Fall Decorating: Preserved & Dried Botanicals

Welcome September! Summer is turning to fall, can you feel it? I love decorating with green plants all around, but I wanted to add some preserved botanicals for the season.

Some preserved ferns and floral buttons arrived yesterday so I arranged them and created a delicate fall display. These are dried botanicals, not artificial stems. My feathery ferns and friendly floral buttons feel wispy and boho and will last the entire season.

preserved fernsfloral buttonsset of vases

More preserved botanicals and dried flowers for fall decorating below!

coastal yarroworange floral buttons

bunny tailcraspedia bunch

seeded eucalyptusbird of paradise

pink billy buttonspink hydrangea

star grassfeather grass

natural lagurusasparagus

reed grassbraken fern

red eucalyptusreed pampas grass

eucalyptus bunchdune grass

weeping willowbanksia

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=279

Weekend Reading 8.29.21

My kids are happy back at school, it’s nice to see them smiling at the opportunity to be social and sit in classrooms again. Our family has begun looking for a new home to purchase and having serious discussions about selling the home we live in. It’s been a wonderful home and where I raised my kids, but we’re feeling the need to downsize and plant ourselves in a new container. There’s no rush, but it’s an ongoing discussion and a leap we will take when we find the right home.

Everyone in California is closely watching a huge wildfire get closer to Lake Tahoe where several friends of mine live and many cool communities exist. Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous place we like to visit year round and a favorite vacation spot for many Californians, so it’s very sad and scary what’s happening and we’re praying the firefighters can contain it. These are strange days we’re living in.

Favorite links found this week:

Beautiful medley of natural wood tones + black windows and cabinets in this California home.

Classic architecture and modern furnishings blend in this home with neutral tones.

Black and white mix with natural textures in this lovely home renovation.

Get to know the original influencers of mid century modern lighting design.

The beauty of “Covid hair” and the return of natural gray.

How digital addictions are drowning us in dopamine.

Why creativity is key to healthy aging.

 Garbage time v. quality time.

Coco Chanel’s best quotes on life, love, and fashion.

Made me laugh: this satire about the popular “gather” and “live laugh love” signs.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=278

Weekend Reading 11.7.21

Happy late fall weekend! This week I had extra energy and was feeling really creative so I made homemade ravioli from scratch, created new artwork, and gathered everything I’ll need for my Thanksgiving table.

I have a thoughtful DIY gift idea to share later this week. I’m also working on the flip investment property behind the scenes. It’s nearing completion and I am hoping to share the hall bathroom soon, it’s looking so good! I just need to install the plumbing and mirror and it’s complete, but I’ll wait to share the kitchen and master bathroom in the new year.

Favorite links from the week:

The furnishings and lighting in this Memphis home are so good.

So cute and creative: this botanical Christmas village.

DIY hacks for faking stone, marble, leather, and cement.

I love images of destination weddings, these pictures from Lake Como are dreamy.

I bought two of these hoodies and I’m about to order a third, they’re fitted and so cozy.

17 ways to make last year’s Christmas decor look like new.

Why do planes fly at 36,000 feet? Here’s the answer.

I’m a big fan of Stanley Tucci, here’s what he’s doing for Thanksgiving.

The charming history of sending Christmas cards.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=277

Go Blonde: Decorative Ways to Embrace Natural Wood

Blonde wood is everywhere, it’s made a major comeback and rightfully so. Natural wood brings a modern organic vibe to a space, especially when it’s paired with white walls or used to create contrast with dark hues.

I chose a blonde wood floating vanity cabinet for the master bathroom in the house I’m remodeling right now, and I’m looking forward to sharing that space when it’s complete. The pale wood tone is so yummy.

However, you don’t need to engage in major renovations to embrace the return of natural wood finishes. Instead, here are four ways to bring blonde wood tones into your home without major remodeling.

Hang floating shelves, or replace existing shelves in built ins with natural wood

ultra shelf

brandon architects

 

Swap Metal Frames for Wood Finishes


my scandinavian home

 

salt & sundry

 

pottery barn

farmhouse living

 

Trim Windows, Ceilings, Walls, or Room Transitions

via sf girl by bay

apartment therapy

lindye galloway

flavin architects

remodelista

 

Decorate with focal point furniture & art

mcgee & co

lindsay hill interiors

 

pottery barn

blank spaces studio

serena & lily

Are you on board with the return of natural wood?  Where have you brought it into your home?

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=260

Weekend Reading 9.26.21

I had a lovely birthday weekend! My best girlfriends picked me up on Friday and took me wine tasting then out to dinner, and the rest of the weekend I’ve been relaxing and taking it slow. Practicing the art of slow living leads to such good things. Food tastes better, plants and flowers are more lovely, time with friends and family is savored.

It feels rebellious to slow down in our fast paced world and appreciate things as they are in the moment, but should it? If slowing down makes life more meaningful then I’m starting to believe the ones caught up in a fast pace or the ones wanting more more more might be doing it wrong. 🙂

Feel like renting a cottage in the English countryside? Take your pick.

An oh so lovely, light and bright courtyard transformation.

This pool house is a well done inside to out transition.

Inspiration for decorating your porches and patios for autumn.

Spray paint for the (big) win!

Tips on how to plan and pack for a pandemic trip to Europe.

Why some older couples have great relationships.

How to remember what you read.

Being brave enough to live life creatively.

40 beautiful moments to remember to savor.

Today I toured some model homes near me and I’ll share the design takeaways in tomorrow’s Instagram stories. 🙂

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=259

Leaf Luminaries & Choosing Simplicity

It hits me every year, the last week of October. I begin to feel the expectations building, the stress of content creation, the subtle nudge to please all the people around me, and the pressure to make it look effortless. So a few years ago I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t sacrifice my physical and emotional health during the holidays even if that meant saying “no” a lot more. I chose instead to simplify the season.

I stopped throwing a Christmas party and sending holiday cards. I make the living room festive and I hang garland on the stairs but I no longer decorate the entire house. I wait until December to buy a Christmas tree and decorate it with my kids. Once I took the pressure off myself the immediate result was I began to feel more joy during the holiday season.

I watch the stories of people I follow on Instagram and already there’s so much creativity happening. I love it, it’s beautiful, and I look forward to being inspired by more. I still like to make things and if they turn out well, I share them here on the blog.

But one thing I’ve realized as the years go by and in all the holiday seasons I’ve celebrated is that time is the only thing with real value and our energy is finite. We get to choose where we spend it.

So instead of stressing myself out during the holiday season, I opt for simplicity in decorating and entertaining. Right now that looks like leaves clipped from the backyard paired with luminaries made of leaves and wax paper.

 

Simplicity is a choice to not get caught up in what everyone else is (or seems to be) doing.

To you maybe that looks like decorating with swags of popcorn or construction paper garlands made by your kids or grandkids instead of store bought gilded versions.

Perhaps it’s the pie you buy from the bakery to bring to a party because you don’t have time to bake.

Maybe it’s prioritizing kicking your feet up and snuggling with your favorite people with just a string of twinkle lights for the mood, instead of hauling out bins of holiday decor and decking the halls for days only to have to put it away a few weeks later.

Whatever it looks like to you I guarantee, choosing simplicity means a less stressful and more joyful holiday season.

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If you’re interested in how to make these simple leaf luminaries with wax paper, I posted the supplies and instructions on Instagram Reels today. This fall craft is a return to basics – decoupage leaves as a simple centerpiece. (Just be sure to use flameless candles). I used the leftover skeleton leaves from these embellished pumpkins.

Today’s post is really just a word of encouragement and a reminder this holiday season there’s no need to stress out when decorating or entertaining. You can choose simplicity in all you do and still create seasonal beauty.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=256

Weekend Reading 10.30.21

Happy Halloween weekend! My teenagers are off with their friends running around town to various hangouts. Gone are the days when I get them dressed up and we go trick or treating together but that’s okay. Now we sit home and wait for the little ones in our neighborhood to come to our front door and I always look forward to seeing their cute costumes.

I ordered some new chairs and linens for my dining room and I’ll be setting them up this week. It’s been many years since I’ve hosted Thanksgiving so I’m getting an early start. The last few years we’ve been out of town with extended family so it’s my turn again to decorate and cook. I also have a few simple holiday projects I’m excited about that I’ll share with you in the coming weeks.

Favorite links from the week:

Beautifully renovated and decorated: this elegant home.

Classy Florida style on display in this modern Palm Beach getaway.

Woah, this is mosaic checkered tile floor.

From retro to classic: different styles of wood paneling to inspire.

Vintage photos of Paris.

Small towns across the USA to visit for a festive holiday.

Skin friendly foods that fight wrinkles.

Chris makes the coolest Halloween food: witch fingers and coffin dip.

This history of Halloween and why we celebrate it.

Spooky! Zillow has a virtual haunted house tour.

Thanksgiving Table Linens

For the past few years we’ve been away for Thanksgiving in different parts of the country, but this year it’s my turn to host so I started gathering supplies to pull together a table setting for guests.

I’m keeping with the theme of simplicity I’ve adopted this season, working with square chargers and plates I already have, but adding embroidered linens and taper candles in deep green, gold flatware, and fresh eucalyptus for scent.

crewel runnernapkinsflatwaretapers

Every year I look forward to the seasonal linens that arrive in stores. Today’s feature is a collection of seasonal patterns for setting your Thanksgiving tables too. 🙂

 

Runners

harvest plaid

linen leaveswillow leaf

golden hollyacorn leaf

 

paisleyterra cotta

southwestcopper leaf

 

 

Tablecloths

embroidered leaf

green grid

turkey jaquard

thyme tablecloth

Napkins

watercolor leaves 

harvest wheat / golden pears

watercolor pumpkin / euro swirl

 

leaf patterns (multiple colors)

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=244

Holiday Screensavers

The holidays are here! To add some some cheer to your desktop, laptop, cell phones and tablets, I had fun sketching four new holiday themed patterns. Download these screensavers (wallpapers) for free for your personal use!

Winter Berries | Sketched dark and pale blue stems with bright red berries.

 

 

Winter Berries Screensavers

desktop 16:9  |   laptop 16:10 ratio

ipad/tablet 3:4 ratio  |  cell phone 9:16 ratio

 

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Bokeh Trees | Abstract painted evergreen trees with subtle bokeh highlights.

 

Bokeh Trees Screensavers

desktop 16:9  |   laptop 16:10 ratio

ipad/tablet 3:4 ratio  |  cell phone 9:16 ratio

 

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ll is Bright Snowflakes | Playful pastel watercolor snowflakes on a white background

 

ll is Bright Snowflake Screensavers

desktop 16:9  |   laptop 16:10 ratio

ipad/tablet 3:4 ratio |  cell phone 9:16 ratio

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Retro Ornaments | Sketched mid mod ornaments hang from beaded swag

Retro Ornaments

desktop 16:9  |   laptop 16:10 ratio

ipad/tablet 4:3 ratio  |  cell phone 9:16 ratio

________

*for personal use only

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=232

Tips to Declutter and Organize Before a Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel can significantly disrupt your day-to-day life. So, before you start dreaming about improving your kitchen with the perfect kitchen color palette, it makes sense to declutter and organize before a kitchen remodel. 

Making this kind of effort before the remodel will allow you to approach the renovation in carefully planned out stepsYou will be able to dismantle everything before the construction work starts, but also organize everything perfectly after the kitchen renovation. So, let’s take a look at a few organizational tips to make your kitchen declutter as effective as possible

Remove the kitchen utensils first

A good kitchen declutter may start from the kitchen cabinets and drawers. Interestingly, people usually associate decluttering their home with paring down their clothing or family belongings. As a result, kitchen utensils and appliances tend to pile up without you even noticing. This happens mostly because they seem less expendable than for instance clothes or toys. 

However, just think about the number of old or useless appliances you keep stacking up in your kitchen cabinets. There is really no need to keep holding on to your old bread toaster when you have bought a new one. 

Throw away anything you have not used in a while.

The same goes for kitchen utensils and silverware. Yes, they are an essential part of your household, but you just might have too many to ever find use for. And now is the time to figure out what stays and what goes out. What should you do with those items? Organize a yard sale or a charity giveaway for the items you decide are just superfluous. 

Declutter and organize all kitchen items separately into labeled boxes 

Once you finish the decluttering of the kitchen utensils and appliances, organizing them and packing them into boxes should be a breeze. So, instead of throwing everything into a single box, it makes more sense to have smaller boxes with appropriate labels. 

Hence, designate a single box for pans, another one (with three or four compartments) for utensils, a third one for your mixer. 

At this point this might seem unnecessarily complicated, but you will be thankful to yourself in the end. This kind of organization allows you to find anything you may need while your kitchen is being remodeled. In addition, you will be able to just pull everything out of a box and restore everything to its designated spot after you finish the renovations. Nothing mixed up or lost – less stress for you. 

a woman cooking after a kitchen remodel

With proper organization, you will be able to use your kitchen right after the remodel.

During the home renovations, you may even rent a storage unit if you do not have enough space to keep the boxes in your kitchen or your home. In this case, a short-term solution might be good since you will be able to free up the kitchen and let the workers do their job without any obstructions or distractions.

As for family silverware and other items you might attach certain emotions or memories to, you can pack them securely in an air-sealed box to avoid exposing them to moisture or mold. 

Make categories for similar items

Just as with kitchen utensils and appliances, it helps to have clear-cut categories for other items that you keep in your kitchen. For instance, you may have a cereal box or spices category, or one for canned foods and sauces. 

Of course, you may not have to do this if you have a well-organized pantry or a kitchen island. However, decluttering and recategorizing your foodstuff before a kitchen remodel can be extremely helpful. There are simply no more excuses not to throw away expired food that has been laying in the back of the drawers for ages. 

Also, you may decide to temporarily store your kitchen items in a storage unit. This is something many homeowners make use of when they are remodeling their kitchen. If you decide to do the same, take note that some things shouldn’t stay there for more than a few days or weeks. So, some foods should not be kept in a storage unit since they may rot. Since you surely want to avoid having to clean or pay damages to the storage service provider, make sure you know what you can and cannot store in a storage unit. 

Designate one box for frequently used items

So far we have mainly discussed how to declutter and organize before a kitchen remodel by focusing on the phases before and after the remodel. However, what if you plan to stay in your home during the renovations? 

Essentially, it helps to have a single box for items that you use on a daily basis. Rummaging through boxes to find your vegetable peeler might destroy all of your previous efforts to declutter and organize your kitchen. When you have such a box or cabinet, you will know where to find what you need immediately. This will save you a lot of trouble since it eliminates the need to surround yourself with boxes. 

You will probably need many items from your kitchen, but you might not be able to enter the kitchen while it is being renovated. That is why it makes sense to pull everything out of the cabinets and other storage spaces. 

a newly renovated kitchen

Empty the kitchen cabinets completely to make things easier for you during and after the remodel.

Also keep in mind that your appliances or items might get damaged if they remain in the kitchen during the remodel. So, if you drink coffee on a daily basis, you should place the coffee maker in your living room. 

All in all, we hope this short guide will be helpful when you start to declutter and organize before a kitchen remodel. We strongly suggest you take the time to do so since it will make organizing your newly renovated kitchen much quicker and enjoyable. 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=229