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Tag: home decor

Lighting A Sitting Area with Brightech

Lighting is crucial to the atmosphere of any home. Create a welcoming sitting area with gorgeous lamps from Brightech. I received a lamp from Brightech in exchange for my honest thoughts.

You may also enjoy: Light Up Your Look and Your Home

One of the first things I noticed when moving into our current home was the lack of overhead lighting. The only rooms with wired lighting were those rooms you can’t feasibly put a lamp in. Every other room was wired so that lamps could be turned on and off with a light switch – we just needed some lamps.

I’ve spent the last 3 years trying to find the perfect lamps for the different rooms, but have finally found what I wanted for a little sitting area from Brightech. The Trilage Floor Lamp in bronze complimented our red couch and was a perfect accent to the red chairs I recently picked up.

Aren’t those chairs pretty? I snatched them up at a local store for overstock and slightly damaged items for a whopping $10. They needed a little TLC on the seats. That in itself was a headache, but I’m loving the results, and so are the kids.

They use to come home and crowd each other on the couch, now they fight over these chairs. The best part about this, is that the chairs do not face the TV, so they are just hanging out, talking, or reading books over there.

Speaking of books, you know how much I love to read! I pulled this copper basket out from it’s hiding spot under my sink and gave it a featured spot in this sitting area. A few of our favorite soft blankets, and a couple of books I’ve been meaning to get to are stacked inside making.

I’m just loving all the earthy tones going on in this corner!

The Trilage lamp has proved to be exactly what I wanted. See, besides all the reading I do, I also cross stitch. Our old lamps were absolutely atrocious for this activity. When I went looking for lamps I specifically wanted something that hung down, directing light onto my work, but that could also light up the whole room.

The three hanging lights on the Trilage proved perfect. The directed light from the bottoms of the shades eases my eye strain, but the soft shades allow for the light to reach across the whole room. For days when no one else is home, I can turn off 2 of the lights, and just use one for my sewing.

Brightech has some gorgeous lamps on their site, that choosing one was actually quite difficult at first. I wasn’t sure where I wanted it exactly, just what I wanted it to do. You can browse their floor lamps, table lamps, string lamps, and even magnifying lamps! I admit, the magnifying lamps were tempting as my eyes are getting older.

The initial lamp I received had been manufactured wrong, so I reached out to the company to double check if what was going on was correct, and if so offered some suggestions on how to fix it before selling more like it. The company was great and got a new lamp – same style – out to me asap. This time the problem area was resolved, and we could begin using the lamp without fear it would fall on one of the kids. I highly recommend working with them for the perfect lighting in your home.

September 24, 2018
One Room Challenge: The Everything Room

I’m so excited to be sharing my One Room Challenge with you all this month. Each week I’ll give you a little peek into what I’ve been doing to make our Family Room/Everything Room the best place it can be.

There’s 6 of us in this house, and I’ve come to realize that 3 bedrooms, a kitchen/dining room and 1 family/living space is a bit cramped. We use this space for family relaxing, chatting with visitors, and folding laundry.

As much as I would love just one extra room to split those activities apart, I don’t have it. So it’s time to work with what I have, and really make it a fun place, right? The following pictures may be overwhelming…but by November 12th it’s going to be a world of difference!

Yeah, that makes me feel almost too exposed! This is the first room people see coming into my home, and I need it to look better than this! We’ve already started redoing this room, but it has a ways to go still – obviously!

A week ago that was my bookshelf – eeee! Frightening really. As my dear sister in law described it, the “college styled” bookshelf had to go! Mark built me a fantastic wooden window seat/bookshelf. It holds all the books plus some more, and provides extra seating in the room. I’ll be making a cushion to go on top this month, for a little more color and comfort.

It’s been a long time since we’ve owned a new couch. When we moved here I decided it was high time we had a nice couch that actually fit in the space we had. I fell in love with this charcoal piece, and it fit so perfectly. Everyone loves sitting here. The space above needed some art though. I’ve got an old painting from my college art days that I’ll be use to teach you how to stretch your own canvas painting for hanging.

Finally, the big elephant in the room – we have 2 pianos! Very recently we paid off our used upright. It was our Christmas present to ourselves 3 years ago. Recently Mark had an idea to turn an old baby ground piano into a bookshelf. So we managed to acquire one for absolutely FREE!

The problem? While the company was going to throw out this baby grand, there’s really not that much wrong with it – so instead of turning it into a bookshelf, we’re toying with the idea of having it tuned and fixed up. Until that happens though, we’re hanging onto both pianos! AHH!

Thanks to Calling It Home for hosting this One Room Challenge!

Check out the linky to see what other bloggers are working on.

October 9, 2015
Refreshed Dresser with Trinca-Ferro

I received product for review. All opinions are my own.

When we moved to North Dakota, we had gotten rid of all our furniture. Besides our beds, we had nothing. With how frequently moves happen, it’s usually how we go. There were a few pieces that stuck around for a couple moves, but even those are long gone. One of Mark’s coworkers was kind enough to provide us with some dressers.

I fell in love, and knew it would be one of those permanent pieces no matter how often we move. this is an older piece that’s been built well to withstand time. It also gives off a bit of simple elegance that I’m always trying to achieve in our home…or at least in my personal space.

There was one aspect of this dresser though I did not like – the knobs. I’d debated painting them, but trying to match the drawers would have been too much of a gamble, and I really didn’t want to repaint the whole thing. I like the light blue quite a bit.

Until I had the perfect fix, I decided to leave it alone. No rush meant I could get exactly what I wanted – and that’s just what I did this weekend! I found Trinca-Ferro in my inbox one day, promoting their Mirror Glass Knobs, and I knew that’s what my dresser needed. The mirror glass really pulls off the old bu stylish look I love.

I love how such a simple change like the hardware can make a huge impact. While no one besides myself is going to get to enjoy the beauty of my dresser, it’s going to help change how I look at other furniture updates around here. See, we moved again to Indiana this time…and we got rid of all our furniture again – except of course this dresser, because, you know.

How do you refresh your space?

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August 15, 2015
Embroidery for the Home from the Heart of Haiti

*This is a sponsored post on behalf of The Everywhere Agency and Macy’s Heart of Haiti line. Thoughts are all my own.

I was about 8 years old when my aunt on my dad’s side taught me the art of cross stitch embroidery. I was hooked from the beginning and have never had a year go by that some sort of embroidery wasn’t done. Mostly I cross stitch; it’s easy, there are patterns to follow, and I like the look. Hand stitching is something I’d love to learn, and perhaps one day still will.

Recently I realized Princess V was right around my same age when I learned, so I pulled out the thread I’d inherited from my Grandma when she passed, and began teaching. Princess C was insistent that she learn as well, so they both were taught.

Taught Princess V how to cross stitch. Right now she’s making whatever suits her fancy. Then we’ll move on to reading patterns #crossstitch #sewingforkids

A photo posted by Adelina Priddis (@adelinapriddis) on Jun 8, 2015 at 3:48pm PDT

The motion and colors usually take me back to childhood, and watching my Grandma embroider something. She never was without a project. Her sewing came from a necessity to care for her family, growing up through the depression, and living through 2 world wars, her sewing was a gift. I have piles of quilts she hand embroidered, that I hope to pass on to my children and their children. One of my favorites though were the embroidered kitchen towels that always hung in my mom’s kitchen.

I was thrilled when I saw these hand embroidered cocktail napkins in Macy’s Heart of Haiti line. They are the perfect addition to our new home. If you’ve ever tried to embroider something by hand, you can appreciate the exactness of these stitches. So carefully laid out, to create a gorgeous yet simplistic design. I feel the Heart of Haiti has penetrated deep to the Heart of my Home.

If you missed my last post on the Heart of Haiti, you should check it out…but I’ll just remind you now. Macy’s started the Heart of Haiti line after the 2010 earthquake that destroyed so much of Haiti. I’m sure you remember it. The people are still rebuilding their lives, and Macy’s has stepped in to help. With their trade not aid campaign artisans in Haiti are able to go to work and create products that Macy’s then sells. These artisans are paid fare wages, and have been able to help their families out of poverty.

The Ezrulie hand embroidered napkins come from women in the Fond des Blancs region, where there is no running water, electricity or paved roads. The women who embroidered these are part of a cooperative called Haiti Projects – employing nearly 100 women with Fair Trade Wages. Since Haiti Projects began, all of these women were able to send their children to school. That may not sound too impressive as we all begin to send our own children back to school – but in the Fond des Blancs region before Haiti Projects only 17% of women could afford to send their children to school. Now 100% can afford it! That to me is simply astounding, and wonderful!

You can purchase Heart of Haiti items online, including the Ezrulie Cocktail Napkins retail valued at $50. To keep up with the good that Macy’s has created in Haiti follow them on social media

Facebook * Twitter

Currently I’ve added my napkins to my favorite new spot in this house, the kitchen window, along with a papermache vase from the Heart of Haiti line at Macy’s.

While I sit and enjoy my view of the children playing outdoors again (hallelujah for a backyard!), I invite you to watch this video to learn more about Macy’s Heart of Haiti, and how they are bringing hope to a country in need.

July 10, 2015
Awaken your Senses

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WicklessWonders #CollectiveBias

The alarm goes off. It’s morning and time to start a new day. Are you up smiling with the sun, or prying your eyes open and forcing yourself to wake up. I have always been the former. I LOVE mornings. To me there is nothing better than waking up, sometimes before the sun, and realizing you have a brand new day with no mistakes made yet. It’s completely refreshing in my opinion – even on the days I haven’t slept well, mornings are still my favorite part of the day.

It all starts with the right scent. There aren’t many things I collect, but good smelling wax is on the list. It started with candles, but has branched into wax warmers, and the many different scents they have. Every day, every activity, has a scent that can be paired to it. I just updated my wax warmer to the New Edison Anchorage warmer from Scentsationals. I was drawn to this one with the Edison inspired light bulbs, and vintage feel from the frame.

This week, with my new night job, mornings have become a tad more difficult to get out of the bed, so I’m trying to start a new routine that will help wake me up, and keep the positive attitude going. Here are my 3 tips on a successful morning routine that will wake up your senses and prepare you for the day!

Make sure to follow the instructions carefully when using wax warmers.

Exercise

I really love working out, and find it most relaxing to start the day with some type of workout. Normally I would love to be out running and breathing in the fresh air – but then this is North Dakota, and it’s cold, and dark…and I’m a chicken to run alone. So I’m picking up yoga. It’s a great morning relaxer, and those deep breaths pair perfectly with the Bee Sweet scentsationals wax.

Breakfast

Once I’ve got my workout in, I need to fuel up for the day. There was a time I skipped breakfasts because the mornings were just too rushed, but not anymore. I have to take care of myself to take care of the family – and so do you! I’m a bit of a citrus horde (seriously, I will hide the OJ in hopes no one else will ask for any). I found the Molten Orange wax to be a beautiful scent paired with my fresh breakfast of Orange Juice.

Plus, when it’s still dark in the morning, my gorgeous Edison Warmer is very pleasant to look at. it’s not too bright, but it’s also not just a nightlight. Perfect for adjusting your sleepy eyes to the daylight.

Fresh Air

Now that it’s spring time, you can open the windows! Well, some of you probably can at least. It’s still a bit too chilly here first thing in the morning to really let in the fresh air. So instead I use the Fresh Air scentsationals wax in my bathroom with my new Scentsationals Bronze Lantern warmer. With 6 people sharing one bathroom – we need all the Fresh Air we can get in there!

I have a little secret to confess – sometimes when I am not in a rush, I’ll go stand in the candle aisle at walmart and just breathe deeply. After a long day, especially one where I missed part of my routine, the mixture of scents is one I find very relaxing.

Why yes, I am wearing my winter coat and flip flops – flip flops also relax me despite the current outside weather.

Which Edison warmer and scent would you pair together for the perfect morning?

April 10, 2015
Light Up Your Look and Your Home

This post contains affiliate links. When purchasing through them, you support Home Maid Simple. Thank you!

As I continue to work on Finding my Fashion, I’ve realized it’s similar to decorating the home. So why not match my fashion to my home’s fashion? Or vice versa – match your home’s fashion to your fashion.

I’ve been dreaming of chandeliers in our home, because they are just so gorgeous. They don’t just add light, but they add a whole style to your room. I’ve found a few favorites around Wayfair and Amazon that match some of my favorite jewelry from Cents of Style. Have you ever tried matching your fashion style to your home’s decor?

If you have a room that’s pretty dark, that you want to really light up, I would go for a classic chandelier. One that will really grab the light and spread it through the room. Something like this crystal chandelier.

To match my style, I’d pair this with Cents of Style’s Tina Necklace set. The large clear jewels will help brighten an old outfit. Cents of Style is often adding and changing their jewelry, so browse around and see what necklace will fit in with your home’s lighting.

What do you do if you have a really bright room though, and you want to tone it down a bit? I love the angles on this light from Amazon. It fits perfectly with a lot of the jewelry I like to wear and really helps give light, but keep it toned down a bit too.

A perfect jewelry accent for this light would be the vintage Napier Triangles Necklace. I could easily see myself wearing this Necklace out on the town with Mark. Simple but with flair that pulls attention right to it’s smooth angles.

When you match your home’s lighting to your favorite piece of jewelry, it adds a pleasing bit to the eye when you have no reason to get all dressed up.

What jewelry would you pair with your home’s lighting? Or would you change up your lighting to match your jewelry?

November 13, 2014
Joy in the Home

A couple weeks ago I was feeling on top of the world. There was just this high optimism for life and everything in it. As I got into bed one night, the word hit me

JOY

I was feeling an immense amount of Joy, and for no particular reason other than I am healthy, I have 4 healthy kids, a wonderful husband, extended family that is amazing, a roof over our head and food in the cupboards.

Can life really be any more simple than those things? Those are the things that truly bring us joy. So I decided I wanted to display this Joy in my home. I knew I wouldn’t always be feeling so upbeat, but if I could create a constant reminder for myself to have Joy, then the down days wouldn’t have to be so bad.

I had this idea to create a sign that read JOY, and then next to it have some of my favorite family pictures displayed. Before I even had a chance to come up with my own design, I found myself at a workshop with Steffany and Melanie from the blog Find it Make it Love it. I was so thrilled when the craft they shared fit into my JOY vision.

So of course, I picked up all my supplies right after the workshop and set to work making their IKEA candle dish turned picture frame. Once I had the kids at school, and Prince L sleeping it was just me and Princess R. I set her to work with a new tracing book we bought, and I got started on my crafting. Picking a picture of each of the kids was extremely difficult! Either they were too close to their face, or too far away. I finally had my decisions, though.I did my cut outs slightly different, only because I’m very visual, and don’t trust myself completely – so I used the scrap from the circle cut out to trace my pictures.

Princess R was pretty distraught when I cut off Prince L’s feet, and she started taking off with all the pictures of her. I guess she was worried I was going to ruin all the pretty pictures. Once it was all done though, she thought they were pretty nice.

The large candle dish turned chalkboard was perfect for my new word – JOY. Mark kindly jumped in here and added his artistic talents to the sign. Just another little joy found in spending time with my husband.

Everything has a meaning on his design, but at the moment all I can remember is the stars represent our 4 children and our biggest joy. He’s got such talent.

Once we had these hung above the desk, I realized just what a mess I had allowed this space to become. So not only did doing something crafty add a nice touch to our wall, it also spurred me to get some extra cleaning done, booyah! I feel I can be much more productive in this space now instead of feeling overwhelmed.

What brings you JOY?

March 24, 2014
Pillow Love

*This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through them, I receive a portion of that. Thanks for helping support Home Maid Simple*

I love pillows! I dream of my bed being loaded with pillows, but most of them just for decoration.

Source unknown

I ooo and ahh over instagram photos of pillows.

Addisons Wonderland

So I was really excited when Hannah Jane put their Chevron and Chain Link Pillow Covers on sale! How cute are these?

The colors will bring spring into your home, and give you something to smile about every time you sit down. In fact how can you not see these and want to snuggle up with them and a good book?

Use code PILLOW12 at checkout to bring the price down to $9.99/cover.

This deal ends Monday February 24th.

Oh yeah, and Hannah Jane loves you so much, that when you use that code (PILLOW12) everything in your cart will SHIP FOR FREE! I love free shipping..and pillows..and free shipping.

February 21, 2014
4 Smart Ways to Make Your Design Classy with Wrought Iron

Many of us are always looking for a way to spruce up our homes with innovative decorating ideas and unique interior design elements. But sometimes it is tricky to tell if a trend is classic or just a passing fad that will soon make the interior seem outdated. Today’s trends range from hipster to bohemian chic to vintage styles.

A good way to incorporate current trends in a sustainable way is to look for materials that prove timeless and can be used in a variety of decor styles. One popular but classic element is wrought iron. The clean and decorative look of iron can be added to your interior in numerous ways. As blacksmithing rapidly expands as a valued craft, handmade iron pieces are highly sought after to use in both exterior and interior decorating. If you are looking for a long term, lasting design feature, here are some ways to implement wrought iron into your home.

Make Iron Your Focal Piece

When it comes to design, adding whimsical touches that reflect your personality and taste is important since you are the one who ultimately sees your decor everyday. Allow your creativity to come out and play with design features that are unique but beautiful. Consider different spiral staircases to showcase your wrought iron design or choose a wrought iron focal piece by the front door that doubles as a coat rack.

image source

Lighting

Changing out your light features for new wrought iron pieces is a great way to class up your home. Have fun finding a wrought iron chandelier that utilizes faux candles for light, or hang lanterns and sconces on the wall. Decorate with wrought iron candlesticks for a spin on a traditional classic. With lighting fixtures and candle holders, you can range from a serious statement piece to a simple touch of this classic element.

In the Dining Room

Wrought iron furniture can bring a subtly industrial look to your room’s design. Coffee tables that are wrought iron with a glass table top surface or an iron table with a granite slab attached can both be unique ways to incorporate the look of black iron which matches almost any style. Different from traditional wood, wrought iron can be used in conjunction with wood for an alternative spin in your dining room.

Wrought Iron Accents

Accent pieces like wrought iron clocks, door handles, fireplace details or ornate wall pieces such as mirrors add eye catching detail to high-visibility areas. Simple iron pulls on cabinet doors can beautiful a kitchen, bath or bedroom. Doorknobs add a distinct style against wood. Using wrought iron for cabinetry hardware or as door hinges and locks enhances the appearance of natural wood without dominating the room’s over all design.

When it comes to decorating your home, think outside of the box using different materials to improve your home’s style. You might even fall so in love with wrought iron that you’ll start using it everywhere.

image source

Author Bio

Jessica Socheski is a freelance writer who loves researching home remodeling projects and finding new ways to decorate. You can connect with her on Google+

January 10, 2014
Black Friday Home Sales

*This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for supporting Home Maid Simple*

It’s Black Friday!!! I have got the deals for you on all things home. If you’re looking for something to brighten your house this winter, or a Christmas gift, check these out!

Flirty Apron 20% OFF entire purchase, use code TURKEY20

I absolutely love the flirty aprons we got our girls last Christmas. They are adorable and very well made.

Nature’s Sleep 70% OFF Gel Mattresses use code BLACKFRIDAY
If you’re in need of a new mattress, this, right now, today 11/29 only, is the best deal you will probably find anywhere!

Layla Grace is offering Free Shipping with code SHIP4FREE
and 20% OFF with code THANKFUL
Layla Grace wants to give back to their customers as well, so 10 random customers who make a purchase between 11/29 and 12/2 will receive a $100 gift certificate.
I purchased some nice soap from Layla and Grace after remodeling our bathroom, and have been well pleased with the quality. They have a huge variety of different home items.

Get 70% OFF all Holiday Deals at Wayfair, the online place for home items.

November 29, 2013