New Habits: Should They Be Left In Lockdown?

We had a lot of time to learn and perfect new habits over the last year, and many people are keen to continue taking the time to do them even as life goes back to normal. Of course, there may be some habits that are better left, but there have been many great habits people have formed that have really made a difference in their lives and allowed them to find a new passion in life. However, just what are these, why are they worth keeping onto, and could it provide you with inspiration to try it yourself? Keep reading to find out more.

Featured Photo from Vuelio

The Lockdown Kitchen

It was prime time to start getting creative in the kitchen. With so much time at home, people uncovered a love for cooking and baking in the kitchen. From having different themes to using new ingredients and learning new skills, many felt inspired by television shows such as The Great British Bake Off or Masterchef, while others may have been gifted the present of time and were finally able to start testing out recipes from a forgotten cookbook. Not only was there more time for cooking, but everyone had longer to take a moment to plan out a week of eating. To the foodies who never had enough time, this was heaven.

Not only were people more likely to use their stock in the cupboards (because of the essential-only shopping trips), but they had a knock-on effect of a better quality and healthier diet. Overall, this habit should definitely be taken out of lockdown and carried on into post-lockdown life.

The Lockdown Garden

Many were lucky enough in lockdown to have a space, big or small, outside of their four walls in the form of a garden. With so much time spent out there, it got many people thinking more creatively and making the most of their time outside. A survey from Squire Garden Centres concluded that 77% of people did more gardening during lockdown than they would normally do.

From gardening, the same respondents of the survey said it gave them a sense of achievement but also an outlet for stress and a source of much-needed happiness. This kind of positivity should be taken with everyone who found comfort in it from lockdown.

The Lockdown Knitting

Knitting may not have appealed to the masses, to begin with, but once gifted with time, many tried their hand at the skill, and so lockdown provided a lifeline for many wool stores in London. Knitting, obviously, creates a beautiful piece of art, a wooly hat or a newborns’ first blanket, but it has the added bonus of stimulating the mind. Knitting has proven to mimic the rhythmic repetition of mediation, thereby calming those who ‘practice’ the skill and is well worth continuing long after lockdown. You find all your essentials online from wool stores and take guidance from online resources.

The Lockdown Decorating

Interestingly, homeware brand Habitat announced that what consumers watched (or binged) on the television influenced the decoration of their homes. This is a dangerous game, as what could be deemed as stylish in the 1900s period drama may not sit so nicely in a modern home.

This trend should definitely be used sparingly. Otherwise, the front room may look like the set studio for a production company!

Throughout the global pandemic, everyone needed to seek comfort in their home, whether that meant small home improvement projects, getting your fingers green, smelling out the kitchen with delicious cooking or baking, or getting stuck into a challenging skill like knitting, They all brought a sense of calmness and relaxation. As a society, these skills should be taken back into reality, where new skills can flourish in classes, groups, or even to show off your new dish at a dinner party.

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5 INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS THAT WILL BOOST THE ROMANCE IN YOUR HOME THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

Believe it or not, the way you design and decorate your home can have an impact on your relationship. There are a lot of things that homeowners do in designing their spaces that can put romance on the back burner. The decor in a home—whether that’s a rented condo or a house in the suburbs—is important for setting the right tone and sending the right message to those who inhabit the space. Make sure cupid is ready and willing to visit with these easy to apply decorating ideas:

Add out-of-sight storage for turn-off items

Shoes, stacks of bills, kids toys, and dirty laundry don’t exactly set the mood for Valentine’s Day. One way homeowners can improve their living space in time for the holiday of love is by reducing clutter and installing storage options that keep turn-off items out of sight. Over-the-door organizers in closets are perfect for anything from shoes to house cleaners and stuffed animals. Double duty storage benches by the front door provide a home for seasonal gear, such as coats and boots, and a place for family and friends to sit down and take off outerwear upon entering the house, decorative baskets as a catch all for books, magazines, pet/kids toys etc… Installs shelves or modular closet systems in smaller spaces that cannot hold bulky pieces of furniture. Nothing melts worries and stress, leaving vacancy for feelings of intimacy, then a clean and clutter-free environment.

Decorate the walls with photos and memorabilia

Displaying pictures and items that represent special moments in a relationship helps foster intimacy, and it’s an easy and inexpensive home improvement option that can be done by Valentine’s Day. Homeowners can stage precious moments in shadow boxes and on floating shelves. Collect saved items from events like weddings or childbirth and store them together with props to elevate the setting. For example, if a picture captures a husband kissing his pregnant wife’s belly in a field of flowers or on a beach, incorporate elements from that scene such as a vase of sunflowers or a bottle of sand and sea glass. Next, frame ultrasound pictures and announcements and arrange them with props in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Choose soothing colors

Take a look at the colors that a business like a spa will choose: natural shades of green, blue and light hues of browns and taupes, all intended to create the feel of a lush and calm oasis. Homeowners don’t always consider the use of color in the aesthetic of a home, often opting for neutrals that border on boring. That doesn’t inspire a lot for romance though, and even if the homeowner begins with a single room (the bedroom, perhaps?), adding colors that soothe the soul will help create a perfect mood. Whether that’s wall color to the choices of artwork on the wall, choosing soothing colors from nature inspired palettes will help to create a harmonious space. In the same style, it’s best to avoid gender focused colors and styling, so that everyone feels comfortable in the space. Too much pink or mahogany can be off putting.

Set the mood with lighting 

Homeowners will be surprised by how much a simple change of a light bulb can impact the atmosphere of a room. White light mimics natural light, making a room feel more expansive. Yellow light, on the other hand, casts a cozy glow, perfect for setting a romantic tone. Utilize both lighting options by pairing white lights with ceiling fixtures and yellow light with table lamps. That way homeowners can choose between the two lighting based on their needs. (White light while reading and working, and yellow light while cuddling their partners.) Take lighting a step further by burning candles with pleasant scents regularly, and stringing up twinkling fairy lights for a whimsical, fairy tale atmosphere.

Focus on the bedroom

When romance is in the cards, a cozy den is nice. A beautifully set dining table is excellent. But the ‘’pièce de résistance” has to be the bedroom. This is where a little luxury is worth the expense. It starts with adding storage for everything, as noted in the first tip, and then then it’s a question of personal taste. A quality mattress is a good first step. Considering that adults spend 6-8 hours a night sleeping, which is a full third of every day, it makes sense to put a little quality into the one piece of furniture that gets used the most. Bedding should be luxurious, with 1000 count thread sheets, soft duvets and perfect pillows. A cashmere throw blanket is the height of luxury and would put anyone in the mood! The right color palette, lighting and bedding is all it takes to make the bedroom a space to enjoy.

With most people spending more time at home these days, events like Valentine’s Day are more important than ever. Creating a beautiful space has the advantage that, while homeowners will enjoy it on the day, it can be appreciated the rest of the year as well!

Bio:

Marty Basher is the home improvement and organization expert with Modular Closets, https://www.modularclosets.com. Marty regularly contributes on topics of DIY renovations, home design, organization, improvement and more, helping home owners get the most out of the spaces in their home. Modular Closets are high-quality and easy-to-design closet systems made in the USA you can order, assemble and install yourself, in no time at all. Using closet modules (closet pieces you can mix & match to design your own modular closet), homeowners everywhere are empowered to achieve a true custom closet look- for nearly 40% less than standard custom closets. 

WEST ELM OPENS FIRST STORE IN MARYLAND

Home furnishings retailer West Elm announced the opening of its first Maryland location at 1301 Dock St. in downtown Baltimore, along the waterfront between Harbor East and Fells Point. The 11,377 square-foot retail Harbor Point location at the Exelon Building will open on Thursday, September 15 at 10 a.m., bringing approximately 30 jobs to the neighborhood. As part of West Elm’s LOCAL program, seven Maryland-based makers and designers will sell their products within the store’s fall assortment of modern furnishings and décor, and a complimentary Design Lab will offer services that support customers in their journey to express their personal style at home. “We are proud to open our first Maryland store in a neighborhood experiencing a renaissance with both locals and visitors,” says West Elm president Jim Brett. “Our goal is to become an active contributor to this historically conscious community, supporting their efforts to preserve the waterfront while sustainably revitalizing a once overlooked area of downtown Baltimore.”

The newly constructed Exelon Building is expected to bring a mix of shops, restaurants and entertainment to Harbor Point, originally a commercial corridor. West Elm Baltimore speaks to the neighborhood’s industrial and shipping heritage by incorporating salvaged materials sourced from Baltimore harbor into the interior’s architecture. Reclaimed pylons constructed from pine, spruce, and fir lumber, once part of the harbor docks, have been repurposed for the store’s ceiling and distinctive cash wrap design.

To celebrate the opening, West Elm partnered with Baltimore-based artist Tomahawk Design Co. to design a limited edition tote bag that will be presented to the first 300 shoppers with a $50 minimum purchase on opening day. Additional store opening activities will include a sweepstakes* offering local customers a chance to win a $2,000 gift card and an invitation to a private pre-opening celebration on Wednesday, September 14 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. A portion of the pre-opening celebration proceeds will benefit Living Classrooms Foundation, a local nonprofit organization aiming to strengthen communities and inspire young people to achieve their potential through hands-on education and job training.

A selection of locally made products by seven Maryland-based makers and artisans will be a part of the West Elm Baltimore LOCAL assortment including:

Dylan Design Co.: Tables made of wood and metal and manufactured in Baltimore, MD.

Forty Third Place: Trays and wall art made from salvaged and reclaimed wood in Hyattsville, MD.

Foxwood Co.: Handmade sculptural vessels, dishes and objects carved from locally sourced wood in Annapolis, MD.

Radica Textiles: Pillowcases designed by hand and printed in small batches honoring Baltimore’s rich history in the textile industry.

The Vintage Vogue: Modern handpainted wood coasters that blend patterns and artfully crafted, minimalist shapes by a Baltimore-based artist.

Tomahawk Design Co.: Baltimore-based graphic design firm specializing in home goods, stationery and apparel.

● Waxing Kara: Beeswax-infused bath and beauty products made by a beekeeper in Owings Mills, MD. For up-to-date information on in-store promotions and events, customers are encouraged to “like” the West Elm Baltimore store on Facebook: www.facebook.com/westelmbmore/ and follow the store on Instagram: @westelmbmore. West Elm Baltimore is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The store’s address is 1301 Dock Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231 and the phone number is 410-244-0121. *Open only to residents that live within the Baltimore, MD area. Official rules of the sweepstakes can be found on the Baltimore Sweepstakes page.

About West Elm Headquartered in Brooklyn, NY since 2002, West Elm opened its first store in DUMBO, the neighborhood it still proudly calls home. With the mission of helping customers express their personal style at home, everything West Elm does is designed to make an impact in everyday life, from creating unique, affordable designs for modern living to its commitment to Fair Trade Certified, from LOCAL and handcrafted products to community-driven in-store events and collaborations. The brand operates 91 retail stores in the United States, Australia, Canada and the UK, ships internationally to customers around the world and operates 11 stores in Mexico, the Middle East and Philippines through unaffiliated franchisees. In addition to home furnishings retail, West Elm operates West Elm Workspace with Inscape in the commercial furnishings industry. West Elm publishes the blog Front+Main and is part of an active community on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube. West Elm is a member of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. portfolio of brands.

### Contacts for West Elm: Andres (Dru) Ortega 718-780-0452 aortega2@wsgc.com Hannah Zeskind 718-780-4432 HZeskind@wsgc.co

Macys Holiday 2015 Gift Guide

Macys has some wonderful gift options for the holiday season.  They’re one of my favorite retailers and I’m looking forward to purchasing goodies.

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To jump start our shopping list, take a look at the Holiday 2015 Gift Guide (below.)  Also, don’t forget to stay connected to the retailer for upcoming Black Friday Sales, Coupons, and Deals.

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MYHABIT Art & Wall Decor

Take your space from blah to incredibly beautiful with a canvas, wreath, or charger.  View the items below from Myhabit.com

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Linnea Heide “Queen of Hearts” Giclée on Canvas
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Set of 12 Glass Wall Spheres, Carmen/Sky
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Uptown Down 1960 Metal Framed Mirrored Wall Hanging, Bronze
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Oliver Gal “Type Writing Machine 1899” Framed Art
Nova Graceful, Wall Art-Ground Steel, Brushed Aluminum
Nova Graceful, Wall Art-Ground Steel, Brushed Aluminum
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Asian Art Imports Rustic Palm Wall Art

Apothecary Jars: Decorating and Organizing Your Space

My mother and I have been obsessing (all week) over Apothecary jars.  We’ve shared creative ideas for decorating and organizing with these clear, glass jars.

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Apothecary jars are beautiful to the eyes and can be used in a variety of ways.  For example, one can organize a bathroom with these jars by filling with cotton balls or bath soaps.

A decorative use for the jars includes using as an accent object on a table; filled with lemons or flowers.  I’ve discovered on Pinterest that one can make Apothecary jars with a simple vase, candle holder, and super glue.  I love this idea because I’m a sucker for a DIY project!

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These sophisticated jars can also showcase the change of seasons (or holiday) with candy, ribbon, or even decor.  The perfect place to display an Apothecary jar is on the fireplace mantle, kitchen bar, accent table, or bath tub.  If you want to add a touch of elegance, place a silver tray underneath the jar.  This can take your jar from ordinary standards to ultra unique in minutes.

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If you’re asking yourself, “where can I purchase a set of these jars?” Apothecary jars can be found at Pier 1 Imports, Pottery Barn, and Hobby Lobby.

Floral Design Decorating and Debi Lilly: Entertaining and Design Expert

One of the least expensive ways to decorate a home is with the use of floral design.  Not only is it beautiful in terms of aesthetic value but it’s a money saver depending on the plant and design concept.  Flowers can also set the tone for any room, whether romantic or contemporary.

Floral Design 1 Floral Design 2

In decorating (or design school) it’s always suggested to use nature for inspiration.  Home floral design can be duplicated with authentic greenery or silk plants.  Either option creates a beautiful centerpiece with a few additional suggestions:

1.  Purchase or use a unique container

2.  Select flowers that are in season with a local florist shop or nursery

3.  Think outside of the box and use fruits as an arrangement

4.  Add ribbons and lace as a nice accent

5.  Try something new such as a wreath, swag, or garland

Also, don’t forget to consider your supplies and the space for your new arrangement.  We will have more floral design tips on Style + Life + Fashion from Debi Lilly (Oprah’s Party Planner) as she will be launching a line of floral designs at select Safeway locations in the Baltimore/DC area.

Debi Lilly 3 Debi Lilly

Quick Fall Decorating Tips and Photos via Pinterest.com

Fall has finally arrived which means that it’s time to put out our new decor. And this is actually my favorite time of the year, with warm memories of drinking pumpkin spice coffee, picking out Halloween costumes, visiting the local pumpkin patch, and enjoying my mother’s delicious Thanksgiving feast.

 

When deciding to decorate, a few quick tips can get our creative juices flowing and bring joy to our homes. For starters, one must decide on the look they’re trying to achieve and the area in their home they would like to showcase. Personally, I always like to accent my front door, dining table, and entertainment unit.

 

Beautiful Fall Decor
Beautiful Fall Decor
Beautiful Fall Decor
Beautiful Fall Decor

 

Below are Quick Tips for decorating your home with Fall decor in just 30 minutes or less:

 

1. Visit your local craft store, discount store or dollar store for items. Normally around this time of the year companies will share coupons or run sales on Fall products.
2. Decide on the theme for your home – whether you love pumpkins or leaves, using a theme can serve as a great guide.
3. Always start with a budget! And this can vary depending on your lifestyle but operating without a budget can yield poor results and over spending.
4. Use unconventional ideas to gather supplies. Items can be found in your backyard such as leaves, acorns, sticks, wood chips, and tree bark.
5. Spruce up an old wreath with a simple bow or (again) leaves from the landscaping. Don’t forget to use garland on the fireplace mantal. You can create look this with leaves or purchase from a craft store.
6. Additional Fall decorating tips are: purchase a new place setting and add to the look with a table runner and candles; find creative ways to decorate a pumpkin with sharpie pens or decoupage.

 

And if all else fails, look at the nature around you for inspiration…it’s our best teacher!

 

Additional Inspiration

Photos are from (click here) Pinterest.com