Ideas for Decorating (Non-Functional) Fireplaces

Image via Room for Tuesday

During the cold months of winter, a fireplace often becomes a focal décor element of a space. But, for those who live in warmer climates or have fireplaces that don’t actually work, there are still ways to utilize and highlight your fireplace as an architectural element. A non-functional fireplace can be styled to fit any type of space whether it be contemporary or traditional. You can use sleek lanterns to bring a modern edge to a fireplace or decorate it with candles to create a more cozy and intimate setting. Whatever concept you are trying to achieve in your own home, it can be done using some of the decorating tips below!

CANDLES:

Filling a fireplace with candles instantly creates a cozy, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Layering different shapes of monochrome candles is chic and adds a subtle architectural element. Not to mention, burning candles create a beautiful, naturally dimmed light similar to the light traditional working fireplaces give off. To take an extra step, you can also put candles in lanterns in the fireplace to add more structure.

Design by Sarah Gibson and Jacqueline Brown of Room for Tuesday

VASES:

Combining different shapes and sizes of similar vases makes an area look less calculated and more organic. While the use of vases in a fireplace is unconventional, it creates a special elegance that usually the mantle of a fireplace would provide rather than the inside of a fireplace. 

Photo from Decorpad

WOOD:

If you want to keep with the traditional use of fireplaces, there are multiple ways wood can be used to fill the empty space. One way that always looks great is meticulously stacking logs to create a beautiful and natural architectural element. 

Design by Kate Strickland, photo for mydomain.com

SCULPTURES:

Putting a sculpture or piece of art in a fireplace space is completely unexpected. This is the perfect idea for someone with eclectic taste that isn’t afraid to take design risks. If you are up for the risk, the final design result is artistic and unique!

Photo from homeinspiration.net

FRESH FLOWERS AND GREENERY:

Adding a fresh floral arrangement or greenery is a quick and easy way to add a design element to an open fireplace. It is important to make sure the scale of the arrangement is large enough so it doesn’t get swallowed by the space of the open fireplace. For greens, you can combine an assortment of different sized plants.

Photo for Homedit

Which one of these fireplace decor ideas would you try? 

Article by Layne Wolfington, Interiors by Jacquin intern.

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Falling for Velvet this Season: Velvet furniture inspiration & shopping resources

Home featuring Z-shaped chairs in bikini-fit emerald velvet cushion by Pollack, via LuxeSource, Brantley Photography

Now that colder weather is rolling in you finally have an excuse to enjoy warmer, richer fabrics around your home. I recommend giving velvet a try this season. This classic fabric can be styled traditionally or in a more contemporary or edgy manner, depending on the style of furniture. Here is some amazing inspiration for decorating your home with velvet, along with a few great resources for sourcing velvet furniture and decor for your space. 

Kensington drawing room designed by GZ Interior Design.

Vintage chairs designed by Milo Baughman upholstered in Pierre Frey linen-velvet, via LuxeSource, Photography: Meghan Beierle-O'Brien

Velvet upholstery will go well in your living room or dining room as showcased here. You can even select velvet fabric to upholster your bed's headboard for a luxurious look.

Louis XVI chairs from 1st Dibs upholstered in Schumacher velvet, via LuxeSource, Photography: Cynthia Lynn

Velvet chair with metal frame

Want to create a bold or contemporary look utilizing velvet? Try selecting velvet upholstery paired with tufted pieces like the stunning armchair above, or combine velvet with various metals to create edgy and contemporary juxtaposition. Another fool proof way to go bold with velvet is by using really bold and bright colors like this rust orange velvet sofa below or something like a fun shade of chartreuse or deep teal to mix things up. 

Designed by Arent & Pyke's, via IN/OUT Design & Lifestyle

Ligne Rose Toga Sofa upholstered in velvet in an Australian home, via The Design Files, Photography: Eve Wilson

So where can you source the best in velvet furnishings? Try one of these great retailers.

1. On a budget - World Market

2. For the moderate price point - High Fashion Home

3. For the luxury shopper - Horchow

via Sight Unseen, Photos by Silvia Rivoltella

Already enjoying velvet at home? Share your photos of your favorite velvet decor on Twitter & Instagram and tag @Jacquinmh to share it with the blog. Can't wait to see how you're adding a touch of luxury at home with velvet!

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10 Things to Try in the New Year - 2016 edition

Image via Death to Stock Photo

1. Utilize more natural health remedies this year! I tried a number of natural health remedies in 2015 and I was amazed by just how effective natural treatments can be. When my husband had an eye infection last year, we tried an eye wash with a solution made of sterile water, black tea, and honey... and it really worked to cure his eye infection! Whenever I get a cold, I drink a mixture with 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar, half a cup of water, and a spoon of honey at the onset and it usually fights off the cold right away. So, it seems that there is really something too these natural remedies. Check out one of my favorite blogs Hello Glow for tips on all natural beauty and wellness solutions.

2. Visit a Korean sauna. The Korean sauna & spa experience will introduce you to a new form of relaxation. The Korean saunas feature a facility with several different sauna rooms of varying heated temperatures, all with specific health benefits. You are given a mat to lie down on for your time at the spa, and you are able to to lie down quietly in each sauna room and relax for as long as you like. These Korean saunas are really relaxing and have a ton of health benefits, not to mention being open 24 hours a day and allowing you to stay as long as you like. Give it a try at one of these locations!

• King Spa - Dallas, Chicago area
• Wi Spa - Los Angeles
• Spa Castle - New York, Dallas
• Jeju Sauna - Atlanta area
• New York Spa & Suana - NYC

3. Find an international pen pal - Get out that fancy stationery kit that's collecting dust and write an old fashioned letter to someone across the globe. APenPals, Sassociations, and Snail Mail Pen Pals are free pen pal websites and International Pen Pals is a highly recommended, but paid website. I'm trying out APenPals right now and so far so good! There are a few people "looking for love" on the website that I had to sift through, but for a free website, it's really pretty good. A lot of really interesting people from across the world looking to chat with new friends from abroad. I specified that I was looking for female pen pals only and that really helped. I have already connected with a great pen pal. Looking forward to building new, global friendships!

4. Try a new hobby like photography! Even if you don't have a professional DSLR camera, you can get started with your point and click camera. Try taking photos of the natural landscape in your community or on a destination vacation. I've taken some amazing landscape photos on my point and click camera during tribs abroad and the photos were definitely frame worthy. I blew them up to 16x20 prints and had them framed. Photography can be a nice, relaxing hobby too.

5. Organize & redecorate your home office - I'm in the process of reorganizing my home office and personal documents right now and it feels so great to do so. Start your new year off organized! And if your home office needs a style overhaul, I can help you with that. I offer e-design services for decorating any space in your home and I am offering $300 off e-design services for January-February 2016. Contact Interiors by Jacquin to get started. 

6. Add matcha tea to your diet - Matcha is a Japanese green tea powder that is a strong antioxidant and serves as a mood enhancer and metabolism booster. It's all natural and can be drank as a hot tea or mixed into a smoothie. Most importantly, one cup of matcha tea has the antioxidants of 10 cups of traditional green tea, so that's pretty awesome! Learn about the health benefits of matcha tea here. 

7. Try your hand at carpentry - These websites will inspire you to build your own furniture and wood creations and also include great instructions for beginners: Build-Basic and 10 Things You Can Build with 2x4s

8. Purchase a Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp this year and enjoy several health benefits. These lamps create negative ions which balance the positive ions emitted from our daily use of electronics. A Himalayan salt lamp can also help improve migraines, stress conditions, colds, respiratory problems, and skin conditions. Learn more about what a Himalayan rock salt lamp can do for you here. 

9. Check out an unusual museum like one of these:

• UFO Museum and Research Center - Roswell, NM
• Museum of Questionable Medical Devices (more historical info here) - Saint Paul, MN
• Sulabh International Museum of Toilets - New Delhi, India (I've been to this one and really enjoyed it! Super interesting museum featuring all sorts of antiquated toilets and a great visit for those of you with environmental interests... their facility is powered by human waste! Very interesting indeed.)
• Paris Sewer Museum - Paris, France - Ok, so I like this kind of stuff, but it's really fascinating to learn about how a sewer system works. They even have guided tours in gondolas underground for the truly adventurous... and brave. Has anyone done this before?
• International Spy Museum - Washington, DC
• American Visionary Museum - Baltimore, MD (Awesome museum filled with unique craft-style art & curiosities! I would definitely visit this museum again.)

10. Join a recreational sports league for activities like softball, kickball, flag football or volleyball. I've always enjoyed adult volleyball and kickball leagues and these leagues are available in most cities. Look up one near you!

Which of these ideas would you be interested in trying this year? I'm getting started with a new international pen pal (#3) and I'm really looking forward to it. Be sure that you get active in 2016, too. It's going to be great! Wishing you a year of growth, happiness, and adventure! 

P.S. If you missed the 2015 edition of 10 Things to Try in the New Year then you can take a look here for even more New Year inspiration.

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It's Fireplace Season!

Happy New Year to you! We're in the heart of winter so I thought I'd inspire you to think warm thoughts with these cozy residential fireplace designs. Get ready for fireplace envy and roasted marshmallow cravings...

 Home of Interior Sytist Hana Opsahl, Photography Marie Grini

Jenna Sue Design

 Image via Solebich

Interior design by Rob Stuart, Photography Donna Dotan

Larson Shores Architects

Paul Costello for Country Living

Home of Layla of The Lettered Cottage, Scripture featured:“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Interior Design by Jean-Louis Deniot

Do you have plans to update a space in your home in the new year? I'd love to hear about it!

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Winter Flower Guide - Enjoy flowers this winter

One of my favorite things in the world are plants and fresh flowers, so I was excited to invite floral designer Jenna Griffin of Gold & Bloom to share which flowers are in-season this winter. You don't have to wait until the springtime to begin enjoying flowers again. You guide to winter flowers has arrived! 

Part of the excitement in being a floral designer, is that flowers come and go in and out of season Although there are some flowers you can find pretty much year round, there are some that are only available at certain parts of the year. So when my favorites come back into season, it's like a holiday in itself. These are some of my favorite winter flowers to use in bouquets and arrangements this season. Each one is unique on its own and will bring a special vibe to your floral designs.

1 | RANUNCULUS | This is my all time favorite flower and use it in pretty much every arrangement I make. You can find it pretty much year round in various colors. I love the color of these burgundy ranunculus! 

2 | AMARYLLIS | This beauty is such a unique and bold winter flower, and comes in many different colors.

3 | VERONICA | I love the white ones this time of year, especially. They add such a great shape to arrangements. 

4 | SNAPDRAGON | This is another flower that I just love the shape of! Oh, and good news: it's available year-round!

5 | GARDEN ROSE | Their glorious scent will win you over!

6 | BURGUNDY PEONIES | Winter is when the beautiful burgundy peonies come out to play! The lighter colored peonies are in season in the warm months, but this one is one of the few that like the cold. 

7 | ANEMONE |  These cold weather friends are just so adorable to look at. I use them in arrangements all the time!

If you plan to showcase fresh flowers at your holiday get together, consider asking your florist to use these stunning winter flower varieties. These winter flower are rich in color and character. Visit Gold & Bloom for more floral inspiration.  

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Host a Champagne New Year's Eve Party!

If you're looking for New Year's Eve plans, I have the perfect idea for you. Host an elegant New Year's Eve soiree at home and enjoy bringing in the new year in casual luxury. Hibiscus Linens Co. shares stylish inspiration on how we can decorate our own Champagne Party at home this New Year's Eve and I have the perfect menu recommendations to make party planning an ease!

The countdown has started again, just a couple of days until the Times Square ball drops and we have a whole new year ahead of us. What better way to kick start 2016 than mesmerizing your guest with a glitz and champagne party!

Nothing says glamour like an intimate gathering at home, with a few friends and a shiny new start. When hosting a small affair, details will make a big difference and set your event above the rest.

To create a celebratory look try using gold china or gold-accented table decor, then and add linen napkins in a shade of white or even with a little sparkle. Gold and cream are a classic and elegant color combination that will go beautifully with any style decor. Your gold accents will add a glamorous feel to your party and who doesn't love a little glamour when celebrating! The linen napkins will also be useful while your guests walk the party, drink and mingle. Linen napkins and gold accents will go a long way toward dressing up your house party, creating a special ambiance for you and your guests.

For a personal touch, have your linen napkins monogrammed for added elegance. Your sophisticated party, full of sparkling wine and details will be the perfect atmosphere to create special memories with friends and family.  

Pictures by the talented Elisheva (Houston, TX).

Need high-quality linens for your next party? 
Visit Hibiscus Linens to source beautiful, hand crafted linen napkins for your next special celebration. They will add instant elegance to your party! Use code SHOP25 to get 25% off your first order. 

Wondering what to serve at your New Year's Eve party or special get together? Go for an assortment of appetizers along with a specialty cocktail. Here what I recommend...

Roasted Vanilla Grapefruit Mimosas - Your Champagne Party wouldn't be complete without champagne or sparkling wine, and it's this cocktail's signature ingredient!

Coconut Milk Eggnog - You can make a non-alcoholic and spiked version for your guests. The coconut flavor will be a nice surprise!

Roasted Spiced Pear Cocktail - Since you'll already be using pears in the recipe below, pear and goat cheese flatbread with honeyed walnuts (#4), keep the theme going with a pear cocktail. And now that I have you curious about the menu, I'll jump into the appetizer selections!

For the appetizers...

1. Steak Crostini with Blue Cheese Sauce

2. Smoked Salmon Mousse with Arugula Napoleon

3. Firecracker Chicken Meatballs

4. Pear Tart with Goat Cheese and Honeyed Walnuts

5. Roasted Carrots with Dates, Brown Butter and Feta

6. Mini Cheese Ball Bites

I hope this post has inspired you to invite a few friends over for an elegant, at home get together this holiday season!

Which of these menu items might make an appearance at your next soiree?

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Cottages, Cabins, & Cozy Winter Homes

Image via Houzz, Jessica Jubelirer Design 

All of this cold weather has me thinking of cottages, cabins, and cozy winter homes!  I don't have a winter cottage to retreat to yet, but these beautiful homes certainly are an inspiration.  Take a look at these cozy and relaxed home designs.

Image via Houzz, Charles Cunniffe Architects

Antique Cape Code Home, Image via Houzz, Rikki Snyder Photography

Nothing warms up the winter like a warm orange shade in a space. Such a cheerful cabin bedroom for a little girl, complete with the signature wood beams one comes to expect when staying at a rustic cabin. 

Image via Houzz, Locati Architects, Gibeon Photography

Ceiling beams are one of the most distinct features of great cabins. Many of the rooms featured here have definitely capitalized on the grand feeling ceiling beams add to a room.  The richness and scale of the ceiling beams above really ground the large room and lift your eyes toward the rustic chandelier.

I'd love to throw a dinner party for 10 fabulous friends at a cabin like this one (above).  It's rustic, yet elegant, a perfect combination especially in the winter time.  And you can't beat the warm, candle mood lighting. 

Utah Residence, Image via Houzz, Magleby Construction

If the focal point of your room is a fireplace, then best to go all out with a unique and attractive mantel like the lovely, blue and white tile fireplace above.  Oh, and the fire is lit already, just in time for someone to cozy up with good book!

Image via Pinterest, Chandelier Works

When stuck in dreary winter time weather, make sure your living quarters are nice and bright. These two rooms (above, below) really show the impact color has on adding brightness to a room.  Generally, when in a space with a lot of wood paneling, the room may have a dark feel to it, but with the burst of bright yellow, purple and blue (above), this space is anything but dark.

Martha's Vineyard Residence, Image via Coastal Living, Designed by Tracey Overbeck Stead

In this all white bedroom, the cabin still has wood paneling, but painting them white gives the space the bright and welcoming look we want when stuck indoors during the winter.  And not to forget these stunning turquoise doors (above) that let plenty of light into the bedroom! 

The cottage below features one of my favorite bedrooms complete with a fireplace, fantastic upholstered orange armchair, and attached sun room. Stonework can be overwhelming in some spaces, but this cottage strikes the perfect balance between rustic and feminine.  A well styled bedroom, indeed.

Image via Pinterest, HouseBeauty.net

If you're interested in seeing more rustic-meets-chic interior design, then re-visit my post Chic meets Rustic: Decorating with Reclaimed Wood. 

Thank you for your support, blog comments, and pleasant exchanges in 2014.  Looking forward to hearing more from you wonderful readers in 2015! 

P.S. I'm linking up with other great bloggers this week here.

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10 Things You Want to Try in the New Year!

Image via Death to the Stock Photo

1. Go on a Road Trip!
With the expensive cost of flights, it's easy to think we have to avoid traveling, but a road trip may be just the fun idea to mix things up.  Drive to a new city or visit friends in a nearby state all while taking in the sites along the way.  I'm hoping to take a road trip across northern California in 2015.  Please do share with me your off-the-beaten-path suggestions for Northern Cal in the comments.  I'm taking tips on fab boutiques, travel worthy restaurants, and amazing natural landscapes in the San Jose - Sacramento - San Fransisco - Napa area! 

2. Take a visit to luxurious hot springs, perfect for the icy winter and beyond!

Here are a few to consider:
In the United States:

• Jefferson Pools - Warms Springs, VA
• Dunton Hot Springs - Dunton, CO
• Agua Caliente Park - Julian, CA
• Chena Hot Springs - Fairbanks, AK
• Golden Haven Hot Springs & Resort - Calistoga, CA
• Harbin Non-Profit Hot Springs - Middletown, CA
• Quapaw Baths & Spa (Bathhouse Row) - Hot Springs, AR
• Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa - Truth or Consequences, NM
• Miracle Springs Resort & Spa - Desert Hot Springs, CA

International: 

• Tofino Hot Springs - Tofino, BC, Canada
• Blue Lagoon - Grindavik, Iceland
• Pamukkale Hot Springs - Pamukkale, Turkey -- and more info here

3. Try before you buy... at the library. (You'll be surprised by what great things you'll find!)

Why oh why didn't I ever visit the library before now! Well, because it's the library, but I was pleasantly surprised time and again in 2014 during my visits.  I have found the best books on business development, art techniques, and fantastic recipes for starters.  Some of the books I've come across at the library I even plan to purchase this year just because I liked them so much.  So, try before you buy...at the library.

Not to mention, if you have any new ventures you'll be starting in 2015, there is sure to be a book at the library to give you the edge you need in your pursuit.  I recently found a ton of great books on entrepreneurship, finances, and attracting investors.

And not to forget, you can rent DVDs at the library, too!

4. Check out the consignment stores in your neighborhood!

Consignment stores are the best!  If you've never been to a consignment store before, here's how it works.  Consignment stores resale gently used clothing, often of the designer and luxury variety.  You can both buy and sell there, so the new year is as good a time as any to clean out your closet and consign the items that you just aren't wearing anymore.  Some consignment stores will pay you cash for your clothing items immediately, while others will mail you a check when your items sell, either way it's money in the bank for the new year!

Here are a few of my favorite consignment stores!

• Second Time Around - National
• McShane's Exchange - Chicago
• Buffalo Exchange - National
• Ampersand - Los Angeles

Check back for my post on tips for successful consigning and consignment shopping. You'll want to read this! 

5. Redecorate a space in your home.

With Interiors by Jacquin being your one-stop-shop for home decor tips and design inspiration, it should be no surprise that I'm recommending redecorating a room in your home for the new year. Don't undervalue the impact of a room refresher with new, colorful home decor accessories!  If you're looking for someone to add that professional touch, then consider an e-design service this year.

Get ready for a custom e-design service GIVEAWAY this month.  You won't want to miss this contest!

6. Try a new ethnic food at home or at a new restaurant.

Here are 2 recipes to get you started! One takes you to Africa and the other to Asia -- Senegalese Peanut Soup and Crab Wontons with Sweet & Sour Sauce.

I'm always up for trying new foods and global experiences.  I've been wanting to try a local Turkish and Indian restaurant! What ethnic foods have you been wanting to explore lately?

Here are two more great sources for ethnic recipes to try: here and here

7. Give yourself a spa day at home!

More to come on my best tips for giving yourself a relaxing spa day at home.  I bet you'll want to invite a friend to enjoy the luxurious home spa experience I have in mind.

8.  It may be winter, but buy some fresh flowers to brighten up your home!

Last month we discussed the importance of introducing natural beauty into your home.  If you didn't do this enough in 2014, now is your chance.  See 5 Great Ways to Add Color to Your Home on tips for adding color to your space with plants and flowers.

9. Throw a fun dinner party for friends in 2015! 

Did you miss out on "Friends-giving" in 2014?  I have a new blog post in the works on how you can throw a dinner party for friends with style and ease! (and a menu worth inviting people over for!)  Stay tuned!

10.  Perform a Random-Act-of-Kindness -- your friends and family will thank you.  

Nothing feels better than the thanks you get when you help a friend unexpectedly or surprise someone with a thoughtful gift.  Build up positive energy in 2015!

What do you plan to try in the new year?  

Let me know if you try any of these 10 suggestions in 2015! 

Happy New Year!!!

P.S. I'm linking up with other great bloggers this week here.

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