Karen Marsala's Recent Articles
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8 of the Most Beautiful Minimalist Finds at IKEA
We all love perusing IKEA for the stylish home decor they offer at outlandishly reasonable prices. And the Scandi styles and clean lines mean minimalists are sure to fall for much of what IKEA offers. But honing in on the best items offered by the Swedish retailer can be a bit daunting, so we’ve taken the liberty of highlighting some of our favorite minimalist picks below.
Nov 17, 2018
The Most Expensive Looking Decor You Can Find at H&M Home
Sure, we often think of the fast fashion retailer when we want some new items to jazz up our wardrobes. However, we’re longtime fans of their extensive home section too, where the affordable buys look anything but cheap. Peruse our favorite finds below, ranging from decor to glassware to rugs—all at palatable price points—to keep any unwanted guilt at bay.
Nov 10, 2018
7 of the Coziest Fall Finds You Can Get on Amazon
Whether you excitedly usher in fall with an inaugural pumpkin-spiced beverage, let the changing leaves be your signal, or simply wait until the temperatures begin to drop, chances are you also love that other aspect of the season—the unabashed cozying up that also comes along with it. If you’re as eager to celebrate the changing weather as we are, you’ll love our fall picks from Amazon below.
Oct 26, 2018
6 Fresh Ways to Create a Gallery Wall
Whether you're just beginning to curate your favorite pieces, or you already have a gallery wall that rivals your local museum, we're here to offer up some tips to mix things up.
Oct 15, 2018
8 Reasons You Should Consider Decorating with Monograms
When you think of monograms, do the frilly handkerchiefs from your grandmother’s handbag pop into your mind? Sure, monogramming has been around forever, but we’re loving all of the fresh, modern takes on the age-old classic that we’ve been coming across. Check out our favorite inspiration images and shopping picks below; we guarantee you’ll have a hard time settling on just one!
Oct 9, 2018
8 Modern Tips for Styling Your Sofa
Tired of looking at your same predictable sofa every day? We’re here to help you change things up. Instead of simply placing a pillow in each corner and calling it a day, check out our favorite inspiration images and shoppable picks below for a fresh take on an age-old decor dilemma. For a modern, clean look, try placing pillows in contrasting shapes right beside each other on one side of the sofa. The consistency in color ensures continuity.
Sep 21, 2018
7 Genius Budget-Friendly Small Space Solutions
Your wallet—and square footage—will thank you.
Sep 17, 2018
Proof Decorating With Pastels Doesn’t Have to Feel Juvenile
The result is a beautiful space that's stylish, not saccharine.
Sep 12, 2018
10 Gifts for Design-Conscious Hostesses
When a bouquet of flowers or bottle of wine just won’t fit the bill, try one of our hostess gift suggestions that stray from the norm. Whether invited over for dinner or for an entire weekend (or longer) stay at her home, we’ve got a perfectly priced range of items she’s sure to fawn over no matter the occasion. For the fashionista who has everything, gift her this classic design book.
Aug 26, 2018
5 Things You Should Do Before Deciding on a Paint Color
Are you nervous about pulling the trigger on a possible new paint job? It’s only normal to have a bit of decision paralysis on such a seemingly big decision. What colors do you choose? What happens if you change your mind once it actually dries on the wall? What happens if–gasp–you don’t like it? We consulted several of our favorite designers to ask them what exactly you can do to prevent any paint-related disasters from occurring in the first place.
Aug 23, 2018
How to Avoid Design Disaster When Moving in With Your Significant Other
Make no mistake—whether you’ve been together for four months or four years, moving in together is a big deal. Not only is it a significant step in your relationship, but it’s often a battle of personal decor tastes, as well. Is it possible to blend Mid-century with IKEA? Hollywood Regency with vintage?
Aug 22, 2018
6 Bar Cart Styling Solutions That Always Work
You’re probably aware that bar carts are the de rigueur piece of furniture right now, but if you’ve been wondering how to actually style them, we’ve got your answers right here. Styles can range from minimalist to overly bedecked with all manner of fanciful liqueurs and glassware, so let our guide below show you the plentiful options available. Take a page from Sabrina Tan of Gypsy Tan and outfit your bar cart with decidedly unexpected pieces.
Aug 18, 2018
Go Bold With This Simple, Yet Classic, Color Combination
If you’re from the school of thought that black and white is a boring, predictable color scheme, we’re here to change your minds. When used in collaboration with the correct furniture, accessories, and lighting, you’ll be surprised at how much of a bold impact this simplistic color combo can have on a room.
Aug 16, 2018
25 Ways to Add Boho Flair to Your Bedroom for $25 or Less
Love the boho look, but tired of paying not-very-bohemian prices? We feel you.
Aug 3, 2018
10 Reasons You Should be Shopping at the MoMA Design Store
You already know MoMA hosts some of the greatest works of modern art in the world—but have you considered introducing a few MOMA pieces into your own home? No, not the actual works of art—but the wares in their accompanying Design Store are museum-worthy in their own right! Not only can you score the expected books and posters from current and past exhibitions, but the store also curates an impressive range of home products from kitchenware to electronics to objets d’art.
Aug 1, 2018
The New Color Combo We’re Loving Right Now
Forget gray and yellow. This summer, we’re loving the fresh combination of all manner of bright pinks (think fuschias and corals) contrasted against a more traditional navy. Whether accenting furniture or adorning a wall, it can bring a crisp pop to your summer décor. We love how this navy blue sofa is accented with blush pillows and multi-hued pink artwork. Few other colors make an appearance in the living room above, so the navy and fuchsia tones make an even bigger impact.
Jul 31, 2018
Are Mixed Metals the New “It” Decor Trend?
If your M.O. up until this point was to pair silver with silver and gold with gold for fear of not “matching,” we won’t tell anyone. But we’ll let you in on a little design secret: Mixing metals is back, and in a BIG way. Should you choose to pair brass with chrome, copper with yellow gold, rose gold with stainless steel, or any combination of the above, your fixtures and decor are sure to pop from the decidedly unexpected complementary metallic finishes.
Jul 29, 2018
Proof Adding a Bold Pattern Can Actually Enlarge a Space
If you’ve always abided by the textbook rule of avoiding bold patterns for fear of visually shrinking your room, we’re here to show you that it’s not only incorrect, but doing so can actually make a much brighter impact than you might think. Take a look at these inspiration pictures below and see how they can apply to your home. Adding a graphic pattern in the form of watercolor drapes, artwork, pillows, and rugs can maximize pattern—without overwhelming.
Jul 24, 2018
These 6 Finds Will Jazz Up Your Terrace for Summer Without Breaking the Bank
Tired of staring at your bleak, empty terrace? Stricken with indecision as to what, exactly, you can do to jazz things up without spending a ton of money? Take a page from our book. With the addition of some simple string lights, lanterns, and pretty planters, you’ll have your tiny bit of paradise looking every bit as stylish as the rest of your home.
Jul 1, 2018
Dalmatian Print is Trending and We’re 101% on Board
If the classic Disney cartoon 101 Dalmatians is what first comes to mind when you hear the term “Dalmatian print,” you might want to rethink your stance. This classic polka dot print variation has been a favorite in design circles the past few years—and will make a bold, fun impact in your home (just check out that removable wallpaper from Etsy, above). Read on to check out our other favorite Dalmatian items below.
Jun 28, 2018
9 Everyday Items So Pretty You’ll Actually Want to Display Them
If the idea of putting your favorite items away every day seems like an exercise in futility, you’ll be thrilled to realize it’s not at all necessary. We’ve scoured the internet to find usable, practical, and showcase-worthy items that you’ll actually want to leave out. Take a look at our favorite pieces below and pick one (or two!) to complement your own decor. Forget the Nag Champa procured at the corner bodega.
Jun 28, 2018
Bamboo Decor is The Trend You Need to Try This Summer
If you’ve noticed that bamboo decor is just about everywhere these days, you wouldn’t be wrong. This Eastern trend has gained traction in the past several years and the thirst isn’t slowing down. Aside from adorning everything from furniture to lamps, bamboo details are also inspiring tableware, mirrors, wallpaper (see above!), and tchotchkes as well. Take a look at some of our favorite shopping picks below.
Jun 28, 2018
How to Decorate Your Home With Bright, Cheery Colors
With all the focus on varying shades of pastels these days (we’re looking at you, millennial pink!), it can be easy to forget that bright colors are still a consistent design trend, too. Sometimes a simple, solitary pop of color is all you need, but if you’re feeling more adventurous, try pairing two (or three!) together to really pull the room together.
Jun 19, 2018
Outdoor Dining Essentials That We Can’t Believe Are Made of Melamine
With summer entertaining just around the corner, it’s time to refresh last year’s tired tumblers and worn-out tableware. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a ton to get a high-end, high-quality look. Forget the glassware and breakable pieces; this year it’s all about easy to serve, easy to care for melamine. With prints and quality this great, your guests will be coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Read on for our choice picks below.
May 26, 2018
The Best Ways to Decorate With Fringe
Since fringe is officially back and, apparently, here for the long haul, we thought we’d take a look at some of the more recent ideations of the design trend. Fringe adds an element of dimension that makes it a great decorating piece no matter where you place it. Take a look at some of our favorite picks below—ranging from tapestries to seating to everything in between—and try not to spend all of your money in one place!
May 26, 2018
This Trend is Perfect for Summer Entertaining
Leaf platters and lettuce plates are appearing all over the internet, and we could not be more ready to tackle this trend. We’re not talking botanical prints here per se, but rather items in the form of the organically-shaped foliage. Don’t discount the edible version either, as we’ve found lettuce and even cabbage-shaped versions of the trend—talk about a salad plate! Check out our roundup below of the cutest leaf items we could find. Dodie Thayer, the O.G.
May 25, 2018
Tired of Millennial Pink? You Can Still Think Pink
Less millennial and a little more grownup.
May 21, 2018
Try 2018’s Hottest Decor Trends on the Cheap
Sure, we all want to keep up with the latest home decor trends. Since they change so quickly, though, spending a ton isn’t particularly appealing or practical. Luckily, we’ve done the hard part for you. We’ve narrowed down three of our favorite trends of the year and picked out a varied selection of well-priced items for each. With our choices below, you can freshen up your home decor and avoid racking up any pesky overdraft fees or unnecessary guilt in the process.
Apr 26, 2018
This Amazon Shopping Section is the Secret to Scoring Super Stylish Finds
If you’re the kind of shopper who heads to Amazon with a specific idea in mind of what you’re looking for, you’re not alone. However, a little known secret to finding interesting, more unique items is actually through a portal shown every time you log on. It’s called “Interesting Finds” and is accessed by clicking the “Explore” button at the top of the screen.
Apr 20, 2018
Move Aside Mudcloth: This is The New “It” Home Textile
Perhaps you’ve currently got a piece of mudcloth casually draped over the foot of your bed or the edge of your sofa. It’s probably been happily living there, undisturbed, for a couple of years without so much as a second thought. You might be surprised to learn, however, that a new fabric is taking the design world by storm. If you haven’t heard of cactus silk, allow us to introduce you.
Apr 15, 2018
Tired of Having the Same Thing as Everyone Else? Try This Online Store
Whether you’re looking for a new pair of desk scissors or an entire decor overhaul, you don’t want it to look like everyone else’s. We’ll admit we love a good VITTSJO shelving unit as much as the next person, but sometimes we crave a bit more originality. Enter Of a Kind. This creative online boutique stocks cool, limited-edition pieces from budding designers, which means the chances are unlikely that everyone in your contacts list will be rocking the same look.
Apr 13, 2018
You’ve Been Overlooking This Surprising Source for Small Space Decor
You’ve probably heard of the site Dormify, but didn’t consider giving it a second glance because, well, you’re not in college anymore. However, considering the brand’s well-curated selection of decor for small spaces, it’s just as ideal for the urban dweller as it is for collegiate dorm rooms. Check out some of our highly covetable finds below. This black-and-white Scandi-inspired pillow sham will take your bedding game to the next level.
Mar 27, 2018
10 Great Finds Under $25 for a Mini Home Refresh
Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter. In this particular instance, it’s the little amount of money we can spend on great-looking home items that matters. The affordable picks below we found this week are guaranteed to jazz up your home and life…and put a smile on your face—without busting your budget. A touch of aqua can wake up a mostly neutral room in an instant. This lamp gives you the added bonus of more light, which is always a welcome addition to a space.
Feb 22, 2018
Don’t Miss These: 9 Stores with the Best President’s Day Decor Sales
If you’ve been in the market for virtually anything home related, you’re bound to score an amazing deal—or two—this President’s Day weekend. We put our deal-finding goggles on and uncovered some pretty epic sales that may even rival those found on Black Friday. Check out our selections below, and expect to save some major coin! Literally hundreds of home finds are yours for the choosing on Etsy this holiday weekend.
Feb 17, 2018
101 Ideas for What to Get Your Newly Engaged BFF, Co-worker & Beyond
Plus, the answers to all the burning etiquette questions you definitely have.
Feb 3, 2018
Black Is the New Blonde: Is the Scandi Light Wood Trend Over?
There's a new contender in town that we're happy to get behind.
Jan 14, 2018
You’re About to See This Decorating Trend Everywhere
We’re calling it now. The geometric trend that presented itself in the triangle print here and the faceted vase there is about to blow up. With Pantone declaring it one of the hottest trends of the new year (and we personally agree based on what we’ve been seeing), you’re bound to notice simple shapes picking up speed and adorning everything from tiles, wallpaper, home furnishings and decor. Expect to see plenty of circles, triangles and hexagons galore!
Jan 10, 2018
The Best (& Surprising) Source for a Budget Post-Holiday Indulgence
It’s finally 2018! New year, new us? While it’s hard to deny the post-holiday drain we’re all feeling right now (on our wallets and our psyches), there is a fairly painless way to get our bodies – and minds – back on track without digging ourselves into a giant financial hole.
Jan 8, 2018
Don’t Go Bankrupt: Here’s Where to Buy Those Super Trendy Giant Knit Blankets For Less
Obsessed with the giant knit blanket trend but don't feel like remortgaging your home in order to afford one?
Dec 18, 2017