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      in Organization

      No Linen Closet? No Worries! 3 Reasons These Shallow Underbed Storage Bags Can Help!

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      This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

      Shallow underbed storage bags
      Our new shallow underbed storage bags are perfect for storing linens, seasonal items and more. Perhaps you are in need of a similar storage solution in your home! I know some people have the luxury of a dedicated linen closet in their home, but we don’t! We do have closets, just not one we are able to dedicate to linens. Our main bed sheets fit in our room in a dresser, but I needed a more creative option for guest linens so I decided to look for shallow underbed storage so we could tuck them into small spaces such as beneath our rattan daybed.
      Do you forget what items you store under the bed? Here’s a solution!
      Honestly, I haven’t always preferred underbed storage as I used to forget what I put there! But I found a solution for that, so I’ll share it today along with the shallow underbed storage bags I found, how we use them and three reasons why they work so well for us.
      One of the organizing principles I use (and shared in my book Make Room for What You Love) is that it’s usually a bit easier to to remember where you put things if you 1) know you will use them (and not just clutter storage!) 2) you group items together that are in a related category and 3) put them in a spot that makes some sort of sense to you.
      So for example, if I put camping gear and Christmas serving platters under the guest bed, I probably won’t remember where either of them are there months later. It wouldn’t really make sense to me that they are stored together or in that spot, so it would be easier for me to forget. However, if under the bed is the only place you have for both of those items, or if you are prone to forget things you thought for sure you’d remember (as I am, ha!) you can use some system like a seasonal storage chart posted in your closet or a planner.
      Sources: Rattan Daybed // Rug // Navy Plaid Pillow Cover // Similar Turquoise Animal Otomi Pillow
      Three reasons I like these shallow underbed storage bags
      Besides being a helpful solution for storing our guest linens, these shallow underbed storage bags work well for us for several other reasons.

      The bags have fabric fronts. Even if you can see them under the bed, they don’t look as unsightly like some containers do. Our double guest bed has a dust ruffle, but this one doesn’t. The fabric fronts help keep it looking tidier!
      Secondly, the bags are shallow enough to fit under our low daybed. Our daybed is fairly close to the ground but also has a lot of supports and leg underneath it. These tuck in perfectly to a very small space.
      The third reason I really like these storage bags is they have solid side panels, which I find makes them easier to slide in and out. I have some other zippered bags which work for organizing in closets or storage rooms, but they don’t hold their shape when you squish them under the bed. They also have handles which are convenient.

      Related Posts: Ottomans: 5 Stylish and Practical Reasons To Have Them in Your Home // 10 Tufted Ottomans (Instead of a Coffee Table)
      What fits in the bags under the bed?
      We were able to fit two of the shallow underbed storage bags under our daybed. One is for winter twin bedding. Besides the rattan twin bed we have two REI sleeping cots that we put sheets on as well as a sofa that can be used as a bed, so we needed several sets of twin sheets. The other bag is for the more spring and summer cotton sheets and blankets. Since the available space under the daybed is so limited, we use it for sheets and thin blankets rather than bulkier items.
      We put two more of these zippered bags under a double guest bed for that bed’s linens and blankets as well. We could fit at least two more bags but alas, there are also slim guitars, ha! Random place for guitars perhaps, but it’s our only option at this point. (My husband doesn’t play these particular guitars often but they have to be in the house where it’s more temperature controlled, so they can’t be in a garage and we don’t have room in the closets.)
      Read on for where I store the bulkier bedding (such as mattress pads!)

      Where I store bulkier bedding like mattress pads
      The extra fluffy mattress pads we use for the cots and beds do not fit as well under beds as the sheets do, so instead we use our lidded rattan trunks. These are the trunks we have, but last I looked the price had increased significantly. If that is still the case when you read this, I have some other options to check out in my Amazon Basket Shop. Alternatives if you don’t have closet space would be dressers, lidded benches at the foot of the bed, or storage ottomans (find some storage ottomans in our Amazon Small Space Shop).
      Double duty for maximizing small spaces
      If you have a smaller home or less storage, you have to be a little more creative with what you store as well as how you use the available space. For example, we like having the daybed in here because while it’s my office, the daybed doubles as a couch for watching TV (with lots of pillows for back support) and as a spot for our college son or guests to sleep on as needed.
      In a smaller home, it’s ideal when furniture can be double duty. Although perhaps I should say the daybed is triple duty, since it’s also become a handy storage spot for guest linens thanks to our new shallow underbed storage bags! A smaller home can be a challenge for organization, but I think getting creative with the space is a fun challenge.
      I hope this post was helpful!
      Related inspiration on The Inspired Room:
      Small Space Storage Tips: Making Room for What You Love
      How to Decorate When Your Front Door Opens Into Your Living Room
      5 Clever Ways to Make a Small Space Cozy & Inviting (+ Apartment Tour)
      9 Clever Organizers to Tidy Your Home
      Storage Cabinets for Linens and Things
      Do you make any of these common disorganization excuses? > > Kick Excuses to the Curb: Confessions on Organizing & Decluttering
      Click here for all organizing inspiration posts on The Inspired Room More

    • 88 Shares179 Views

      in Style Tips

      10 Tufted Ottomans (Instead of Coffee Tables!)

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      This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

      Sources for above (many of these have other color options, click links for details): 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10
      Tufted ottomans can work really well in place of a coffee table! I love ours and have used it for years, so today I’m sharing 10 tufted ottomans and answering some FAQ I get about tufted ottomans!

      Coffee tables have their strengths and drawbacks, but there are so many reasons why you might prefer an ottoman. I shared five reasons to consider using ottomans in your home in a recent post. You’ll also find a few of my thoughts style, comfort and practicality of ottomans.
      Today let’s talk a little bit about tufted ottomans. I’ll share a few FAQ about tufted ottomans, a style tip for furniture that you might not know about and 10 classic and lovely tufted ottomans!
      Sources: Rug (machine washable) // Similar Teal Tufted Ottoman // Similar Curtains // Basement Apartment Tour
      Are tufted ottomans trendy?
      Tufted ottomans are classic in style, so they aren’t considered trendy! They do feel slightly sophisticated due to the tufting but can easily work in a casual space. To ensure a tufted ottoman that will be in style for years, I’d avoid trendy patterns or fabrics that are more likely to feel dated or clash with current styles.

      Do crumbs get stuck in the tufts of a tufted ottoman?
      They can, but I haven’t found it to be an issue to keep them clean. We don’t eat directly on the ottoman, but with a large tray that protects the ottoman, you’ll avoid most crumbs from falling in. You can also use a pretty scarf or seasonal throw for added protection as needed. If you have kids, the easiest way to keep messes out may be to have them eat them elsewhere. But most adults should be able to use a plate to catch crumbs. If you love the look of a tufted ottoman, don’t let the fear of crumbs deter you. There are practical solutions and easy remedies.

      How do you clean a tufted ottoman?
      You’ll have to check with the manufacturer and research how to clean the fabric you have, but as far as those wayward crumbs, they can be vacuumed out. The easiest way I’ve found is a vacuum hose with a narrow attachment.
      What if you don’t like the legs or finish on an ottoman?
      I don’t think many people realize this, but you can sometimes replace the legs on some ottomans (and chairs and sofas, too!). You aren’t always stuck with a style of legs you don’t like. Well, humans are, but that’s a different post :). Sometimes higher end furniture will offer the option for different finishes or legs, so be sure to check on that before you purchase. As far as a DIY option, I changed the legs on my leather ottoman years ago. I was immediately happier with the shape and finish! I plan to do the same on some other pieces of furniture I have.
      So if you love an ottoman, but not its legs, check to see if they can be removed. Some legs can be unscrewed and if so, they are likely to be easy to replace! You can order replacements to update the look to suit your preferences and even elevate the style.
      Studio Apartment Tour
      Where can you find classic and beautiful tufted ottomans?
      I’m often asked about where to find my tufted ottoman. Below you’ll find 10 tufted ottomans (and the source for each). I think they are beautiful, classic and so versatile so select one that fits with your style, space and the needs of your family. My exact teal tufted ottoman is unfortunately no longer available to my knowledge but I shared a similar tufted ottoman here and more below!
      How do you find affordable tufted ottomans?
      Here at The Inspired Room, we do our best to find and share reasonably priced decor and furnishings for the home. We refer readers to a number of online sources where we (and our followers) have had success shopping! Of course, everyone has a unique budget, desire for quality on different pieces, or even various ideas of what is affordable. We make decisions for what to share based on what we personally would find reasonable, affordable or worth it to us to invest in if we had the budget. We share what we would feel good about ordering for ourselves and endeavor to share a variety of price points whenever possible.
      We love to share what we (my daughters or my husband and I) personally have in our homes, or things that seem to be of similar quality or price points. We do read a lot of reviews, and have years of experience offering recommendations and sources! But these are just suggestions if we haven’t personally owned the items. There are many high end furniture stores you can check if you want the best of the best, but we don’t like to break the bank when it comes to decorating a home.
      So as far as affordable ottomans, we’ve rounded up sources for a few ottomans at various price points that we like the looks of online! Hopefully you find one you love.
      Subscribe to our pretty home decor newsletters!
      We love to offer ideas and often find sources for classic and affordable pieces. Sometimes I find really amazing deals on things I love or recommend, but they don’t always last long! If you would like tips for what to get and to be alerted to some great deals, be sure to subscribe to my emails so you don’t miss out!
      Tufted Square Ottoman
      Small Tufted Storage Ottoman as Coffee Table
      Linen Square Tufted Ottoman
      Tufted Ottoman (also has neutral color options)
      Sources for above (many of these have other color options, click links for details): 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

      Find more decorating sources and home design mood boards here. More

    • 150 Shares119 Views

      in Style Tips

      Ottomans: 5 Stylish and Practical Reasons To Have Them in Your Home

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      This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

      Sources: Similar Ottoman // Blue Glass Lamp // Rattan Daybed // Rug // Plaid Pillow // Similar Turquoise Animal Otomi Pillow
      Today let’s talk about 5 Stylish and Practical Reasons To Have Ottomans in Your Home!
      Ottomans are Versatile
      I love using my ottomans in my home because they are so versatile. An ottoman is used as place to put your feet up, an extra seat, and they are handy in place of a coffee table, too!
      We have had a leather ottoman in our home for over twenty years (and have moved it with us to five of our homes now!). I’ve used my teal ottoman in so many types of rooms and several homes as well, it always seems to work somewhere! Right now it’s in our upstairs room we use for guests and my office. Everyone loves it. We can pull it up to the daybed or sofa for the ultimate comfort while relaxing or watching TV, or use a tray on it for serving snacks!
      Sources: Similar Leather Ottoman // Wall Candle Sconces // Battery Taper Candles
      Ottomans are Classic Furniture Pieces
      You may wonder if certain styles of ottomans are in style. If you choose an unusual shape or certain trendy fabrics they can feel dated, so I’d stick to classic shapes and fabrics. Leather (or faux leather) and tufted ottomans are both classic home furnishing staples. They don’t really go out of style!
      I think the addition of tufting on an ottoman adds a little more sophistication and flair to a room, but they don’t have to feel fussy or too formal. I certainly use them in casual rooms. That’s what I love about classic pieces, they are a good investment if you want a style that can endure for decades and beyond.

      Ottomans Add Softness to the Room
      Ottomans come in lots of pretty fabrics and textures. Those fabrics and the padding will add softness that will enhance the coziness of a room. One wonderful thing about ottomans is that they comfy for your legs and feet (and won’t hurt if you or your littles run into them!). The softness of an ottoman means they can easily double as seating, much like a bench but without the discomfort of a hard surface. I also love to tuck small ottomans around a room, too, for these reasons!

      Ottomans are Simple to Use as a Coffee Table
      Tufting tends to give them a slightly more firm surface than some ottoman styles, but with any ottoman you will still want to have a tray or solid surface you can use on top. That way they are also functional as a coffee table for decor, or serving food or drinks. Of course, there is a risk of spilling on the ottoman if you use them as a coffee table, so take that into consideration.
      Some fabrics will easily wipe off or repel spills, but a large tray (perhaps try a tray with sides!) will also help minimize that risk. Like I said, I’ve had my ottomans for a very long time with kids of all ages (my youngest was a year old when we got our leather ottoman!). We’ve also had many dogs (and one who especially loves the ottoman!) and these ottomans have held up well to daily use.

      Ottomans can be fun to style, too!
      If you’re hesitant to try an ottoman in place of a coffee table because you feel it would limited your decor options, I don’t think that has to be a deterrent. You can use blankets, trays, baskets, books and other decor elements to style them for every season. I’ll show some simple ways to style ottomans for fall in an upcoming post (so stay tuned for that along with my simple decorating formula!).
      Related Post:10 Tufted Ottomans You Could Use in Place of a Coffee Table!
      Get more decorating and style tips here
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      in Style Tips

      The Perfect Small Lamp for a Bookshelf or Countertop

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      This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

      A small lamp for a bookshelf or countertop can add light to a dreary spot. This mini opal glass lamp is a perfect size and solution for a small space. And it’s so pretty, too. Get this color changing dimmable lightbulb for it and you’ll thank me later!
      Hello, friends…it’s Courtney here today! I have been slowly but surely getting settled into my new apartment (with my now *husband*)! You may have seen peeks of our July wedding on my Instagram and my mom’s–once we receive the rest of our professional photos I have lots to share here about the wedding day and planning advice. But for today, I’m here to share a great decor find that I hope will help you too!

      Are you looking for a small lamp for a bookshelf or countertop?
      We were on the hunt for a mini lamp for our living room bookshelf. It was a dark and dreary corner that needed some warm lighting in the evenings, but it was surprisingly difficult to find a lamp short enough that it could fit on the shelf without crowding the top.
      I finally found this mini opal glass lamp that was the perfect size (only 10 inches tall).
      The lamp just arrived today and I loved it so much, I had to show it to you! It’s the prettiest mouth blown glass that looks almost like milk glass. It’s a really solid quality lamp. If you have a little spot in your home that could benefit from a small lamp, I highly recommend trying this one.
      Mini opal glass lamp
      I had found other mini lamps online that were on the shorter side, but most still would have been too tall once a lampshade was added. I almost gave up in my search until I found a perfect small lamp for a bookshelf or countertop!
      You might have seen we have this very similar mini glass lamp (it’s only 8.26 inches tall if you need one even shorter!). We love it but we’re using that one on another bookshelf in the apartment, so I was thrilled to find something similar. You can see that lamp and even more mini lamps and accent lamps in this post.
      Color Changing Dimmable LED Light Bulb
      Try a Color Changing Lightbulb
      Here’s a tip for this lamp that is extra fun! First let me say that I LOVE how it looks when it’s switched off. Such a pretty milk glass look, like a little work of art on the shelf.. But I put in this fun color changing dimmable lightbulb that you can use with a remote so that I can control the brightness and warmth of the light (instead of having it be too cool toned since the shade is white).
      You can also use that lightbulb to make the shade appear as a different color, which also adds a pretty glow to the space. I’ll show you a few photos of it in action!
      Color Changing Dimmable Lightbulb with Remote
      Color Changing Dimmable Lightbulb with Remote

      I mean, is that not the neatest thing? There are even settings for the lightbulb like ‘strobe’ or ‘smooth’ that change between colors automatically if you want something extra fun!
      Mini Glass Lamp
      The shade for the glass lamp is so pretty in white, but it’s really fun to switch the colors to suit your decor or mood at night. I usually set mine to the yellow color–I love the warm orangey glow it gives off.
      Mini opal glass lamp
      Mini opal glass lamp
      Mini opal glass lamp

      I love how well the lamp coordinates with my hand blown glass diffuser on the top shelf, too. An unplanned but happy accident!
      Mini opal glass lamp
      Hopefully that helps if you too could use a little lamp for your home! 🙂
      Want more tips for how to decorate small spaces?
      We LOVE sharing ideas for small spaces here on The Inspired Room. You don’t have to have a large home to make it stylish and comfortable. Find lots of inspiration for small homes here.
      You can find more of my favorite decorating sources here, and I’ve linked a few of my apartment tours below if you need some inspiration for your rental or small space!
      More Small Space Posts and Tours:
      5 Clever Ways to Make a Small Space Cozy and Inviting (+ my live video replay sharing tips from my apartment!)
      Tour My 500 Square Foot One Bedroom Apartment
      Tour My Seattle Studio Apartment
      Tour My Basement Apartment
      Tour My Tiny Bedroom Tour
      Small Apartment Bedroom
      Small Space Storage Tips

      You can also follow me on Instagram here (@courtneylane1). I love sharing my apartment, life, pretty walks in my neighborhood by the water, details of our wedding, behind the scenes of working with The Inspired Room and more! More

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      in Style Tips

      How to Decorate a Fall Mantel (Using What You Have!)

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      This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

      White Slipcover Chair Details // Blanket on Couch Details
      Whenever I look online or in magazines for how to decorate a mantel for fall, I run across lots of ideas that feature tons of seasonal specific decor! Mantels can be so beautiful with bundles of wheat and piles of pumpkins lining the surface and seasonal garlands and wreaths hanging! But you’ve probably noticed (if you’re a long time follower here!) that I tend to mostly decorate with just a touch of any season and then use a mix of non-seasonal specific items I already have.
      That’s just how I’ve always done it (check out this fall mantel blog post from 2010). The decorating advice I share here has stood the test of time and been used effectively through many homes, so I’m sticking with it :). I hope you find it helpful.
      I love to set a mood with pieces I already have, while incorporating mostly gentle nods to the season. Now and then I might go a little more crazy with decor if I’m feeling inspired, but a bit more restrained is my preferred vibe. I get easily overwhelmed by too much.

      For this mantel, I brought over artwork that had a palette that felt “fallish” to me. It is of a coastal town we happen to love nearby, so it feels appropriate to the season, to our home and tells a bit of our story. The frame played nicely with the rustic framed mirror, so I loved the two together. By leaning it in front of the mirror, it created a pleasing “stair step” layered arrangement that keeps it feeling connected and more interesting.
      I had some “not necessarily fall” branches in a deep green that helped set the right mood for how I want my home to feel in this changing season. By putting them in a blue glass vase, it still retained a bit of summer as it felt lighter and airer. The height of the branches filled up some of the space, too, so it balanced the mirror out and didn’t feel dwarfed by the size or shape of mirror. Then I just tucked in a hydrangea from our yard as a gentle nod to the season.
      Here are a few thoughts on how to decorate a fall mantel using what you have (and some touches of the season!):
      1. Gather items you already have. To decorate an early fall mantel, I don’t necessarily start with a traditional theme (like fall pumpkins, for example!). I just start pulling together items I already have around the house. I think of this process as fall nesting! It’s about honoring the current season in your home while preparing yourself and your home for the next season.
      Even if the weather where you are isn’t the same as ours, the seasons will be changing in one way or another. What inspires you right now? What combination of elements or a color palette would feel inviting for this season in your home? You don’t even have to use “fall colors.” Maybe you will keep your existing palette but just incorporate an item or two in a deeper hue than you did in June. What textures feel cozier and more inviting, but not too heavy for this transitional season?

      2. Consider the mood you want at home in this season. As you are preparing for fall, I encourage you to read my book A Lovely Life. It will help you feel inspired and motivated by a purposeful and meaningful perspective on each of the seasons. The items you use to decorate your home or mantel right now will help you set intentions as well as create the atmosphere of your home. Have fun with decorating and by all means don’t take it all too seriously! But it is true that how you decorate your home can nurture your family in unique ways in each season. It’s not a waste of your time to decorate for the seasons. In fact, change can be therapeutic and so beneficial.

      3. Pace yourself to savor the present season.
      I have always felt my best when my home flows with a gentle rhythm for the seasons. That’s why I embrace subtle changes in how I decorate. I want my home to reflect the current season and always be inspiring to me, so I will likely update my mantel as the season evolves, too. For example, I might switch out the branches to ones with a golden hue. Or add pumpkins in October!
      With that said, I don’t mind decorating for fall or Christmas a little earlier in the season than some might, because it can inspire me to feel prepared! When my home is ready, I am able to give my full attention to other more important things (like hosting gatherings or spending time with family!).
      But if I were to decorate with Christmas trees on October 1st just to get it done, rather that feeling extra prepared I’d for sure feel burned out on it all too soon. I’d want to take it all down by the time the season actually arrived. I like to decorate for Christmas to create a festive mood for our family. So I will decorate for Christmas early enough that we can relax and focus on the meaning of the season, but not so early that we are bored of the decor when Christmas arrives.
      That’s why I like to pace myself with in any season, such as the addition of pumpkins, or any other really specific seasonal decor. I want to fully enjoy and be present in the season we’re in rather than tire myself (or our family) of a future one before it even happens. That’s just how I approach seasonal decor! You do you — let your home be a reflection of you and your family!

      See more of our Fall Nesting 2022 Series:
      Start here > > A Slower Rhythm Through the Seasons
      Fall Decorating: 7 Simple Tips to Slowly Transition Your Home
      Reversible Blankets for Sofas, Chairs, Beds and More! (our mud cloth layering blankets)
      Affordable White Washable Slipcovers: Ikea Ektorp Chairs
      How to Be Intentional in Planning for Fall and Holidays
      Savoring the Last Sunsets of Summer from Our Porch!
      **************

      Cozy Fall Shop
      Shop My House & Latest Decor Finds
      Our Amazon storefront More

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      in Style Tips

      Mixing & Matching Decor to Create Your Own Style (+ Mood Boards)

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      If you want to create your own signature look, I’ve always recommended mixing and matching pieces you already have with things that are new. That way you are gathering things you really love over time, so your style will always feel fresh and yet unique!
      And you don’t have to break the bank to do that. Over the years I’ve bought so many wonderful things I still love for my home from Joss and Main!
      Good news, the Joss and Main’s VIP Sale is on now, so it’s the perfect time to refresh your space with pieces that reflect your signature style at the best prices of the year! 
      We created some lovely mood boards below for you featuring stylish pieces that can update the feeling of any space. Mix and match, use what you love and make your home your own in every season.
      The sale is today 4/27-4/28…two days only. Don’t miss out!

      CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE VIP SALE!

      Here are some of my favorite items from the VIP Sale:

      Woven shade wall sconce

      Wall sconces are a perfect way to add warmth and character to a room! I’m loving these woven shade sconces (can’t you picture them flanking a bed? So pretty!). They would bring style and texture to your space in addition to the warm lighting…two key ingredients for a cozy space!

      Patterned Rug

      The colors and pattern of this this rug are absolutely gorgeous.

      End table

      I have little end tables like this all over my house. They’re the perfect perch for a book and cup of coffee or tea next to your coziest reading chair!

      Flip Top Storage Coffee Table

      How amazing is this storage lift-top coffee table? Love the double duty function for a small space when you’re working from home — and it has amazing reviews.
      We designed two room mood boards for inspiration using some of the items that are part of the sale!

      Click the links and images below for the above source details:

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      Source Links: Slipcovered Square Arm Sofa // Arched Floor Lamp with Shade // Throw Pillow & Insert // Full Length Arched Gold Frame Mirror // Woven Table Lamp // Raffia Woven Seat Wood X Bench Stool // Wood Flip-Top Storage Coffee Table // Round Wood and Metal Accent Table // Rattan Loop Wall Mirror // TV Stand Cabinet // Ceramic 3 Piece Candlestick Set // Concrete Table Lamp with Shade (2 color options) // Black 1 Drawer Nightstand with Gold Hardware

      Click the links and images below for the above source details:

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      Source Links: Upholstered Low Profile Platform Bed (my daughter Courtney has this exact same bed with a lower headboard–she loves it!) // Gold Wall Sconce Light with Woven Rattan Shade // Solid Wood Dresser with Wicker Cane Drawers // Navy Blue Solid Wood Nightstand with Shelf and Drawers // Concrete Table Lamp with Shade (2 color options) // Stripe Cotton Lumbar Pillow Cover // Velvet Armchair (multiple color options) // Upholstered Bench (multiple color options) // Square Textured Pouf Ottoman // Oriental Navy Blue Area Rug
      Check out everything in Joss & Main’s VIP Sale HERE!

      CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE VIP SALE More

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      in Style Tips

      Coastal Grandmother Decorating with Amazon Finds (Mood Boards)

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      A few days ago I shared about “Coastal Grandmother Style”. No beach house or grandchildren required, ha! Coastal Grandmother was recently coined on TikTok as a style that is all about romanticizing your life. It embraces the easy breezy coastal decorating vibes of homes portrayed in the Nancy Meyers’ movies we all fell in love with for their sets. I think we all love the home in the movie Something’s Gotta Give!
      Decorate in Coastal Grandmother Style
      Many of us here relate to this style or have been living the “coastal grandmother” lifestyle for years (even if we didn’t know what to call it, aren’t to grandma status, or even if the beach house has only been in our dreams).
      If you want to decorate your home to have a similar coastal feel, I rounded up some decor finds on Amazon that I think fit right in.
      You’ll find my “Coastal Grandmother Decorating Style” idea list in my Amazon Storefront HERE, and three mood boards below!
      Do you like these mood boards? I love them and find them so inspiring.
      All sources for the mood boards are linked below (everything is from Amazon!).

      Sources for above (click the images and links below for details):

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      Gold Wall Sconce with Linen Shade (Set of 2) – I have these in my home and use these rechargeable light bulbs (see details here)
      Wooden Sailboat
      Sailboat Nautical Gold Framed Artwork
      Rattan Table Lamp
      Faux Potted Plant
      Coastal Blues: Guide to Decorating with the Colors of the Sea and Sky (see my video and post about favorite coffee table design books and finding your style HERE)
      Slipcovered White Sofa
      Blue Ticking Pattern Pillows Set of 2
      Blue and White Floral Porcelain Ginger Jar Pot
      Ivory and Blue Striped Cotton Rug
      White Spindle Accent Chair
      Deep Wicker Storage Trunk

      Sources for above (click the images and links below for details):

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      A Boat, A Whale, and A Walrus Cookbook
      Blue and White Chinoiserie Table Lamp with Gold
      Ship Painting with Gold Frame
      White Adirondack Chair – Weather Resistant
      Blue Modish Glass Bottle
      Nautical Rope Knot Door Stop
      Blue Faux Hydrangeas
      Wooden Model Sailboat
      Blue Herringbone Faux Cashmere Throw Blanket
      Cast Iron Whale Wall Hooks – Set of 3 (I have these!)
      Blue and White Decorative Flower Pots – Set of 3

      Sources for above (click the images and links below for details):

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      Rattan Table Lamp with Shade
      Blue Recycled Glass Carafe Bottle
      Coastal Ship Gold Framed Wall Art
      Black Wall Sconces with Shades – Set of 2
      Blue and White Striped Tassel Pillow
      Blue Tufted Upholstered Arm Chair
      Wood / Cane Round Accent Side Table
      Natural Fiber Jute/Sisal Area Rug with Gray Trim
      Rattan Rectangular Storage Lidded Basket
      A Lovely Life: Savoring Simple Joys in Every Season (my new book which unbeknownst to me, aligns perfectly with this “Coastal Grandmother” trend! A Lovely Life book is about savoring the simple pleasures of home (like a Coastal Grandmother…ha!).
      Blue and White Porcelain Ceramic Mugs – Set of 4 (I have these!)
      Wool and Cashmere Throw Blanket with Tassels (blue, other color options available)
      Brass Whale Paperweight
      See more in my “Coastal Grandmother Style” idea list in my Amazon Storefront HERE! More

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      in Organization

      Small Space Storage Tips + Making Room for What You Love

      by

      One of the most important space considerations for me in our kitchen remodel is addressing our need for dish and hospitality storage. Our house isn’t huge (nor is it teeny!) so I need to be mindful of how we will use our space. I don’t like clutter, but I do love pretty objects to enjoy and use for hospitality.
      To me, clutter is defined as stuff you don’t use or love. If you don’t have room for it, it gets lost and starts to feel like clutter and you don’t use it.
      When we moved into our last house, our movers called us “book and decor” people. Ha! Apparently some people are decor folks. Some are book lovers. And we are the special ones who happen to love BOTH! Don’t I know it! Had he looked in our boxes, I might also have been called a DISHES person! 🙂 I don’t have as many as some people do, but I definitely love to have a few sets of mix and match dishes and serving pieces like cake plates, vases, platters, pitchers, etc.

      Think of a smaller space as FREEING, not limiting!
      Honestly I would probably keep a lot more if I had a bigger house :). With a smaller space, I have to make peace with the fact that I don’t have room for all of the things I *might *enjoy. Those thoughts probably sound limiting, but for me having less space can be freeing. Having less is actually one of the reasons I like having a smaller home.
      Perhaps you have a small house right now, or a small kitchen or are thinking of downsizing. I will say it can feel limiting if you decide to dwell on not having “enough” room for all of the things, but it’s also so FREEING to have some boundaries and priorities around how you’ll use your time, budget and space.
      Don’t get me wrong, I loved having bigger houses in the past for different reasons as well. Love whatever home you have and embrace what it is! Having less space gives you the opportunity to live differently, not necessarily better or worse! It’s all what you make of it and how you use the space you have.

      With a smaller space, you have come up with creative ideas to use your space really well. You are more likely to assess what you really need and love, versus what would be just fun or convenient.
      I find a smaller space gives me some helpful boundaries to focus on what I love the most, so that is exactly what I’m doing as I’m planning my kitchen remodel! I won’t have EVERYTHING I could ever want, and yet, I love that. It brings me peace to have less.
      Let your space help you define what you keep!
      Defining the space you have available or are able to use for certain activities or belongings can help you decide what to keep! When you don’t have room for it, you can’t keep it! It’s as simple as that if you don’t want clutter. Sometimes letting go of stuff seems so hard until you make peace with the fact that you simply do not have room. The more space we have, the more we might tend to hold onto even if we don’t use it very often. So having limited space isn’t necessarily a bad thing, use that mindset to help you pare down to what you really love and need.
      I’ve given away a lot in the past year, but we still have more than our new house can currently hold with the storage we have. Therefore, I will definitely need to pare down, especially once we have remodeled! The remodel will help us define more boundaries as far as what I can keep. Either I will have room for it, or I won’t. I don’t want to store things we don’t love or use regularly.

      Out of sight, out of mind can turn into more clutter
      Create storage that is useful and accessible so you can stay organized without getting overwhelmed by, losing or forgetting what you have! Having a basement or garage or storage room can feel like a blessing, but also a curse. Storing a lot of things means I don’t use things because I either forget I have them or don’t want to go on a hunt for them even if I love them!
      Of course, particularly in a smaller space, you also can’t keep everything accessible or out in the open or your house will also feel messy and cluttered. So the trick is to decide what storage you need or have that is easily available and to be honest with yourself about how much you are able to use and keep track of.
      Case in point, I still have lots of things in storage boxes right now from the move. It’s too much, so right now it both overwhelms me and I know I won’t use things because I can’t get to them easily. If we cannot create specific useful easy to locate places for the contents of the boxes in our remodel, they’ll have to go!

      Plan for a mix of open and closed storage
      Knowing I want to keep my dishes easily accessible, I’m planning to add lots of dish drawers and even some glass front cabinets and/or open shelves in or near my new kitchen so I can enjoy some of my favorites as decor. Having a mix of open and closed storage is important to make sure your spaces don’t feel cluttered, but still allows some you room to display the pretty things you love!

      Better utilize the space you have!
      I’m also planning to find ways to better organize and utilize our current mudroom (see more of our mudroom here) as well as to create storage in our new dining room. We won’t necessarily have room for everything I want to keep right in our kitchen, but we can use spaces nearby for them so they are still accessible. I can’t wait to show you some of the ideas we want to incorporate!

      Use freestanding cabinets for extra storage and charming display
      Right now we use the white freestanding glass cabinets that are really helpful. I’ve often used them in our homes to keep items accessible without creating clutter. If you don’t have enough storage or built ins, freestanding cabinets can be so handy! You’ll find a recent post on freestanding cabinets and similar sources HERE.

      Click HERE for cabinet sources above.

      So if you feel limited by a small space or overwhelmed by too much stuff, remember it can be so freeing to have less and to let go of what you don’t really need!
      More storage isn’t always a good thing if you end up with too much stuff.
      Less stuff is always a good idea, but you don’t have to be a minimalist to have a tidy house! Simplifying is rewarding, so make the process a gift to yourself.
      I wrote a book on simplifying your home called Make Room for What You Love and in it I talked about some of my own struggles with stuff as well as how I have learned to create more order in my house. It’s an ongoing process, especially if you are book and decor people AND are downsizing or changing your lifestyle like we are as empty nesters now :). Believe me, it’s not about doing it all perfectly! But it really is rewarding to feel in control of your home. If you haven’t read it, you can find it here. I hope it will encourage you to make more room in your home for what you really love.

      Looking for more ideas? You’ll find lots of organization posts HERE, and small space inspiration posts HERE! More