Easy Affordable Ways to Warm Up Your Front Porch

I think we can all agree that with the cold winter weather keeping much of the country in its frozen clutches, everyone is crossing their fingers for an early Spring. I for one can't wait for all the leaves to return to the trees, the buds to start blooming, and most of all- the sun. I can't wait for extended days and mild breezes. We may have another few months of cold weather still coming our way, so in the mean time I settled on perusing Pinterest while still bundled under a heavy blanket. Are you itching for Spring like me? If so what about collecting some ideas to make your front porch cozy and inviting for sitting outside as the days slowly start to get longer. 

These ideas have me ready for front porch swinging- a cocktail in one hand and my favorite interior design magazine in the other. Who is with me?

Source

So how would this be for front porch swinging? We actually sell a very similar day bed swing at our store, Simplicity Interiors, in Cornelius, NC. See below how AWD designed an outdoor space using our outdoor swing...

Photo Source: Invision Digital Media

I also love the idea of adding elements from the interior to the outside as well. There is nothing more cozy than enjoying a great conversation with a friend by the light of a small table lamp...having a handsome furry companion may be the next best thing.

Source

Another great idea is adding drapery to your outdoor space, especially if your neighborhood does not lend well to privacy. 

Source

Instead of purchasing an expensive outdoor rug, why not try giving your front porch floor an updated look with a quick, easy paint job such as the one below?

Source

Of course one of the best ways to soften a front entry way or porch is to bring greenery front and center. Is this not one of the prettiest arrangements? AND it's perfect for shaded front porches too!

Source

Until the Spring temps grace us with their presence these images will just have to do my friends. If you decide to use any of these ideas tag us on Instagram at @awdinspire!

Perfect Picks for Baby

Is there anything more special than decorating a nursery? Whether you are patiently waiting for your baby's gender to be revealed at birth or you have already accessorized everything pink or blue, it's likely you have scanned the interwebs for all the necessities to outfit the nursery.

Or maybe you have a baby shower coming up and need to find something other than the typical Babies R Us gift (although don't get us wrong we love us some Babies R Us!).We decided to do a round-up of all our favorite places to buy for baby along with some pretty cute picks for your bundle of joy.

Polka Dot Peacock:

Caden Lane Aztec Crib Set

We love this gold and mint bedding for a gender neutral nursery. It can very easily go more feminine by putting some pops of pink or lavender in the room.

The Rug Market Twirl Pink Rug

This is a great rug that is just dark enough to not scream baby pink and also has a fabulous design that could grow with the child in to the teen years.

Oopsy Daisy ABC

We love this print for its play on kiddo art. Taking the stereotypical alphabet print and making it fun and whimsy adds character to the nursery.


Layla Grayce:

Olli & Lime Miller Bumperless Crib set- On sale

Here is another great gender neutral crib set that can easily go boy or girl with just a few pops of color. Plus it's on sale right now!

DwellStudio Decor Gold Elephant

Is there anything more sweet than this gold elephant?

DwellStudio Kids Boudoir Pillow Treetops- final sale

A favorite way to add warmth to a glider (especially one that may have been passed down and not particularly comfortable) is to add a chic pillow to the mix. Love the whimsy of this DwellStudio design.


Land of Nod:

Knit Crowd Cat

Adorable stuffed animals. Just like your stuffed animals as a kid- only cuter.

Quincy Rocking Chair & Ottoman

One thing that we have noticed is that over the past few years a lot of nursery design has taken a step away from overly cute to the seriously stylish. We love the clean lines of this glider and ottoman combo and the pewter color is gorgeous.

Young and Wild Personalized Art (Bunny)

Personalized art for the nursery will always be a good choice.

So what are your favorites in nursery decor? Do you have any other sites that you frequent to outfit your bambino's space?

AWD Friday Faves

AWD Friday Faves Jan 23 by allywhalendesign 

Turquoise bedding
anthropologie.com

J Crew down vest
jcrew.com

Grey bag
laylagrayce.com

Fresh and Light in Entertaining Cookbooks at Terrain
shopterrain.com

Cozy Kitchen Banquettes

There is just something about the kitchen that calls people to gather around, to enjoy the aromas of cooking, to chat about the days events or to simply just be in one place...together. One common trait among many kitchens is there is never enough seating or if there is it just lacks the comfort that beckons you to sit and stay a spell. If space allows, banquette seating is a fabulous choice that allows for a cozy living space from within the kitchen, a space that can easily be set for Sunday brunch or afternoon homework assignments.

Recently, I had the pleasure of designing a space where a banquette was not only a great addition, it was a necessity. After viewing the kitchen-sunroom "bowling alley" as we called it, I felt a custom banquette was perfect to divide the space. It's important to realize a banquette doesn't always have to be in the corner of a room as it often times is the best answer to grounding a vastly open living/kitchen area. You can see below how it really does warm up a space as well.

On stands now! Refresh Magazine Spring 2015

Refresh Magazine Spring 2015. Photo:Brie Williams

Refresh Magazine Spring 2015. Photo: Brie Williams

Here are a few other banquettes we are loving right now.

Homedit

Howtodecorate.com

Above is a great way to show how an unexpected color can really make your space pop.

HomeBunch

Traditional Home

Camille Styles

Megan Brooke Handmade

So what do you think? Is banquette seating on your list of must-haves?

For the love of Herringbone

There is something happening lately in the world of design. Well, to be honest it's been happening, but now the game has been taken up a notch. A few years ago we all saw the explosion of Chevron everywhere, and when I say everywhere, I mean there weren't too many textiles that didn't have a chevron print option. I loved the design for its fun approach and it was an easy addition to throw in some playful choices for a space. What I have noticed lately is that the bar is being raised for chevron - enter Herringbone. Of course, the Herringbone pattern is a close cousin of Chevron and has been around for ages, but I would not hesitate to call it the older, more sophisticated relative. 

Ever wonder what the real difference is between the two? At first glance it may be hard to notice, however there is a distinction that separates Herringbone from Chevron. One of our favorite blogs, Remodelista, did a great job of simplifying the difference in pattern in their blog when they consulted with Henry Hudson from Cheville Parquet, a wood flooring company : "In the chevron, the wood blocks run point to point and the ends are cut at an angle to create a continuous zigzag design," Hudson says. "With the herringbone, the wood blocks finish perpendicular to each other, resulting in a broken zigzag."

What I find most interesting is that although I am finding more and more high end spaces using Herringbone, the fact is that Chevron is actually more expensive to create (due to the cut of the tile, wood, etc.). 

The great thing is that you can create a similar look with stencils (see picture below). Who says fabulous design should cost a fortune?

A little Chevron stencil if that's what you like:

Turnedtodesign

A Herringbone stencil- How lovely is this?

Cutting Edge Stencils

Some of our favorite Herringbone looks:

Elements of Style

House Beautiful

Thriftydecorchick

DecorPad

DecorPad

And if you didn't get enough Herringbone yet, we included a few of our latest loves:

Cozamia Art

West Elm

Our Favorite Statement Necklaces

We think a great piece of jewelry can really complete an outfit, and at the very least take a boring wardrobe choice up a notch. Our favorites below show a great way to wear statement necklaces in new and interesting ways. What is your favorite source for statement necklaces?

Photo: Ruth Eileen Source: Style Me Pretty

Lilys.be

Southerpiphi

H&M necklace via glamradar.com

PennyPincherFashion.com

My Friday Favorites

Houzz

So much to love about this picture from the beautiful door, the gorgeous tall windows, and the striking roofline.

Photo: Amanda Sharp photography via Strawberryswingandthings.com 

I love how Erinn of Strawberry Swing and Things blog gave her daughter Kenley's closet a total facelift. The best part about this makeover? The IKEA Expedit shelf anchored in the middle along with the fun gold dots brings a bit of style and whimsy into this closet.

Old House Online via My Design Chic

When you put time, effort, and money into finding the perfect front door the last thing you want to do is have the typical screen door. This Chinese Chippendale design adds so much interest that you wouldn't mind letting a summer breeze in every day.

Home Bunch

This inviting coastal cottage featured on Home Bunch has such a wonderful color scheme that it just draws you into this space. This is a great example of how the right use of patterns can create interest while still maintaining a neutral color palette.

Four Affordable Headboard Ideas: Create Your Own Story!

There is something about designing beautiful bedrooms that truly makes me swoon. A bedroom is where your yoga pants are the wardrobe staple and your aesthetic can be as girly or masculine as you wish. Often times it's just that perfect combination of wall color, symmetry, art, and bedding that combine to create a soothing oasis that is just "you." 

However, all these elements won't synchronize unless you have a bed that beckons you to stare just a bit longer than usual. When decorating a bedroom one of the first things to think about is how will you make the bed a focal point? Of course, you can always spend a fortune on an expensive tufted headboard (I'm a sucker for tufts of any kind too) or you can look for affordable ways to make a dramatic statement sans a traditional headboard. 

Apartment Therapy

Here is a fabulous example for blending colors as well as demonstrating symmetry with the lamps. 

I love how this bedroom breathes drama with just a hint of moodiness. The floor to ceiling drapes create a great border for the main highlight, the framed pictures above the bed. Notice how the frames are different sizes as well as colors, creating contrast and interest. The best thing about this room? Everything is from IKEA!

Source unknown found via HomeTalk

Another great example of using drapery in an unconventional way in the bedroom. The use of a older, distressed shutter is a great way to add rustic charm to this room while the white sheers help to soften the look.

Liz Marie Blog

Old window panes are one of the objects to be repurposed around the house. Why not when they can be this interesting? This was a great take on how to create a "headboard" without actually needing to purchase one. I also love that Liz used this look in her guest bedroom. It's perfect as it's not too feminine or masculine and creates a comfortable environment for every visitor.

MILIEU Magazine Spring 2014

This is one of my favorite ideas for an unconventional focal point for your bed. This reclaimed iron gate adds charm and interest to this otherwise conservative bed. 

I love that these bedrooms all have one thing in common: character. It's important to remember that whenever choosing a headboard you find something that speaks to you. There is nothing better than walking into a room with a bed that tells a story without saying a word.