Small changes, big impact

So here we are in February and even though winter doesn’t seem to want to loosen its icy grip, Team Bliss is setting its sights on spring! Last month we talked all about home renovations but maybe something major isn’t in the cards for you at the moment. Does that mean you need to spend the foreseeable future staring at the same space day after day? Absolutely not! Restyling some of the surfaces in your home is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to change things up with very little commitment.

Coffee or entryway tables, mantels, kitchen islands, ottomans…these are all prime spaces on which you can focus your efforts! Because any change you make won’t be permanent, this is most definitely the time to experiment and have fun with trends or colors you’ve been wanting to try.

If you’re styling a larger surface, you’ll need to decide if you prefer a symmetrical appearance or a less structured effect. After putting away her holiday decorations this year, Katie wanted a fresh look for her mantel and we decided to go for an eclectic style tied together with gold accents

We selected pieces with varying heights to create interest and made sure to incorporate diverse textures. Soft feathered plume reed, a vase with intricate carvings, and a beaded gold frame come together to create a richly layered appearance. If we’ve got you motivated to update some of your own surfaces, read on for our pro tips!

Pro Tip #1: First and foremost, keep in mind that a green is always a good idea! Any space can quickly be upgraded with a splash of green—real OR faux! If you’re not confident in your ability to keep real plants alive (no judgment!), you could invest in a high-quality silk option or keep it budget-friendly with beautiful dried bunches (We love the selection at Afloral!) An important thing to keep in mind when styling surfaces: always measure your space and note the dimensions of anything purchased online! It is easy to overlook but if you aren’t careful you’ll end up with a vessel that hangs over the edge of a mantel or a tray that’s too large for your tiny end table!

Pro Tip #2: Your surfaces are the perfect place to take a chance and let your personality shine! Why not incorporate a favorite accent color that might be a bit much for for, say, a wall color or furniture upholstery? Bring on the bold fuchsias, vibrant yellows, and brilliant blues!

Pro Tip #3: Surfaces are also a wonderful place to incorporate meaningful objects like family heirlooms or pieces collected during travels. Don’t have anything that fits the bill? Go shopping for cute, quirky items that catch your eye. (We simply couldn’t resist the adorable sulky bird that reminds us perhaps a bit too much of our own moody toddlers!) These pieces don’t have to be expensive to make an impact….World Market, Target, and At Home have plenty of fun options!

Pro Tip #4: Don’t forget to add in art that makes you smile! Team Bliss has been enchanted by the adorable miniature oil paintings all over Etsy, and it is there that we stumbled upon a wonderful local artist, Tisha Marks. Katie selected one of Tisha’s pieces for her mantel, and we used another—a seascape of a beach in Cape Cod—for the living area of a client whose family often vacations there. With so many artists and styles to browse, you’re certain to find something that speaks to you.

We hope these tips inspire you to restyle some of your own surfaces and give your home a fresh look for the coming season! Don’t forget that we absolutely love hearing from you and seeing how you use our tips to bring a little bliss into your own homes. Hang in there, everyone—spring is surely on its way!

~Team Bliss

Icing on the Cake: Let's talk accessories!

Sometimes it’s all about the little things, isn’t it? Of course a home needs the basics—a comfortable sofa, paint colors that sooth, the right lighting—but it’s the accessories that have the power to bring a room together and add that wow factor. Whether it’s an heirloom that has been in your family for years, a piece you picked up on your travels that brings back fond memories, or just something interesting that caught your eye on a recent Target run, accessories tell the stories of our families and bring out the personalities of our homes.

Recently I had so much fun helping a client accessorize her husband’s new home office. Like many of us, he started working from home in the spring when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and needed a permanent space that would look professional for his many daily Zoom meetings and interviews.

The space my clients chose for the office actually used to be a nursery! Their children had moved into “big kid” rooms and the space had built-in shelves already, making it ideal for a home office. After selecting a paint color to replace the baby-friendly wallpaper and moving in a desk and drawers the family already owned, it was time to focus on the fun part—accessorizing, of course!

The first step was selecting a large piece of art to hang on the barn board shiplap wall. We knew we wanted something with bold colors and this lovely piece fit the bill perfectly. We had it framed in gold with the intention of bringing in gold-toned accessories to display on the shelving.

Then, we went crazy shopping for office-friendly accessories that could stand out on the shelves and create a professional but fun Zoom background! Some greenery was a must, and I have been obsessed with the cute and affordable plants from The Sill. A miniature globe, clock, and various frames, vases, and other accents helped pull in the rich tones in the art.

The best part? I never even set foot in the client’s home for this project! Isn’t modern technology great?!? The client sent me photos of the space, and we communicated about the items over the phone and via email. When all the items had been delivered, we set up a FaceTime call so I could direct her where each piece should be placed on the shelves. Even though accessorizing.a room can seem daunting—the options are truly endless!—it’s actually really fun! And although choosing accents for a kitchen is different than doing so for a living room or a bedroom, there are still a few basic rules I like to follow for all of the spaces I style: .

1. Add some interest

This is the place to really let your personality shine through! Don’t shy away from the quirky, fun pieces that will set your space apart. If you see something unique that strikes your fancy, just go for it! Remember, if you get bored of something, accents are far easier and cheaper to swap out than, say, a sofa or window treatments.

Seal Bookends, $38 at Anthropologie

2. Shop one-of-a-kind

This is the perfect opportunity to add gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pieces to your home without breaking the bank. Etsy is full of hidden treasures from talented artists in every medium and style.

Crushed Speckled Ceramic Pitcher, $70 on Etsy

3. Go green

Plants are a must! If you aren’t feeling confident in your ability to keep a green friend alive, there are plenty of beautiful faux options out there too.

Aloe Plant in Terrazzo Pot, $54 at Terrain

4. Mix it up

Mix textures and materials in your design scheme to achieve an elegant, upscale vibe.

Marble & Wood Geometric Objects, $40 - $50 at West Elm

5. Get lit

Cute miniature lamps do double duty by adding a soft glow to a space while also serving as stylish accent pieces.

Joelle Mini Lamp, $262 at Regina Andrew

I hope these tips inspire you to accessorize your own spaces with confidence and flair! But, if you’re still feeling unsure and want that designer touch, you might want to check out my latest offering, a flat-rate design package (done completely virtually) focusing on accessories.

The package can be purchased on my website by clicking here, and don’t forget that I also offer gift cards (for all of you last-minute holiday gift-givers out there). Give the gift of great design to yourself or someone you love!

I wish all of you a wonderful and magical holiday season filled with joy, love, and laughter. I can’t wait to see what 2021 brings!

~Carolyn & Team Bliss

Treat yourself to a deliciously spooky Halloween

Even though this year has felt a whole lot more like a trick than a treat, there’s something about Halloween that makes me feel like a kid again! I always delight in helping my boys put together their costumes and getting my home ready to welcome trick-or-treaters. The holiday hoopla is definitely going to look a bit different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still revel in the fun of this devilish day! You know by now that I love a festive tablescape, so why not bring the focus inside this year with a slightly creepy and totally stylish setting for Halloween dinner?

I put together this Halloween decor for a client in another—more normal—year, but in 2020 I’m really feeling a dark, moody vibe (to match our collective frame of mind, perhaps?!?) and am going with a dramatic black and gold scheme. If you need a refresher on fashioning your own tablescape, check out this past blog post first, then read on for a roundup of some of my picks for an elegant—and just macabre enough—Halloween table.

This runner sets a creepy tone with delicate lace that, upon closer look, reveals an intricate cobweb design.

Lace Web Table Runner, $10 at Target

This garland echos the eerie look of autumn’s bare trees that we have all come to associate with Halloween.

LED Light Willow Garland, $27 at Illuminated Garden

These candelabras add height and visual interest to the table (and are giving me some major haunted mansion vibes)!

Black Metal Taper Candelabras, $25 - $30 at World Market

Add in some hurricanes that are spooky enough for Halloween but neutral enough to be used year-round.

Brayton Metal Hurricanes, $13 - $40 at Crate & Barrel

How cute are these little guys? They put a smile on my face, which is reason enough to include them!

Handmand Ceramic Ghost Tea Light Holder, $53 on Etsy

A pumpkin, but make it fashion! I’m swooning over this black and gold version of the veritable symbol of Halloween.

Painted Gold Nailhead Decorative Pumpkin, $9 at Target

I can’t get enough of these guys! Who doesn’t need some skeletons doing yoga in their lives?!? Yeah, that’s what I thought!

Set of 3 Antique Gold Yoga Skeletons, $24 at World Market

Halloween dinner calls for dramatic dinner plates in glossy black with a gothic feel.

Set of 4 Midnight Dinner Plates, $30 at Grandin Road

The plates pair nicely with these slightly creepy (yet somehow…chic?) napkins!

Set of 4 Skellie Toile Napkins, $40 at Williams Sonoma

Finish off your place settings with lovely brushed gold flatware that not only fits the theme but may just end up replacing your old (definitely not as attractive) set.

20 Piece Fortessa Ashton Gold Flatware Set, $200 at Williams Sonoma

As the shenanigans of the day wind down, enjoy a libation in this festive stemless glass! After all, it’s 2020 and you’ve certainly earned it.

Set of 4 Gold Skull Stemless Wine Glasses, $41 at Grandin Road

What are you doing this year to celebrate? I’d love to see photos of your costumes, decor, and other devilish delights—tag me on Instagram at @blissful_interiors. Wishing you and your families more treats than tricks, and a safe and happy Halloween!

~Carolyn & Team Bliss

Cheers to making the most of this summer!

As summer rolls on and COVID-19 rages—along with the debate about the safest way to get our children back in the classroom—I don’t think I’m alone in saying that I could really use a drink! Everything about the future is so uncertain right now and I know that we all are trying to be creative by coming up with new ways to enjoy the season close to or at home.

Design by Blissful Interiors

Personally, I’ve discovered a love of mixology and have been whipping up my own creations after the kiddos are in bed. Trying new cocktail recipes at home is not only a fun creative outlet, but I get to enjoy the finished product too! And because I’m a believer in great design, it’s especially satisfying to pair drinks with the perfect glassware. Here, some of the drinks I’m loving this summer along with my picks for the best glasses in which to serve them!

The Cosmopolitan is a classic for a reason and Ina Garten can obviously do no wrong, so of course I turned to Barefoot Contessa for her take on the girly concoction. After a spike in popularity due to its status as the drink of choice for the main characters on Sex & the City, the drink fell out of favor for a bit and finally is making an overdue comeback—and with good reason! There’s no denying that it’s delicious (and I could never turn down a drink in such a beautiful shade of pink!) However, I recommend ditching the martini glass unless you want to spill at least a third of your precious elixir on the countertop (or in your lap, on the floor, etc.!) Instead, go for an elegant coupe cocktail glass like this one from CB2. It’s far more functional than the traditional martini shape so you can sip the night away while feeling like a 1950s movie star.

I’ve always been drawn to drinks featuring lavender on ritzy cocktail menus at restaurants and bars , so when I came across this recipe from Hunger Thirst Play I was excited to give it a try. It is a bit more complicated but I promise the end result makes it worth the extra work! Plus, you’ll feel oh-so fancy making homemade lavender syrup. It is the perfect drink for a summer evening and somehow tastes even better in an amazing glass. I love the Current Double Old-Fashioned Glass from Crate & Barrel for its modern look thanks to the freeform curves.

The French 75 is another vintage drink that I have been loving this season. Bubbles? Check! Citrusy? Check! Refreshing? You bet! This one checks all the boxes for everything you could possibly want in a summer cocktail. This recipe from Cookie & Kate is the perfect classic version, and there are also plenty of variations for when you’re feeling experimental (the elderflower version is next on my wish list!) I prefer sparkling drinks in a traditional champagne glass, and this one from Anthropologie is like a dream. Gold rim + blush pink ombre = total swoon!

Have you been mixing your own drinks this summer, or taken on any other fun DIY projects? I’d love to hear what you’re doing with your time at home! Hang in there and stay safe, everyone!

Cheers!

~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