According to inquiring minds, (aka my mother) there is a need to know how to tie a room together with bold or bright accent pieces. I understand, it’s all about the bonds you form. Sometimes you need to adapt to form these ties and make them stronger. So – the dilemma we are facing right now, is how to blend a bold focal piece into a neutral room. Hypothetically, you have a red accent chair that you love – and you want to put it into your earth toned living room. What to do? Well, for starters, step out of your comfort zone and be bold. Put that red chair in the room. Now sit in it, and look around you. Out of these earthy tones, what colors stick out the most? Probably the darker tones. You want to downplay them a bit, we’re trying to take center stage with this chair. Now lets see what we could use from the lighter colors – say beige or cream. Would the chair look okay with a seat cushion in a cream hue? You might be surprised by how this could tie this all together. Give it a go! Check out these six different accent pieces that were tweaked to adapt to their surroundings. and strengthen their family ties.

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We all have an idea of what our dream home would consist of. Some of us have started blueprints. Maybe it’s just me. While these prints have changed over years, there is a one design that is engraved into my blueprint. Maybe it’s because of my repeated viewings of The Secret Garden as a little girl, or maybe it’s my infatuation with all things Bond that make this design such a requisite. For starters, I need a library. A grand library with thousands of pieces of literature, from all genres, all editions, all encompassing knowledge and journeys to be taken with the crack of the book. But that’s not the room that I’m writing about today. The room that I’m writing about is the “Room of Requirement” (as safe room gives the annotation that all other rooms are dangerous) – best described in Harry Potter,”It is a room that a person can only enter when they have real need of it. Sometimes it is there, and sometimes it is not, but when it appears, it is always equipped for the seeker’s needs“. This room would serve would ever purpose to the user – for me, I like to get away from the noise and write, or read  my books, and just sit in silence for a bit to gather my thoughts. Throughout history, passageways and rooms have been designed to protect, transport, and provide a place of solace when needed. I have researched the designs and architecture of these rooms, and even found companies that customize them. As always, I have more than six top picks, but here are my fave six hideaway rooms!

Link: sixdifferentways.com

Remember building a Teepees when you were young? Yeah – me too and it makes me super nostalgic! The good news is – teepees have been popping up all over and not just on the playground. Recently, I’ve seen a lot of photographs of south-western style weddings with teepees. I absolutely love them! They are relatively easy to put up (pitch your own – learn how here), and give off a really earthy, artsy vibe. Whether you are looking for a way to have a ball bohemian style, or just relax in an enclosed space in your yard in comfort – there are so many ways to pitch it perfect! Check out six of them below!

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My first book was The Cat Who Said Meow. While I do not have a particular affection for cats, I do enjoy reading very much. I have since my older sister taught me how to. I believe that reading one book a night (at a bare minimum) it so necessary, almost vital to all children. There are so many benefits to reading, it sharpens your mind, expands your vocabulary, your knowledge of diverse subjects, and is super relaxing to name a few!! So while most children/adults are quick to hop on the literature train, here are six different ways to inspire a desire to read – how you ask? By bringing the story to life…check it out! I chose my favorite six – there are so many different ways you could achieve the look of your favorite book!

TOP TO BOTTOM: THE GREAT GATSBY, GREEK MYTHOLOGY: THE STORY OF APHRODITE, ELOISE, VINTAGE COMICS, HARRY POTTER & THE LION, WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

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Over the memorial day weekend, I hosted a BBQ, as I am sure most people either hosted or attended one themselves. Any how, I woke early Saturday morning to prep the backyard for my ten plus guests. While setting up with the outdoor chairs we have, and folding tables, I realized that we were severely lacking in the aesthetics department. So, of course I took to pinterest. Here are six different ways to spruce up your summer shin dig – DIY style. Enjoy!

1. String Lights – How gorgeous these are! They’re inviting and warm up the atmosphere, adding a magical touch to any summer night.

2. Outdoor Storage Cabinet - Use an old cabinet, strip it down and paint it, add some funky wallpaper and add a all weather sealant. Store garden tools, swimming towels, candles, etc away safely and in style.

3. Outdoor Plastic Chairs Revamped – Cover areas of your old plastic chairs with tape, and pick a fun color and spray away. I like the horizontal stripes, and would probably go for a nautical style with navy and white stripes but the brighter the better!

4. Tire Coffee Table - Love these colors! Perfect example of upcycling. Alternatives to the tires could be a ice tub, great for storage!!

5. Tent - This is really detailed, but you could try simpler versions. Great for reading, relaxing, and resting.

6. Pallet Tiki Bar – This is a feat for the ambitious, but worth the results! Add lights for the finishing touch!

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To end the month of May off in proper fashion, I would like to introduce six shades of May. This post is a tribute to the design and décor brought to us via the major motion picture movie that recently hit dvd a few weeks ago. While some weren’t huge fans of the movie, but were of the book, or vis a vis – we cannot deny the impeccable taste in style of furniture and decor - specifically in the infamous red room. While the colors and tones may be a little harsh for some, there are some alternative, modern and delicate ways to achieve a similar style. Here are our six shades of May!

Inspired by…The Four Poster Bed – “Bone Inlay Four Poster Bed” – via Anthropologie 

Inspired by…The Tally Chair – “Edie Chaise” via Urban Outfitters

The Cubist Dresser via Pinterest

The Ipod Column – via  Hollywood Displays

Inspired by the Gold Geometric Ceiling… “Art Deco Gold Screen” via Pinterest

Inspired by…Chesterfield sofa – “Aristocrat Sofa” by Zuo Modern via Inmod.com

Recently, I made some room in one of the smaller rooms in my home. This room was previously used as an office, a closet, a spare bedroom, a craft room, a mini library…and the list goes on. More recently, we have been hosting a number of family friends. So, the room is going to serve as a guest bedroom again. While we absolutely need to utilize this room for guests, it also needs to retain some of the space that we used it for previously. So what has to go? NOTHING.  Here are six different lovely lofts that will serve to maximize the usage of your guest room!

Originally posted here: sixdifferentways.com

May is a month of celebration of many things, Mother’s Day especially. An observation of the art of Photography is also celebrated this month. I have always loved looking at photographs, old and new – whether they are portraits, landscapes, or wedding photographs – they truly hold a thousand words. Actually, they hold more. Check out six different ways to incorporate photography into your home décor in some very unique ways. Perfect Mother’s Day gifts as well!

1. Canvas – I love this idea – it is a photograph of a bride’s bouquet from her wedding day. The couple had it blown up on an adhesive canvas, and made it a statement wall. Gorgeous way to remember that special day.

2. Photo Booth – Larger than Life Photo booth! Another fun idea, blown up photos put together to make a photo booth like effect. A great way to incorporate separate family members into one shot!

3. Quilt- This is really unique! I had originally saw this is a movie years ago, and loved the idea. Perfect for mothers and other family members who live far away, and could use some warm memories from time to time.

4. Furniture – I love this idea! It would be great for a shared bedroom for children, i.e. putting each child’s photo on one dresser so they could identify which belonged to them. Great idea!

5. Letters – Make a collage and turn it into your favorite words, or quotes! The usage of “Joy” is beautiful; I also was fond of “Family” and “Love.”

6. Lampshade – Shed some light on your favorite moments! This DIY project might be trickier than most, but definitely worth the effort.

Hope you enjoyed these six different ways, and maybe your Mother will too! =)

Link: sixdifferentways.com

So it’s Cinco de Mayo! Grab a frothy margarita and take a seat. Here are five different ways (I know, it’s supposed to be six but I had to!) to decorate your home with a touch of Mexico! Try one or all, I am so in love with the bright colors and mixture of prints and patterns – there is really no way this could go wrong! Mexican style is heavily influenced by Spanish, Native American -specifically Aztec and Mayan among many others cultures. A lot of the concepts, traditions, colors and customs were passed down and melded into what we now call modern Mexico.

1. Colorful Furniture – Mix it, match it, the brighter the better! Statement pieces are staples to Mexican style design. If you don’t want to make the jump to colorful furniture- take a small step to…

2. Bright Accent Walls – The Spanish influenced architecture of Mexico provides some beautiful archways, ceilings, and woodwork. Here we see a carved out geometric wall which is painted a lovely teal and topped off with Aztec wall art. I love the combination of color and shape – it really makes for a great conversation piece. If you don’t have the advantage of having structures like these, you could always paint them – of course using a bright hue – onto your wall, furniture, etc.

3. Moravian Hanging Stars – These are another item you are sure to see when in Mexico. They have a religious symbolism, however, they are used in decor and design and have been for years. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, color and are made from different materials. Some even light up! A room full of Moravian Star Light is surely a sight to see.

4. Bold colors paired with geometric shapes – Hot Pink, turquoise, and a lovely black and white Aztec patterned floor are just some of the highlights of this modern Mexican Lounge. Pair several colors, or even just one – (I’d go for a canary yellow) with two toned geometric floors, or furniture.

5. Hand Painted Ceramic Tile – Ok, so you might not know, or want to hand paint tiles. However, you can purchase wall art that has the same aesthetic as these hand painted tiles that are common to Mexico – most of the time blue and white. The paintings on the ceramics usually are traditional folk designs from years and years ago and add a traditional feel to any space.

So now you have Cinco different ways to infuse your home with a little of taste of Mexico! Happy Cinco de Mayo & Enjoy!

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I am a self proclaimed foodie. One wouldn’t think so as I really do not eat that much, but when I eat, I EAT. When I’m at work, I’m thinking about dinner. When I’m having dinner, I’m thinking about breakfast. Sometimes I’m coming up with new recipes, other times I’m mimicking chain restaurant’s secret recipes (I have a guilty pleasure for cheddar bay biscuits).  I have been like this for as long as I could remember. When I was younger, it was tipped more to the chocolate/candy/dessert/sweet end of the see-saw that is my diet, now it’s more food. When I was a kid though, sweets were my passion. I always wanted a room that was decorated like the candy land board game – which was naturally my favorite game. Unfortunately my sister, with whom I shared a room with at the time, didn’t share my enthusiasm for sweets so I was SOL. One always could dream, and I did. I took a trip down memory lane today and found these really unique, food themed rooms, some popping up in hotels around the country!! Dreams do come true!! Dig in!! =)

Link: sixdifferentways.com