Revamping Your Kitchen

If you're a homeowner, I'm sure you've considered upgrading your kitchen at one point or another. If you've had your home for a while, you might be thinking that the kitchen is starting to seem a little shabby, or maybe you've just moved in and want to modify it to suit your own style, or you might be thinking about selling it. Whatever the motivation for the renovation, renovating your kitchen will add value to your home and improve the quality of life for those who live there. In fact, renovatng your kitchen is the single most worthwhile task you can undertake. Especially if you want to increase the value of your home.

Image Source: House and Home Youtube

Remodeling Your Kitchen? Keep these Ideas in Mind!

Are you planning a kitchen renovation? Remember to keep these suggestions in mind!

It is determined by the type of home and the amount of money available to the owner, as well as how much you spend on kitchen renovations. The reason for this is because each street has a maximum perceived worth per home. If you spend a fortune on your home and it is located in a trееt of homes in the wrong part of town, you may not make any money at all, but you will sell your home more quickly. Ask any real estate agent, and they'll tell you stories about homeowners who were unhappy with the real estate agent's recommended selling price after spending thousands of dollars fixing up their home. Look at it this way: if you have a hundred properties on your street and the average selling price is $100,000, you are very unlikely to get $125,000. When it comes to rеfurbishing to sell, keep that in mind.

The standard of living. If you intend to stay in your home, a kitchen remodel is the most up-lifting renovation you can make. Most families spend a lot of time in the kitchen, which is another reason why a renovation will be greatly appreciated.

Image Source: Niermann Weeks, Online

Reface Your Cabinets with new ones іn a lighter color and to repaint or repaper thе wallѕ аnd ceilіngs wіth a lіghter color. A designer’ѕ tip tо bооѕt the amount of light in a room, іs to paint the window reveals white so that more sun lіght іs reflected back іn to thе room.. Another two tips are to re-emulsion the ceіlіng whіte as it stains quіckly and to have a white floor-covering. You wіll be amazed, these last three tips make a lot of dіfference to the brightnеѕѕ of a kіtchen.

Image Source: Norfolk Kitchen & Bath, Online

3. Switch Out Your Hardware. You will be delighted at what a big difference such a little change can make to a kitchen. If your kitchen cabinets have older knobs that look dated, go down to your local hardware store and find some that are more modern, or have a timeless classic look.

Image Source: Heidi Piron Design, Online

4. Unclutter the Knick Knacks. Kitchens are the number one space in the home that collect clutter the fastest. We tend to keep random items in a junk drawer, clutter our counters with appliances, and use our kitchen counters as catch-alls for our mail, keys, and other belongings. We often use our refrigerators to showcase our utility bills and other random items. By clearing off your surface spaces, your kitchen will feel fresh, open, and clean. Uncluttering your home in general is a great way to clear your mind as well!

5. Reduce Noise. And by noise, I don’t mean sound. If your tile backsplash currently is multi-colored or has a busy pattern, this can create a sense of visual chaos to your space. Replace your kitchen’s patterned surfaces with simple, neutral lines and your space will appear larger and cleaner.

Image Source: CliqStudios, Online

Idaho Scenic Spots: Beautiful Places Worth Seeing

With its wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems, it’s no wonder that Idaho has been named the Gem State as well as the well known Potato State. With this beautiful state full of natural wonders, it’s not hard to see why Idaho attracts millions of tourists each year, many who come to see these Idaho Scenic Spots!

Craters of the Moon National Monument

This national monument is a great place to explore if you're interested in geology or history. The lava flows and cinder cones are remnants of ancient volcanic activity, and the caves are popular with spelunkers. If you visit during the winter, you might even be able to go ice climbing!

City of Rocks State Park

The City of Rocks is a unique geologic formation near the border of Idaho and Utah. The city is actually an ancient valley that was filled with lava and then eroded over time, leaving behind these amazing rock formations. The City of Rocks is a great place to hike, rock climb, or just explore. And if you're lucky, you might even see some bighorn sheep!

image source | trip advisor

Rivers Edge Trail

The River’s Edge Trail is one of the most beautiful places in Idaho. It follows the Boise River through Ada County and offers amazing views of the river, the city, and the surrounding mountains. The trail is perfect for hiking, biking, or just walking and enjoying the scenery. There are also several spots along the trail where you can stop and fish or swim in the river.

Bonneville Hot Springs Resort

Situated on the banks of the Snake River, this resort features natural hot springs, lodging, and dining. The hot springs are said to have healing properties, and the resort offers a variety of treatments. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing in the nearby mountains. Located south of Twin Falls, Bonneville Hot Springs Resort is one of the most popular destinations in all of Idaho.

Twin Falls

Located between green hills and high desert, Twin Falls is a picturesque town in south-central Idaho. The Snake River flows through the center of town, and there are several parks and hiking trails along the river. Shoshone Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the country, is just a short drive from Twin Falls. And if you're looking for even more beauty, head to Sawtooth National Forest where you can find towering mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.

Are White Cabinets Here to Stay?

White cabinets have been around for a while now and many people are now wondering is this a fad or a fashion here for the long run? Below are just some of the reasons why we believe they are a mainstay and are not going anywhere!

kitchen Immortality: In most kitchen renovating spending plans, cupboards get the most noteworthy distribution. Basically, they take up a great deal of land and are exorbitant to produce and introduce. White cupboards stay away from the choice of choosing a wood finish that dates a home snappier than is required. You can likewise breathe a sigh of relief realizing that your kitchen can undoubtedly be refreshed with another paint shading, which is a substantially more reasonable choice than new cabinets.

Kitchen Flexibility: Whether your kitchen has an upscale or pitiful stylish vibe, white cupboards are functional. This flexibility can be engaging expected home purchasers. While they may not agree with you on your kitchen stylistic layout, they realize they won't need to totally gut the kitchen when they move in. White plays well with about each other shade, making it helpful to organize ledges, apparatuses, and lights installations, and backsplashes.

Extensive size: In the domain of inside structure, white conjures a sentiment of brightness. Using white additionally can amplify the size of a space. White cupboards additionally quietly recommend a clean environment, as they don't be able to cover stains.

2022: Spring & Summer Color Trends!

Colors that evoke hope and optimism are featured in the new spring/summer 2022 palette, highlighting our love for the fun and happiness that color can bring to our lives. This is how color patterns represent what we expected in our Post-Covid Trend "Playful Thinking," in which we identified a growing trend for artistic and playful spaces as a reaction to the times we live in.

We are energized by inspiration to produce new designs and to work diligently to ensure that such designs are consistent with our personal image or vision. We create the dynamism that represents our work when we are motivated. We need inspiration to brainstorm and plot out new ideas in order to bring these concepts to life. And it is our imagination that enables us to create new and innovative designs.

Pantone's range of Spring and Summer 2021 Colors for its Spring - Summer 2021 fashion trends study is exciting, inspiring, and joyful. The overarching trend seems to be renewal. Fresh greens and earthy tones paired with clean, white palettes bring forth a level of new life within Interior Spaces, which is something we definitely need after the chaos of 2020!

The biggest color patterns for 2021 are taking cues from the previous turbulent year and providing people with a sense of hope, excitement, and the much-needed refresh.

Over the last two months, the Pantone Color Institute and Shutterstock have published their color trend forecasts for 2021, selecting vivid and calming colors that are inspired by nature. Pantone unveiled their new color palette in December: Illumating ( a soft yelow hue) and Ultimate Gray.

Image Source: https://creativemarket.com/blog/pantone-color-of-the-year-2021

Decorating Inspiration!

These decorative trends are all the inspiration you need and our home feels it too. Don't get me wrong. There is nothing like curling up in front of the fireplace. I love the comfort of blankets hung on all chairs. But there is some fresh inspiration that comes from opening the windows and welcoming warm temperatures. I definitely feel the heat of spring. The only way to keep it down is to bring some of the best spring decoration trends in 2022 into your home.

Beautifying square feet for the upcoming spring season should be a source of joy, not stress. You may want to do a complete overhaul, but it's a good idea to start by rolling in some new changes. And there's no better way to dive than getting expert advice and inspiration from some of the best in business.

Buckle Up and Beware-This star-studded list of designers contains all the trend predictions you need to start spring in style.

Trend # 1: Green

No surprises here-our love for plants never dies. A little (or lot!) Of green can give you the comfort of the warm weather you crave, especially in spring, if in some climates it is still too cold to go outdoors.

Trend # 2: Creative Closet

Upgrading the bathroom is relatively easy to rejuvenate your entire home. It is a method. Small organizations are very helpful and can bring the room to life by adding some new parts. Another option for making an impact? The cabinets, of course. If it`s a contemporary look you`re after, we suggest a vertical paneled door detail or a flat panel style. Add some unique and eye catching hardware, and you`re good to go. When it comes to a spring refresh, it doesn`t hurt to be different.

Trend # 3: Enjoy in the foyer

In many homes, foyer is a forgotten space and you cannot get the love it deserves. But in 2022 we are changing things. Foyer will be an important activity area in the house this year. Don't be afraid to make it great!

Floral Wallpaper

Wallpaper has gotten a bad wrap in the past with especially floral wallpaper in kitchens & bathrooms growing up but these days you can find some really great floral patterns.

A great spaces to use wallpaper in are smaller rooms: bedrooms, entryways and powder rooms.

Wallpaper on one wall of a bedroom is a great statement without feeling to overwhelming.

Floral wallpaper can tie together the colors of the room much like a rug does on the floor.

In these hallway spaces, the blue floral walls create interest in a space that might be just a walkthrough and typically overlooked.

There a literally thousands of floral wallpaper designs you can choose from which is great but can also be overwhelming.  If you’re in the market for wallpapering and need help deciding, email Kathy for help and set up a consultation today!

Kitchen Designs | What's Trending in 2022

One of the most important investments you can make to your home’s value is within your kitchen. The first thing that homeowners and home seekers look at when purchasing their ‘dream home,’ is the overall feel and design of the kitchen, as it is often the busiest place within the house where people gather. This is why it’s important to know what’s trending, what’s not, and to consider the overall function of your space catered to your family and lifestyle.

Let’s take a look at what’s trending in Kitchen Design this year— though these design attributes are also timeless, and will last for years to come. Here are our picks beautiful, timeless kitchen designs sure to knock anyone’s socks off!

Blue, Green & Mid Tone Wood Kitchens – Get earthy with mid-tone blue or green kitchens, which are on trend and I love it! Mid tone wood cabinets in rift cut or sawn white oak are also what’s haute in the design world. These color palettes create a warm and inviting space; a look that’s both classic and sophisticated. This palette works beautifully for both traditional and contemporary spaces.

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Curved Corners – Curves add softness to the room and we are seeing this trend not only in kitchen cabinets but also in furniture! There is something very elegant about drawing the eye into a design, and allowing it to flow throughout your space with a balance of traditional corners, and curved.

Two Tone Kitchens – This trend has been popular for several years and incorporating wood cabinets or features brings in the natural element to the space. One rule of thumb is to keep the upper cabinets lighter than the lower if you’re looking to make the space feel airier and lighter in feel. Having two-toned cabinets gives your kitchen a custom look; one of having high quality furniture as opposed to basic cabinetry- giving your kitchen that extra luxe look.

Seamless Backsplashes– Seamless backsplashes with the same countertop material or glass provide continuity to the area and are easy to maintain. Also electrical outlets are hidden in cabinetry instead of the backsplash. Gone are all the grout lines of subway tiles! Get the chic feel of luxury with the seamless design, drawing your eye throughout, without any visual interruptions.

Paneled or Hidden Kitchens – With so many open floor plans and with our recent lockdowns, paneled or hidden kitchens provide the flexibility for multipurpose living, while providing a contemporary, clean, sophisticated look. Paneled kitchen are timeless, versatile, and incredibly popular, particularly as mid-century modern is re-entering the trends in home design.

Rustic or Antique Elements – Natural wood elements provide that connection to nature and can be incorporated with a live edge countertop, antique table or shelving. This is a look that never dates itself; homes with elements of organic and rustic accents tend to stay on trend timelessly— subtle focal points make for a true classic look.

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Glass Doors or Dividers – Kitchen pantries are still the rage and metal glass doors or partitions give you the sense of intrigue and contrast. Due to the lock downs with so many working from home, we are also seeing the need for spaces to be divided instead of the open plan living. Depending on your style, you can incorporate beautiful modern pane-less glass doors, or traditional rustic ones to truly complete the space and add extra elegance.

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Are you considering a remodel on your kitchen? Or, are you in the midst of building your dream home? Contact Kathy for a consultation! In the meantime, please see some past Authentic Home kitchen projects to get inspired!

IMAGE SOURCES (In Order)

Bring in the Spring with these Home Tips

Except, of course, on the west coast, where winter is pleasant, who wouldn't adore that comforting warmth the sun offers after all those chilly days and long nights?

And as all that snow melts, allowing lovely flowers to bloom and lush vegetation to flourish, you'll want to greet spring with open arms. Don't you think it's time to dust off the cobwebs in your house and prepare it for the new season when you're allowing in the warmth of your heart and soul?

Experiment with where you put your home decor.

Why not just leave all of the furniture in one position all of the time — after all, they aren't glued to the ground or anything? So, just play about with the positioning of your couches, sofas, coffee tables, and other furniture. Simply lay some fresh flowers in a vase on the center table or in one of the house's corners to liven it up a little. This offers it an entirely new look without requiring the purchase of new furniture. So you've hit two birds with one stone: you've given your house a facelift while also saving a lot of money!

Freshen Up!

There may be some, if not a lot, of repairs to be done in your home, as things break all the time, especially if you have small children. And, given the cold weather that makes you lazy, winter may not be the best time to repair it. So, once the season is over, it's time to crawl out of your couch and finish those long-overdue repairs.

Clean all of the windows and allow the light in.

When we take on the task of cleaning our homes, we frequently overlook the windows. And if you look closely, you can see tiny stains, nose prints, or those adorable little paw prints if you have a pet.

Why leave it behind when you can put on some gloves, get some Windex, and some paper towels to clean the windows? And, since it's spring, it doesn't hurt to open them up and let some fresh air and warm sun in!

Organize Your Garage

If you have a garage, it's an unspoken fact that you just throw everything in there during the winter to avoid being out in the cold. Now that the season has passed, it's time to pick up those items and put them back where they belong. Also, get rid of any that you don't think you'll need and stock up on gardening supplies, as you'll need them more frequently than before. And don't worry about the time; you'd only need one afternoon to reinstall the garage.

Tiny Living- 4 Beautiful Cozy Homes

Shaped from recovered Wyoming snow fencing, this feasible minimalistic house is warm and hot. Structured by US firm Wheelhaus, the property offers a natural outside that encourages it mix unpretentiously into its beautiful forest setting. Worked to last, the lumber retreat offers a steel rooftop to hold inside warmth, just as trapezoidal windows that permit a lot of characteristic light to spill inside.

Image Source: https://www.airbnb.ch/rooms/4817063

Albeit just 264 square feet (one of the littlest minimalistic houses on this rundown) the Minim House configuration augments the littler space to feel like the bigger models recorded here. Also, there's a territory with a 5-foot couch with a top that uncovers additional extra room. Neighboring this is a stage that can shroud a rollaway sovereign bed underneath and house a full-size bed on the stage. Minim House likewise has an off-network alternative that can gather up to 290 gallons of water utilizing the drains on the rooftop.

Image Source: https://picsbrowse.com/15384-2/rli8cpjddh5i-264/

This enamoring house is called Halo. It was made by a gathering of understudies from Chalmers University in Sweden. It has 645-square-feet and a sunlight based board rooftop top. The "Group Sweden" understudies were sufficiently astounding to make this out of sustainable materials for a vitality productive way of life. I am certain they will have a good time when they all assemble in this roomy yet minimalistic home.

Image Source: http://web.truelife.vn/of/thanhbon/chi-can-co-mot-trai-tim/

This house shines a different light on the idea of water front living. This intriguing gliding house was planned by modeler Dymitr Malxew. The man thought of everything. He constructed his trailer on a light stage that keeps it coasting on the water. The stage likewise offers a picturesque perspective on the environmental factors and shields the house from affecting the earth.

Image Source: https://www.cnn.com/style/article/floating-underwater-villas/index.html

Places in Coeur D'Alene Worth Checking Out

Coeur d'Alene, located on the Washington border at the southern end of the Idaho Panhandle, is a picturesque community with plenty of things to do. The huge Lake Coeur d'Alene, which surrounds the downtown center to the south, is the city's most defining feature. Hiking trails, camping, fishing, and boating are just a few of the popular recreational activities near the lake, which include Tubbs Hill and Coeur D'Alene City Park.

Coeur d'Alene's culture and community also draw a large population. The lakeside downtown zone, where various local stores, restaurants, and open spaces capture the eye, is the epicenter of this people appeal. Make the most of your trip to Coeur d'Alene by checking out our list of the best things to do in Coeur d'Alene.

Something is always occurring on the streets of downtown Coeur d'Alene, including shopping, restaurants, and live entertainment. The downtown area, which is surrounded by a gorgeous waterfront area, contains over 100 retail outlets, including specialty boutiques, fine art galleries, and antique shops for unique finds.

Downtown dining is available all day, starting with breakfast venues like The Garnet Cafe and concluding with exquisite dining like Beverly's in the evening. Hudsons Hamburgers, another Coeur d'Alene landmark, has been serving hot Huddy Burgers since 1907. Any journey should include a stop at this legendary no-frills burger joint.

Coeur d'Alene City Park, located on the riverfront west of downtown, with 16 acres of beach and groomed green space, as well as an enticing playground. A cement promenade between the beach and open space is lined with trees and is perfect for afternoon strolls, providing an easy way to connect with the surrounding gorgeous environment.

Passing boats on the lake, as well as seaplanes landing on the water, provide a picturesque backdrop from the beach area.

For young children and parents alike, the historically themed and freshly rebuilt Fort Sherman Playground is a huge draw within the municipal park.

The Coeur d'Alene City Park hosts a variety of events and is a hub for local attractions and activities. Movies in the park and live music in the bandshell are two of the park's offerings. The North Idaho Centennial Trail runs right through the park, encouraging visitors to continue their journey to the university.

The Museum of North Idaho, located in Coeur d'Alene City Park and the downtown district, features multimedia displays about the region's history. Every facet of Coeur d'Alene is on display in the museum, from railroads to recreation, as well as logging history and artifacts from the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.

The permanent exhibits on the 1941 Playland Pier and the commencement of Hydroplane Races on Lake Coeur D'Alene in 1958 are very intriguing. The Scandinavian explorers who landed in the area, as well as the municipal growth of neighboring McEuen Park, are among the other aspects of Coeur d'Alene on display. A few yards to the west, the museum also manages the historic Fort Sherman Chapel.

Why Idaho Should Be Your Next Destination

Idaho has something for everyone, whether you're a hiker, camper, cyclist, birder, or whatever you want to call yourself, and I'm offering eight reasons why Idaho should be your next outdoor getaway.

Idaho is the king of whitewater, with over 3,100 miles of recreational river. Whether you're looking for a 7-day trip on the world-famous Middle Fork of the Salmon River or a day trip on the Cabarton stretch of the Payette River, Idaho has plenty of rafting options to get your adrenaline racing and, of course, sit back and enjoy the magnificent scenery on the flat parts. Outfitters are located throughout the state and can help you plan a trip that suits your degree of adventure. Whitewater parks may be found in numerous places across the state if you want to practice your paddling talents.

After a long day on the trail, there's no better way to unwind than bathing in a mineral-rich, all-natural hot spring. Idaho boasts 130 of them that are good for soaking, several of which are right off the side of the road. With a map and a little detective effort, you can find your own little hidden pool if you want to relax in peace. In any case, study up on your hot springs etiquette before you arrive, and always pack up all of your rubbish so Idaho's hot springs may remain pure.

Climbing crags and bouldering chances may be found all over Idaho, from Boise's Black Cliffs to northern Idaho's Q'emilin Park, but the City of Rocks National Reserve is possibly the most famous. The rocks here are 2.5 billion years old, making them among of the oldest in the Western United States, with part of the ancient land belonging to the Shoshone and Paiute tribes. This location will keep you on your toes whether you favor trad, crack, or sport climbing, or simply enjoy geology.

The Snake River carves its way through Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river canyon, measuring 10 miles across and up to 8,000 feet deep. If that isn't enough to impress you, Idaho also has the country's second and third deepest canyons, located in the Frank Church Wilderness, the second biggest wilderness region in the Lower 48. You can take a jet boat, trek, or float down the Snake River while immersed in some of Idaho's most challenging terrain to experience this area.

If bird photography is your thing, Idaho has plenty of opportunities. To see bald eagles, owls, and osprey, all you have to do is ride your bike on the Boise Greenbelt. Every spring, some 800 pairs of hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons migrate to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area to marry and raise the next generation of predatory birds, providing even more activity. Check out the Idaho Birding Trail for more birding options, which is a network of 175 locations that birders consider to be the most intriguing in the state.

Hikers will love the Sawtooth and Boulder White Cloud Mountains. Hundreds of turquoise alpine lakes, serrated ridge lines, and some of the best backcountry wilderness in the lower 48 may be found in these inaccessible mountains. You could spend the entire summer visiting these regions and not see everything, whether it's a leisurely stroll, a strenuous day trek, or a multi-day backpacking excursion. Keep in note that some areas do not allow campfires, and the locals respectfully request that you remember to Leave No Trace when visiting this beautiful backcountry.

There are almost 2,000 designated lakes in Idaho, so there are plenty of options for water enjoyment no matter where you are. In Northern Idaho, Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest body of water, is surrounded by beautiful green trees and is a world-class fishing destination. It boasts a huge range of catchable species, including kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, the largest bull trout ever captured at 32 pounds, and many others. Lake Cascade or Payette Lake, a 5,330-acre glacial lake with more than half protected as part of Ponderosa State Park, lies further south and an easy weekend excursion from Boise. This means there are lots of public access spots, beaches, and campsites to enjoy your summer vacation by the sea.

In the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, you may hone your night photography talents. The International Dark-Sky Association gave this location Gold Tier classification for its best stargazing opportunities, which encompass over 1,400 square miles and significant portions of public lands. So take your tripod or just hang your hammock between a couple of lodgepole pines and watch the Milky Way sweep over the huge Idaho sky.

Bring the Holidays into your Home

How to Elevate Your Holiday Decor Game!

Add Bows to Everything - Dollar stores and discount stores sell inexpensive bows. Tie ribbons generously to chair backs, candlesticks, plant picks, and wreaths. Ribbons can also be tied to garlands, basket handles, drapery tie-backs, stair railings, and doorknobs. Bows are a simple and festive decoration, and the ribbon colors and patterns you choose should complement the rest of your decor.

You don't have to stick to red and green when it comes to colors. Choose plaids or florals that complement the holiday theme. If you can't find anything that looks quite right, metallic silver or gold are options.

It's also critical to select a ribbon that you can untie and re-tie each time.

Put Music On - Turn on a CD or the radio and listen to Christmas music whenever you're at home. Tie some sleigh bells to the front door for an extra jingle jangle, and listen to the cheerful welcome every time the door opens. If you have children, wake them up with jingling bells or a cheerful "ho, ho, ho" in the mornings leading up to Christmas.

Check the schedules ahead of time to ensure you don't miss any Christmas specials on television. Make time for your family to watch TV together, invite a friend over, or cuddle with your pet. Start a Christmas theme collection with classics like A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, Scrooge, or The Santa Clause.

Create Happy Memories - Set aside a time during the day when the entire family will be present to open the doors of an advent calendar. Make it a habit to light the Christmas tree every evening, and make holiday cards with friends and family. Take a family photo together, address the cards, and get crafty to add a personal touch.

You can offer to bring a small decorated tree or do a simple activity together, such as baking Christmas cookies, to friends and family who need extra assistance. You'll find that by keeping things simple, you'll be able to enjoy the season, lights, and traditions together.

Hang Stockings - When it comes to indoor Christmas décor ideas with home accents, stockings on the mantle aren't the only thing to consider. There are so many festive textiles that make holiday decorating a breeze! We love bringing Christmas spirit into our home with fabric home accents, from cute tea towels in the guest bath to cozy throw pillows on the sofa to a tree skirt personalized with your family name. Stitched-with-love holiday sayings are an inspired indoor Christmas décor idea.

Set the Table - Christmas is the time of year when friends and family gather around the table, and breaking bread is the ideal setting for indoor Christmas décor. Set your table with holiday-themed mugs, plates, and pitchers, and every meal will become a seasonal celebration. You'll feel a twinkle of Christmas joy with every bite, whether you're sipping your morning coffee from a reindeer mug, grabbing a midday snack on a cute cardinal plate, or serving a grand dinner with festive platters and pitchers.

Clean, clean and clean some more! - If you get rid of all the old stuff collected from summer, not only will your home feel more spacious and organized. The holidays sure are a lot less pressure-filled when you have a calm home to relax in.

This Year's Holiday Decor Trends

Farmhouse Neutrals - Whether it's farmhouse whites or mid-century modern blacks and greys, neutral decor isn't going away this year, which means neutral Christmas decorations are in. Searches for farmhouse Christmas ideas have increased 400% in the last five years, according to Google Trends. The best Christmas decorations are those that complement your existing color scheme. If red and green aren't your usual year-round colors, white, black, navy, natural wood tones, and other neutrals can all look just as festive as more traditional Christmas colors.

Nostalgic Decor - Living through a global pandemic has taught us to appreciate the little things in life, so we're fully embracing nostalgic trends, such as the iconic ceramic Christmas trees that have made a major comeback in recent years. We aren't the only ones scouring Grandma's attic for vintage holiday decorations, according to Instagram: There are over 13,000 posts with the hashtag #CeramicChristmasTree, and people are already sharing their finds for this year.

Decked Out Front Doors - Pinterest predicts that door decor will be especially popular this holiday season. "Pinners are decorating their front doors to express holiday cheer while staying in, with searches for 'Christmas door decorations' increasing 125 percent," says Swasti Sarna, Pinterest's insights manager. Even if you're spending more time at home, decorating the front door is a simple way to spread holiday cheer to the rest of your neighborhood.

Metals - This amusing element is ideal for adding to your holiday cheer. Consider oversized jingle bells, tabletop ornaments, and tin ornaments. Don't have the guts to add some large-scale pieces to your tree? Consider a mixed metal theme with an emphasis on golds, silvers, and platinum.

Gingerbread - When it comes to Christmas, gingerbread men and houses are a classic, but this year will see a resurgence of playful pastels and fun colors — a new twist on an old favorite. Consider cupcakes, ice cream cones, marshmallows, and other delectable treats that will add a sweet touch to your Christmas decorations.

Nutcracker - This is one of our favorite new Christmas decorating trends for 2020! The nutcracker theme takes on a whimsical elegance with the addition of fun colors such as red, green, gold, and navy. Consider incorporating nutcrackers into the body of your tree or a festive plaid or nutcracker ribbon. This look is bound to conjure up images of sugar plum fairies and glitzy Christmas parties.

Easy Ways to Update your Exterior

Paint the Front Door - First impressions are made at the front door, so a completely different color will mean a lot. “I've had aesthetically bland listings, and simply painting the front doors in bright colors made the homes more interesting and inviting,” says Jean Rosalia of Keller Williams Realty. A new coat of paint on the front door will help to improve the exterior, but while you're at it, update the trim, shutters, porch rails, and patio as well.  Not only will it improve your curb appeal, but it will also protect your investment.

Add A Bench - Benches come in a variety of styles and price points, so you're sure to find one that complements the style and colors of your home.

Light Up the Landscape - You work hard in the garden, so why not recognize your efforts? Solar-powered lighting is inexpensive and simple to install—just place them in your garden beds and let them soak up the sun to illuminate your plants at night.

Upgrade Your Doormat - This simple outdoor accessory combines function and fashion, so if yours has seen better days, replace it. Look for a long-lasting model that will keep dirt outside, withstand the elements, and create an appealing welcome for both family members and visitors. Alternatively, you can personalize a plain bristly doormat.

How To Bring Autumn into your Home

Love the Fall? So do we! Here are the easiest ways to bring the crisp Autumn feels into your interior this year!

Wreaths - Wreaths can be used as wall or door decor all year long as long as they are seasonally appropriate. Branches, leaves, and metallics are all autumnal elements that make for lovely fall wreaths.

Hang A Garland - Garlands, like wreaths, can be used for decoration all year long as long as they reflect the current season. Pine cones, wood beads, twine, and dried leaves are simple to combine to make a textured fall garland.

Include Cozy Textiles - As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, curling up on the couch with pillows and blankets is one of the best ways to spend an evening. Including these elements not only makes your home feel more fall-ready, but they will also warm up and soften your interior.

Burn Some Candles - One of the simplest ways to get into the fall spirit is with candles. Candles, scented or unscented, simple or artistic candle holders, no matter how you incorporate them into your home, cozy up your spaces and welcome the crisp new season.

Use potpourri for a natural scent - An autumn potpourri will completely transform your home, and there are numerous recipes available for making your own. When placed in a bowl, potpourri makes an excellent centrepiece or ornament and, with its aroma, creates a homely atmosphere. You can always buy some if you don't want to make one.

Decorating with Warm and Cool Colors

Periwinkle Cool - Purple is a cool color, but a lighter shade creates a cozy atmosphere in this plant-filled living room.

Earth Tones - Pops of color aren't required to indicate whether a room is warm or cool. Subtle earth tones of brass, taupe, and cognac brown create a warm space devoid of red or orange.

Bring the Blues - Bright blues combined with neutral whites are calming, focusing, and soothing, making them ideal paint colors.

Fade The Line - To use warm and cool colors effectively throughout your home, consider the flow of your room and overall space. When choosing paint colors, consider the influences of adjacent rooms as well as the attributes and shortcomings of each individual space, such as light sources and size constraints. Highlight features like built-in bookcases by combining appealing color contrasts like the warmth of vanilla woodwork set against the cooling effect of adjacent navy-colored walls. Keep in mind that each new color changes the color dynamics of the space. A room that embraces the entire color spectrum is visually appealing and supports both warm and cool tones.

Using Brown - Brown has a natural feel to it, and in the world of design, this can be enough to make a space feel warm and inviting. It is not a single color, but rather a blend of black, yellow, red, orange, green, and even purple.

As a result, brown is considered a neutral color that conjures up images of pleasant things (chocolate, coffee, etc.) and nature. Psychologically, brown is a relaxing color that makes us feel safe and secure, which is why it is commonly used in the home.

Warmer brown solutions are used because of their welcoming nature, similar to polished, beautiful parquet that will reveal your welcoming spirit and excellent taste. Unpolished wood or similar textures are acceptable.

Balancing - You should not limit yourself to just one type of color, either warm or cool. To improve visual balance in cozy and homey spaces where warm colors predominate, at least one cool shade should be present.

The same is true in the inverse situation, for both balances and contrasts.

Consider the overall flow of your space when applying both warm and cool colors. Estimate the impact of adjoining rooms, their specific shortcomings and characteristics, access to light, and size constraints.

Make the experience more enjoyable by using appealing contrasts, such as a warm vanilla wooden shelf against a navy-painted wall.

Color Psychology - Color psychology may appear complicated now, but it is one of the things that people remember most fondly from the days when they decorated their homes. The same is true for the basic distinction between warm and cool colors, as well as the hybrid results that can be obtained when they are mixed.

Understanding the fundamental principles of color psychology is critical for creating a space that evokes the emotions we want to experience while spending time there.

Fall is Back! Let's Get Your Interior Fall-Ready

Some decorators have deemed brown everything in a living environment to be gloomy and out of date in recent years. However, the color is back in style for fall, thanks in part to the world's unstable, nervous mood.

It's only one of the decor trends this season, when the epidemic has made the home an ever more important area for living, working, studying, and other activities.

Make Your Dining Room Table Cozy

The simple addition of blankets, pillows, and a cushioned bench will entice everyone to stay at the dining table long after the meal has been devoured.

Include a Plaid Blanket

A patchwork blanket in red, orange, and gold tones will instantly give warmth to your bedroom.

Wreaths for Windows

A festive wreath can be used to decorate doors, windows, an empty nook, or a plain wall. Pieces with apples, corn cobs, or autumnal flowers will bring some seasonal vitality into your home.

Deck the Front Door

A "Happy Fall" wreath made of wood slices and twigs transforms your front door into a lovely fall welcome.

Switch Out Pillows

You can quickly transform the feeling of a room by trading out pillows. Opt for plaids and strips with deep hues to add a more autumnal vibe.

Coastal Interiors

Regardless of whether you’re in a waterfront apartment suite on one of Sarasota's sea shores or a Pacific Northwest waterfront home in Bellevue, there a many ways to get a beautiful coastal look. To make a Modern Coastal Interior, the small details are genuinely most important, however it begins with the bones of the space.

KITCHEN AND BATHROOM COUNTERS

A major key element in choosing counter tops for a coastal look is to keep your palette bright and airy. Quartz counters, white cabinets, and cool tones are essential to getting the look! Coastal design is timeless, and you will enjoy this style for many years without having to make any major updates.

There's nothing very like a loosening up week at the shore — yet you don't need to live on the sea shore to bring beach front plan style into your home. By consolidating waterfront components into your home or loft, similar to pastel hues and nautical stylistic layout, you can catch that beachy feeling all year 'without agonizing over burn from the sun). Peruse on to find out about the components of beach front style, get tips on picking waterfront roused furniture, and discover where to get considerably more inspiration!

Components of Coastal Decorating Style Like any inside structure style, the beach front style is recognized by a couple of stand-apart components. In any case, which beach front style would you say you are discussing?

To begin with, there's the Mediterranean style. Described by striking hues, a lot of earthenware stoneware, and the liberal utilization of wood complements, this style brings to mind the ageless, sun-doused sea shores of Greece.

Focusing on to a greater extent a Martha's Vineyard or Cape Cod feel? Attempt the American waterfront style. Components of this style, which is additionally alluded to as "Bungalow Coastal," incorporate nautical stylistic layout like shells and mesh, breezy materials like wicker and rattan, and delicate, pastel tints like sky blue or lilac.

To wrap things up, travel to the tropics with Tropical Coastal stylistic theme. Basic highlights of this plan style incorporate fun, merry examples, dynamic shades like yellow and lime, and tiki-themed stylistic layout.

Image Source: The Spruce

French Gardens

Our never-ending desire to master that easy, cool Parisian-girl look, our Pinterest boards loaded with ornate molding and gorgeous gilded interiors, and our love for regal, manicured gardens are all inspired by the French. Anyone who has taken a stroll around Paris or seen photographs of the gardens at Versailles knows that the French take their landscaping very seriously.

Italian formality was taken to the next level by designers in this nation, who planted and pruned it into a tightly regulated yet florid (almost flouncy) appearance. Imagine strolling beneath a coiffed horse-chestnut allée at Paris's Tuileries, ruler-straight rows of fragrant lavender in Provence, or curlicues of emerald green grass at Versailles.

Capture the graphic effect of a parterre on a footpath by laying down paving stones in a symmetrical pattern and planting thyme between them, or edge your driveway with cherry trees for a gracious allée. A simpler (but just as chic) idea: a topiary potted in a traditional square planter. During André Le Nôtre's time, these ultra-durable vessels, known as Versailles boxes, held orange trees. They were constructed out of metal and wood and had doors, so gardeners could easily remove tender trees growing in metal liners and transfer them to greenhouses for the winter.

4 Beautiful Foyers

Your foyer is the first room in your home that makes an impression to guests that visit. It's the best way to express your style, sophistication, and welcome your guests into your space. Many people forget to put thought into their foyer design, but studies have shown that a good first impression sets the tone for your guests right off the bat. On that note, here are some gorgeous foyer designs to get inspired by!

Classic Elegance

There is nothing more chic that wainscoting painted in complementary colors. This beautiful space screams elegance.

Grand Entrance

If your foyer faces a beautiful staircase, adding a pop of red with a rich floor covering would definitely make you feel like you're in your castle.

Contemporary Meets Traditional

At Authentic Home, there is no style we like better than that of a transitional one. Blending rich surfaces with modern clean lines is as classic as it gets.

Pastels & Tradition

We're big fans of pastel hues at AH. This gorgeous classic entryway is both soothing and welcoming, while maintaining its elegance.