f27d4f18b200c1ff131f11aedc995994_Challenge-Bdrop.jpg

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Luminous

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">The month of March marks the beginning of a new season which makes it the perfect excuse to redecorate! This month’s series challenge was inspired by the color “Alexandrite”. In natural light, the color reflects a beautiful emerald green that resembles the leaves growing back from the cold winter months.

8f44c0_84317454bb5a4b598685f4743726811b~mv2.webp

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷 <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 130, 185);">@g_symone </a>

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">We challenged our users to take this color and incorporate it throughout different rooms of a house. We asked them to design bedrooms, yards, dining rooms, and much more in a way that expresses their unique style while keeping a coherent theme. Here are some designs from our talented users!

8f44c0_ecc1e76369bd45d99329dee04b49594c~mv2.webp

8f44c0_a4ebdb4a054b4dc0b2df1d9847d37033~mv2.webp

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷 <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 130, 185);">@dilemma</a>, <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 130, 185);">@belledesigns_02</a>

8f44c0_a0322716985f44eea7fc879f43796a8c~mv2.webp

8f44c0_1c283ed0ed0f46d0827bb3628ca39aca~mv2.webp

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷 <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 130, 185);">@icantique</a>, <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 130, 185);">@fee.love</a>

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The month of March marks the beginning of a new season which makes it the perfect excuse to redecorate! This month’s series challenge was inspired by the color “Alexandrite”. In natural light, the color reflects a beautiful emerald green that resembles the leaves growing back from the cold winter months. 



The Color of March: Alexandrite

New interior design games in-app, play today!

#limited #creativespaces #designgames 

31b761a6f294c3edeac6ded6241dea76_Profile-Thumb.jpg

I’m in the process of giving an old metal&nbsp;<a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/small-target-shelving-unit-makeover/" target="_blank">Target shelving unit a makeover</a>. I’ve spray painted the base and now and now I’m ready to give the plywood a faux wood finish with prominent wood grain.

I’m no stranger to creating faux wood finishes. If you can think of a way to create one, I’ve probably already tried it. Previously I’ve given a smooth&nbsp;<a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/painting-laminate-cabinets-and-laminate-furniture-tutorials/" target="_blank">laminate surface</a>&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/weathered-wood-finish-smooth-surface/" target="_blank">faux wood (weathered wood) finish with paint and dark wax.</a>

You can also see where I learned to&nbsp;<a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/how-to-create-the-weathered-barn-wood-look-with-new-wood/" target="_blank">highlight the wood grain with spackle</a>&nbsp;for a rustic wood finish. Yep, you heard me right- with spackle or otherwise known as joint compound.

Today I’m sharing how to create a faux wood finish with a graining tool. These tools are awesome and so easy to use IF you know how to use them. Let me show you.

How to use a wood graining tool for a faux wood paint finish

Using a graining tool doesn’t have to be hard. As a matter of fact, a beginner DIYer can do this!

First, you need to decide which medium you want to use.

Disclosure; this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay. This disclosure statement refers to the rest of the Amazon links and other affiliate links in this post.

You can use a graining tool with virtually any medium, including the stain. Know that stains typically won’t create as prominent of a grain effect unless you are using a stain that sits on the surface like a&nbsp;<a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/wood-furniture-makeover-with-unicorn-spit-gel-stain/" target="_blank">gel stain</a>.

There is a product called&nbsp;<a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/how-to-use-retique-it-liquid-wood-with-a-folding-table-makeover/" target="_blank">Liquid Wood</a>&nbsp;that infuses small particles of real wood into a paint product. I’ve used this product with a graining tool on an old folding table. I finished it with a stain too. It worked beautifully.

I thought about using the&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/3tZj99h" target="_blank">Retique It Liquid wood product</a>, but I decided to see what I could create with just paint.

Once you’ve decided on your medium, apply one to two layers on the surface.

Immediately after you apply the paint, start at one end of the surface and hold the rubber graining tool at about a 45-degree angle. Pull the graining tool through the paint (or stain) rocking it back and forth slowly until it reaches the edge of the surface.

Always pull the tool in the direction of the wood grain. If the surface you are applying it to doesn’t have a wood grain, decide the best direction for it. For most vertical surfaces, the wood grain should run vertical and vice versa for horizontal surfaces.

Make one smooth pass with the tool and DON’T pull the graining tool up until you’ve reached the edge.

If you mess up or you don’t like the grain, no big deal. Take your paint brush and brush over the surface and start over again.

Note; for a really cool effect, apply dark paint first and then a lighter paint on top. You will need to apply the lighter paint to the base coat while it’s still&nbsp;fairly&nbsp;wet. This is something you need to play around with to get the right timing for applying the second coat. The graining tool will pull the dark color out and it makes a really neat color.

What surfaces can you use a wood grain tool on?

As long as you have a paint or stain medium that will adhere to the surface you are trying to apply the wood grain to, any surface should work! You can apply this faux wood grain finish to virtually any type of material.

Like I said earlier, I applied this faux finish to a plastic folding table and it turned out beautifully.

Note: the thicker the paint or stain medium, the more prominent the wood grain will show.

Let me show you a few close-up views of the faux wood grain after it dried.

Look how real that wood grain looks! The best part? It actually has texture and feels like wood grain too.

This is only my second time using the graining tool but I can think of lots of other projects I would like to try it on

This article was written by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/repurposeandupcycle/" target="_blank">Lindsey Manning</a> from <a href="https://repurposeandupcycle.com/" target="_blank">Repurpose and Upcycle</a>.

Lindsey is a person with a strong desire to create! Her blog started out from a need for a creative outlet during her time as a stay-at-home mom. 

She believes that a home can be furnished, decorated, and updated on a budget. It just takes time, creativity, and the willingness to try and mess up. 

Check out her <a href="https://thebrownstoneboys.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/repurposeandupcycle/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/linds82au/_created/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!

8f44c0_cf1cc61814894e9581dc8c7010d86289~mv2.jpg.webp

I’m in the process of giving an old metal Target shelving unit a makeover. I’ve spray painted the base and now and now I’m ready to give the plywood a faux wood finish with prominent wood grain.

How to Use a Graining Tool For Faux Wood Paint Finish

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">For the past two years, people across the world have been staying inside their homes more than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression have significantly increased as the pandemic brought high levels of uncertainty. Thus, the pandemic lifestyle has forced people to realize what interior designers have known for a long time: the importance of surrounding yourself with what makes you feel good. We sat down with <a href="https://www.freshstartliving.co.uk/" target="_blank">Beth and Jon</a>, full-time interior designers, partners, and parents, to talk about their work and how interior design is crucial in improving mental health and productivity.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Q: What made you want to pursue interior design as your career?

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">A: We’ve been interested in interior design ever since we moved into our first property together in 2005. It all started with designing and creating our own homes that worked better for us and that also reflected our personality. We’ve since turned that passion into our career.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Q: What is your favorite part about designing?

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">A: The best thing about our work is seeing the client’s reaction to the end result. Most of our clients work with us because they can’t visualize how their space will come together or don’t have time to think about what would work best in their homes. So, to see the joy our clients feel when their homes work better for them on a practical level as well as reflect their personalities and taste is the best feeling.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Q: Where do you go for inspiration when you’re stuck?

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">A: You’d probably expect us to say that looking at social media would help. But that often hinders us as it means we’re not thinking about our specific clients and thinking too much about what’s on-trend at the moment. The best inspiration often comes when we’re not thinking about design. In fact, larger commercial buildings can often be really inspiring as they have different textures and materials used in their design.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you?

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">A: The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that more people are thinking about making changes to their homes more than ever for those in financially stable situations. This has resulted in us being busier than we’ve ever been, which we feel very fortunate to say when so many people have been financially affected by the pandemic. Personally, we’ve also been fortunate to say that we’ve not been directly affected. But it’s not always been easy juggling work with two young children at home when the country was locked down.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Q: Do you think the design of our home affects our mental health?

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">A: Our environment definitely affects our mental health. If your home doesn’t work for you, practically or aesthetically, then it will affect how you feel. Having a layout and flow to your home that suits the way you live will make a huge impact on how you feel on a day-to-day basis. On the other hand, walking through the front door into a home where you don’t like the decor will eventually make you feel resentful. Making a really basic change like painting the walls of one room to a color that brings you joy will significantly affect your mental health. The better you feel about and within your home, <a href="https://www.company.decormatters.com/post/how-interior-design-plays-a-fundamental-role-in-our-health" target="_blank">the better you will feel overall</a>.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Q: How has interior design affected your mental health?

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">A: We like being surrounded by color, rustic materials, and unique vintage or second-hand pieces of furniture. But that takes a different feel depending on which room we’re in. Our bedroom, for instance, is light and bright because we both struggle to get out of bed and need a space that helps wake us up for the day. Knowing how we want to feel in each of the different spaces in our home means we can design each space to make us feel good.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Q: What is your biggest tip for improving mental health through home decor?

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">A: If something isn’t working for you, then change it. You don’t always need to spend lots of money on a big build. Often, a smaller change can make all the difference. <a href="https://www.company.decormatters.com/post/how-to-create-your-dream-color-palette" target="_blank">Find a color</a> or a piece of artwork that makes you feel positive and incorporate it into your home.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Q: What is your favorite thing to do in your home to destress after a long workday?

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">During the autumn and winter months, a takeaway curry, beer, and bingeing a box set while we burn a nice smelling candle and turn the fairy lights on is our idea of a perfect night in.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">When so much around us is out of our control, focus your energy on something you have authority over, like your home interior. If your space doesn’t generate good vibes and positive energy for you, <a href="http://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">consider making a change</a>.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; display: block; text-align: left !important;"><span style="font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">*Answers have been slightly edited for clarity and length. Keep up with Beth and Jon on their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/freshstart_living/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartLVG/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!

8f44c0_4893e5f7e00d4c6eb11ee9ed50a28634_mv2.jpg

For the past two years, people across the world have been staying inside their homes more than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression have significantly increased as the pandemic brought high levels of uncertainty. Thus, the pandemic lifestyle has forced people to realize what interior designers have known for a long time: the importance of surrounding yourself with what makes you feel good. We sat down with Beth and Jon, full-time interior designers, partners, and parents, to talk about their work and how interior design is crucial in improving mental health and productivity.

Designer Q&A: How Interior Design Impacts Mental Health

A chill wintry wind is slowly replacing the comforting whiff of evening breeze after a hot day. The days are getting shorter, and the same sunsets that we're giving you ease during the summer months are now bringing shivers, making you search for that cozy blanket at the back of the wardrobe.



How to Make Your Home Reflect Summer All Year Round

When our first-time flat purchase was just a twinkle in our eye, we knew we wanted a two-bedroom so we could have a spare room. After years of renting one-bedroom flats, being property guardians, and flat sharing, we wanted to throw money at the problem and get somewhere where we could really spread out and give ourselves some space.

Our spare room has been exactly just that for a while – a spare space we’ve been pretending is a dressing room that happens to have a day bed in it so we could host guests (remember that?!). But we knew we had to give this space a little more love than just some new blinds and some storage, so we decided – after getting some paint samples for the hall – that it was high time we gave this room some love.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Now you might think it’s a pretty weird room to prioritize, especially when there’s a global pandemic and we can’t have anyone over to stay, but there was some method to our madness. Firstly, the furniture we had in there has moved from about four different flats and was in desperate need of replacing – like serious need… And secondly, we haven’t ever painted before, so if we were going to royally mess it up, at least it was the spare room a.k.a the ‘close the door and never think about it again’ room.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">After all, it’s only the laundry and our guests who really have to endure that room anyway.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">We kicked things off with the furniture. Our salvaged, second-hand, upcycled, re-upcycled, triple-upcycled-to-look-like-they-match pieces of bedroom furniture were not part of our new grown-up flat look and they HAD to go. Council collection booked, tick. IKEA purchases for nice new matching pieces, tick.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">We went for the <a href="https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/search/products/?q=BJ%C3%96RKSN%C3%84S" target="_blank">BJÖRKSNÄS range</a>. Nice pale wood, lovely leather handle detailing, and just an all-around cost-effective winner. We also moved a Habitat rug originally planned for the main bedroom into the spare room and that gave us a good base for choosing colors.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Now, if you’ve stayed tuned to our <a href="http://www.instagram.com/forwardfeatures" target="_blank">Instagram</a> stories you may remember that we were originally planning on painting the hallway first and we were requesting samples and making lots of decisions. Well, when it came to the spare bedroom every piece of advice and common sense went straight out of the window. We knew that a sage green would look nice against the wood so instead of ordering samples we went gung-ho and just ordered <a href="https://www.lickhome.com/paint/green-01" target="_blank">Green 01 from Lick</a>.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">What followed was a mini paint-related breakdown. Is it too yellow? Does it look gold? We can’t return it without paying to return it. Is it green enough? Is it too green? Does it actually look mint? Does it actually look nice against the wood? What do you think about Instagram followers? What do you think mum? What do you think random man on the street? Honestly, this was 48 hours of the most indecisive-ness that you have ever seen. BUT. After some much-needed advice from friends, family, and our paint guru, Bianca (a.k.a. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/frenchforpineapple/" target="_blank">French for Pineapple</a>), we just went for it. And actually, it’s just what we wanted.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">So, for anyone painting, our advice is ALWAYS to get paint samples and try them first. Otherwise, you’re potentially in for a day or two of thinking “what the hell have I done?”.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Our Top 6 Painting Tips

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">And as two first-time painters, it’s actually a pretty decent job. Are all the finishes straight? Of course not. Are there tiny splashes of paint on the skirting board? Absolutely. Do we care? No. Because you know what, no one will really be able to tell and it’s a vast improvement on the dull white dumping ground it was before.

We’re really happy with the warmth it’s brought to the room. We tired the sage green in with the orange and mustard hues, some greenery on the shelves, and anchored it all with black metal furniture. The light fitting was an old find from Loaf and we like the industrial feel it brings to the room to stop everything from feeling too “tropical”. Finally, we love the green against the monochrome polka dot blinds. These are from a previous gifted collaboration with Couture Living which you can read about by&nbsp;<a href="https://forwardfeatures.net/2019/11/21/turning-a-room-from-spare-to-special-with-couture-living/">clicking here</a> and we think they pop so much more against the green than the white.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">And there you have it, our guest bedroom refresh and a spare we won’t tire of (for now).

This article was written by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/forwardfeatures/">David &amp; Mark</a> from <a href="https://forwardfeatures.net/">Forward Features</a>

Meet The Authors

London-based duo blogging about interior, trends, design &amp; industry news. Winners of the Best Design Inspiration blog in the Amara Interior Blog Awards '16, Forward Features is the journey of David &amp; Mark, interior geeks searching for domestic bliss in the city.

Check out their <a href="https://forwardfeatures.net/" target="_blank">Blog</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/forwardfeatures/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/forwardfeatures" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!

8f44c0_4aa91202921a461bb6d8a001d236f50a_mv2.webp

We knew we had to give this space a little more love than just some new blinds and some storage, so we decided – after getting some paint samples for the hall – that it was high time we gave this room some love.

DIY in the Dressing Room: A Spare We Won’t Tire Of

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Okay, Christmas decor is at a minimum in this house this year. I’m not feeling what I have but I’m also not willing to settle for something that I am not totally in love with. I’m trying to stop this unnecessary habit of purchasing things for the need and desire to have a finished space. I’m really working on being more intentional with what I buy and having a more fulsome picture of what I intend to do. That being said, this year we did invest in a faux tree (it looks so good! We got this one) so budget-wise more decorations aren’t in there, that’ll be next year’s adventure. Enter my DIY Christmas. I loved these wood Christmas trees from Crate and Barrel but did you see the price tag on them?! $50 for one of the sizes that I’ve made and $150 for a 3.5 ft tall one!

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">My price tag on these DIY wood Christmas trees? Free. Used from scrap material I had laying around. So there’s that. In addition to these DIY Wood Christmas trees, I also have so many more affordable DIYs for the holiday’s already on this page:

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">That’s a lot right?! You can get so creative this time of year and make magic with what you already have. Speaking of which, let’s get to these DIY wood Christmas trees.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Here are the tools and materials you need to make your DIY Wood Christmas Trees

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Recommended Tools to Make Your Life Easier When Building Built-in Bookshelves

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Here are the materials you need to make DIY wood Christmas trees

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; display: block; text-align: left !important;"><span style="font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Sizes are totally up to you! I made three sizes:

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">For this you need:

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">How to Make DIY Wood Christmas Trees

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">This article was written by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/signedsamanthaxo/" target="_blank">Samantha</a> from <a href="https://signedsamantha.com/" target="_blank">Signed Samantha</a>.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Meet The Author

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Samantha is a working mama who has always been looking to find that work/life balance.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">On her website, you’ll find a daily dose of inspiration, coupled with a ton of sarcasm and a few laughs. Signed Samantha is a millennial mom who encompasses all things food, cocktails, entertaining, home decor, easy D.I.Ys, toddler activities, and everything in between.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Check out her <a href="https://signedsamantha.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/signedsamanthaxo/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/signedsamanthaxo/_created/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!

Keeping Christmas decor to a minimum while sticking to a budget can be done!

DIY Wood Christmas Trees

As long-time London-dwellers, we understand the value of having an outdoor space. And now, more than ever, any outdoor space is appreciated greatly by many of us. Our balcony, for example, may be small but we try and get as much from it as possible. From the herb and flower planters hanging from the railings to the bistro set for al fresco dining, we utilize all the space. We even sought out high and low for a space-saving outdoor sofa that combines comfort with storage so we could stash plant pots, cushions and throws away. We now have a space that not only looks pretty but which is fit for dining and entertaining. No matter the size though there are ways to keep that outdoor entertaining feel going all year round…Bistro sets are perfect for smaller balconies, little garden nooks, and patios!

Outdoor furniture specialists, <a href="https://www.gardenman.co.uk/" target="_blank">Gardenman</a>, is a one-stop shop for all your garden and outdoor space needs. If like us, space is a premium, then the <a href="http://gardenman.co.uk/bar-sets/royalcraft/199415-426776/palermo-rattan-effect-bar-table-set-bar-set.aspx" target="_blank">Royalcraft Palermo rattan effect bar table set</a> is great for tighter nooks. Or for a compact version, a <a href="http://gardenman.co.uk/casual-sets/maze-rattan/198559-425614/balcony-bistro-set-brown-rattan-casual-set.aspx" target="_blank">rattan balcony bistro set</a> that tucks neatly away will work wonders for a tighter area. For those with more space to play with, <a href="https://www.gardenman.co.uk/outdoor-and-garden/sofa-sets" target="_blank">sofa sets</a> are a great place to start when looking at options to host guests. Gardenman has oodles of styles to choose from, from sleek modern designs such as the <a href="http://www.gardenman.co.uk/sofa-sets/maze-rattan/185801-403223/zeno-chaise-sofa-set-taupe-sofa-set.aspx" target="_blank">Zeno chaise sofa set</a> to family-friendly options like the <a href="https://www.gardenman.co.uk/casual-sets/maze-rattan/184926-402301/chelsea-lifestyle-suite-with-glass-table-top-grey-rattan-casual-set.aspx" target="_blank">Chelsea lifestyle suite</a>.

Now we know what you’re thinking – why are they talking about being outdoors when winter is upon us and the days of sun-worshipping are long gone? Make the most of your outdoor space for as long as you can, we say! Simple additions to the outside such as ceiling fairy lights, hurricane lanterns, and cozy throws can transform a space. Better yet, for those who have the space and a few extra pennies, a fired heater would create the ultimate hub for being outdoors in the colder climes. Gardenman has various options ranging in price, from <a href="https://www.gardenman.co.uk/firepits-and-fire-bowls/nova-outdoor-living/203587-433232/gladstone-rectangular-gas-fire-pit---dark-grey-small-single-firepit-and-fire-bowl.aspx" target="_blank">standalone gas fire pits</a> to <a href="https://www.gardenman.co.uk/dining-sets/nova-outdoor-living/200003-429267/heritage-thalia-8-seat-dining-set-with-fire-pit---2m-x-1m-rectangular-table---slate-grey-dining-set.aspx" target="_blank">built-in fire bits in the center of dining sets</a>.

For now, we’re going to head back onto our balcony with a warming cup of tea to enjoy the autumn sunset but one day, perhaps we’ll be sharing this post from the warmth of a fire pit.

This article was written by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/forwardfeatures/" target="_blank">David &amp; Mark</a> from <a href="https://forwardfeatures.net/" target="_blank">Forward Features</a>

As long-time London-dwellers, we understand the value of having an outdoor space. And now, more than ever, any outdoor space is appreciated greatly by many of us. Our balcony, for example, may be small but we try and get as much from it as possible.

The Color of March: Alexandrite

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