, pops of color, and cute trinkets. Here are some ideas I'm planning... particularly that pink vodka :)

Bottle Stopper / Cocktail Shaker / Coasters / Buzzed Napkins / Straws / Pink Vodka /  Skull Vodka / Bubble Cocktail Glasses

Yet Another Thing I Simply Need In My House

I'm a sucker for anything neon or bright. Therefore, when I came across this table, it immediately went to the top of my DIY to-do list. I found it over at Savannah's blog, and let me tell you, the girl knows what she's doing. This table is too cute, and relatively easy to make! This bad boy is going right in the middle of our living room this fall! Click the above link for the tutorial :)

 

Statement Wall

Pops of color or pattern are important when it comes to decor. They can transform an otherwise boring or plain space into something interesting. A great example is statement walls. Personally, I believe that they're more effective when the pattern or color doesn't cover the entire room, but just a specific area instead. Like a pink pump or bright statement necklace, they draw attention and enhance, rather than completely take over. I particularly love these examples:

What do you think? I would definitely include one of these in my own home.

Paint It Gold

Ever since my friends and I signed the lease for our new house next fall, I have been going crazy looking for new craft projects to decorate with. So far it's mostly bedazzled liquor bottles, some wall art, chevron everything, and a lot of sparkle. However, when I came across these beauties on Pinterest, they instantly went to the top of my craft list. I love little touches of gold... it gives such an elegant feel to otherwise simple items. The project is pretty easy, and doesn't take a whole lot to complete. I love the pink, but I'm thinking about trying it with turquoise or white. What color combinations are you thinking?

Click here for the tutorial :)

Exposed Brick

Whenever I imagine my dream apartment, it always has these components: a beautiful kitchen, walk in closet, plenty of windows for natural light, hardwood floors, and... exposed brick. I think that exposed brick always brings a bit of charm to any room. I particularly love it when it's used in contrast to elegant and pristine decor, like this:

Tell me that's not gorgeous. 

If I can find an apartment in New York anything remotely close to either of these, I will consider my life pretty much complete. 

Little White Room

My inner Daisy Buchanan loves the color white. (For the record, I don't believe in the whole "Labor Day" rule) I particularly love white in the realm of home decor, as I think it can give a room a serene and calm vibe, along with making the room look bigger. White can work as an accent color, but I prefer it when it seems to take over the room, almost as if creating a small piece of heaven. Check it out:

LOVE the chandelier....

Mirrored table... definitely a favorite of mine. And the shape of that couch is awesome.

Subway tile in the kitchen is always a good idea.

What do you think? Would you consider having a white room in your home?