home decor

Now that the holidays have come and gone, you’ve probably packed away your seasonal decorations (or are just about to), and are left staring at a home that looks and feels somewhat bare.  Well, bare compared to how it looked when the halls were decked just a short while ago!  But don’t despair – with some tweaks you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that will have you embracing winter.  Simple winter decor will help bridge the gap between the holiday season and springtime, and let you enjoy a fresh new look in your home!  

Over the years you’ve seen me share winter mantel decorating ideas (such as my “Let’s Snuggle Mantel” of 2017 and my “Cozy Sweater Mantel” of 2018), because the mantel is a focal point in my home, and is in the room where my family spends most of our time.  This year, I used decor pieces from both of those mantels to create a similar, but new, winter mantel look that makes us feel right at home!  

Notice how many of the items used to create a winter look are non-seasonal?  Candles, books, and planters in complimentary colors all work together to create a cohesive theme, without being screaming WINTER! Look for items in your home that can work the same way for you!  

Other wintry items, such as the faux sled with snowflake stickers and the faux ice skates, add a definite seasonal touch.  These are inexpensive items that I updated with stickers and purchased in Bullseye’s Playground at Target!  For just a few dollars I was able to inject some winter personality into my decor.

Similarly, I updated everyday items with faux snowflakes of varying shapes and sizes.  These are all foam snowflake ornaments that I’ve collected over the years from places like Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Big Lots.  

At this time of year, you can find similar items on clearance in just about any store!  Snag some and pop them into a bowl or lantern for instant winter decor.  

And before your toss your winter greenery, see if you can use it elsewhere.  I cut up my evergreen garland and used it in a display on my front porch (along with faux winter greenery found in the clearance section at Michaels).  The rest of the evergreen garland went into my window box to lend some green to the front of the house during the winter season.  

Notice the snowflake ornaments making an appearance on my front porch, too?  They make it so easy to “winterize” my decor!

Finally, don’t forget about cozy throw blankets and pillows.  Those can instantly update your decor for winter!  Look for pillows (or pillow covers – my favorite thrifty trick!), in fabrics like velvet, faux fur, and chunky knit, to add warmth and texture to your space.  Thick, fleecy blankets are perfect, too!

See how easy it is to make your home feel less sparse after the holidays have passed?  It really doesn’t take much at all to add some personality and warmth!

-Bre

You Might Like to Make This Cozy Sweater Embroidery Hoop Decor!  

You don’t have a spend a fortune to decorate your home! Here are three awesome tips for budget decorating that will save you tons.

It’s pretty safe to say the one thing that’s certain about my home decor is that it’s always changing!  I am constantly tweaking things. 

But, even though the decor is always evolving, I’m not spending a lot of money to get a new look, and you don’t have to either! 

Today I’m going to give you my top three awesome tips for budget decorating – all of which were used in the mini-makeover I just gave my foyer (you may be interested in seeing the foyer makeover I did last summer for some before photo reference!).

Budget Decorating Tip No. 1 – Paint, Paint, and More Paint

If you’ve visited my blog before, you know by now that paint is my FAVORITE way to give things new life! 

Whether you’re painting your walls or your furniture, nothing packs as much of a punch as paint, and it is (in the grand scheme of things), VERY budget-friendly.

Since my last foyer makeover post, we had our walls painted a lighter color because the foyer doesn’t get a lot of natural light. 

I also painted my foyer table the most gorgeous shade of blue called Jitterbug by Country Chic Paint, which they graciously gave me to use for this project! 

This table began its life as black and turned rusty red when I first painted it in 2013.  Seeing as I used red nowhere else in the house, it always bothered me a bit and didn’t feel quite right.  Now it flows perfectly with the adjoining living room and dining room, and I just love it!

Picking up a paint brush every few years and investing just a small amount of money in paint has allowed me to “redecorate” my home time and again without buying anything new!  I just love how I can get an entirely new look with a little bit of time and hardly any money.  

Budget Home Decor Tip No. 2 – Shop What You’ve Got

If you’re not keeping a bin or box of home decor in your attic (or basement or closet or wherever you’ve got a bit of space), you need to start doing that now! 

One of my favorite places to shop is in my own house! 

As I move things around and find new pieces to bring in, I put old pieces into my storage box.  Then, when I “need” to freshen up a room’s look, I go hunting for something I already have and try to make it work!

That is exactly what happened with these pillows I added to the bench opposite my blue table.  The teal pillow used to be on the couch in my basement, and the black and yellow pillow cover that I had in my storage box went over a “Give Thanks” seasonal pillow in my storage box.

Adding these pillows helped tie in the table and the rug with the bench, and it added yet another welcoming element to this foyer space.

Home Decorating on a Budget Tip 3 – Sign Up for Store “Clubs”

Joining store clubs or downloading store apps is my newest way of saving money on home decor, and I am LOVING it! 

Some of my favorite home decor stores (like World Market) have been rolling out loyalty programs or membership programs.  These programs usually involve you signing up with your email address or phone number, but you can earn some really great perks! 

Because of my World Market Explorer membership, I got 50% off this new area rug for my foyer, and it was a bargain!

Had I not gotten that special discount code due to my membership in their rewards program, I probably would not have bought a new rug for this space.  But the colors work perfectly with everything here, and I just could not resist.

So there you have it – three easy and practical tips for budget decorating.  Do you have any tips to add to this list?  Make sure to let me know in the comments below!

During a recent night out with my friend from college, Jessica, we had a couple of drinks and decided we were taking a quick trip to Waco, Texas to see the Magnolia Market and the Silos with our own eyes.  My husband was thrilled with this news because it meant he would never have to go there.  (Ladies – play this angle if your significant other gives you any pushback on a desire to visit Magnolia.)  

We took our trip last week, and I can honestly say that we both had an even more amazing visit that we expected.  The entire experience was so uplifting and we came home feeling renewed, inspired, and full of home cooked goodness!  If you’ve ever thought of taking a trip to Waco, I highly encourage you to do so.  To help kick your planning into high gear, I’m sharing my five can’t miss tips for a trip to the Magnolia Market and the Silos, and I hope you enjoy them and seeing some of my favorite photos from the trip!  

This post contains affiliate links. To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

Tip 1: Make Time for Magnolia Table

For some reason, going to Magnolia Table (Chip and Joanna Gaines’ new restaurant), wasn’t at the top of my to-do list.  I have the Magnolia Table cookbook (which is AH-MA-ZING), but felt like food was the least of my concerns while in Waco.  Plus, because Magnolia Table is not at the same site as the Silos or Magnolia Market (it’s definitely driving distance apart), I was a little worried about getting to those locations later than I wanted.

I’m so glad my inner doubting Thomas didn’t prevail because the restaurant exceeded my expectations.  Although we had to wait about an hour for our table (this was on a Saturday with a 7:45 am arrival), the restaurant staff went out of their way to make the wait pleasant.

There is a very large outdoor waiting area with a lawn section for kids to play games, a coffee and pastry bar so you can munch on something while you wait, access to a gift shop, and a convenient check in system on your phone that lets you see how long your wait is while you’re waiting!  

Jessica and I munched on blueberry muffins and diet cokes, and perused the menu before we went in.  

Inside the restaurant was a warm atmosphere with common tables and individual tables.  We sat at a common bar area, which worked just fine for us.  We’re friendly like that.

I ordered the Farm Eggs Benedict, which was THE BEST BREAKFAST I HAVE EVER HAD!  Jessica ordered the Farm Breakfast and also loved it.  Neither of us took photos of our food because we were too excited to eat it.

We were so full when we left Magnolia Table that we didn’t eat again until dinner.  The food absolutely did not disappoint and the Fixer Upper vibe inside the restaurant makes Magnolia Table a must visit stop on your trip to Waco!

Tip Two: Ask for Tips

I’m pretty sure that a prerequisite for working in any of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ businesses is that you have to be exceedingly nice.  Every employee we encountered was outstanding, including our waiter at Magnolia Table.  We asked him for his best tips during our visit, and he told us that Joanna’s original store (the tiny shop located on Bosque Blvd.), was open that weekend for a warehouse sale!  He told us it opens a few times a year and they sell discounted merchandise from the Silos there.

We scooted over there as fast as we could and were literally giddy with excitement to be part of the “in crowd” that knew about the deals to be found!  

Inside was a bit crowded, but the staff managed the crowd well, and there was more merchandise outside.  Jessica and I both walked away with some awesome purchases for 40% off the prices at the Silos!  

Other tips we got were where the least crowded bathrooms were and to try the sweet tea at the Alabama Sweet Tea Co. food truck at the Silos.  Although neither of us “yankee doodle dandies” was a big fan of the sweet tea (too sweet!), we loved the adorable souvenir mason jar glasses they came in.

Had we not asked for tips from people in the know, I’m pretty sure none of these things that helped make our trip special would have happened!

Tip Three:  Plan Your Transporation

It’s not well marked, but the Silos has free parking in a gravel lot right next door!  It’s so convenient if you’re traveling by car.  We saw many lots nearby charging for parking (minimal amounts under $10), so if you can get the free parking, do it!  Even though it was busy when we were there, the lot was not full.  

Alternatively, take the free Silo District Trolley!  You get free parking with that, and free transportation to and from the Silos, as well as other downtown Waco destinations.

They’ve done a good job managing the crowds in the area with the parking lot and the trolley, so make use of those resources during your visit!

Tip Four: Bring an Extra Suitcase

You are going to do some shopping while you’re at the Magnolia Market – trust me!  So be smart if you’re flying (or traveling by any way other than car), and pack an extra suitcase or bag so that you’re able to get all your goodies home with you!  Jessica and I both packed duffel bags inside our suitcases so that we had an extra bag to bring our purchases home.  We were so glad we did because we bought A LOT!  

The market itself is filled with beautiful items for your home as well as souvenir-type items emblazoned with the Magnolia branding.  I don’t think you could leave without buying something!

Plus, in the back corner of the Silos, there’s the adorable Magnolia Seed & Supply shop, which houses fantastic finds for your garden and outdoor spaces (as well as a real, working garden, from which the Magnolia Table restaurant gets lots of its produce!).  

Oh, and there’s also a little teepee if you’re inclined to hop in for a photo or a rest.  

So yes, at the end of the trip, we were both very glad that we were able to consolidate our purchases into our extra suitcases and get them home without a hitch!

Tip Five: Explore Outside of the Silos, Too!

Not surprisingly, all around the Silos adorable little shops have popped up!  Jessica and I took a stroll over to several of them and loved what we found.  

The Findery was our favorite spot, and it is just steps from the Silos!  The main location was filled with beautiful home decor treasures, and just a block away their warehouse also had lots of larger scale furniture items.

Other shops in the area, like Iron Willow and Savage Finds Antiques & Oddities, had interesting things to look at and shop for, and their pretty stores provided a great break from the heat!

Later in the day we hopped back into our rental car and drove to Harp Design Co. to check out Clint Harp’s little spot.  It was definitely not within walking distance of the Silos.  You’ll need a car to get there.  The shop was small, but had lots of nice things available to buy for reasonable prices.

(P.S. if you want to see what I bought during my visit, check out my Instagram TV video right here!)

And of course, we drove over to the Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast, which was featured in season 3 of Fixer Upper.  Now that was a drive!  We couldn’t believe how far it was from downtown Waco, and how the town it is in (MacGregor) did not have much in the way of shopping, restaurants, or anything, really.  

Neither of us would say this was a highlight of the trip.  However, on our drive back to the hotel, we took some country roads and ended up driving right by Jimmy Don’s ranch (he’s the iron work artist featured on Fixer Upper) AND the Gaines’ farm.  And I swear on everything I own that both of these drive by’s were completely by luck.  We were not stalking either Jimmy Don or the Gaines.  (And that is why I am not posting any photos of their residences here!)  Seeing the Gaines’ farm WAS an exciting bonus though!

After that excitement, we went to bed and got up early the next day for our flight.  You can do all of this in one day, no question.  So if you’re thinking a trip to Magnolia Market and the Silos is a big commitment, think again.  Get down there with some friends or family and enjoy!  I feel like I’ve been on an inspiration high since I got back (over a week ago now), and that made this trip more than worthwhile!

Even though I don’t decorate in a farmhouse style, I have really grown to appreciate the good business sense the Gaines’ have, as well as their commitment to helping others and enriching their community.  I definitely look up to them as I partake in my own creative endeavors, and feel very blessed that I was able to make this trip with one of my oldest friends.  Thanks for checking out my photos and tagging along.

-Bre

Add a touch of summertime decor to your fireplace with simple-yet-pretty summer mantel decor.

With all the activity surrounding my kids’ summer break and a time-consuming DIY project happening in the backyard (more on that soon!), I got a little behind in decorating my summer mantel and adding summer decor touches to the living room. 

I finally made it happen on a rainy day last week and am so pleased to have my living room looking ready for the season!  

This year’s summer mantel incorporates element you saw in last year’s summer mantel as well as this year’s spring mantel. 

It’s probably a big “no no” for bloggers to re-use decor, but I believe in being thrifty and re-using things where you can!  

This post contains affiliate links.  Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Everything I used on my summer mantel was what I already had. 

I filled an adorable yellow pitcher with flowering branches from my yard, and stacked it on top of books I wrapped with leftover fabric.  I’ve had this little ceramic bird for ages!

On the opposite side of the mantel, I used the same botanical print from last year and dressed it up with a REAL birds nest I found abandoned in our backyard! 

(I can hear my mother’s voice in my head: “DON’T touch that!!!  You don’t know what kind of diseases are in that!”)

It looks pretty cute sitting on top of the dollar spot cupcake stand.  

Bridging the gap between the two sides of the mantel are the same faux aged flower pots you saw in the spring.  (Learn how to instantly age terracotta pots with paint in the linked post!)  

I think it all comes together in a pretty and simple summer mantel display!  

In addition to decorating the mantel for summer, I also added some more summery touches to the living room with new pillow covers and a new tray for the coffee table.  

This tray was a $2 find at Marshalls that I spray painted with a doily on top for some extra pattern.

And the pillow covers are from my new FAVORITE home decor source, H&M.  I got basically all new pillows in my living room for under $12 a piece (some were under $6 a piece)! 

If you haven’t checked out H&M’s home department yet, do it!  They have really good prices and the quality of the pillow covers I bought is excellent!

This muted buffalo check pillow cover on the side chair was an Amazon find.

I love the way these simple, summery touches have made my living room look this season.  Pillow covers and blossoming branches are my new BFFs (Jasper’s too.  See him snuggled up on that chair in the corner?).

-Bre