Whenever we travel with our kiddos my daughter does something that is both hilarious and slightly terrifying at the same time.
Upon arrival at our destination, she immediately unpacks. As in, clothes in drawers, book on nightstand, stuffed animal on bed, toys carefully arranged in a corner or on a dresser and toiletry bag in the bathroom.
It’s hilarious because she’s only 7. And it’s slightly terrifying because she’s only 7. 😉
But, here’s the thing. It makes her feel more relaxed and ready to enjoy her time. And I suspect it makes her feel more at home even when home is far away.
Creating a home means something different to everyone. When I first started decorating my home, I would get so overwhelmed. I would pour over photos in magazines and on Pinterest and see all of these beautiful rooms but have no idea how to get that look to translate to my home.
And then I had a decorating ephiphany! I didn’t have to get that exact look in my home. Because, after all, those homes weren’t my home!
Instead, I’ve learned over the years to look at those photos from a different angle. Now, rather than looking at the room as a whole, I find one or two things in a space that I know I can easily and inexpensively incorporate into my own home.
Things like adding a pop of color to the backs of bookcases by painting or even adding wallpaper.
Or creating a cozy sitting area in our bedroom. I personally believe all bedrooms need somewhere to sit other than the bed.
Or layering rugs on the floor and maybe even going all wild and crazy with one of the patterns!
I think that neutral rooms create a wonderful foundation and make it so much easier to freshen up with pops of color here and there.
And friends, in the new year I have big plans for my kitchen island. I’ve been saying I’m going to paint it for years but this time it’s going to actually happen. I promise! It will be an inexpensive way to update my kitchen a bit.
And speaking of updating, there is nothing quite like a slipcover to completely change the look of a piece of furniture. I love how in the photo below, the slipcovered chairs create a contrast to the dark wood table.
If you’ve enjoyed the photos of these beautiful spaces we know you will love the website where we found them!
We recently connected with Cindy Ambuehl and not only were we impressed by the amoung of inspiration on her blog but also by what she is doing to help kids have the opportunity to explore their creativity.
Kids who, like my daughter, want to find ways to put their own stamp on their homes.
Cindy has partnered with Duck Brand to support PS Arts in Los Angeles which works with public schools to provide art, theatre and music education. Their goal is to improve the lives of children in under-served public schools and communities.
And this year they threw quite a shindig at their Express Yourself event which is the annual fundraiser for PS Arts.
Discovering someone who not only has a website chock full of beautiful design inspiration but also works hard to support children is a win/win in our book! 
If you’re looking for more design inspiration we highly recommend you visit Cindy’s blog . And keep up on all of the latest by following her here: Facebook , Twitter , YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest.
How do you use photos of beautiful rooms as a springboard in your own home?
What’s your best tip for adding that ‘decorator’ touch to rooms?
You are so right about using your own things and personality to translate into your own personal style. I wrote about the beautifully decorated homes and how I tried to mimic the style but it just didn’t work out. Of course not!! I was trying to put someone else’s personality into my home. I’m going to hop on over to Cindy’s blog. Thank you for sharing the information.
What great tips on changing things up while holding true to your own personality and style! Love this!
Excellent tips! I LOVE the story about your daughter–how fun that she’s making spaces her own. That speaks well of the way she feels in your house!
You are going to LOVE your painted island, I can tell you!! 🙂
She’s just making herself at home. Hilarious! I think you might have another decorator in the family.
I had my island painted a different colour than the rest of the kitchen. It makes the island stand out against the creamy white cupboards. I guess you could say, it’s the focal point in your kitchen. You’ll be ever so pleased with the results.
I too study pictures to pick up on little things that I can incorporate into my home, my style. Great post!
GREAT! Love these tips. I think it’s so important to make the most with what you have and so many times it’s simple touches that do just that! Love the pictures and ideas.
Beautiful photos of her home! I’ll definitely check out her blog. Your daughter is adorable! She’s like my daughter was at an early age and yes, she’s an incredible decorator now. She had her own ideas about clothes and decor from the early age of two! We were living in Amarillo and my dad and step-mother lived in Houston. They came for a visit and she immediately told him she needed a purse! Of course, they took us shopping, he bought her a little purse and she walked out of the store with it on her little arm. 🙂 I must add though that she’s been a shopper all her life.
You will LOVE having the island painted! Makes such a difference ~
xo
Pat