Nothing says “home, sweet home” quite like turning on the lights and seeing your beautifully designed space come into focus. Here are four ways you can use lighting in a strategic, design-savvy manner that will have all your friends ogling.
6 Ways to Create The Feeling of Fall When It’s Warm
While our northern friends can look forward to sweater weather, more often times than not, those who dwell in the south aren’t able to experience the whimsical seasonal change. If you’re experiencing total FOMO this season, try incorporating our six no-fail tips for creating the feeling of fall—even when it’s still warm out.
Whether it’s a college dorm or apartment, making the most of a small space is no easy feat. How do you make your dorm feel like home? How do you brighten up a small apartment? And how in the world do you make a small living room look bigger than it actually is? With our tips, you won’t be struggling for long.
Accent chairs often take a back seat as afterthoughts in the interior design process. Despite their relatively modest size, they’re a major part of what gives a room functionality, personality and pizazz. If your home is castle, then let the accent chair be your throne. With that said, here are five tips on how to pick the perfect accent chair.
Mid-Century Modern Apartment on a Budget
Mid-century modern has held its own as a top trending style in recent years. Unfortunately, along with the hot trend factor comes a hefty price tag. To make your life easier, we compiled our top tips and a few of our favorite affordable mid-century pieces so you can achieve the retro-chic apartment of your dreams.
Beginners Guide: Decorating Your First Apartment
One of the most memorable times in young adulthood is when you move into your own apartment. With an empty space full of possibility, decorating is probably at the forefront of your mind, but it’s important to take it slow and get all the essentials you need first. In a few easy steps, you can create the apartment of your dreams.
We know what a struggle decorating can be. You start thinking about all the rooms that need help, all the shopping that you have to do, all the time it will take, and in short order, it all becomes overwhelming. We’d love to ease your pain a bit with this beginner’s guide to home decor. All you have to do is remember the 4 S’s—space, size, shape and style.
Refreshingly Simple—DIY Reed Diffuser
Do you have a vintage vase or bottle that you’ve been holding onto for years? Maybe it’s time to put those accents to work. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions for turning your ancient artifacts into a breath of fresh air.
Supplies:
- Any narrow-necked vase or bottle that is essential-oil safe
- 1 cup light, unflavored oil (corn or canola work best)
- 1 tsp essential oil (scent of your choosing)
- ½ cup alcohol (or unflavored vodka)
- Tan, black or brown rattan reed diffuser sticks
Step one:
Combine ingredients in a glass measuring cup.
Step two:
Stir gently to ensure the scented oil mixes with the other ingredients.
Step three:
Pour into your vessel until about 1/3 full (save remaining mixture in an airtight container until needed).
Step four:
Place reeds in the vase or jar. Make sure they’re long enough to extend several inches above the opening to allow the fragrance to escape.
And that’s it! Place your diffuser wherever a touch of fresh air is needed. Periodically flip the reeds to release the fragrance anew.
What combination of essential oils do you prefer? Let us know in the comment section.
How to Decorate a Bookcase: Ideas & Inspiration
Have an empty shelf on your bookcase? Go beyond books and get inspired to decorate your bookcase with ideas from the XO Ashley blog.
Update your home with beautiful patterns and bright colors that create dimension in any space. They are a great way to liven up your home and add texture.



