Happy Memorial Day weekend to you and your family! If you feel like doing a little shopping this weekend while staying on budget, this blog is for you! I’ve rounded up the best Memorial Day sales out there to help you find what you’re looking for!
AllModern
Up to 60% off Outdoor, Bath, and Bedding
Anthropologie
40% off of furniture, mirrors, clothing, and more
Arhaus
Up to 50% off select furniture, outdoor furniture
Ballard Design
20% off sitewide
Boll & Branch
Save 20% on bundles with code SUMMERDREAM
Lulu & Georgia:
20% off sitewide
McGee & Co:
25% off site-wide with some exclusions
Overstock
Up to 50% Off
Pottery Barn
Up to 50% off Furniture, Outdoor, Etc
Serena and Lily
20% off everything!
Here are some of my Serena & Lily favorites! Click on each picture to take you to the item!
It’s that magical time of year when McGee & Co blesses us with 25% off their best-selling home items! You all know how much I adore McGee & Co and this is hands down the best time to shop! I will show you the pieces I have in my home and some other favorites from the sale!
The link takes you to the McGee & Co home site so be sure to screenshot the product names below to find what you’re looking for quickly!
The sale prices listed below are of course subject to change! The sale is offered to VIP members now, which you can access by entering your email and subscribing to the newsletter! Most of the site will be up to 25% off through Memorial Day!
1. Amalie Sideboard
McGee & Co Description: The Amalie Sideboard was designed to enhance displays while maximizing storage. A black iron frame is juxtaposed with a stark white interior. Windowpane details on its open-front glass doors create structure and sections to help you style with books, serveware, or both!
McGee & Co Description: A unique two-tone contrast adds dimension and texture to the Fallon Bookshelf. Its open-shelf frame crafted from black acacia is the perfect place for displaying anything from books to prized possessions. Finished with mango framed doors, woven with natural cane, this bookshelf is an eye-catching piece added to your home design.
Sale Price: $1125
3. Sophie Slipcover Ottoman
McGee & Co Description: With a deep color and slightly contrasting subtle stripe, our Sophie Slipcover Ottoman is the perfect addition to your living space. Used for extra seating, or simply styled as a pair in front of your fireplace, this ottoman adds just the right amount of lived-in comfort wherever it’s placed.
From Left to Right: Danny Floral Pillow Cover, Francis Pillow Cover, and the Jeanne Pillow Cover
5. Ryan Seagrass Woven Basket
McGee & Co Description: With a mix of raw and single rope seagrass, the Ryan Seagrass Woven Basket is a study in form and texture. The planter takes the shape of a classic vase, crafted on a metal frame for durability. With alternating sections tight and thick weave, this planter’s intricate style complements both natural elements and your decor.
McGee & Co Description: Substantial and shapely, the Kasen Coffee Table makes the most of its reclaimed wood form. Finished with a light-black hue for a global, organic look, this coffee table plays up proportions with its large tapered legs and slim rounded table top.
McGee & Co Description: In a traditional style, the Charlot Hand-Knotted Rug has a muted intricate pattern that gives it a vintage feel. The rug is designed to last, made from hand-knotted polyester by skilled artisans. With its short white fringe, the rug is subtly textural and will seamlessly suit your decor wherever it is placed.
McGee & Co Description: Hand-knotted by skilled artisans with a keen attention to detail, The Pembroke Hand-Knotted Wool Rug is an instant classic. With tonal hues and a vintage-inspired design, this rug updates your home while lending added comfort. Blending seamlessly in both modern and traditional homes, its transitional design finishes off your space with just the right amount of dimension.
The Perfect Kitchen Counters: A Deep Dive into Different Surfaces
You’re in your dream kitchen sipping your morning coffee, and everything feels just right. The magic ingredient? The perfect countertop. It’s more than a cooking surface – it’s the heart of your home. So, let’s dive into kitchen counters, exploring the pros and cons of Quartz, Quartzite, Marble, Granite, and Porcelain. Plus, I’ll let you in on my countertop choice and why I love it.
Your Options for Kitchen Countertops
Quartz: The Low Maintenance Beauty
Let’s kick things off with Quartz. Not just a pretty face, it’s also durable and non-porous. Translation: It’s resistant to stains and bacteria, making it a dream choice of kitchen counters for the busy home cook. One little caveat? It might be a tad sensitive to heat and sharp knives, so watch out.
Quartzite: The Hard Rock Star
Next up, Quartzite. It’s a hard rock (pun intended) that’s heat- and scratch-resistant. Pretty awesome, right? The downside? It’s porous. This means it requires regular sealing to prevent staining. So, this might not be your first pick if you’re a low-maintenance person.
Marble: The Classic Elegance
Now, let’s chat about Marble. It’s the embodiment of luxury and elegance. But, it’s not just about looks. It’s also great for baking due to its cool temperature. However, it’s high-maintenance and can easily scratch or stain. So, if you’re a passionate baker with time for upkeep, this could be your perfect match.
Granite: The Natural Wonder
With granite, each piece is unique! Also, it’s heat, scratch, and stain resistant. Sounds perfect, right? Well, it requires sealing, so it’s not entirely fuss-free. But for many, its stunning natural look outweighs the maintenance.
Porcelain: The Versatile Performer
Finally, we have Porcelain. Thin, lightweight, and incredibly durable. It’s resistant to heat, UV light, and scratches. Plus, it’s easy to clean. The con? It can be pricey. But it’s worth every penny if you’re after a long-lasting countertop that can brave the elements.
Why We Chose Quartz Kitchen Counters
Now, let’s get personal. For our kitchen counters, I chose Calcatta Leon Quartz. I fell head over heels for its low-maintenance and stain-resistant qualities. And guess what? It doesn’t even need sealing!
I opted for a seamless look with a slab of the same Quartz up the backsplash. There’s a small seam, but a piece of art does a neat job of hiding it. Trust me; it’s a conversation starter!
In terms of upkeep, “Bar Keepers Friend” is my go-to. A little scrub and any scratches vanish like magic. It truly keeps my kitchen looking fresh and stylish.
Choosing Quartz for my kitchen was a no-brainer. It combines functionality with beauty, making my kitchen a place for cooking and a space I genuinely love.
Remember, your kitchen counter is an investment. So, take the time to weigh the pros and cons and choose what suits your lifestyle best. Here’s to making your kitchen dreams come true!
If you’re interested in other kitchen design elements, check out my blog on our lighting fixtures, here!
Walls with Personality: Why You Should Choose Wallpaper!
If wallpaper makes you think of your grandparent’s house back in the day, prepare to be pleasantly surprised! Wallpaper is not only a rising decor trend; it’s a perfect way to add charm and warmth to your space. I’m here to explain why you should choose wallpaper and how to incorporate it correctly!
Sandberg Wallpaper
A Tale of Two Wallpapers
First things first, let’s talk about the basics. There are two main types of wallpaper: pasted and peel & stick.
1. Pasted Wallpaper
Old-school and oh-so-classy, pasted wallpaper is the traditional choice. As the name suggests, an adhesive paste is applied to the back before installation. This wallpaper creates a long-lasting bond, so be aware this is a permanent addition!
2. Peel & Stick Wallpaper
The new kid on the block, peel & stick wallpaper, has taken the interior design world by storm. It’s easy to install, with a self-adhesive backing that you peel away and press onto the wall. This type of wallpaper is great for temporary makeovers or those who like to switch things up regularly.
In the great debate of pasted vs. peel & stick wallpaper, pasted wallpaper comes out on top when it comes to longevity and durability. Thanks to the adhesive paste, pasted wallpaper creates a strong bond with the wall that can last for years. Peel & stick, on the other hand, may lose its stickiness over time, causing it to peel or curl at the edges.
I strongly advise that you hire professionals for the installation
2. Seamless Look
One of the major benefits of professionally installing wallpaper is the seamless look it provides. Professional installers have the skills and experience to ensure the wallpaper is smooth, with perfectly aligned patterns and minimal seams. This can be tricky to achieve as a DIY project. I urge you not to try it.
Secondly, applying wallpaper is exceptionally time-consuming, and professionals do it quickly and efficiently.
Rooms to Incorporate Wallpaper
The most popular rooms to install wallpaper are bathrooms, bedrooms, and kids’ rooms! Wallpaper instantly adds personality and charm and can help tie in your home’s decor! Secondly, it’s so much more exciting and eye-catching than paint! I’d advise incorporating it into more than one space to maintain cohesion.
Some of my favorite places to find the most stunning wallpaper include McGee & Co, Anewall, Serena & Lily, and Sandberg Wallpaper! After seeing their gorgeous collections, you’ll wonder why you didn’t choose wallpaper earlier!
If you’re interested in the design inspiration I live by, check out my blog “The McGee & Co Home Design”. I adore the look of the Studio McGee aesthetic and it goes hand in hand with my wallpaper choices!
Unrolling the Secrets to Finding a Perfect Area Rug
We’ve all asked ourselves: What size rug do I buy for my space, and how do I coordinate the rugs I already own? Finding a perfect area rug for each room is challenging, as is coordinating styles in an open-concept floor plan. So, let me walk you through my tips and tricks to help you nail the perfect rug choices for your home.
Getting the Size Right
First things first, let’s talk about size. One of the most common mistakes I see is choosing a rug that is too small for the space. It’s essential to measure your room and furniture to ensure you pick a rug that is the right size. Here are some general guidelines I follow when selecting an area rug:
Living Room: Choose a rug large enough to fit all your furniture or at least the front legs of your sofas and chairs. This helps create a unified and cozy seating area. An area rug floating underneath just the coffee table makes the room appear small and awkward.
Dining Room: Make sure the rug extends at least 24 inches beyond the edge of the table on all sides. We want the chairs to remain on the rug when pulled out.
Bedroom: Your rug should extend at least 18 inches beyond each side of your bed. This creates a comfortable landing spot for your feet in the morning.
Vintage RugShop this rug below!
Maintaining Cohesion in an Open Concept Floor Plan:
Now, let’s talk about coordinating rug styles in an open-concept floor plan. The key is to create a harmonious flow between the spaces without making them too matchy-matchy. To achieve this, I like to choose rugs within a neutral color palette, but with different patterns. This way, I can create visual interest and define separate areas while maintaining a cohesive look. If this is new to you, a safe bet to finding a perfect area rug is to shop within the same brand! The hues and shades will be similar and there’s less chance of multiple styles clashing.
Click on the Photos below to Shop the Rugs in my Home!
I also have a collection of my favorite area rugs on LTK! Find it right here!
I hope this has helped provide clarification on choosing a perfect area rug for the different rooms in your home! For more home design guides, check out my blog “Choosing the Right Lighting Fixtures!”
The Mcgee & Co. Home Design: How to Achieve the Aesthetic
If you are anything like me, you find yourself poring endlessly over the latest Mcgee & Co. catalogs. I love soaking in all the Mcgee & Co. home design inspiration that my tired mom brain can absorb. I find myself paying careful attention to the intricacies of their designs. Shea McGee is always able to strike the perfect balance in design. The McGee & Co. home design aesthetic represents a harmonious fusion of lived-in affluence and understated elegance. The distinct McGee & Co. style is truly exceptional, skillfully intertwining diverse interior design elements to create a seamless and cohesive space.
The Mcgee & Co. Home Design Appeal
The Mcgee & Co. Home Design style is one full of juxtaposition. In design, this means simply placing two elements together to create a contrasting effect. For example, you can mix modern pieces with vintage ones. Subsequently, this creates a space that feels genuinely custom and personal to you.
Here are a few of my favorite cues that I have taken from Studio Mcgee and used in our home design.
MIX & MATCH FURNITURE
Gone are the days of heading to your local furniture showroom and buying an entire ‘room.’ Firstly, if you want to achieve a truly custom look, try pairing classic pieces with modern ones. Don’t be afraid to mix wood tones. For example, in our home, we have a white oak coffee table. And to contrast, I chose dark wood accent tables with fluted detail. The mixing of not only wood tones but silhouettes creates a visually appealing space.
ADD IN OLD WITH NEW
Next, think of pairing a beautiful vintage runner with your modern console table. First, try using a round vintage vase paired with beautiful new faux silk florals. Secondly, add a vintage cutting board to your kitchen vignette. Leaning it against modern finishes like quartz or marble creates a beautiful and exciting space.
PATTERN PLAY & ADDING IN TEXTURE
I love to mix patterns and materials. If you maintain a neutral palette, you can have fun experimenting with patterns. The result can be something that is uniquely your own. First, start with a vintage or vintage-inspired rug as the base. Next, find throw pillow covers with complementing colors but differing patterns. Think mixes of florals, velvets, stripes, jute, and more. If you keep your color palette cohesive, it really is hard to go wrong!
Without a doubt, at the core of McGee & Co.’s home design philosophy lies a passion for crafting distinctive spaces. These spaces not only exude beauty but also embrace the essence of everyday living. As a mother, I frequently remind myself of this guiding principle. I’m aware that the chaos will eventually subside, and when it does, my heart will yearn for the present day. The delight in cultivating a beautiful home is undeniable, yet it is the pursuit of nurturing compassionate and good-natured children that remains paramount. So, here’s to cherished living spaces that brim with love and life!
Brighten Up Your Home: Tips for Choosing the Right Lighting Fixtures
Scanning selections of lighting fixtures can absolutely overwhelm you! You might come across so many adorable options, but how would you know which ones suit your space the best? A few general tips will help you ensure your lighting fixtures are not lost in your space. There are recommended rules for spacing and sizing fixtures for the living room, kitchen, and even the front porch!
Lighting Fixtures for the Living or Dining Room
When selecting a chandelier, it’s essential to consider the height of your ceiling and the size of the room. Here are a few general guidelines to keep in mind:
For 8-foot ceilings, your chandelier should be 20-24 inches in height.
For 9-foot ceilings, your chandelier should be 24-30 inches in height.
For 10-foot ceilings, your chandelier should be 30-36 inches in height.
For every additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches to the height of your chandelier.
Additionally, it’s essential to consider the size of the room when selecting a chandelier. As a general rule, the diameter of your chandelier should be about one-third the width of your table or room. For example, if your dining table is 48 inches wide, your chandelier should be around 16 inches in diameter.
Lighting Fixtures for the Kitchen
When trying to find the right lighting fixtures for the kitchen, consider the following:
The size of your island: Your pendant lights should be proportional to the size of your island. As a general rule, your pendant lights should be around one-third the width of your island. For example, if your island is 6 feet wide, your pendant lights should be around 2 feet wide.
The number of pendant lights: The number of pendant lights you need depends on the length of your island. As a general rule, you should install one pendant light for every 2 feet of island length. For example, if your island is 6 feet long, you should install three pendant lights.
The height of your ceiling: As with chandeliers, it’s important to consider the height of your ceiling when installing pendant lights. For 8-foot ceilings, your pendant lights should be around 30 inches above your island. For every additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches to the height of your pendant lights.
Front Porch Lighting
The biggest tip for lighting fixtures on the front porch, specifically sconces, is to position the sconces so that the center of the fixture is about 66 inches from the ground. This creates a balanced look and ensures that the sconces provide adequate lighting to the area!
In terms of the distance between the sconces and the door, you want to make sure that the sconces are not too close or too far away from the door. A good guideline is to position the sconces so that the outer edge of each fixture is about one-third of the distance between the door and the nearest corner of the porch or exterior wall. This will ensure that the sconces are positioned in a way that looks proportional to the space and provides adequate illumination.
Extra Lighting Tips
Install dimmer switches on your lights! This should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how quickly this becomes an afterthought.
Lightbulbs come in different “temperatures,” typically in warm or cool tones, so be sure to try a few different ones to see which one is right for your home!
Layer your lighting! Incorporate floor and table lamps to really cozy-up your space!
Our Lighting Fixtures
Below are the lighting fixtures we chose for our home!
Finally, I hope this blog is helpful for those of you trying to find the ideal lighting fixtures for your home! For more home design inspo and advice, check out my blog on Choosing the Perfect Flooring!
We rarely think about flooring, but it could be the most important part of your home! It’s quite literally the foundation. With a busy lifestyle, kids, and pets running around, choosing the perfect flooring option that fits your needs is crucial! There are typically three main options for hardwood flooring you’ll run into, so let’s go over them!
Flooring Options
1. LVP
LVP stands for Luxury Vinyl Plank. It’s made entirely from vinyl yet designed to look like hardwood flooring. What I love about LVP is its affordability and ease of installation! Secondly, it’s incredibly durable and water-resistant, perfect for families with young kiddos. Finally, LVP is available in a variety of styles and colors, so it pairs easily with a wide range of decor and designs.
2. Hardwood
Traditional hardwood flooring is stunning! It’s made from solid planks of natural wood, such as maple, oak, or cherry. A benefit of hardwood is the ability to sand and refinish it, which allows it to last for decades while keeping its integrity intact. Secondly, if you do sand down hardwood, you can choose to stain it a lighter or darker color. While it does add significant value to your home, this option can be pricey and natural wood is more susceptible to moisture and humidity.
3. Engineered Hardwood
To make engineered hardwood, manufacturers layer multiple thin sheets of wood (called “plies”) on top of each other. They use high-quality hardwood for the top layer, while the lower layers consist of less expensive wood materials (such as plywood or fiberboard). This process produces a cheaper alternative to traditional hardwood flooring that still maintains a similar appearance.
Why LVP was the Perfect Flooring Option for Us!
We chose LVP flooring because of the durability aspect. With three kids, a dog, and a pool in the backyard, it was a no-brainer! Our flooring is called “Mohawk Perfect Manner Amulet LVP.” We ordered all our flooring through Sherwin Williams, and while our specific option is discontinued, SW could recommend a similar alternative for you!
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by the massive selection of paint colors out there. How do you even start? First, let’s start with the basics of paint, as lighting and undertones greatly impact how the paint will look inside your home. Secondly, if you’re a bit timid with *color* there are tons of neutral paint hues out there! Let’s dive in!
The Impact of Lighting on Paint Colors
Different types of light can drastically change the appearance of paint colors. Natural light, artificial light, and even the time of day can all affect how a color looks in a space. That’s why it’s crucial to test paint colors in different lighting conditions before making a final decision. Bright sunlight, evening, or artificial light can make a color look vastly different, which may surprise you. As someone who has learned this lesson the hard way, I can tell you that taking the time to test colors in different lighting is well worth the effort.
To test a paint color in different lighting, paint a small section of the wall and observe it at different times of the day. You can also use a color swatch or paint sample to view the color in various parts of the room.
Understanding Undertones
Undertones are subtle hues within paint colors. They can be warm, cool, or neutral and can drastically affect how a color looks in a space. For example, a neutral gray with warm undertones will appear beige in certain lighting conditions.
When selecting a paint color, it’s important to consider the undertones. One way to do this is by comparing paint samples side-by-side to see which undertones best complement your space.
Neutral Paint Colors
Neutral colors are a great choice for any space because they provide a clean and timeless look! Secondly, neutrals can easily be dressed up or down with accessories, furniture, and even bold accent colors! The best part of neutral paint colors is their versatility and adaptability, as it makes it super easy to play with decor options. As you can tell from my photos, I’m a huge fan of neutrals!
When choosing a neutral color, it’s important to consider the undertones and lighting in your space. A neutral color with warm undertones may complement a room with lots of natural light, while a cool-toned neutral may look better in a room with artificial light. Again, testing paint colors in different lighting conditions is key to making the right choice.
The Paint Colors We Chose
Taking a look at the above photos, we have Pure White by Sherwin Williams with a satin finish for our cabinets. Our living and dining room has a row of large sliding glass doors, so we get a ton of natural lighting pouring in.
Our wall paint color is Snowbound by Sherwin Williams. Looking at the picture on the right, our trim and doors are the same color, however, with a semi-gloss sheen instead of flat. Finally, our ceiling is painted with Ceiling Bright White by Sherwin Williams.
When it came time to create our various garland looks this year, I knew I wanted them to be layered and full of texture. I ended up using eucalyptus a lot and I love the variation it added against the more traditional pine or cedar. Here is the exact one I used.
In out bedroom, our garland came already layered which made my life a breeze- it is from this small shop that I love! I added some beads and bells, linked here and here.
I did something else a little different and added our stockings underneath. I love the layered effect that it gives as they just slightly show from under the garland.
On our staircase. I only used two kinds of garland but the addition of the eucalyptus really accomplished the full look that I desired. I added some blue velvet ribbon and some cascading bells and it was a fairly simple display but I think my favorite thus far. I love how classic it looks! You can find everything I used here!
When it comes to garland, do you prefer simple and minimal or a little more detailed and ornate? Happy Holidays!!
What is The #1 Thing People “Judge” You for on Your Home- You Will Never Guess!!
I recently heard a study that was shared on the radio that said that the #1 thing that people are making judgements about when they come to your home is…..drumroll- are you ready? HOW IT SMELLS!!
I was certain it would be the mounds of laundry piled on the dining room table or the artwork that my girls like to cover every square inch of every surface with but it turns out people MOST remember the way your house SMELLS!
Now this does make sense when you really think of it. Recent studies show that scent affects mood, concentration, memory recall and emotion with one study showing that 75% of all emotions generated on a daily basis are due to smell. That seems a little steep to me, but as I look back on my childhood, I can recall with vivid detail the smells of so many pertinent moments in my adolescence- the smell of freshly cut grass when we lived in Ohio, Thanksgiving dinners that my mom would make, even the smell of my mom’s blush as I would nuzzle up to her cheek for cuddles when I was small.
I have made it a point in my adulthood to make sure my house doesn’t STANK 😉 We have a big dog and three kids and the last thing I want my home to smell like is a mixture of sweat, dirty dog and children’s feet. I have been a self-proclaimed candle connoisseur for years and used to have drawers full of a certain brand’s 3 wick candles and plug ins until I learned of the terrible negative health implications. Since then I have been on the hunt for the BEST all natural, clean burning, soy candles that are potent enough to scent our entire home. Y’ALL- Y’ALL……I was introduced to Antique Candle Co. recently and this is no exaggeration, I now have an entire cabinet devoted to these heavenly candles. They are all hand poured in Indiana, made with the best natural ingredients and the SCENTS ARE DIVINE!!!
Antique Candle Co. just released their holiday scents and I am obsessed! You can check all of their heavenly varieties here
This was an impossible task BUT I am sharing 6 of my favorite scents here. There has not been a single candle that I have tried that I have not loved so this really is like sharing the all stars amongst all stars.
Autumn Woods Apple Butter Pumpkin Spice Tree Farm Christmas Day Spiced Cranberry – all their holiday scents are linked RIGHT HERE for you!!
Antique Candle Co. was so kind to give me a code for you all to use as you begin your obsession with me- use JUSTINE10 to save on your orders. PLEASE let me know which ones you try & any favorites you have! Learning these kinds of things about you all is so much fun for me!
Talk to you soon!
I recently updated our entryway for fall with a few simple swaps that were easy and affordable. I changed out the faux stems on our entry table to ones that are a vibrant fall color, switched the color of our taper candles to a light gray and most recently, added a new area rug. The harlequin pattern is very popular right now & it fits so nicely into so many decor styles. It has just the right amount of pattern so that it doesn’t blend into the floor but is subtle enough to not compete with patterns in your pillows or decor. All in all, it is a must try trend that I don’t see fading anytime soon!
This is our exact rug, and here are a few others I have rounded up that I love!!
