Decorating Tips and Tricks: "Formal Sitting Room/Entry Way"

     Not so long ago, people had designated rooms in their houses for certain things. Now, don't get me wrong, some people still do, but I like to be a little more creative with my spaces.

This is right as you walk through the front door. I love cozy corners. 

     When my husband and I first bought our house, the rooms were named, like usual, the "Formal Living Room", the "Formal Dining Room", etc. I know sometimes when you see these labels it's hard to invision anything else there. For me, I have close my eyes and remove all the labels from the rooms and think of what I would put there.

Thomas and I are a musical family. This bench easily holds all his drum hardware. 

     When you first walk into our house, all you really see is a big space. Now, the labels called it a "Formal Living Room" but I didn't really want the "Formal Living Room" to be right when you enter. I really wanted to break up the space. So what I did was make an entry way/sitting space where the "formal living room" was suppose to be and make the "formal dining room" the living room. I know some people still like to have that formal dining space for special occasions, but my house is a little smaller so I didn't feel like I needed it.

Get creative! I turned this ammo crate into shelving. 

I'll post more pics later. I've been doing some rearranging because we are going to get a piano soon. So i've been racking my brain figuring out where to put it!

I'm not a professional; I just do this for a living.

-- Amanda 

What She's Been Doing: Theatre!

I've been neglecting this lately because i've been soooo busy! But I think my life is about to slow down and i'll get back to fashion and home decor.

I've been doing The Follies! If you click there it will tell you all about it. It has been an exciting experience and I cannot wait to do it again!

I've made a ton of new friends and some forever memories.

Working on the Finale

'Bout to do some Disco Dancing! 

Fly Like an Eagle

Opening Number!

Definitely one of my favorites! 

Professional photos by: Kim Cartier

What She Wore: Arcade Date Night

As the weather warms up it's fun to show off some of your new summer wardrobe. However, the nights might have a different story planned. It's easy enough, these days, to pair your summer fashion with stockings or tights! There that was easy wasn't it!

Boots: Forever 21
Stockings: Target
Sweater: 21
Headband: Handmade
Ring: Pretty and Cute (Free Gift)

And yes I wore this about a month ago to friends birthday party at an arcade! (And the Heels) (Also, sorry for the late post). I love fashion more than anything (well almost anything) and I am always trying out new looks. It's fun, I get to play dress up, I love it!

I'm not a expert; I just do this for a living.

-- Amanda

Decorating Tips and Tricks - Fireplace Mantel

Fireplace mantels are often a focal point in your home, whether operating or not. (Unfortunately, mine is non-functioning.) However, the functionality of your fireplace has nothing to do with how great it looks! 

In Texas you really don't get much use out of it, but sometimes it's just nice to have a fire in the wintertime (Yes, it does get cold here in the winter. Just not for very long.) 

I like to mix patterns and shapes to give it an interesting look

Some people think less is more. Some people think more is well, more. I think: Whatever you like is how you should do it. Not everyone will like your style but if you enjoy it then go for it. After all, aren't you the one that is going to look at it day after day? That's what I thought. 

So, here a few tips and tricks for decorating your mantel:

* It doesn't matter your style - more or less - levels are the most important!

* Be eclectic - your mantel should represent you

* Show off some of your own work - everyone has a little artist in them

* Mirrors - mirrors are a great way to add character as well as opening up a room

* Work with it - If you don't like it start over 

(I worked with mine for days, changing my mind and moving things around)

Note some family pieces and original artwork

Owls!

* Statement pieces - you really want something to draw the observers eye 

* Texture - you don't want it all to have the same surface, BORING! 

*Pattern - mix it up! Give your eyes a ride; it's much more fun!

Also some things to consider are your colors. You don't have to necessarily match them, but more importantly, coordinate them.

Well, there you have it! I hope this helps you out; so go and re-do your mantel. I know you want too. 

P.S. Not an expert, I just do this for a living. 

--Amanda