The Affordable, Bright and Colorful Spring Refresh You Didn't Know Your Kitchen Needed This Season
Spring is in full swing and here come all the decor updates to follow.
For me, I've been dying to makeover my kitchen and dining area with new barstools since we moved in. The old yellow ones from our previous apartment were way too short and honestly a little dated so I've spent the last year trying to figure out what I REALLY wanted to glam up the area with. Initially I wanted cognac leather stools but quickly changed my mind after I discovered these Sigfred Velvet Emerald Barstools from InMod (gifted).
Because, LOOK AT THEM! They're stunning and aside from being perfect for the space (height and style wise) - they're already hard at work hiding stains from the kid's accidents. Over Easter weekend Indy dumped a bowl of red dye and you wouldn't even be able to tell it got on the barstools (the counter and walls below was a different story).
Plus, it was a quick and easy glow up to the space. There's a completely different vibe in here now and it feels way more cohesive. I love how the rattan, deep walnut and velvet just pops so perfectly against the pink.
- Before -
-After-
They also come in Counter Sized 23.5" (our bar is oddly high and barstools were necessary)
- Pros -
Easy to assemble (the kids did it)
Surprisingly super comfortable (they're very padded and ergonomically shaped)
Easy to clean
Affordable ($80 each)
Very soft
Come in gorgeous hues - the green is even prettier in person.
- Cons -
I wish I had more counter space for more.
Aside from that I think if I really had to be forced to find a con it would be about the step bar being slightly uncomfortable on your bare feet. It's fine to rest your feet on them but if you need to stand up to reach for something on them it's not the most exciting feeling on your foot (but what do you expect from a putting your body weight metal bar?). <--- that's from DZ who hates sitting on barstools but loves these and thinks "they're basically perfect".
Now that we have the perfect stools for the space I can finally dive into the backsplash (yes, again) and window treatments for the window.
Try These Six Foolproof & Affordable Ways To Add Color To Your Home This Season
The First Day Of Spring Is Today!
I love spring - it's full of hope, color and a sense of starting new. I've found myself excited watching tiny shoots of green pop up here and there in the yard over that last couple of weeks. Maybe it's because I'm seeing everything come back to life or perhaps I just really need some color after the last few months of brown and grey. Either way, I welcome it.
That said, what greater time than now to refresh your space with pops of color.
1. Paint
Paint is always a good idea. Whether it's a full room overhaul, an accent wall or piece of furniture paint is the easiest way to add a splash of color to you place.
2. Plants & Planters
Ok, so this is one of the easiest ways to add color to your home. Yep, you can also opt for faux plants if you have a black thumb. I also love scoring colorful planters to pop against the lush greens. How perfect is this orange and green combo.
3. Throw Pillows
Another quick and easy color pop is throw pillows! You can move them around on a whim and change them out with every season.
4. Removable Wallpaper
One of my personal faves, removable wallpaper. You can basically put it anywhere your little heart desires. Me? I love it on the fridge, as an accent wall, and pops of detail on shelves and unexpected spots.
5. Furniture
Colorful accent furniture is another fun way to add color without really committing. Even better if you paint it yourself.
6. Accent Decor
Mirrors technically aren't furniture, they're accessories so they get their own bullet point. Same with colorful art pieces and textured wall hangings.
How To Make Your Ikea Old Ikea Grundtal Mirror Look Expensive With This Simple and Affordable Wood Ball DIY
The mirrors in our house are having a moment
This one actually came first and gave me the kahunas to create the fringe mirror because I was SO proud with how beautiful it turned out.
Backstory: this Ikea Grundtal mirror had been moving room to room for the last year and getting shoved into hiding places so it wouldn't be seen.
Upcycle Your Old Ikea Mongstad Mirror Into A Glam Fringe Floor Mirror With This Easy DIY Tutorial under $50
Well, I finally did it!
After about a year of wanting to ditch my Ikea Mongstad floor length mirror in favor of something new I opted to give it a whole new life and the transformation it deserved.
Initially my plan was to cover it's dated white exterior with a fun and quirky wallpaper to liven up my boring entryway but as time went on I kept leaning towards texture and drama. Fringe kept popping in my head from time to time but I was honestly too chicken to take the plunge.
Yes, You Have To Try This EASY and Surprisingly Delicious Three Ingredient Bagel Recipe This Weekend
Bagels are a weekly occurrence in our house. We usually like hitting up our favorite NYC neighborhood spots with delectable cream cheese options but since we're avoiding unnecessary outings (and we order way too much takeout) I thought it would be fun to try taking a stab at making our own.
...But after a quick look at the effort it takes to make bagels I lost my fire and decided to order takeout, again. I love to bake but I hate millions of steps - you lost me after the boiling. Just kidding. Kind of.
HOWEVER...
I found these after Jackie shared Breakfast Ate Tiffany's version back in March 2020. WHOA MAMA THEY ARE GOOD! I actually tried the recipe and took these pictures shortly after but never got around to posting - oops. But I recently found these shots in my vault and was instantly reminded of how good this recipe really is so I had to share it on the internets yet again... I think it originally came from Skinny Taste and has trickled down the vine of creation landing in my lap so I of course had to take it for a spin...
I promise you will not regret making these. The only regret you might have is eating too many (never) or not making enough - either way you HAVE to try these.
They're super easy to make (the kids did most of the work), only require a few ingredients and require no yeast or boiling. WIN.
Let's dive in to making some bagels this weekend, shall we?
- 3 Ingredient Bagels -
(yields 8 bagels)
2 C. Self Rising Flour
2 C. Greek yogurt
1 Egg
Optional:
Everything Bagel Seasoning
Pinch Of Salt
2tsp. Baking Powder if you opt to use a non self rising flour*
Preheat oven to 375˚
1. In a medium size mixing bowl combine flour (salt - optional) and yogurt. Mix with a fork until combined. It's a going to be a bit crumbly in appearance.
2. On a flour dusted workspace add the dough and knead dough until tacky to touch (not sticky: doesn't stick to your hand). If it starts to feel sticky add a little more flour.
3. Cut the dough into 8 equal balls.
4. Roll out each dough piece into ropes and connect at the end.
5. In a small bowl whisk egg and add a couple of tsp. of water to create an egg wash.
6. Top each bagel with egg wash and desired topping - Everything Bagel Seasoning in my case.
7. Add bagels to a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
*Let cool for 10 minutes before digging in and adding a heap of cream cheese
...or whatever you love to enjoy your bagels with.
Here's 5 Simple Yet Delicious Pancake Recipes You Have To Try This Weekend
Pancakes, who can resist fluffy bites of clouds doused in butter and maple syrup when the weekend finally rolls in?
Honestly, if I had it my way I would eat pancakes daily but alas I don't necessarily have the time to stand in front of a hot griddle flipping pancakes every morning. However, once the weekend hits you better believe I'll be whipping up a batch and shoveling them into my mouth.
Sure, I love a classic pancake but the specialty stacks are where it's at. Give me all toppings and fillings and I'll be the perfectly content. That said I've rounded up a handful of my personal favorite recipes that I can't resist making when the mood, er, griddle strikes!
Skip the griddle and opt for a cast iron pan with...
Give Your Bedroom An Instant Upgrade With Lush Textures and Bright Printed Bedding From Annie Selke
A bedroom should be your sanctuary.
First, let's flashback to three years ago when I worked with Annie Selke to add a few pops of color to our old tiny little space. It was such a fun project to create and I'm still obsessed with the yellow rug and dot sheets. They always have fun prints, luxe textures and the quality is unreal. Even after 3 years of heavy wear the that yellow rug is still going strong in the kids room...
Now, we're partnering to give my bedding a much needed total overhaul! I knew Annie Selke's lush textures and bright colors would instantly brighten up our moody jewel-hued room in the best possible way. After we painted the space I knew our current bedding just wasn't going to cut it anymore, I need something that pops and can magically coordinate with the rest of the house. Then, I randomly opened an email from an Annie Selke newsletter and there it was staring right at me. The print, the colors and that linen texture piled on top of that luxurious velvet. SWOON. I knew it was meant to be so I ping'd Annie Selke to collaborate once again, this time on our bedroom. Of course the rest is history.
After over 6 months of painting, diy-ing and patience I could not love this space more right now.
Let's talk details!
Annie Selke and I did a lot in this space and I think it shows. Everything from the runners, to the curtains and throw pillows. I even snagged a couple of pairs of pajamas to make it fully complete.
First, the Simba Jute Runners
I love a jute rug and this is the perfect size for the space on both sides of the bed. I usually steer clear from neutral rugs but I really wanted something with a 'natural' woven texture and knew jute would pop flawlessly with the jewel tones and soft pinks. Also, I love how it feels on my feet. (Size 2.5 x 8)
I have been on a mission to ditch the metal blinds that came with our place and I finally did it! These light weight curtain panels instantly brightened the room and added a softer vibe the second we hung them. We opted for three to span across the wall and conceal the back door. They're not light-blocking which I avoided because I love seeing the bright morning light through the huge windows. The curtains turn it into an incredible sight however as they themselves illuminate and fill the room with a warm, diffuse glow. (Size 108 x 55'')
I've been wanting a velvet quilt for our bed for who knows how long but this color and *extremely soft* one won me over the second I put it on the bed. It's not too heavy and is absolutely the coziest thing I've ever had on my bed, ever. ALSO: that color. We got matching shams in the standard size.
This print stopped me in my tracks when I saw it on the email newsletter and I knew it would look phenomenal with all of the colors in the room. It's a little on the heavier side but the quality and texture is simply stunning. We've been swapping it from above and under the velvet quilt and they're all so pretty together. I'd like to think of my bedroom as a colorful Rorschach test now...
I knew we needed an extra pop of green to play off the blues and bright corals in the room and these dreamy velvet shams did the trick. You first caught a glimpse of them in the living room during the holidays before making their way to their home on our bed. I definitely love a bed full of pillows and this is the perfect amount before becoming too much...
Last but certainly not least, the Kenly Linen Decorative Pillow
Can you ever have too much print? No. So yes, we needed more of the Kenly print in the way of a gigantic lumbar pillow. It's so cushiony soft and the fringe detail is really what sold me.
Todd approves...(but also all these colors together)
- More Bedroom Details -
This post is sponsored by Annie Selke. All opinions are my own.
Brighten Up Your Room With A Pop Of Color In Under 5 Minutes When You Try This Quick and Easy Tulip Arrangement
It's Almost Tulip Season!
I love when tulip season rolls around in NYC in late March / early April. Walking down Park Avenue past rows and rows of color lining the street. Central Park, Washington Square and Madison Square parks are instantly glowing with fresh new life as the blooms get brighter and brighter with each day. It's the first sign of spring in the city after a brittle cold and overcast winter. And while it's been quite some time since I've made it out of my tiny little alcove and to my favorite spots I figured it there's no better time to line my apartment with little pops of color in hopes of an early spring.
I ordered a few bouquets of Tulips and got to work strategically placing them in every corner and crevice I could fit them. After seeing them in the same old vases with the usual arrangement I decided to hop outside of my routine and try something new. I can't help but love the results.
Here's What You Need
+ Vase
+ Rocks
+ 5-6 Tulip Stems
+ Scissors or Clippers
+ Elastic or Rubberband
+ Measuring Tape
+ Water
Watch The Tutorial
How To:
+ Add rocks to bottom of vase
+ Measure vase with measuring tape. Mine is 9" inches tall so I want my largest stems to be around 9" inches too.
+ Lay the measuring tape flat and measure out your tall stems at 8-9 Inches, your medium stems 6 Inches and your small stems at 3-4 Inches.
*I did 3 tall stems, 2 medium stems and 3 small stems in my arrangement.
+ After the stems are measured out, secure with elastic and trim.
+ I started with my largest stems and added them one by one to the right side of my vase.
+ Next the small stems
+ Finally, the medium stems.
+ Gently rearrange as needed.
+ Add water to the bottom of the vase and you're done!
Enjoy in your favorite places at home...