An outdoor oasis for your summer at home

Hello and happy (almost-official) summer! After being cooped up in our house for what felt like ages, we are spending as much time outside as possible and loving every minute of soaking up the sunshine! I don’t know about you but the gorgeous weather we’ve been having is definitely giving me a more positive outlook on things, even though our summer plans this year look a little different than usual. Parks, beaches, and restaurants are starting to slowly open up again but the reality is that many of us are still spending a whole lot of time at home—and naturally, we want to take advantage of our outdoor spaces!

Recently, a client came to me because she wanted to get her deck in shape for summer. It’s a fabulous area for relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors, but space is limited and she wanted a design that would take advantage of every inch so she and her husband can entertain guests and host casual bbq dinners al fresco! As the “before” photos indicate, the current layout doesn’t lend itself to effortless hosting and needed some rearranging.

In the new layout, I moved the grill closer to the door for ease of moving in and out of the house with food and added a console table directly across for serving. The righthand section of the deck is reserved for the seating, including a bistro table and chairs, rocker, and bench. All of the furniture I selected is small and lightweight so that it is easy to shift around depending on whether my client is having company, doing work at the table, or relaxing on the bench with a glass of wine! We also decided to spruce up the deck with a new dark wood stain and paint the railings a nice clean white. A rug adds extra color and coziness, and the one I chose is reversible for an easy way to switch things up.

After the major elements were nailed down, it was time for the icing on the cake—accessories! Because they are set apart from the rest of your home and its color scheme, outdoor spaces are the perfect place to be daring with bold colors and patterns. I mean, how gorgeous are these plates? Maybe they wouldn’t work as your everyday dinnerware, but they hit all the right notes for a fun summer gathering! The whimsical doormat and mismatched pillows add to the cool, bohemian effect. I love to include lots of green in the outdoor spaces I design, so in addition to two planters I added the herb planter that—bonus!—attaches to the house, thereby saving additional space. Finally, these beautiful lanterns will add a nice ambiance when the sun goes down.

I can’t wait to see how it all comes together, and hope my client spends many, many hours relaxing, laughing, and toasting good friends on her deck this summer. Have I inspired you to spruce up your own outdoor space for summer? I’d love to see photos! And, as always, I’m happy to help or answer any questions you have—get in touch at carolyn@blissfulinteriordesign.com. Stay safe this summer!

~Carolyn & Team Bliss

Control the chaos and kick toy clutter to the curb

Greetings! Can you believe it’s actually May? (Or is it? I must admit I’ve lost all sense of time and I imagine that some of you have, too!) As we close out Week 8 of social distancing and stay-at-home measures, I’m feeling a bit stir crazy. Anyone with me? No matter how much you love your home, it is hard being there all day, every day with very limited ventures out into the world! And, when your home isn’t looking its best, it can make it that much more difficult. One complaint I keep hearing from my friends with young children is that the constant mess that inevitably comes from being at home all the time can be draining, frustrating, and disheartening. And no wonder! We know that clean, uncluttered spaces are soothing and relax the mind, so of course chaotic spaces have the opposite effect on our psyches. Right now, we all need any bit of peacefulness we can get and while I can’t help you sweep the glitter off the floor or vacuum up the crumbs between your couch cushions, I can give you some tips for getting toy clutter under control.

With all of our newfound time at home trying to fend off boredom, my boys have been doing a deep dive into their toys and digging out things they haven’t touched for months! I can’t complain too much when they manage to play together and give me a few minutes to drink my coffee or answer an email, but the struggle to keep their messes contained is oh-so real. Of course any home with children is going to have some degree of untidiness a good chunk of the time, but I also feel strongly that toys should not be taking over your home just because some little people happen to live there!

If you too have been living with annoying toy clutter, I am here to promise you it doesn’t have to be that way! There are plenty of gorgeous products—ones you’ll actually love having as part of your decor rather than merely tolerating their presence—that can help get the problem under control. Below, some of my picks and suggestions for how to incorporate them into your life.

Baskets are the easiest way to create storage space wherever toys regularly end up strewn across the floor (so…every room in the house, right?)! There are endless options in all sorts of sizes, materials, and colors so go ahead and find some that speak to your style and integrate seamlessly into your design scheme. If you’re overwhelmed by the options, try this simple but chic coordinating set. It comes in several neutral colors that will go with pretty much any room decor and you even have the option to add cute embroidered liners for a foolproof organization system.

Rutherford Storage Collection and Bordered Cotton Liners, available at RH Baby & Child, $15-$169

If you’re looking for something a little bit more unique, check out these gorgeous leather storage baskets from The Citizenry. So chic, and so easy to toss wayward toys in at the end of a busy day!

Azad Tall Leather Storage Bins available at The Citizenry, $225-$245

If you’re in need of something a bit more whimsical for a child’s bedroom or playroom, Pehr has an entire line of different size storage bins and baskets featuring playful pom poms and adorable themed prints.

Pehr Pom Pom Hamper in Blush, $82 at Maisonette

If you are ready to commit to a larger, more permanent piece of furniture, this handsome storage bench will blend into your living area decor seamlessly, and no one will guess that it’s hiding stuffed animals, random puzzle pieces, and matchbox cars!

Classic Nailhead Storage Bench available at RH Baby & Child, $579 - $909

The same idea goes for this lovely little ottoman, which would be perfect for quickly tucking away small items you can’t stand to look at anymore.

Elrosa 15” Velvet Round Storage Ottoman, available at AllModern, $59

If you’ve picked up some baskets or furniture with storage inside and have managed to control the toy chaos happening in your home, congratulations! You’ve passed my Toy Storage 101 course and are ready to graduate to the next level. If you’re feeling motivated and are truly ready to get organized, it’s time to invest in some specialty storage bins. I strongly believe in having a designated place for every item, and these are the best way to accomplish this. You can even really go the distance and include a photo label on each bin indicating its contents—blocks, cars, magnet tiles, trains, etc.—so that even the littlest monsters can help put toys away in the correct place!

These wooden bins are great because they can either be stacked to create the look of a larger unit with dividers or mixed and matched with other baskets and containers as shown in the photos.

Stackable Wooden Storage Bins available at Target, $16-$20 each

A piece like this one is also great for organizing toys—especially ones with lots of small pieces! I love that it gives you the freedom to quickly pull out a bin to bring to another room, play with the pieces there, then clean them up and put the bin back in its spot on the shelf.

9-Cube Organizer Shelf available at Target, $45

Don’t forget about bins and baskets to fit in the cube! There are tons of options in all kinds of colors and patterns. Feel free to experiment with mixing and matching different textures and for a more sophisticated look. (Just don’t forget to check measurements before purchasing to ensure they will fit into the cubbies!)

Pillowfort Polka Dot Toy Storage Bin available at Target, $10

And there you have it! I hope these tips can help kick your toy clutter to the curb so that your home feels like a refuge rather than a prison during this crazy, stressful time. Remember, though, that even the most organized homes gets cluttered when small children are around, so please be kind to yourself. Sometimes things get out of control despite our best efforts and we have to simply smile and embrace it! I hope you and your families are well and look forward to when we can all be together out in the world again.

~Carolyn & Team Bliss

My challenge to you

My goodness. It has been quite a chaotic few weeks, hasn’t it? I hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy as we adjust to the massive effects that COVID-19 is having on our lives at the moment. Whether you’re working from home, suddenly attempting to homeschool your children, or simply trying to figure out how to navigate this new normal, there is no question that this is a stressful, uncertain, and often scary time. One common thread for all of us is that in complying with social distancing guidelines, we are spending a whole lot more time in our own homes. And, no matter how much you love your space, being confined to it for so many hours of the day can feel stifling.

When the sudden quarantine measures came into effect, like so many others I found myself trying to balance my business with the needs of my kids, the youngest of whom had just come down with strep throat and was absolutely miserable. As stressed as I was (and still am!), I am finding ways to cope and I hope you are as well. In the interest of self-care and maintaining your own sanity while the world feels like it is spinning out of control, I strongly recommend setting up a calming space in your home where you can set aside your work, take a break from your kids, and just simply be. It might be an entire room in your house or it might just be a small corner of your apartment—as long as you feel peaceful and happy there, the size doesn’t matter.

If you already have such a space in your home, I encourage you to use it! Wake up early, before the kids, to enjoy your favorite hot beverage and set your intentions for the day, or relax in the evening with a good novel and a glass of wine. Whether you spend five minutes or five hours in your space, it can go a long way towards improving your mood and outlook. If you don’t have a space but would like to create one, start by shopping your own home! This doesn’t have to be a permanent set up. Just play and see what you can come up with! In the first photo above, I pulled the chair from my living room to create a temporary space in my bedroom. I was then able to quickly grab some accessories from around the house to enhance it even more. If you’re not finding what you need in your home, consider supporting a local business! Here in Melrose, Buckalew’s General Store is open for both delivery and curbside pick-up if you could use some delightful candles, adorable decor items, gourmet snacks, or wine!

When you’ve settled on seating and begin pulling together the other components of your space, keep in mind that the ideal in-home refuge should satisfy all the senses—a velvety blanket, scent of an amazing candle, soothing music, soft lighting, and taste of your favorite tea or treat can come together to create a comforting and peaceful experience. Here, a few suggestions for building your own little oasis.

A favorite chair is absolutely key! Go for one that is both comfortable enough to curl up in and also beautiful to look at.

The Heidi Chair, $2,898 at Caitlin Wilson Design

I love adding fresh flowers or a beautiful plant to keep things green.

White Orchid, $95 at The Sill

The ancient Incans burned palo santo (“holy wood”) to cleanse spaces and combat negative energy—the perfect addition to your personal sanctuary!

Copper Palo Santo Set, $65 at The Citizenry

Your coziest throw is essential for feeling like you’re being wrapped in a nice warm hug. I can personally testify that this one is heavenly!

Bubble Cable Knit Throw, $180 at Comphy

Set the stage for a peaceful experience with the right lighting.

Pillowfort Turned Table Lamp with Touch Control, $35 at Target

Lighting a candle in an amazing scent always works wonders for my mood!

Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Jar Candle, $34 at Anthropologie

If you’re going to have your morning beverage of choice, you might as well do it in a cheery mug that brings a smile to your face every time you use it.

Rifle Paper Co. Garden Party Monogram Mug, $14 at Anthropologie

I’m a coffee addict through and through, but there’s also something about a warm cup of tea that feels so soothing.

Harney & Sons Fine Teas Variety Pack, $25 at Amazon

I don’t think this one needs any explanation! Was there ever a better time to treat yourself? This brand makes the most delicious vegan chocolate bars in a variety of flavors to suit all tastes.

Hu’s Cashew Butter + Raspberry Dark Chocolate Bar, $25 for pack of 4 at Amazon

If you’re looking for additional inspiration, last year I was interviewed for an article on hygge—the Danish cultural way of life that comprises contentment, coziness and warmth—in Exhale Lifestyle magazine, and it has some insight you might find helpful! And so, my challenge to you is to take care of yourself during these tough times and take this simple but crucial step for your mental health. I would love to see your photos, so please email me or tag me (@blissful_interiors) on Instagram! Sending lots of love to all of you, and looking forward to connecting soon.

~Carolyn & Team Bliss

An Ode to Blush Pink

Valentine’s Day is nearly here and therefore the perfect time for me to rave about one of my absolute favorite colors to use in home design—blush pink! (Or, as it has been dubbed in more recent years, “Millennial Pink.”) Yes, call me a basic millennial if you must, but there actually is science behind how colors make us feel, and any Google search for the term will yield article after article about how the hue represents childhood nostalgia, is pleasant to look at, and has a calming effect. Isn’t that everything you could possibly want for your home decor?

One of the reasons I love it so much is that it basically acts as a neutral and works with so many different design schemes while adding some interest and a touch of whimsy. Popular paint colors in varying tones of navy, gray, taupe, and white all look equally fabulous with a pop of blush pink! Here, I used it to complement my client’s dining room which mainly consisted of shades of deep brown, tan, and cream. 

Doesn’t it look elegant? If you’re excited to dip your toe into the world of blush pink, your dining room table is a fantastic place to start since you can test the waters with small touches like napkins, runners, flowers, or candles that won’t have to be permanent fixtures in your decor scheme. Below, see an example of how I used blush pink as the dominant hue of a client’s Easter tablescape.

The kitchen is another great place to test-drive incorporating blush pink into your life! These canisters add visual interest and a bit of fun personality to the space.

The same goes for this absolutely adorable teapot! Also keep in mind that many cook and bakeware brands are now producing beloved products in the popular shade, so if you’re in the market for a Le Creuset or KitchenAid Mixer, consider snagging one in a color that’s sure to make you smile every time you use it!

If you’re already on board with me and ready to dive headfirst into the trend, consider how this blush pink chair and matching bolster add a new dimension to a room of creams and golds!

And, of course, blush pink (and its aforementioned calming properties!) will be right at home in any bedroom. Check out how I used it in a toddler’s bedroom to make it feel feminine without being over-the-top girly.

Now that I’ve gotten you all jazzed up about my favorite color, are you ready to live your best blush pink life? Behold, a collection of my favorite products available to buy online right now! There is something for everyone, whether you’ve already fallen in love (hello, leather dining chairs!) or aren’t quite ready to commit (stemless monogrammed wine glasses, anyone?)

Click through to shop and don’t forget to tell me what you bought! Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

Design inspiration for a kid's bedroom both you and your child will love!

As an interior designer, I get so much satisfaction out of seeing any of my visions come to life in a finished space. It is a magical feeling that never gets old! I often get asked if I specialize in a specific type of room or space or if I have a favorite. The short answer is no….but I do have to admit that I really, REALLY enjoy designing bedrooms for children!

I think that part of the reason I love them so much is that they give me a chance to indulge my whimsical side and choose fun pieces that might not work in any other rooms in the home!

However, I strongly believe that children’s rooms can be fun and playful without being babyish, and still incorporate beautiful design that fits in with the look and feel of the rest of the home.

I should mention that this same concept can be applied to playrooms as well! I absolutely adore this tree bookshelf, but I think we can agree that it probably wouldn’t make sense in any other room besides one meant for children! It adds a magical element to the room that showcases amazing design for everyone in the family to appreciate and enjoy.

I had the best time on this recent project, designing a “big girl” room for a toddler who was ready to move out of her nursery. It was important to me to make sure that the room could grow along with her and not need a redesign in a few years!

One of my favorite elements of the room is this custom shelving that my client and I worked with a contractor to design and build. They are a great space-saver with lots of storage, and also the perfect place to showcase charming accents like this unicorn bank and gazelle planter.

Some of my other favorite features of this room are the gorgeous crystal flushmount light fixture, floral accents in different textures, and collection of silhouettes of the room’s little inhabitant! I often create these silhouettes to give as gifts to friends and family, and I thought that capturing this sweet little girl at this stage of her life would be an adorable addition to the room.

This is the mood board for another child’s room I’ve been working on. The client needed my help because she had decided on an outer space theme for her toddler son’s room and had purchased a few items she liked but didn’t know how to pull it together. I chose this incredible star and tree wallpaper for an accent wall to go with the dark blue paint that was already in the room, and with some adorable space-themed art, twinkling moon light, and the cutest bedding ever the room is coming together beautifully. It is a great example of how you can incorporate your child’s personality and interests in a bedroom but still keep the overall effect elegant rather than babyish. I can’t wait to share photos of the finished room!

If you’re looking to redecorate or refresh your own little one’s bedroom, I would be delighted to help you create a space with as much sparkle and personality as your child! Whether you have a vision or don’t know where to start, together we will construct the perfect room that will continue to bring you joy as your child grows.

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! I love the excitement and possibility that a brand new year brings, and I’m looking forward to sharing more of my projects and decorating tips with you throughout 2020!