decor

Fall Living Room Inspiration

My favorite season to decorate is Fall. I know it sounds a bit cliché, but as I write this, I’m taking in the most beautiful scenery in front of my kitchen nook.

Computer Fall Window.jpeg — Photo credit: Shirley Marcano

On a daily basis, I get to witness the changing colors outside my window. It is a gorgeous, colorful escape and it’s no wonder that this process inspires so much creativity as nature becomes our muse.

I prefer to feature the season with pumpkins in different shapes, colors, and sizes to create visual interest. This season I added less expected colors from the customary varying shades of orange and played up different pops of colors throughout the room.

This color palette consists of blue, orange, and white to draw the eye primarily on the main featured work of art in the living room, the Venice canvas painting. I made sure to keep the mantle decor neutral to avoid distraction from this focal point. As you can see, the shades of blue in these pumpkins blend into the adjacent, small piece of artwork on the mantle. The beige pumpkin adds warmth, an organic element in the display, and grounds the neutral overall tone of this look.

T Fall LR — Photo credit: Shirley Marcano

After some careful and detailed planning, one can create a decorative space resembling the outdoor foliage hues that are indicative of the beautiful Autum season. Sitting in my living room, I feel like I’ve successfully created the outdoor/indoor feeling of Fall within the confines of my home. I can almost sense the crisp air and long for a cup of hot apple cider or pumpkin spiced latte. More importantly, I’ve accomplished to display a look that depicts my sense of self and style. Don’t be afraid to show the world exactly who you are. I can honestly say that my creative, warm, and playful personality have truly come through in this space making me long for the joys this season provides while I spend time with those I love. I hope this inspires some original ideas for your home. Please feel free to comment or write me with any decor questions you may have. Cheers!

Relatable Whimsy

If there’s anything I can’t get enough of when it comes to home accessories, it’s the need to incorporate whimsical decorative or serving pieces. These decorative and functional items add a lot of personality to your home and invoke a feeling of playfulness and joy. The lizard dip bowls can be used, not only for dipping snacks into, but as tea light holders for a decorative lighting ambiance. I should add that the frog I’ve featured is, also, a measuring tape that can be retrieved and retracted by its little tongue. Whether these items express your individuality or sum up your experiences, the sentiment they create is undeniably unique and lasting. They can spark up a conversation that can take you back to your childhood, travels, or other memorable moments.

These lizards are adorable and remind me of my earlier years when I was a child living in Puerto Rico. Lizards are everywhere on the island and one never tires of seeing them. They are the cutest creatures and it’s not rare to find one just hanging around stuck to the wall staring back at you. So collect as many whimsical pieces as you can and spread them throughout the house because, I promise that when least expected, they will make your day.

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Create A Love Corner

One quick fix for a boring chair is the 3×5 faux fur area rug which can be found at Ikea for about $15. Yes, it’s quite the bargain considering that it doubles up as its intended purpose – a rug (imagine that)! Being that this nifty, multi-purpose rug wasn’t breaking the bank, I opted to buy two. They have a cute paramecium shape (yes, that’s my nerd talk…lol) and may be utilized as an accent piece on a sofa when they’re not too busy dressing up some backless counter stools in the kitchen.

Being how much I love these rugs, I chose to feature one of them with my “love” pillow (from Pottery Barn). This instant make over is a great way to dress up an unsightly chair to create a lovely (pun intended) sitting area. I have to say these area rugs are a winner in my decor book and daily life. So if you are at a loss for furniture, take the time to acquire these cuties and create your own little corner you and others will love.

Sweet Treat Festivities!

One of my once a year guilty pleasures is the Shamrock shake. My fiancé surprised me yesterday with one of these since I had completely forgotten this is the only month they’re available. Well, two days ago, I saw this beautiful, colorful, and festive tray from Pottery Barn. I knew immediately it belonged in my living room for occasional placement on my ottoman. A few matching plates and salad utensils from the collection, a drive to acquire pretty decorative pieces, and my impulsive shopping disposition, all made the perfect combination for these pieces to find a happy home. Needless to say, I had it host my green, sugary treat.

I should mention that this is a melamine tray which is perfect for indoor and outdoor use so I foresee myself using this quite often in the spring and summer time. It is dishwasher safe if set on the top rack. I believe that it goes without saying that this little gem will be perfect to use when Cinco De Mayo rolls around in two months (hint, hint).

On a different note, I think it’s important to make everyday as special as we can within our capabilities. Make a mundane moment such as having a milkshake, an experience to be remembered.

Easter Mantle

I love the pastels against this neutral background!

In general, I tend to change the mantle a few times a year. Sometimes I make it the focal point of the living room, while other times I prefer it to have a more subdued presence. I’m very excited about this Easter themed version due to the pastel’s, soft color palette. The colors happen to play off this original artwork I purchased at a Grand Haven art gallery on a trip to Lake Michigan. This particular piece is by an artist named, Helen Percy Lystra. I still remember seeing it on the gallery’s wall and how happy it made me feel since it reminded me of my days in medical school when I was fortunate enough to rent a beach house with some friends during my fourth year. Once I had it framed, the look was complete. I still prefer to set it on a stand on the mantle to display it with some height. The stand itself seems to replicate the stilts the house sits on in the artwork itself.

When featuring objects on a mantle, it’s important to add varying heights to add visual interest. Don’t be afraid to add tall items on a larger mantle. Taller items will ensure things will be within scale in a larger setting. In this particular case, I’ve partitioned the display into three portions. Notice how the lanterns tie in with the book in the middle and the artwork’s frame and stand. This ensures a commonality within each section so it can all tie in. The pastel colors on the easter eggs pick up the colors from the artwork connecting all three separate portions of the entire visual display.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Today is St. Patrick’s Day and it’s the official commencement day of my blog. I guess I should be feeling lucky that I will be able to achieve the goals I’ve set out to accomplish in helping my new friends (that’s YOU) with inspiring ideas in their everyday life.
I’ve chosen this picture of my breakfast nook today because it is green and because it makes me happy being that it’s such a cheery space. I’ve kept the decor simple because I believe that the main statement should be attributed to the outside view which features the woods in my backyard. Hopefully, you have a cheery space of your own where you can sit back and relax with a nice cup of coffee or tea.

Hello!

I’m Shirley and I’m excited to start this blog. I’d been contemplating sharing my ideas for about two years and I finally decided to take the first step. As an interior decorator, I enjoy teaching my clients some decor tricks to make their homes more inviting and I hope I can do the same for you too. If you’d like to find out more about me, you may read the “about me” section.

I chose to feature this photo of my living room first because it encompasses my style best. It’s a serene and welcoming space with a lot of character. One of my favorite details in this room is the “love life” pillow. I purchased it two years ago at Pottery Barn and I often incorporate it in my living room decor because the message is great and it makes me smile.