• Swap Out Your Throw Pillows: The easiest way to give your living room a mini makeover is by changing up your throw pillows. Opt for pillows in rich colors like deep oranges, burnt siennas, and warm browns. Look for fabrics with cozy textures—chunky knits, soft velvets, or faux fur. Don’t be deterred from adding a few with playful fall patterns like plaid, a classic favorite of mine. Mix and match sizes and textures for a look that’s both stylish and inviting.
• Layer On The Blankets: Is there anything more typical Fall than curling up with a soft, warm blanket, watching your favorite movie on the sofa? Drape a few new blankets over your sofas to instantly transform your space. Throws in earthy tones and chunky textures add that extra touch of comfort. Plus its the perfect partner to snuggle up with a good book or watching a movie.
• Set the Tone with Scented Candles: Set the mood with scented candles that evoke the season. Hearty fragrances like spice and vanilla create a comforting and inviting atmosphere. I swap out candles seasonally and arrange them throughout my home – in my foyer, on my coffee table, on my kitchen counter and of course in bathrooms.
• Seasonal Florals: I’m a firm believer in bringing the outdoors in. Incorporating a touch of nature indoors with seasonal florals such as mums and dahlias can brighten up any room. I’m also a big fan of creating your own wreath for your front door or floral centerpiece for your dining table.
• Decorative Objects: Incorporating inviting accents to enhance the fall vibe. Think – terra cotta pumpkins, woven baskets or perhaps a cute doormat.
• Table Settings: Your dining table is the perfect place to showcase fall decor and it happens to be one of my favorite places to get creative. Swap out your table linens for ones with seasonal colors and fun patterns, incorporate new flatware and natural elements like pinecones for place card holders – its a sweet and understated way to bring fall into your mealtime.

So there you have it – simple swaps to transform your home into a cozy retreat this fall. Happy decorating!

The post Cozy Up Your Space: Easy Fall Home Decor Swaps You’ll Love first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Choosing the right rug for your living room is imperative in creating a polished and cohesive space. The right sized rug doesn’t just tie the room together; it can elevate your decor making your space feel high-end and intentional.

With so many sizes to choose from, how do you find the perfect one? A simple tip to follow is the ‘front leg rule’.

The Front Leg Rule: A Guide to Rug Sizing

What is the front leg rule? The front leg rule is a practical guideline for selecting the right rug size for your space. It dictates how your furniture interacts with the rug. Here’s how it works:

1. 1. Front Legs on the Rug: Ensure that the front legs of your sofa and chairs are placed on the rug. This helps in grounding the furniture and creating a well planned zone. It anchors the seating area, making it feel like part of a larger, unified space.

1. 1. Rug Extends Past the Sofa: The rug should extend beyond the sides of your sofa and chairs. Ideally, you want the rug to reach a few inches past the furniture on both sides. This not only frames the area nicely, but provides balance and proportion to the room.

1. 1. All Four Legs on the Rug: If space allows, the ideal situation is to have all four legs of the furniture on the rug. This is particularly effective in creating a high-end look, as it offers a sense of completeness and purposefulness.

Why the Right Rug Size Matters

1. 1. Enhances Proportions: A rug that’s too small can make your living room feel disjointed. It can dwarf the space and leave your furniture looking out of place.

1. 1. Create a Purposeful Look: An appropriately sized rug makes your space look like it was designed with intention and thoughtfully curated. It gives the impression of a well-design room rather than one where items were simply plopped down.

1. 1. Define the Space: In an open-concept home, or oversized living room, a rug can act as a visual anchor. A rug will clearly define the seating area and separate it from other zones within the room, creating a more organizing and inviting environment.

Measuring for the Perfect Rug

To get the right size rug, start by measuring your seating area. Consider the following:

1. 1. Measure Your Furniture: Note the dimensions of your sofa, chairs and coffee/side tables.

1. 1. Mark the Area: A great way to easily determine what size rug you need is buy using painters tape to outline the area where you want the rug to be. This is an efficient way to help visualize how the rug will fit with your furniture.

1. 1. Choose the Rug Size: Based on your measurements and these guidelines, select a rug size that accommodates your furniture comfortably. Common sizes for living rooms include 8×10 and 9×12, but can vary depending on your particular space.

Finding the perfect rug size for your living room does not have to be daunting. Follow these simple tips to help guide your decision and see here where I share my guide to practical and stylish family friendly rugs. A well-chosen rug will anchor your space, define your seating area and elevate your decor making your living room thoughtfully designed.

For more of my favorite rugs, check out some of my top picks here.

The post How to Find the Perfect Rug Size for Your Living Room first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen essentials, add some cozy touches to your living space, or invest in practical cleaning tools, there’s something for everyone.

Here are ten Prime Day deals of items I own and love that are definitely worth checking out

1. Rubbermaid BPA-Free Food Storage Set
   • Keep your leftovers fresh and organized with this durable and safe food storage set from Rubbermaid. Perfect for meal prepping and storing snacks, this set is a must-have for my kitchen.
2. Nugget Pebble Ice Maker
   • There is no greater ice than pebble ice. Now you can make it at home with this nugget ice maker. Enjoy your favorite drinks with restaurant-style ice any time you want!
3. Buttery Throw Blanket
   • Snuggle up on the couch with this buttery soft throw blanket. Available in various colors and sizes, it’s perfect for snuggling on the sofa.
4. Handwoven Rattan Storage Boxes
   • Add a touch of coastal elegance to your space with these handwoven rattan storage boxes. Ideal for organizing shelves or adding texture to a room. Personally, I love to hide my Amazon Alexa speaker in it!
5. Bissell Little Green Portable Upholstery Cleaning Machine
   • I am obsessed with this little green machine. Tackle stains and spills effortlessly with this portable upholstery cleaning machine from Bissell. Keep your furniture looking fresh and clean without the hassle.
6. Dyson Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
   • Experience the power and convenience of a Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner. Perfect for quick clean-ups and reaching those tricky spots around the house, I use mine DAILY.
7. Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow Inserts
   • Upgrade your pillows with these pillow inserts from Beckham Hotel Collection. Enjoy hotel-quality comfort and support for a restful night’s sleep.
8. Hand Block Print Cotton Tablecloth
   • I enjoy preparing the table for holidays and special events, and having a lovely assortment of tablecloths enhances the dining experience. I love these hand block printed cotton tablecloths, which come in a range of colorful patterns.
9. LED Cordless Table Lamp
   • Illuminate your space with this sleek and modern LED cordless table lamp. Perfect for adding ambiance to your living room or bedside table without the need for cords.
10. The Finer Things: Timeless Furniture, Textiles, and Details Coffee Table Book
    • Treat yourself to inspiration with this stunning coffee table book. Explore timeless furniture, textiles, and design details that will elevate your home decor.

These Prime Day deals are too good to miss if you’re looking to refresh your home or simply find that perfect addition to your space. Remember, Prime Day offers are for a limited time only, so act fast to snag these fantastic deals while they last!

Happy shopping and happy homemaking!

Visit here for even more of Amazon favorites.

The post My Top 10 Prime Day Deals for Your Home first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

When it comes to art, I find many homeowners make the same mistakes around sizing and placement.

Here are three easy solutions to follow before you go putting holes in your walls.

How Large Should My Art Be?

The Error: Hanging artwork that is too small. (Unfortunately, I see this with rugs often too.)

The Solution: As a general rule of thumb, art can be about 1/2 to 2/3 the width of the piece it is hung above.

How High Should I Hang My Art?

The Error: A common mistake I see as a designer, is homeowners hanging their art way too high.

The Solution: If you’re hanging a single piece of art, the width should be a minimum of half the width of the furniture it’s going over. AND, the art should be hung ~8″ above the piece of furniture. That said, you should also be considering the height of the wall the art is being hung on. If the art is going on the wall without anything beneath it, standard practice shows, the art should hang at around eye level, or 60″ from the floor to the center of the art. But, if the ceiling is high, the art can be hung higher.

How Far Apart Should I Arrange My Wall Art?

The Error: A third mistake I see far too often, is a pair of wall art being hung too far apart.

The Solution: Typically, when hanging art in an arrangement of two or more, each piece should be hung approximately 2″-3″ away from the adjacent pieces.

Now, if you’re in the market for some new art, I’ve previously shared some of my favorite places to buy art online, or, if you prefer to look in person, art is one of my favorite pieces to thrift. You can find some really special, one of a kind pieces on auction sites, local estate sales or at thrift stores.

The post How to Hang Art – Mistakes to Avoid first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Thanksgiving is only a week away and with it comes the excitement (and pressure) of hosting family and friends at home. One of my most favorite elements of the holiday is undoubtedly the table setting. I just love crafting a fun and festive table scape.

I’ve put together a few Thanksgiving table ideas that will beautify your dining table, but also make a statement to impress everyone at your dinner party.

5 Ways to Set a Festive Thanksgiving Table

1. Freshly pressed linens – You don’t need to break the bank on an expensive set of table linens. Simply wash and have your linens ironed and they will look perfect. This year, I’m going with these green linens I found from Amazon.
2. Jewel Toned Glassware – A fan favorite, I just love these wine glasses. The rich jewel toned glassware are a playful homage to autumns vibrant hues.
3. Fall Floral Arrangement – I’m a firm believer in adding fresh flowers and foliage to every table scape. Seasonal greenery will look beautiful and spread the sweet scent of fall.
4. Personalized Place Cards – This year I’m welcoming guests with the sweet scent of cinnamon spice, by using cinnamon sticks as place card holders. Simply place cards in the stick’s natural crevice.
5. Candles – The glow of candles really ups the cozy factor. Since the flowers and food will already add a fragrant aroma, I’m opting for scent free tapered candles.

For more inspiration, check out my table decor from last year.

And, consider these five kid friendly crafts to try this season.

The post How To Set A Festive Thanksgiving Table first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

What to consider first when buying a rug for your family home.

Living with children and four legged friends can make decorating a pain for even the most resourceful folks. Fortunately for you, I’ve done the research and have lived to tell the tale. If you want a space that is safe and comfortable, but also beautiful and welcoming, continue reading for my essential tips.

Starting with the foundation of the room, area rugs and carpets, ground a space, act as artwork for the floor and serve to define a specific area of your home.

Young children, pets, and yes, even parents, may spend a great deal of time on the rug – sitting and reading, playing with toys, crawling, etc. As you shop for rugs, it’s important that the carpet be easy to clean, durable and ideally, non-toxic, ie. the rug should really be forgiving.

Subject to spills and accidents, which are inevitable and may happen often, having an easy to clean and durable rug is an absolute must. Rugs can be an investment piece and when you worry about the mess and stains that may occur in high traffic areas, its key to be conscious of the material and pile (how thick) the rug you select is.

Materials to Consider

Wool – Most common material, known for its durability and softness. It’s naturally stain resistant, easy to clean and soft underfoot.

Cotton – An affordable option, cotton, flat-weave rugs are best for kitchens, kids rooms and casual spaces. Try layering them for extra comfort and style.

PET/Polyester (Synthetic) – With time, man-made fibers and improved over the years. These rugs are generally stain resistant, easy to clean, and some can be interchangeable with indoor/outdoor rugs which are created to withstand harsh elements ie. they can hold up to your kids. Overall, they are cost effective, but they won’t look luxurious.

Materials to Avoid

Jute + Sisal (natural fibers) – Though strong and renewable, if you have any fur babies in your house, cats will love to scratch these natural fibers and dogs may be inclined to mark their territory here. Some varieties are coarse and difficult to clean.

Silk – Silk rugs are beautiful and soft but, stain easily. They are also typically expensive to clean (and purchase).

Pile

Pet-friendly rugs, select a rug that has a lower pile with a tight weave. Rugs, like a shag rug, will easily bury pet hairs (and snack crumbs) and are not recommended for high traffic areas that will need to withstand daily wear and tear.

Colors + Patterns

Some pet accidents happen overnight, and some spills are not immediately noticed. Selecting a busier patterned or multi-colored rug can help disguise stains. Some people go as far as matching the color of their rug to their pet’s fur to hide shedding. This however, is not an invitation to stop vacuuming. You should vacuum at least once a week to keep your rug fresh.

Keep everyone in your home happy by choosing a practical and stylish rug. For additional family friendly offerings, check out my sofa guide.

The post A Guide to Practical and Stylish Family Friendly Rugs first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

My most used and most loved kitchen items this month.

There are a handful of tried and true products that I swear by in the kitchen. Day after day, these are my most used and most loved kitchen items this month.

Lafco Candle

I love LAFCO candles because not only are their toxin free, soy wax fragrances delicious but their handblown glass vessels are beautiful to repurpose after use. I love to burn them in my kitchen and throughout my home.

Stasher Reusable Bags

Perfect for Wesleigh’s camp snacks, these silicone bags are non-toxic, with a pinch-loc seal, plus, they are dishwasher and microwaveable safe. We’ve collected a whole stash of them!

Kitchen Towels

I can’t seem to collect enough tea towels. Garnier Thiebaut is one of my favorite brands and I was so pleased to see they’re available for purchase on Amazon. 100% cotton and imported from France, these towels are machine washable and lovely to display in the kitchen.

Large Wood Bowl

We try to keep healthy snacks on hand, so our wooden bowl is always stuffed with fresh fruit and veggies. A beautiful, large, wood bowl is perfect for serving popcorn, salad or simply countertop organization.

Blue Kitchen Utensil Set

I’ve raved about this set before. I’ve had them for quite some time and they’ve help up extremely well – even through the dishwasher, which I don’t believe is recommended. Easy to clean, and they look cute our on the counter.

The post Five Must Have Kitchen Items from Amazon to Buy Now first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

This will be a welcome change from last year, when we were in lockdown. Instead of setting a formal table in our dining room, Easter brunch will be set at my favorite nook in our home, the kitchen banquette.

At the table, I’m incorporating a fun, colorful mix of products from Lenox. For Wesleigh to enjoy, painted eggs, cute bunnies and bright tulips will be on display.

Four piece place setting, Water Glass, Flatware, Pitcher, Dip Bowls – Lenox, Plaid, Fringe Edge Placemat – Target, Linen Napkins – Serena & Lily

And, at the center of it all will be Wesleigh’s Easter basket, filled with themed goodies. Yes, there will be some sweet treats, but mostly practical ones as well. I try not to go crazy with presents for every single holiday and instead offer a curated selection of items that she will enjoy for longer than five minutes.

Ollie’s Easter Egg Book, Linen Carrot, Vintage Basket, Cre8ive Crayons

Truth be told however, I’m most looking forward to watching Wesleigh during the Easter egg hunt in our backyard. It’s adorable watching her run around discovering and collecting eggs with such pride.

Do you celebrate Easter? How do you make the holiday special for your family?

The post Easter Brunch Tablescape and Gift Basket Ideas to Try first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Five essential items for styling your nightstand.

I like tchotchkes. Little collectable items picked up from travels, hand-painted dishes, leather catch all trays, you name it; I enjoy filling my home with precious items that are inspiring and remind me of a happy memory.

However, when it comes to nightstand styling, I believe in the theory a cluttered nightstand equals a cluttered mind. This is not backed by science, but I find I get a better night sleep with less on my bedside table than when I displayed too many knickknacks.

To keep my bedside table in check, I’ve narrowed down five essentials to include

Include Lighting

I’m a huge fan of layered lighting. It adds a warm and sophisticated element to a room, and it allows you to have much more control over how much light is on and when. The light on your nightstand will most likely be the tallest feature on your table but keep in mind, you’ll also want room for necessities like a water glass and eyeglasses. Alternatively, if you are short on space, you could opt for a wall sconce instead of a table lamp.

Add Greenery

I can’t stress this enough. It is crucial to add greenery into your home. Whether it’s on your coffee table or nightstand, adding a natural element such as fresh cut flowers in a beautiful vase really enlivens the space.

Incorporate Vintage Decorative items, Personal Effects or Books

Use a leather catch all or trinket dish to hold your jewelry, glasses or watch at the end of the day.

Display art or photos that makes you smile

Many people like having a photo of their loved ones on their nightstand, and for good reason. Depending on the size of your table, spring for a large frame (this can be balanced with a vase of flowers and/or books) or, go smaller and place the photo on a tray with personal effects and a bud vase.

Try a Candle/Diffuser

For me, lighting a candle when the sun sets marks the end of a day and diffusing lavender oil as I prepare for bed helps me unwind and relax. (just don’t leave the candle burning and don’t sleep with the diffuser on).

Are you a minimalist or maximalist with your nightstand styling? What are the essentials you keep out on your bedside table?

The post 5 Easy Ways to Style Your Nightstand first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Every day feels more or less the same. Each day involves a lot of activities, arts and crafts and therefore a lot of cleaning. Wesleigh is generally pretty good about putting her toys away, but sometimes they don’t land as neatly as I’d like them to so I’ve implemented a few ways to keep her toys organized.

Since I mostly care that Wesleigh is making the effort to maintain her space and put her toys away when she’s finished playing rather than keep everything perfectly tidy, I can’t complain. After all, she’s not even 3 years old.

I’ll let you in on a few of the simple ways myself, and a handful of other blogger mama’s have found success in keeping a playroom organized.

Implement an Organized System

Baskets, Bins and cubbies are your best friend. I’m the biggest advocate for a storage system, specifically one that uses baskets because they are a great solution to keep items out of sight. Yet, close enough to access when needed. They’re perfectly suited for children as well – whether that’s pulling toys out by the handful or cleaning up and putting them back where they belong. To keep it simple, both for parents and children, keep your kids toys organized by sorting items by type and grouping like items together.

“Be Practical – Kids will be kids and their rooms won’t stay clean and organized forever. Organization systems will assure that their things won’t get lost easily and they have a safe space to play. It will also encourage them to clean up after themselves and maintain clean habits.” Paula, Thanks Mommy Blog

Purge Often

It can be easy to go overboard with toys, between birthdays, holidays and spending so much time at home, new toys and games seem to make their way into our homes at a rapid rate. I value sustainability and quality over quantity. To ensure your child doesn’t get overwhelmed with the amount of options they may have at their fingertips. Keep kids toys organized by removing the clutter.

• Broken toys or toys missing pieces that you no longer have a use for – throw away.
• Worn out but not damaged toys, consider donating.
• If a toy is no longer age appropriate or has not seen the light of day in far too long, sell or donate it. Special keepsake items, you could save and display it on a shelf.
• Here’s another tip, involve your little one in the process. I purge through clothing and other household items at least once a season so my daughter is familiar with the clean out and make room process.

“Being intentional about what toys and activities you choose to make available to your child can change their world! By choosing simple things like blocks or pattern shapes you can encourage transformation and imagination that helps your child grow. The fact that they can also be used in many areas of play and creation cuts down on clutter!” Steph LeBlanc, The Inspired Mrs. L

Toy Storage Solutions

In an effort to ensure our family room doesn’t turn into a preschool, we keep a wicker storage trunk filled with books, games, costumes and toys. We spend so much time in our family room, having these toys within an arms-reach comes in handy, especially when I’m preparing meals or flipping a load of laundry. This trunk is the perfect solution to store toys in a practical and sophisticated way. If you don’t have a designated play room and instead, have toys stored in a few rooms in the house, a storage ottoman or bench is a great alternative to concealed soft storage.

“You have to make a big mess to get it all clean. When I’m organizing, I pull everything out and group items together. Then I can put everything back in a more organized way. It’s my process, but it looks like a disaster at first lol!” Misty, Life Between The Dishes

Toy Rotation

Between holidays, birthdays and a stay at home order, it’s easy to pull out every toy to keep your child entertained. Especially, when all those toys are available and accessible to your child. In following the Montessori’s minimalist approach, display fewer objects within reach. Toddlers who are offered fewer toys engage meaningfully with the objects, spending more time exploring versus toddlers who are offered dozens of toys. To that, limit how many of each type of toy there is out at a given time. Rotate these toys to not overwhelm your child by keeping certain toys out on certain days. Watch as your child deeply engages with these toys rather than grabbing the newest shiny object after a few short minutes.

“My best tip for toy organization is Toy Rotation, which basically means removing some of the toys to a place where your child can’t access them and periodically switching out those toys with the ones they currently play with. I’ve used several different methods to do this throughout the years including placing toys in a plastic bin, using fabric bins on a closet top shelf, and a fabric bin organizer shelf in our basement. I currently use a locked closet to house our toy rotation system. My kids love it because it feels like Christmas when we switch out the toys and they discover old favorites. I love that my kids’ rooms are easier to clean and maintain!” Crystal Garman, Simply Full of Delight

Coordinate and Zone Your Space

To keep your playroom organized and efficient, create different play zones, or areas. Pick themes of play your child enjoys and plan your room accordingly.

• Calm Reading Nook
  • Perfect for relaxing and reading, an area to unwind.
  • Suggested Materials: Cozy rug and playmat, tent and cushion, lounge chair, bookshelf
• Messy Arts & Crafts Zone
  • Encourage sensory, tactile play with various materials.
  • Suggested Toys: Kinetic Sand, Water Beads, Playdough, Rainbow Pasta
• Play Zone
  • This is where the building, imaginary play and engagement happens.
  • Suggested Toys: Legos/Magnatiles, Bricks, Musical instruments

The post Simple Ways to Keep Kids Toys Organized first appeared on Lindsey Boova.