Green Fever

Luckily, this title is not referring to some disease I've contracted...at least not that I know of. I finally just gave in and got on antibiotics. Jeremy wanted me to do that days ago, but I insisted on letting the virus run it's course. After two weeks, it was still a runnin', so I gladly accepted his prescription, and I can already feel the difference. I guess he does know what he's talking about. Good thing he loves me as his wife, because he's fired me several times as his patient.

But, back to green (the good kind). I love the foliage in these rooms. (Yes, I just said foliage. I use that word whenever I can.) It makes the rooms feel so fresh and organic, and it's the perfect pick-me-up for spring. I'm thinking my house needs a little pick-me-up and freshening, so once I sanitize the place (again), I'm off to find some green. Green foliage.

image from Abode Love

image from Lotta Agaton

image from Apartment Therapy

Let's Talk Mantels

We've already established my pure, unadulterated jealousy toward anyone with a beautiful fireplace and mantle (and anyone with an IKEA, but we won't go there...today). Most mantles are the focal point of the room they are in, so, of course, they should be totally fabulous. Here are a few of my favorite ways to style a mantle.

(1)Layers: I love a layered mantle, as long as it is clutter free. Think threes, maximizing room height, and varying picture size.

image from Apartment Therapy

(2)Mirrors: Mirrors are a fabulous way to style a mantle. Mirrors bring in extra light and are super versatile. Finding a unique mirror will definitely score you extra points with the decorating Gods! With that being said, you do not want to make them angry.

image from Centsational Girl

(3)Hanging Prints: I love the idea of either two, three, four (two on top, two on bottom), or even six (three on top, three on bottom) prints over a fireplace. It's clean, it's simple, and super chic. If you are looking to maximize the height of the room (which I am always a big fan of), opt for four or six prints over the fireplace. If you use two, use tall prints.  And, above all, just make your mantle fabulous. Let's keep those decorating Gods happy, shall we?

image from My Favorite and My Best

[so cheap, so easy]: Wrapped Shoe Box Tops

I know I'm due for an original project of my own, but things come up (i.e. Stella's Halloween costume that I decided to make myself, but had no idea what I was getting into. Typical Jamie.)  Don't worry, I'm working on a couple of things.  This project will totally make up for me being a slacker, and really, isn't that what the world wide web is for--ripping off other people's designs?!  So here it is: wrap shoe box lids in fabric.  That's it! I love these on the wall and layered on a shelf.  Plus, it's a project that doesn't take a whole lot of commitment.  If you don't like it, you're out some fabric (that you probably already had), some hot glue, and a shoe box lid. My kind of project!  

image from Houzz

Layering Rugs

I love the idea of layering rugs. We layer our clothes, our bedding, why not our rugs? I've used this concept to get more coverage on my floor, but I especially like the idea of layering a smaller rug directly on top of a larger rug. You can invest in a large, neutral area rug, and then switch out the smaller one whenever you need a change. If you're anything like me, you need a change often! I love these rooms!

image from Elle Decor

image from Elle Decor

image from Apartment Therapy

image from Modern Interior Design Gallery

image from Room Remix

Speaking of Rugs...

I've really been into these hide rugs lately. I love the idea of adding another texture and print to the room, and I am super into layering rugs (more on that later). Unfortunately, by the time I would purchase something so trendy, they may be a thing of the past. They are already popping up everywhere. Ironically, I grew up in the country, so I'm sure I had easy access to cowhides. I'm just worried that these hides might be a little too authentic for the house!

image from iVillage

image from HGTV (Emily Hendersen's glass room)

image from iVillage