The remodel: BATHROOM.

Last time we talked "bathrooms" here's what ours looked like: 

There were A LOT of unexpected obstacles, that came up after this picture, causing a major halt in the renovation process.  Mainly, my husband had an injury and then the stomach bug reared it's ugly head though our house.  Did I mention our washing machine broke?  

...moving on from the *ahem* delays - here's more progress...

Boys trying their hand at setting tiles. Makes my heart happy to see them learning from Daddy.

Hi, tile!!

oooo, ahhhh, the grout!

 I am very pleased with the subway tile and the dark gray grout.  I like the "old fashioned" feel of the darker grout and the contrast against the white tiles.  

One last pic to show there's still LOTS to do:

Aiming for a "bathroom renovation marathon" this weekend...

Wish us luck and stay tuned!

Sources: tile, grout, shower fixtures: Home Depot

Giveaway!

Check out @home.style.heart on INSTAGRAM for rules & to enter!

Giveaway ends Friday, 4/10/15.

Client Work: Spring Mantle.

I was recently consulted for a spring mantle. 

I shared my visions of creams, cooper and springy greens and the homeowner was right on board! 

I was given free reign and here's my creation:

The mantle BEFORE:

The home. style. heart AFTER :

Sources:

Pierced lanterns from Target.

Ribbons, greens, "M" letter from Hobby Lobby.

Copper taper holders and cooper cups from owner's collection.

Easter: Centerpieces.

 A few table centerpieces for you to get inspired for your Easter table:

#1: I gathered things from around my house: plants, candles, etc... I used browns, greens, whites and mixed different metals: brass, copper, silver and some amber jars. Everything is displayed in a circular tray. This is a simple, clean centerpiece and fairly neutral. 

#2: For this centerpiece: gather your pretty dishes...stack them, place them in groups, scatter them down the center of the table. This is an elegant and pretty display.  Stick with common colors if you want a consistency through the display.

#3: This theme is a little "jungle-y" - if you live in an area where you have lush greens this would be easy for you.  Here, in Rochester, outside is brown and brown.  Instead of gathering from the yard, I used plants from the house.  This centerpiece is fun for plants, succulents and fresh flowers.

#4: If you want to incorporate all those fun Easter colors, here's a great display.  Classic and playful with pastels, Easter eggs and baskets:

Spring Mantle.

Here's a peek of my weekend "mantle makeover": 

Swapped out the old mirror for a new one:

Added in some spring colors, outdoor elements, candle holders:

And a little touch of pom-poms :)

I'm really loving it! 

The new, bigger mirror opens up the room more.  

And decorating mantles is on my top 5 of "things I love to decorate."  If you have a mantle (or other home area) that needs a little spring makeover - I'd love to help!  If you're local to the Rochester area and would like a consult, please contact me at: homestyleheart@gmail.com

Styling Tutorial: Coffee table.

Making little changes to a room can have a big impact! This post is a simple coffee table styling tutorial. I was motivated today to do a lot of cleaning and rearranging.  Spring is here and I want to brighten up our home! 

Here are the elements of this easy decor combo: 

a tray, candles and candle holders, a plant and plant holder.

When it comes to decorating elements it's so important to remember differing heights! You know sometimes when you do an arrangement that you're so proud of but, then, you step back and look at it and disappointedly think, "oh...maybe not..." A lot of times this has to do with needing varying heights.  Mix up the heights!  Get candles of different heights, stack books or plates to add height.  Find items from other parts of the house.  Keep arranging until it looks right - for me, this can sometimes mean arranging and rearranging numerous times - especially with bigger projects: a big mantle display or rearranging furniture in a room.  

The tray in the pic was a house warming gift.  If you don't have a tray or two, I recommend keeping your eyes open for one (or two).  Trays are great to hold a display together, to make a centerpiece in, to use for serving at parties...  The white speckled candle holder I got many years ago at Dollar Tree (you can find candles and glass holders there good for decorating). The pillar candles are from various stores.  I always keep a good stock of pillar candles for when I change up the mantle or if I need them for a centerpiece.  Christmas Tree Shop has very reasonable pillar candles too.

Are you motivated? Feeling up to revamping your coffee table? 

Share your coffee table styling pics on instagram!

@home.style.heart 

#homestyleheart

Teeny Photo Books: (as in, easter egg size).

What are the Easter basket traditions in your family?  Growing up we had a family basket that mom filled with yummy candy and had in the middle of our dining room table.  In our family we fill simple baskets and hide them.  The fun for the kiddos is hunting for the baskets and then enjoying the goodies.  The fun for momma is picking out the goodies for the baskets and filling them!

I was inspired by armelleblog on instagram when she shared her idea of placing tiny photo books in Easter eggs! When I saw these eggs I knew they'd be perfect to hold the tiny books.  I like the look of the jagged edge when the eggs are open.  These eggs are from Dollar Tree - 3 for $1. 

As soon as I saw these books from Social Print Studio I was sold!! I love their teeny tiny size and the fact that they're hard cover.  I've ordered books before and have been very pleased with the quality and affordability.  You can order yours HERE. These sweet littles were 3 for $10. I'm already picking out what to order next - maybe their poster or mini squares. The calendar would be a great gift! My mind is busy with all the ideas you can create!

Seriously though, so tiny!!

The boys will each get one for their basket and the third is for momma to keep.