Beautiful Ways to Display Jewelry

This article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens and written by Bri Levandowski, our reliable source on all things Home, Gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like to learn more information about Beautiful Ways to Display Jewelry, then visit the linked website.

The jewelry and accessories you wear out of the house are gorgeous! So why shut them away when they're not in use? Display your necklaces, gems, pendants, and more with our smart ideas for making jewelry do double duty as decor.

A few branches gathered from the backyard are perfect for displaying your accessories. Rings and brooches hang from short, twiggy spires, and necklaces and bracelets dangle from the higher boughs. As you gather more treasures, simply add more branches to keep your jewelry tree growing.

Check It Out

Displaying your jewelry on a vanity, as you would your cosmetics, is ideal for a number of reasons. First, you can view all your gorgeous accessories at once. Second, you can check your jewelry choices out in the mirror once you're done to see if you like the look!

Boutique Display

Too much bling to keep in one spot? Set your vanity up boutique style with a mannequin, shadow boxes, and storage crates. This gathers all your trinkets in one spot. Plus, you'll never get bored with the look!

Pretty and Prepared

Keeping your jewelry simply displayed might be more your taste. Lay out tomorrow's accessories in a pretty dish. You'll know where to find them right away in the morning, and they'll look lovely when you put them back at night.

Corkboard Wonder

A quick and easy way to access all your jewels is to hang them on corkboards. Keep them classy with frames and surrounding works of art. A low display shelf keeps rings and stud earrings on display as well.

DIY Jewelry Organizers

Fetching Collections

If you have a large collection of rings, invest in a velvet-lined jewelry box. Your rings will look sophisticated, and you'll be able to find just the one you're looking for.

Creative Combinations

Using a variety of materials makes a jewelry dispay both beautiful and convenient. Earrings and necklaces hang prettily from old vent screens, and rings sit tight in small teacup saucers. A dessert stand holds larger beaded necklaces and bracelets, while bangles stack neatly on a repurposed paper towel holder.

Picture Perfect

Jewelry truly looks like a work of art when hung inside whitewashed frames. This simple style is achieved with hooks and wires. Surround your frames with photos, mementos, and greenery for a cohesive display.

Out-the-Door Style

Always in a rush? Prep your jewelry when you prep your outfit. Hang accessories on clear removable wall hooks near your wallet, makeup, and perfume. Then grab, spritz, and head out the door!

Beautifully Repurposed

Why toss out old kitchen oven racks when you can put them to work in a new way? This repurposed rack was sanded, painted black, and strung with accessories. Lean it against a wall or mount it; just be sure the notches face outward!

If you’re interested in buying your first home, then please contact your nearest Denver Metro Realtor to learn more information about the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

32 Creative Ideas for Every Blank Wall in Your Home

This article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens, our reliable source on all things Home, Gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like more information Creative Ideas for Every Blank Wall, then please visit the linked website.

Sick of staring at a stark empty wall? Infuse it with warmth and personality by adding creative artwork, mixed media, and vintage finds.

Stylish Silhouettes

Decorate a dining nook or breakfast banquette with framed family silhouettes. The pieces stand out against the wall with crisp black frames and clean white matting. Arrange the portraits in a neat, balanced composition with even spacing between each piece.

Natural Beauty

Display collected artwork look on a dime. Browse the dollar store for wood frames and customize them with paint. These frames were spruced up with black paint and then distressed with sandpaper to match the look of the vintage botanical prints they display.

Small Space Decor

Don't let a small kitchen space stand in the way of your decor. Hang a pair of floating shelves on a blank wall or in a tight corner and fill them with various frames and ceramics with pretty patterns. To make the display pop, paint or stain the shelves a contrasting color as your walls.

Stick to the Theme

Dress up a bare area with variations on a single decorating theme. The small print hanging directly above this dining table was the inspiration for a beach theme. A collection of artifacts, including seashells and a framed bathing suit, draws attention to the dining area and ties together the whole look.

Wall Letters

Hop on the typography trend and use letters or words to create an artsy arrangement. Use a variety of sizes, colors, and materials in your wall artdisplay. For example, try combining prints of your favorite word or phrase with three-dimensional artifacts in shadow boxes.

Art of Grandeur

A single piece of art can be the solution for an entire blank wall—especially if it's a dramatic size, like this oversize print of the homeowner's state flag. Add emphasis to a single piece of artwork by installing a decorative pendant overhead. To make your own large artwork, stretch fabric around a canvas frame, available at crafts stores.

Gallery Shelf

An expansive floating shelf adds character to a blank wall. Layer framed prints or pictures and favorite accessories along the shelf. If you have a larger wall, hang several shelves and stagger their heights.

Art by Theme

Dress up your walls with variations on a single theme. Pick a subject or motif you love—like this homeowner's interest in birds—and repeat it in a collection of paintings, prints, needlepoints, and more. If you crave a little continuity, frame all your pieces in the same style of frame.

Kids' Gallery

Add a touch of childhood whimsy to any room in your home by framing your children's artwork. Hanging the items in high-traffic areas will make kids feel special, and by choosing traditional gallery-inspired frames, the artwork will blend easily with its surroundings.

Filling the Space

Have you found the perfect piece of artwork but discovered it doesn't fill the wall space the way you'd like it to? Pair it with smaller paintings to make the arrangement feel more robust. By placing smaller paintings on each side of this abstract canvas, the arrangement is in proportion to the wall space surrounding it.

Soothing Solution

Prevent a blank wall from looking stark by filling it with a collection of small prints. Soft landscapes like these ones look soothing placed against a soft white wall. To create a cohesive composition, search for prints of similar sizes and arrange the frames in a grid pattern on the wall.

Headboard Art

Use framed prints to fill up blank space on the wall behind a bed. This arrangement doubles as a headboard. To create the gridlike look, use square black frames and hang them close together, leaving about 2-3 inches between the frame edges.

Reflective Artwork

Looking for a quick but stunning way to fill up a blank wall? Try an oversize mirror. This once-dull corner comes to life with a floor-length mirror in a matte black frame. The mirror adds style to the room and reflects light around the space, making it feel larger.

Just For Kids

Add a gallery installation to your living room, basement, or den using nothing more than chalkboard paint. Section off a wall portion and paint it with chalkboard paint. You may need several coats. Store a bucket of chalk nearby and let the kids unleash their creativity. 

Vintage Posters

For a classic country look, search local flea markets for vintage posters. For a simple framing technique, use poster hangers that allow the piece to simply slide into the frame, and hang the unit up by a ribbon. We made this magnetic poster holder using inexpensive pine boards.

Dress Up an Alcove

It can be easy to overlook small spaces when designing a room, but tucked away spots, such as a niche for a bathtub, are great places to add an ensemble of prints. Group like prints on a blank bathroom wall with frames that match or complement the room's finishes.

Big Business

Colorful graphic art pops off deeply saturated walls. Frame music or movie posters with white frames to make them stand out on colorful walls even more. The look is trendy but sophisticated—a successful vibe for a home office.

Kid's Corner

Enliven a corner of a nursery with whimsical prints both child and parent will appreciate. Finish the look with a pair of picture ledges. Children’s books are known for their colorful illustrations; select your favorite covers and display as art that can easily be changed as the child grows.

Buddy System

Filling a long wall in a living room can be a design challenge. Start by hanging a series of prints with complementary color palettes above the sofa. Partner the wall art with colorful decor elsewhere. Bookshelves create a natural perimeter for the wall art. Display decorative items and small framed artworks on the shelves to complete a pulled-together look for the entire room.

Stackable Style

Collect and paint wooden boxes and crates to fashion your own storage solution and eclectic art display. Use the lower bins to hold photo albums, crafting supplies, or family heirlooms. Hang boxes on the wall so they appear to be floating and fill with decorative items. Finish with a simple frame and your favorite artwork.

Wallpaper That Wows

Framed prints aren’t the only way to make an artistic statement on blank walls. There is a vast array of stunning wallpaper designs that will elevate the look of any room. Bold colors or oversize patterns can especially energize a space.

Custom Furnishings

Flex your DIY muscles and refinish an old piece of furniture to display as a work of art. This dynamically repainted piece sets the tone for the room. Connect stylish furniture to the wall art with one leaning piece that gently rests against the wall.  

Attention Grabber

Draw attention to unique accessories with an oversize piece of artwork. This massive print embraces the contemporary typography trend and draws the eye toward a modern transparent console table. To keep the arrangement looking grounded and intentional, it's flanked by a pair of industrial-style sconces.

DIY Botanical Prints

Update the classic look of botanical prints with this easy DIY project. Silk or plastic greenery is laid on a blank canvas and a coat of spray paint creates the reverse silhouette. A special material called frisket (available in the model-building section of a crafts store) gives the pieces a unique irregular border. Get the step-by-step instructions.

Upper Gallery

Create a gallery of frames above a large window or along the soffit above kitchen cabinets. Use matching frames for your collection and fill with favorite snapshots and fun prints. If you have a colorful space, try a collection of black-and-white images. Or if your space leans more neutral, like this breakfast nook, opt for an assortment of colorful artwork.

Reflective Series

For a lighter alternative to a large mirror, group several smaller mirrors together. The result is a subtle yet stunning wall arrangement. Use mirrors in different shapes such as the ones pictured for a sophisticated cottage look.

Basket Art

For a casual cottage look, hang shallow wicker baskets along a wall as artwork. Here, the woven baskets add texture to the wall, and the natural material pops against cool blue walls. Simple decor in neutral shades keeps the focus on the art arrangement.

Pack It In

Fill blank wall space with a tight arrangement of eclectic artwork above a fireplace or mantel. To keep the wall from looking cluttered or random, make sure the artwork has a similar feel. Here, landscapes with similar colors and neutral frames fit snugly yet stylishly on a small dining room wall.

Laying the Plans

Search antique shops and flea markets for vintage landscape blueprints that double as wall art. This print, with its soft color palette and faded paper, blends easily with a country gardening motif. Hang it over a small console table and accessorize with rustic accents for a cohesive theme.

Bright Spot

Introduce a new color to a space with brightly hued picture mats. These yellow matted prints bring attention to the bed, casting it as the bedroom's focal point. The yellow mats serve as a vivid contrast to the purple-hue bedroom. For a polished look, repeat the mat's hue somewhere else in the room.

Books as Art

Round up a collection of worn or unreadable books with fun covers. Remove the covers and hang them in frames for a literary-theme wall art installation. Or, if you want to keep the books intact, scan the covers and print on photo paper.

A Bit of Nature

Bring the great outdoors inside with nature-inspired artwork. This sunny sitting room includes a large bay window that offers magnificent views of the outside, making these small butterfly prints blend right in on a blank wall. The bright colors on the butterflies' wings add a needed splash of color to the mostly neutral room and coordinate perfectly with other accessories and decor.

If you’re looking to customize your own home, then please contact your nearest Denver Realtor to learn more information about the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

Tips for Arranging, Organizing, and Decorating Bookshelves

This article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens, our reliable source on all things Home, Gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like more Tips for Arranging, Organizing, and Decorating Bookshelves, then please visit the linked website.

Bookshelves do double duty as storage space for books and display space for accessories. Learn how to decorate bookshelves so they are both fully functional and pleasing to the eye.

For picture-perfect bookcase decorating, resist the urge to pack in accessories on every shelf. Keep a clean look by choosing a one-color or tone-on-tone scheme for vases and figurines, and make sure to mix up shapes. Every so often, step back to assess the overall balance of your arrangement. Place items off-center, or try larger or smaller ones until you like what you see.

Everything Fits

To add interest to your book collection, alternate stacking books horizontally and vertically. One of the best ideas for decorating bookcases is to use decor as bookends. Bold-color accessories and picture frames make great bookends and help the decor stand out on shelves. 

• Clever Ways to Store Books

Less Is More

Mod decor shelves call for a sparse look, so group together a small set of books that are all of fairly uniform size. Accessorize with streamlined vases and metallic decor, leaving lots of open space on shelves to let the accessories shine through. Give the whole shelving unit a pop with a smart-color backdrop.

Office Symmetry

To give office bookshelves an organized feel, gather a wide variety of collectibles. Place your chosen items between books, creating loose symmetry. If you have a picture frame or square shape in one shelf, mirror it with a collectible of a similar shape and size on the opposite side. In a wall of bookshelves such as this, it's important to scatter books here and there to punctuate the look.

Color Smart

Carry your color scheme onto your bookshelf to give the room a sense of unity. Here, accessories on the shelves match the light blue of a nearby throw pillow. Storage cabinets conceal items like toys and movies that you may not want out in the open.

Pretty Panache

Don't forget the power of bookends when decorating bookcases! Use heavy, sturdy decor as a bookend to keep shelves neat and organized. Bookends especially come in handy for paperbacks and slimmer books, which are less likely to stay upright.

Bold Yet Simple

If your book spines lack visual style, decorate bookshelves by painting them a vibrant color to draw focus. To highlight the color even more, choose a single contrasting shade, such as the creamy white floor and ceiling trim work here.

Alternative Arrangement

For a display-worthy decorative bookcase, organize books and decor on staggered shelving. A slanted shelf, like this, is even more interesting with uneven rows and columns. For a living room bookshelf, place the most attention-grabbing titles and artwork at eye level for guests to peruse.

Functional Form

Decor shelves are great tools to keep a workroom organized. Slip magazine holders on open shelves to hold loose papers. Storage boxes conceal clutter and can be a bold color to look more exciting. Use decorative containers and flea market finds to finish off bookshelf decor and plant containers.

• Beautiful Bookcase Makeovers

Jumbled Perfection

Vary heights and create interest by stacking books horizontally; they can then be used as platforms for displaying other objects, like small potted plants. Pull together a small decorative bookcase by arranging the top and bottom shelves in opposite ways.

Lovely Layers

Deep bookshelves give you the luxury to play with layers. Lean artwork along the back of the shelves, and anchor them with books or heavier objects. To decorate the bookcase, place a few small pieces of art near the front of the shelves to give them depth. Bulky vases can hide their heft behind small frames without losing their uniqueness.

Clean Display

Get the most storage and style out of built-in bookcases by filling the shelves with books. Organize shelves by color for a decorative look without accessories. Remember that you can hang decor off shelves as well. These mounted art pieces help break up the lines of books.

• Built-In Bookcases You'll Love

Great Idea

Bookshelves can be used to create visual interest. A bookended stack on the center shelf mirrors the decor below it, all while contrasting the top shelf of loosely arranged and off-center books. When decorating shelves, offsetting accessories provides the biggest impact.

Switch It Up

Try using up otherwise wasted space with a bookshelf. Chances are good you rarely need more than one book at a time, so keeping books in sight but out-of-reach is actually a more storage-friendly solution than keeping items used more frequently, such as wine bottles, up high.

Art Focus

It's hard to know how to decorate bookshelves with an eclectic style. When you have art pieces that have a variety of styles, they can all work together on a bookshelf, as long as colors coordinate. Blue and white live on each shelf, so the bright statue doesn't look out of place near a golden armadillo.

Little Library

Utilize a built-in bookcase as a fashionable and functional headboard. Sconces are mounted, leaving plenty of room for a library of nighttime reading materials and decor. Add more appeal with adjustable reading lights recessed atop the bookcase.

If you’re interested in building your own custom bookshelf in your own home, we suggest you contact your nearest Denver Fixed Rate Realtor to get more information on the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

12 Easy Ways to Decorate Your Front Porch with Flea Market Finds

This article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens, our reliable source on all things Home, Gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like to get more information on Ways to Decorate Your Front Porch, then visit the linked website.

One of the best parts of summer is outdoor living. It's the chance to gather with family and friends, share a meal, and catch up. So it's important to create both an inviting and function porch or patio that feels like an extension of your home.

But decorating a front porch doesn't have to be a big investment. Turn to thrift stores, flea markets, and estates sales to score vintage finds for your outdoor room. Here are 12 fabulous front porch ideas featuring flea market finds that will make your friends and family eager for an invite this summer. Even if you don't have a front porch, these bold and creative ideas can be applied to any outdoor space.

1. Paint It

Turn to exterior-grade paint to pull together a front porch filled with flea market finds. A colorful rattan table and chair set, scored at a secondhand shop, can easily be updated with white spray paint. Rather than laying a new floor, paint over the existing material to refresh it. A fresh coat of paint on the ceiling and walls can also tie a mishmash of textures together and make the porch look tidy.

2. Upgrade Seating

Add charm to your porch with comfortable furnishings and unique elements. Thrifted ladder-back chairs greet visitors with a warm welcome. Plush pillows sewn out of fabric scraps give furniture a colorful pop. A patterned area rug adds a fun twist to the outdoor space.

3. Pay Attention to Scale

Even small front porches are fitting for flea market furnishings—just make sure to consider scale. A large, solid sofa will make a tight space feel even smaller. Opt for spindly seating, such as rattan or bamboo chairs.

4. Go Green

Just as pillows and throws are important for creating a cozy space, so are plants. Large tropical plants can create a room divide and make you feel transported to another region of the world. Utilize flea market baskets to house smaller plants arranged along the floor and on tables.

5. Mix and Match Styles

Have fun layering in different pieces—old and new—and don't be afraid to mix and match styles. Rugs, furniture, lighting—consider a blend of all of your favorites. This front porch of Jen from Flea Market Fab includes a wood chair, whose frame she scored for $2.50, a carved screen she purchased at a local flea market for $20, and vintage shell hangings.

6. Use Wall Space

Pay attention to wall details. Using your outdoor wall space gives you vertical height and the effect of being in an outdoor room. Vertical gardensand mirrors are always a smart design decision and will add tons of interest to your walls.

7. Don't Be Afraid to Add Color

Embrace a bold color scheme—especially if you're using bargain secondhand decor. Even if your home tends to be more neutral on the inside, you can find small ways of layering color on your front porch through flea market furnishings or accents. Here, a vintage rattan loveseat gets a colorful update with blue cushions and pink throw pillows. A vibrant wall hanging, ottoman, and rug round out the eye-catching outdoor room.

8. Think Outside the Box

We all need functional seating outdoors, but why not think outside the box? A hanging couch or daybed creates a cozy area to relax. And, it gives some style to an otherwise casual aesthetic. Secondhand poufs and pillows, as well as a distressed coffee table, complete this informal look.

9. Rock On

When in doubt, turn to the always-in-style traditional rocking chair. Who isn't excited by the thought of relaxing for a spell on a beautiful front porch sipping some cold tea? And don't fret if the flea market furniture has a few knicks; a coat of primer and your favorite shade of spray paint will easily refresh the chairs.

10. Light the Way

With thrifted outdoor lighting and potted plants, you can create a beautiful focal point on your front porch. Vintage lanterns fill with LED pillar candles guide guests up the stairs. Galvanized metal bins make for easy planters with pretty patina.

11. Create Zones

Divide your outdoor space into dedicated zones to create purpose. Arrange a small seating area with two chairs, a large place for lounging with a sofa, or a dining area complete with table and chairs. Utilize area rugs and lighting to visually separate the spaces.

12. Make it Cozy

There is nothing like spending time outside at dusk. But setting the mood with lights can make all the difference. Update vintage fixtures with dimmable LED bulbs to set the mood. Having extra throws and pillows on hand is another must for entertaining.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Denver Real Estate Market, then contact your nearest Denver Fixed Rate Realtor to get more information.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

Our Coziest Winter Decorating Ideas

This article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens, our reliable source on all things Home, Gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like to learn more about the Coziest Winter Decorating Ideas according to Better Homes and Gardens, then visit the linked website.

Incorporate winter decor as temperatures outside drop to bring some warmth back into your home. Use our winter decorating ideas to learn the best ways to cozy up during the holiday season.

Focus on the Hearth

As temperatures dip lower, bring your focus inward by rearranging your furniture. If you have a fireplace, pull pieces in toward the center of the room and face them near the hearth to create a cozy gathering spot for winter entertaining. Plush fabrics and upholstery add warmth even without a roaring fire.

Luxe Looks

Give your bedroom a quick style update and prepare it for the season by layering in textured bedding, throws, and pillows. Winter room decor—like this luxurious velvet throw and soft faux fur bed pillows—turn a bedroom into a cozy refuge from harsh winter winds.

Color Me Happy

Avoid the winter blues by infusing your spaces with pops of cheery color. A bright throw or a boldly patterned pillow will do the trick, and will ensure your neutral spaces don't look stark and cold like the space outside your windows. Brightly colored elements can also last into the spring and summer, so you'll get more bang for your decorating bucks.

Reflective State

With the shorter days, it's time to maximize what natural light is still available. Hanging a large mirror on a blank stretch of wall or above a mantel display will reflect light throughout your space. Turn the mirror into a decorative display by painting the frame an eye-catching color, or opt for the simplicity of winter white decor.

Window Dressing

Even kitchens need a little TLC during the winter months. Adding bold window treatments to your kitchen windows, like these cheery red curtains, will keep your workspace feeling merry and bright—even after the holidays. Create your own by purchasing a yard of fabric in the color or pattern of your choice, hemming the raw edges, and using clip-style curtain rings over rods.

Seated in Style

Similar to winter fashion, winter decorating is all about layering on the fabrics. Cozy your dining room up for the season by covering your chairs with simple slipcovers. Slipcovered chairs add warmth and winter style to this neutral dining room and can be easily taken off for a quick cleaning after a family dinner or gathering with friends.

Toasty Transitions

Sheepskin is the epitome of cozy winter home decor. It instantly brings warmth to any room. Place a sheepskin rug on the floor, or toss one over an ottoman or a chaise to provide a toasty spot to tuck chilly toes while reading or relaxing.

White as Snow

Collect a display of crisp glassware to bring a hint of winter white style into your home. Bright white dishware stands out against a black-painted hutch. Accents of silver scattered throughout the display echo the sparkle of freshly fallen snow, while a fresh houseplant adds life.

Comfort Underfoot

Although wood floors create a sophisticated style statement year-round, you'll need to cozy them up for the cold winter months. A fluffy area rug sets off this living room's main seating area and adds warmth and texture underfoot. For a unique style statement, layer one rug on top of another to add more visual interest.

Pillow Panache

Layer in a few extra throw pillows for a quick winter style update. Playful patterns stand out against dark wood flooring and a lush velvet sofa in this cozy living room. Choose accent pillows in colors and patterns that match your existing decor to ensure you don't have to make any more decor adjustments. A cozy throw completes the look.

Warm Up Windows

Block out chilly winter drafts by layering on window treatments. Thick draperies add volume and color in this pretty breakfast nook. Replace the thick curtains with sheer draperies during warmer months, or simply remove the extra treatments altogether until temperatures plunge again.

Cozy Reading Nook

A window seat offers the perfect perch for everything from an afternoon nap to a day spent lost in a good book. Keep your window seats cozy by bulking them up with fluffy seat cushions and pillows. If space permits, use under-seat storage to house blankets and other winter decorations for the season.

Fireplace Facelift

As temperatures dip lower, your focus will naturally shift toward the hearth. Give your fireplace a quick makeover to ensure it's ready for all that extra attention. A large mirror above the mantel instantly elevates this fireplace to focal point status, while an ornate screen adds both style and function below.

Scents of the Season

Although decor and accessories can go a long way toward cozying up your home, it's important to fill it with the smells of the season, too. A fragrant bowl of potpourri—in a wintry scent such as cinnamon, pine needles, or evergreen—can do the trick and will fill your home with seasonal cheer. Display the arrangement prominently on a mantel or as a casual winter table centerpiece.

If you’re in the market for a new home to get cozy and settled before the end of the winter season, then contact your nearest Denver Flat Fee Realtor to learn more information about the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

These Are the Winter Candles "Better Homes & Gardens" Editors Are Burning All Season Long

This article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens and written by Jessica Bennett, our reliable source on all things Home, Gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like more information on Winter Candles Editors Are Burning All Season, then please visit the linked website.

Candle shopping, especially during the holiday season, can be overwhelming. Just about every candle company floods the market with pumpkin this and evergreen that. To help you narrow your search for the perfect seasonal scent, we're showcasing seven of our favorite winter candles that you can shop on Amazon. Carefully chosen and tested by BHG.com editors, each one offers a unique aroma and stylish container. (And don't worry, there's still a pumpkin scent on the list!)

Frasier Fir by Thymes

One of the best parts of winter is building a fire and curling up with a good book. Skip the work of the crackling fire but keep all the cozy hygge feelings by lighting a candle with forest undertones. Frasier Fir is a tried-and-true favorite of Allison Maze Vancura, our lifestyle editor, who says this candle is like a fresh-cut Christmas tree—without the hassle of cleanup and watering. The hints of Siberian Fir needles, cedarwood, and sandalwood put a fresh twist on traditional winter candles. Expect to enjoy this grounding scent for up to 50 hours.

Buy It: Frasier Fir, $50

Amber & Moss by P. F. Candle Co.

We love P. F. Candle Co. for its rich fragrances and apothecary-inspired jars. The amber and moss scent makes a refreshing addition to our winter candle collection. Lavender cuts the woodsy scent while sage and orange add freshness, making it a perfect transitional candle between fall and winter. Our home editor, Caitlin Sole, loves burning this soy candle all year long, but it's especially cozy as the weather turns colder.

Buy It: Amber & Moss, $23

Apple Strudel by Milkhouse Candle Co.

The only thing as good as the first bite of homemade apple strudel is the sweet, buttery smells that waft through the kitchen as it's baking. This candle recreates that enticing aroma with the scents of apples, raisins, and spices, which come from a blend of natural and fragrance oils. Infused with pure beeswax for a slower burn, this soy candle lasts about 65 hours.

Buy It: Apple Strudel, $24.99

Grandma’s Kitchen by Homesick

Homesick candles first came to our attention with their original line of state-scented candles. The company continues to produce nostalgic scents with a line of memory-inspired candles. Among those is Grandma’s Kitchen, a candle with all the sweet, buttery scents you’d expect. We love Homesick candles for their clean, slow burn; each candle typically lasts up to 80 hours. Our deputy editor, Rachel Haugo, burned this scent at home and got rave reviews from both her 4-year-old son and her grandma.

Buy It: Grandma’s Kitchen, $29.80

Pumpkin Dulce by Capri Blue

Capri Blue has just one pumpkin scent in its entire fragrance line—a rarity among today’s candle collections. But with a scent as good as Pumpkin Dulce, one is all you need! The candle is warm, sweet, and evocative of happy memories, as if you just pulled out a batch of homemade cookies. We wouldn’t classify this one as subtle, as it fills an entire room with its aroma. The candle comes in a glamorous glittery jar so you can add some sparkle atop your coffee table or countertop.

Buy It: Pumpkin Dulce, $39.52

We also think Capri Blue's beloved Volcano candle makes a festive addition to your home in the cold-weather months. Although the scent isn't strictly winter-inspired, this bright, citrusy fragrance is one of our all-time favorites for any season.

Buy It: Volcano, $27.99

Pear and Tea Leaf by Yankee Candle

Sugar, vanilla, and peppermint candles are fun and festive in the winter, but sometimes we could use a break from the holiday hustle. Pear and Tea Leafby Yankee Candle is an ideal scent for melting away the stress of a weekend shopping spree. It has an impressive list of fragrance notes including fresh ginger, apple, chai tea, golden pear, and vanilla. It’s multidimensional and warm, and it can fill a room without even being lit. Plus, the special Yankee Candle lid is made to fit underneath the candle as a pretty gold base.

Buy It: Pear and Tea Leaf, $22.56

If you’re interested in buying a new home in order to fit all of your favorite candles this winter, then contact your nearest Denver Fixed Rate Real Estate Realtor to learn more about the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

The 7 Coziest Heated Throw Blankets to Keep You Toasty All Winter Long

This article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens and written by Jessica Bennett, our reliable source for all things Home, Gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like more information about your ideal Heated Throw Blankets, then please visit the linked website.

Most of us spend a lot of time cozied up indoors this time of year, but sometimes our go-to throw blankets aren't quite warm enough to ward off winter's chill. Though electric blankets, also known as heated blankets, have been available for years, today's crop is decidedly more beautiful and functional than ever. Warmed by heating elements sewn into the fabric panels, electric blankets are ideal for snuggling up on the couch, layering atop a bedspread, or adding an extra warm touch to the car while you're on the road. Simply plug your throw into an outlet, wait a few minutes for it to heat up, and wrap yourself in whole-body warmth. Here are seven of our favorite electric throw options for every budget and aesthetic (just be sure to use them safely!).

Best Heated Blanket with Multiple Temperature Settings

This heated throw is a top choice on Amazon for its affordability and convenient features. Available in seven colors, the blanket is equipped with 10 heat settings so you can easily adjust the warmth to your desired level of toastiness. The heating technology, which is spread evenly throughout the quilted fleece design, automatically adjusts as needed to deliver consistent heat. Bonus: It's machine-washable and safe for the dryer!

Buy It: Sunbeam Heated Blanket, $39.99, Amazon

Best Patterned Heated Blanket

You shouldn't have to sacrifice style for warmth. This electric blanket comes in a variety of pretty patterns, including this black-and-white buffalo check, so you can coordinate with the existing decor in your living area or bedroom. An extra-long cord makes it easy to bring the warmth wherever you need it, and an automatic 10-hour shutoff provides an additional level of safety.

Buy It: Biddeford MicroPlush Heated Throw, $39.99 (originally $80), JCPenney

Best Faux Fur Heated Blanket

Plush faux fur and a super-soft texture make this blanket a must-have for cold winter nights—even if you don't turn it on! According to one reviewer, "just the throw by itself is extremely warm and cozy." At over 4 feet wide and nearly 7 feet long, this oversized heated blanket is perfect for sharing.

Buy It: Zuri Oversized Heated Faux Fur Throw, $59.49 (originally $69.99), Wayfair

Best Heated Blanket for Travel

The solution to freezing-cold car rides is here: This 12-volt electric blanket plugs into your vehicle's cigarette lighter to provide cozy warmth on the go. It only takes about three minutes to heat up, and the 6.5-foot cord is long enough to reach the backseat. Great for road trips and tailgating, this cold-weather accessory also makes a practical addition to your vehicle emergency kit.

Buy It: Sojoy 12V Heated Electric Car Blanket, $24.99, Amazon

Best Heated Blanket for Couples

You and your bed partner may not always agree on what temperature to set the thermostat, but this heated throw blanket can help you both sleep comfortably. The queen- and king-sized versions include two controllers (one for each side of the bed), so each person can choose their desired level of warmth from the 10 heat settings. The machine-washable design comes in five colors, so you can pick the hue that best coordinates with your bedroom decorating scheme.

Buy It: Biddeford Blankets Comfort Knit Heated Blanket, $60.00, Amazon

Best Plush Heated Blanket

The plush, faux-fur fabric makes this heated throw blanket the ultimate cozy addition to your couch, reading nook, or bed. Made of 100% polyester, it's silky smooth to the touch and features a honeycomb design on one side that reminds of our favorite chunky-knit throws. Five heat settings let you dial the heat up to your liking.

Buy It: Serta Heated Electric Honeycomb Faux Fur Throw, $71.99, Amazon

Best Heated Blanket for People with Cold Feet

If your feet are always freezing, this blanket was made for you. The throw is over 6 feet long and features a foot pocket at the end to keep toes toasty. With plush fleece fabric and three heat settings, it'll keep you warm and snug during movie nights on the couch or chilly afternoons spent with a good book.

Buy It: Beautyrest Foot Pocket Soft Microlight Plush Electric Blanket, $51.99, Amazon

If you’re interested in getting cozy this winter in a new home, contact your nearest Denver Flat Fee Realtor to get more information about our current Denver market.

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The Best Planners for 2020, According to "Better Homes & Gardens" Editors

This article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens and written by Emily VanSchmus, our reliable source on Homes, Gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like more information on The Best Planners for 2020, please visit the linked website.

We've rounded up the planners our staff swears by so you can prepare for the new year in style.

While there are many calendar apps available for your phone, tablet, or computer, we've found that digital scheduling can't replace a paper planner when it comes to organizing meetings and actually sticking to this year's resolutions. With so many styles and patterns to choose from, it’s easy to pick out a planner that looks pretty. What’s not as easy to determine is which planner will be most functional for your everyday life. 

Not to worry: Our editors have gathered the ultimate roundup of pretty and practical planners. Find one that matches your needs, or learn how you can create your own custom design. Plus, our favorite planners start at just $10, so you can organize your life without having to rethink your budget.

Day Designer Original Daily Planner

The Day Designer is one of our favorite planners because of the add-ons, including free printables for holiday planning, weekly meal planning, bucket lists, and even daily planning pages for especially hectic days. We're also a big fan of how much writing space each page offers. Their hard-cover spiral-bound planners are 8.5 by 11 inches, with 10 blank lines per weekday and a corresponding daily to-do checklist with room for 10 tasks. "The design is gorgeous, and I like how detailed and broken down each day is— you can plan hour by hour if you want—so it's almost impossible to forget something," says Rachel Wermager, editorial associate at BHG.com. "I love the stickers for special occasions, and I also like that it has sections to set goals for the whole year." Day Designer planners are available at Office Depot, Target, Walmart and Amazon, so they're easily accessible too.

Rifle Paper Co. Classic Planner

This 2020 planner is available in the classic spiral-bound format, as well as with a hard cover that wraps around the spiral binding for extra protection. Planners by Rifle Paper Co. include monthly and weekly views, inspirational quotes, and a ruled pocket in the back that makes it easy to keep track of small things like notes or business cards. Plus, for the first time ever, they include sticker sheets. This year’s planners span from August 2019 to December 2020.

Emily Ley Simplified Planner

This Emily Ley planner is a must-have for anyone with a hectic schedule. Each page of the Simplified planner features one day with an hourly timeline from 6 a.m. through 9 p.m., a to-do list column with 16 spaces to check off tasks, along with a large blank section for notes. The daily planner is perfect for anyone who has several meetings or appointments throughout the day since the design makes it easy to schedule things down to the hour. The weekly design features seven days on a spread with a shortened version of each day’s notes and tasks along with space to check off weekly tasks like meal planning and tidying up for the week ahead. "I've been in love with The Simplified Planner for the last six years," says Rachel Haugo, BHG.com deputy editor. "I'm currently using the 12-month weekly version and love the format where each spread is a week at a glance. Another bonus: each sheet of paper is thick (which means my weeks don't blend together). It gives me enough space to keep track of my personal to-do lists, reminders, appointments, and even has a daily spot for dinners, while also having enough space to add in info for my two kids, husband, dog, etc. If you like minimalist white design with a sprinkle of cheerful colors, this planner is for you!"

Target + Blue Sky Planner

This planner is one of the most functional and affordable planners available. It retails for just under $10 and has all the basic elements of planners with larger price points. The Blue Sky planner includes a durable cover in a variety of styles and patterns, as well as plenty of space to write. The design features one week per each two-page spread, meaning you can see the full week at once without sacrificing valuable writing space.

Weekly Planner Pad

If you have a small workspace or if you tend to have a lot of things on your desk at all times, a weekly planner pad can be more helpful than a large planner. This planner pad is easy to keep by your keyboard for jotting down notes or small tasks that don't necessarily need to go in a planner. "I use a weekly planner pad for work and find it more helpful than a traditional planner when I'm scheduling small work tasks," says Emily VanSchmus, assistant holidays editor at BHG.com. "I use my regular planner to keep track of meetings and large deadlines, but I like being able to keep a running list of daily tasks on my weekly planner pad right at my desk. I also love that it doesn't get in the way like a large fold-out planner can, which means my to-do list is always in sight." This planner pad includes 50 sheets without dates so you can start it any day (and you won't waste unused weeks!) and is pretty enough to showcase on your desk.

Ban.do Planner

Ban.do is one of the most popular brands of planners because of the variety. Choose from their collection of spiral-bound planners, hardcover planners, spiral-bound planners with an outer hard-cover shell, and a new binder format. "I'm mildly obsessed with Ban.do planners," says Caitlin Sole, BHG.com home editor. "I always get the case-bound version because I find spiral planners tend to snag on items in my purse. The 12-month planner offers weekly and monthly views, color-coded tabs, and fun quotes and motivational quips throughout. Plus, it has stickers, so even a dentist appointment can look stylish." The planners come in four sizes: classic, medium, large and the binder format, which allows you to add extra pouches and pages to fit your exact organizational needs.

Lilly Pulitzer Agenda

Another functional and straightforward planner design is the agenda from Lilly Pulitzer. It holds weekly and monthly calendar pages, with each week laid out on a two-page spread. Weekdays have a large amount of writing space and weekends are slightly smaller. This 2020 planner also comes with a notes section, sticker pages, and a place to record important dates throughout the year, making it super easy to transfer things like birthdays or anniversaries to the next year without having to flip through every single month. This year’s planners also come with a new pen loop feature, so you won’t risk losing your writing utensil on the way to a meeting or while you’re transporting your planner.

Erin Condren LifePlanner

Erin Condren planners are also a popular choice available year after year, and the LifePlanner is one of the most customizable planners. They're also one of the more expensive brands, but the cost is totally worth it because you can completely tailor it to your exact needs. Add your name to the front, choose your weekly layout (this is huge!), and pick the color schemeused throughout the pages. "This graphic planner is so interactive, getting your life in order will feel like a game," says Allison Maze Vancura, special projects editor at BHG.com. "View weekly or monthly spreads, signal important dates with cheerful stickers, and even snap in pre-printed lists and tabs. As a leftie, I also love the coiled design."

Cupcakes and Cashmere Agenda

You already know we love Blue Sky's yearly planners, and now they've teamed up with Cupcakes and Cashmere for a gorgeous daisy-print agenda. The clean design has features you're used to, like monthly spreads and days broken out by the hour, but it also offers free space for notes. This is one of our favorite ways to keep track of busy days because you can jot a few notes down directly next to each scheduled appointment.

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14 Small-Space Lessons from a 750-Square-Foot Townhome Makeover

This article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens from author Deb Schwartz, a reliable source for Homes, Gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like more information on how to makeover a small space, please visit the linked website.

Designer Shannon Claire Smith knows the challenges of small space living. Faced with a dated 750-square-foot Washington, D.C., condo, she used paint and smart furniture choices to transform it into a glamorous retreat. (Only the bathroom underwent a full renovation.) Her tips for making this one-bedroom look and live larger than it is can be applied to any small space. We drew on lessons learned from Smith's interior designs to answer reader questions on making the most of tight quarters.

1. Make Your Room Seem Larger

Smith painted the built-ins blue-black. "Dark colors are counterintuitive," she says. "A lot of people think they make a space feel smaller, but they really make the ceiling feel higher and the room appear larger." Black window casings also draw eyes out, making a space seem larger. White shades trimmed in black retain the effect, even when closed.

2. Go Big on Seating

A low-back sectional actually takes up less space than a sofa and chair would and accommodates her tall husband, Nick Herman. She pushed it right up to the built-ins, leaving just enough room to open the cabinet doors.

3. Simplify Silhouettes

Furniture with simple shapes and strong lines, like the round coffee table, keep a space from feeling cluttered. The table's open brass base has a light visual footprint, and its curves are easy to navigate.

4. Build Continuity

A decorating scheme that flows room to room is key in a small space, where multiple rooms are often visible at a glance. Smith achieved flow with a limited, mostly neutral palette that gets depth and interest from varied shades: whites and ivories, charcoals and grays, navy blues and blacks. She restricted metal finishes to matte black and antiqued brass. Because the front door opens directly into the main room, Smith positioned the dining and console tables to designate a foyer, which ends at the dresser that she stocks like a bar.

5. Use Mirrors

Smith wanted to preserve the illusion of space that the existing mirrored wall created. However, it lacked character, so she installed a grid of molding over it. Seams in the mirror determined the molding placement, and industrial-strength contractor's glue holds the off-the-shelf pieces in place. Hanging art on a mirrored wall creates even more visual depth.

6. Store Smarter

Smith replaced a bulky yet shallow upper cabinet and short glass shelves with deep wood shelves that hold more. A tile backsplash in a classic running bond pattern adds timeless appeal.

7. Use Dead Space

A picture ledge from IKEA turns the space above a shallow counter into a place to display art, store spices, and hang mugs or utensils.

8. Camouflage It

Painting the lower cabinets black blends them with the countertop. Fewer visual interruptions equal a larger look.

9. Add Drama with Paint

Smith's two-tone wall delivers instant style and creates a sense of architecture in a boxy room. The neutral color combo serves as a versatile background that she punches up with accents in warm metals and dusty rose (a throw and artwork).

10. Create Focal Points

Architectural elements, like box molding on the walls, plus a bold ceiling light and a statement headboard, give a room flair. Smith styles the bedside table in layers, starting by leaning a mirror against the wall to anchor the vignette and frame a small painting. Clustering small items gives them greater impact.

11. Create an Illusion

Smith painted the ceiling black in the bathroom because "dark colors are like the night sky—you don't really know where it ends and it makes the room feel wider and taller."

12. Use Every Inch

Open shelves fill a previously empty spot above the toilet to put regularly used items in reach. A round mirror breaks up straight lines and amplifies light.

13. Unify Surfaces

For space-enhancing uniformity, Smith chose white for the large ceramic tiles lining the bathroom walls and the small hexagonal tiles covering the floor. Bonus: Tile is easy to clean, and dark gray grout hides dirt.

14. Build in Storage

Pedestal sinks are often recommended for small bathrooms, but Smith opted for a 36-inch-wide vanity with lots of storage instead. She swapped out the hardware for a custom appearance.

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12 Flower Garden Design Tips That Will Help You Plan a Stunning Landscape

The following article has been taken from Better Homes & Gardens, a reliable source for all things home, gardens, and everything in between. If you’d like more information on How To Plan a Stunning Landscape, then please visit the linked website. Please enjoy the 12 Tips Better Homes and Gardens has for creating your most beautiful flower garden.

Flowers make any landscape more beautiful. But don’t be intimidated by the idea of planting a flowerbed. Use these tips to help you learn how to design a flower garden, and use them as inspiration for creating your own colorful spring landscape.

Research Flower Characteristics

The best flower garden designs incorporate several types of flowering plants, including long-living perennials, short-term (but long-blooming) annuals, seasonal bulbs, ornamental grasses, and vines. Before you officially get started on your flower garden design, do a little research on what types of plants will grow best in your area, what colors and textures they offer, and any limitations or special care they might need.

Choose Your Flower Garden Design Style

Your personal preferences (or your home's architectural style) can help dictate your garden design and set parameters for its size. Different flower garden design ideas and styles lend themselves to different types of plants. For example, a contemporary-leaning landscape might take a minimalist approach and clearly define flower beds with hard lines; a cottage-style garden encourages a mix-and-match approach and whimsical paths and flower beds. If you enjoy bringing flowers indoors, consider a perennial cutting garden.

Determine the Garden's Shape and Size

Flowering plants can be arranged in beds of almost any shape and size, from expansive rectangles to petite corner beds. To get an idea of how your flower garden will fit into the rest of your landscape, use a garden hose to outline the edges before you start digging. Walk around the bed; look at the proposed garden bed from every viewpoint. Test if you'll be able to access plants in the middle or if you'll need to include a path. If you're specifically looking for flower garden ideas for beginners, start small: You can always expand your plan if you want, or go bigger next year.

Select Flowering Plants

Once you've decided on your flower garden's design, shape, and size, it's time to put your plant research into action. Consider show-stopper plants you want to use as a focal point, flower sizes, year-round interest, bloom time, and color combinations.

Supply a Focal Point

Every garden bed, no matter how big or small, needs a focal point that gives the eye a place to start before moving on to the rest of the flowerbed. That could mean anchoring a large bed with boxwood shrubs in the corners and a flowering shrub in the middle or planting a mass of a single flower type in the center of a skinny border. You can also add an interesting piece of garden art.

Evaluate Plant Height

You'll also have to consider a plant’s height when making your selections. For example, if your garden is a border along the house, the tallest plants will need to go in the back but shouldn't be so tall that they block windows or doors. If your flower garden design is an island, the tallest plants should go in the center. Some short plants suffer when shaded by tall plants, so take individual flowers' needs into consideration.

Review Bloom Times

Well-designed flower gardens have plants with year-round interest and staggered bloom times. Evaluate both factors before selecting plants. You don't want to create a garden that's full of color in the summertime but bare in autumn. That's another reason it's important to combine different types of plants—shrubs that provide spring bloom and winter structure, fall-blooming bulbs, and summertime perennials, for example—in your flower garden design.

Select Complementary Flowers and Foliage

Creating the best color combinations in your flower garden design can be tricky. A good place to start is the color wheel. For example, gardens planted in shades of the same hue, like pink, are pleasing to the eye. Colors next to each other on the color wheel, like purple and red, look good together, as do colors across from each other—purple and yellow. Foliage can also provide much-needed texture and color for visual interest when blooms have wilted away.

Rely on Odd Numbers

When laying out your flower garden design, plant at least three (or any odd number) of the same kind of plant, either together or spaced apart. It's a visual design trick that creates cohesiveness so flowerbeds feel less jumbled than a one-of-each-kind collection of plants.

Incorporate Hardscape

Hardscape elements, like pergolas, trellises, and arbors are beautiful complements to flower garden design. If you're crafting a bed that flows from front yard to backyard, for example, an arbor with a climbing rose can help mark the transition from public to private spaces.

Once your research is done and you've decided on all the elements and the garden size, it's time to prep the bed by removing any old plant material (including grass). You may also want to add edging, such as pavers or another material.

Now, it’s time to go get your plants! Shop early in the morning to avoid crowds so you have plenty of time to make your purchase. If you’re shopping in a greenhouse on a sunny day, wear layers because it can get hot (and bring a bottle of water, too). Do your best to stick to your list—it’s easy to get carried away when you're face-to-face with all the beautiful plant options.

Prep, Edge, Purchase, and Plant

Once your research is done and you've decided on all the elements and the garden size, it's time to prep the bed by removing any old plant material (including grass). You may also want to add edging, such as pavers or another material.

Now, it’s time to go get your plants! Shop early in the morning to avoid crowds so you have plenty of time to make your purchase. If you’re shopping in a greenhouse on a sunny day, wear layers because it can get hot (and bring a bottle of water, too). Do your best to stick to your list—it’s easy to get carried away when you're face-to-face with all the beautiful plant options.

Mulch, Water, and Enjoy the Show

Any newly planted flowers should be well-mulched then watered regularly until the plants are established. Monitor your rainfall and water as needed, ensuring that your plants receive about an inch of water a week.

Once your new garden is in the ground, place a chair or two close enough to admire it. Enjoy watching the plants grow and bloom, and take in the view.

In the fall, you’ll want to assess your garden. What did you like? What grew well? Think about what you’d change next spring. Consider whether you want to build a no-dig flowerbed. And do what gardeners do in the off-season: Dream of the next garden.

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