Crib Mattress Buying Tips

One of the most important purchases for your nursery is the crib mattress. While it’s tempting to skimp and find the cheapest, there are several considerations to keep in mind.

FIRMNESS

Soft sleep surfaces can create a suffocation hazard for infants and increase the risk of SIDS. 

SIZE

Buy your crib first and the mattress second. Make sure there are no more than 2 fingers of space between the mattress and the frame of the crib.

VENTILATION

Vents allow for airflow to prevent moisture, mold and mildew. 

ORGANIC

Go organic to avoid the harsh chemicals that happen during processing and result in off gases. 


Here are some top picks to consider:

Colgate Classica

Naturepedic Lightweight Organic Cotton

Eco Classica

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Are you in the process of furnishing and designing a nursery, but don't have the time or expertise to deal with all the details and put it together? Contact me and let's work together to design the nursery of your dreams.

10 Tired Trends to Toss in 2019

Out with the old, in with the new. As 2019 approaches, we’re resolving that now is the time to ditch some of the most played out and empty interior design trends, some which have hung around in our homes for far too long. Here are some of the trends Décor Aid’s interior designers are suggesting it’s time to drop, in favor of some fresher alternatives.

Gallery Walls

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re likely familiar with the gallery wall. A trend that has been exhausted more than almost any other in the past several years, although a good way to display vast amounts of art or photos that vary in color, size and style, we’ve seen it all and it’s time to come up with a new solution. While every publication and blog boasts it as a design marvel, that idea dried up a long time ago. We suggest a more symmetrical, grid-like placement in its place. Not only will this bring a cleaner, more elegant look, but you’ll be forced to be choosier with your art, which can be a good thing.

Faux Rustic or Vintage

Everyone has seen brand new pieces in a department store made out to have fake wear, with worn paint, scraped finishes, and rusted metal. Our designers are saying it’s time to part with the faux pieces that aim to give off the impression of a much older piece, because it’s easy to tell their low quality value. Instead, source actual vintage pieces from your local thrift shop. You’re bound to find something more interesting than one of those mass-produced items.

Chevron

We’ve been hoping for years now that this pattern had run its course, but it still manages to pop up in the strangest of places: accent walls, wallpaper, rugs, wall art. Chevron isn’t especially pleasing to the eyes, with its loud, thick zig zag pattern, and isn’t any more appealing when placed on such large surfaces. It’s time to move on to a better pattern.

All-White Minimalism

Minimalism for the sake of minimalism comes off as being trite and played out. Many take issue because it appears to be trying too hard to be ‘trendy’ when minimalism should be more of an effortless lifestyle based on functionality with less attention paid to aesthetics. Not only that, but a stark, bare minimal level room is hardly comfortable or welcoming to spend time in. Next year, don’t limit your decor to such a small color palette, and instead branch out a bit more.

Tufted Headboards

Heavy tufted headboards can appear a bit outdated, especially when paired with other more traditional decor. Additionally, they end up looking clunky or bulky when used with furniture that is not matched in style. Apart from appearing over indulgent, they really just aren’t very chic anymore. Unless you’re going to give it a lighter, more modern twist, we suggest staying away from the traditional headboard.

Statement Walls

What was once considered bold and striking now seems tired and lackluster, even appearing in the blandest of spaces now. While a statement wall is not a bad idea, homeowners and designers alike have just grown bored with it because it no longer feels fresh. Instead, upgrade to a wallpaper (our designers prefer textured wallpapers) to bring a revitalized feeling to this trend. A textured pattern can speak volumes more than a solid color can, and will bring more dimension, vitality, and color to the space.

Rose Gold

A classic metal that had its moment and quickly fizzled out, we’re noticing many swapping out their rose gold fixtures for the more traditional gold or silver. We likely have the buzz to thank for this one—after all, rose gold was practically everywhere. It was particularly well loved by millennials and gen Xers, which made older homeowners shy away from it from appearing too youthful. It’s also a bit harder to pair other items with rose gold, as it is warmer in tone and has a pink tint to it as opposed to the more neutral shade a gold or silver brings. While still beautiful, rose gold does not have long staying power, so we suggest refraining from investing in any more rose gold purchases.

Mason Jars

We think we speak for many when we say enough with the mason jars! What was once a twee, unique way to repurpose and add a rustic twist to a container has now become eyeroll-inducing for many. The go-to for wannabe hipsters and lovers of faux rustic chic, the mason jar trend has been overplayed to the max. It’s time to let them return to their original purpose: jarred condiments and jellies.

Industrial Kitchens

A well done industrial kitchen is gorgeous—but hard to find. When they first became popular they were stunning to all and it seemed that everyone was remodeling their kitchen, but most have gotten a bit lazy with their execution, resulting in some sloppy looking industrial kitchens. Exposed appliances, pipes, and hardware don’t always look the nicest, so kitchens that keep them exposed run the risk of looking messy or dirty. The trend has also become trite and uninspired, with a been-there-done-that feel.

Ultra Violet

Pantone’s 2018 color of the year has run its course and it is now time for a new color to take its place. Ultra Violet was a beautiful shade of purple, but quite hard to use in a design, without much staying power. After all, how many bright purple accents do you regularly see in a well done interior design? Living Coral, 2019’s shade, is much warmer and easy on the eyes. Because of this, it’s also more subtle and easy to incorporate into a space.

Simple Fall Porch Ideas

It's finally that time of the year.....a time I love of cool temps, sweaters, football and fire pits. 

It's something about fall that brings people together. Maybe it's catching up with a friend over a pumpkin spice latte, gathering around the TV to cheer on your favorite football team or gathering the kids together for a trip to the haunted corn maze. With the beginning of a new school year and the upcoming Holiday season......there is excitement in the air and I LOVE IT!!

As I am preparing to decorate my front porch this week, I am sharing a few of my favorite fall porch inspirations. Please click image for source.

2018 Fall Trend | Animal Print

I have bit of a wild side so when I read that Marie Claire's 2018 fall fashion trends included animal print, I was one happy girl.

I truly believe that every room needs a bit of animal print and so does your wardrobe. So go ahead and indulge your wild instinct and let us hear you roar!!

Design Reveal - Ruth's Dining Room

I worked with a lovely e-design client who had the main pieces of her dining room, but needed some finishing touches. We kept the wall color the same, but chose to paint the ceiling, which added depth and dimension and added just the right amount of elegant drama. 

The ceiling color we used is Benjamin Moore Stunning

Farmhouse Table // Rustic Chic

A dining room table says a lot about you and your lifestyle. It is much more than just a piece of furniture that you eat on.....especially this one. You see, my brother-n-law made this farmhouse style dining table for his daughter, my precious niece to go in her rustic chic dining room.  It was made with love for her by her daddy.

Now, this table will be the center of many conversations, activities and memories and will be a piece that last for years to come. It is truly a priceless, one of a kind piece. 

paint color: Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray | chandelier + dining chairs: Amazon

amen sign + tobacco basket: Hobby Lobby

Feeling Blue

Feeling a little blue in January is normal and this so happened to have been the longest January in history :). I am not one to wish away days and months, but I am ready to see February.

I sure don't like to feel blue, but I sure do love the color blue.
"Good things are associated with blue, like clear days, more than singing the blues. Just the word 'blue' in the singular is full of optimism and positive connotation to most people" - David Carson

I am swooning over blue in home decor and I am sharing a living room I designed for a Havenly client in California last week.  I hope you will be inspired in ways you can too add blue to your home decor.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia

Who doesn't love Chip + JoJo, right. They are an adorable couple who we all can relate to. I feel like I know them personally.  Back in the fall they released the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia line at Target. It has a rustic, yet timeless style. When you walk through the aisles of Target you feel as if you are walking through the Magnolia Market at the Silos.

DIY Custom Tufted Headboard

For Christmas this year my brother-in-law made me a custom queen size headboard. It was a total surprise and I was thrilled.

My brother-in-law, sister and mom helped me upholster it.  It was a fun family project and I love the results.

Thanksgiving Table Decor

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I cannot wait to gather around the table for some delicious food and quality time with my family. 

I have shown some of my favorite Thanksgiving Table Decor that can all be found at Target.

Placemat  |  Runner |  Flatware  |  Charger  |  Dinner Plate  |  Salt and Pepper Shaker  |  Pitcher  |  Wreath  |  Candle Holder  |  Goblet  |  Copper Shooter  |  Cloth Napkin

Wedding | Southern Style

Back in May, we celebrated the unity of my niece Robyn Kathryn to Michael. It was a rememberable weekend that I hated to see come to an end. The southern style wedding embraced elegant vintage details such as vintage china plates, an assortment of vases, lace runners, and a 56 Chevy.


Robyn Kathryn is my firstborn niece and is a true Southern Belle. She possesses beauty, charm, style and has a core of strength and intelligence. Michael is a true gentleman. He is well mannered, considerate, has high standards and proper behavior (well most of the time...(love you Penick)).


The wedding celebrated their love for each other, their love for God, and their love for all things southern. Friends and family gathered to witness the unity, shared in Holy Communion, ate, and danced the night away.

Put some prep in home decor!

Want to bring some prep into your home decor? Well here are some tips to help you out. I have included some images to help give you some inspiration.  

|| Doors ||

I love a front door. It is the first impression of your home. A painted front door is an easy way to add instant curb appeal. It can say "come on in, fun is inside". We rent our home right now and do not have the liberty to paint ours, but when we own a home again the first thing I will do is paint the front door. 

I have shared some inspiring front doors that will give you door envy. 

ROBIN'S EGG BLUE

source

GO GREEN

source

YELLOW

Sundance by Benjamin Moore

source

BLUE

French Navy Blue by Benjamin Moore

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Calypso Blue by Benjamin Moore

source

RED

Primary Red by Sherwin Williams

source

BLACK

Black Lacquer is oh so chic.

source

Traditional Black

Add pazazz with vinyl house numbers.

source

Like me, you may have had doors of opportunity shut and you are waiting for the right door to open. Be encouraged today that it will. 

A door is a symbol of opportunity. Jesus says, "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it;  . . ." (Revelation 3:8). 

Keep dreaming. Keep believing. Keep watching for that open door. And, while you wait, go bold and paint your front door!!

So I say to you, Ask and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. - Jesus

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us. - Alexander Graham Bell

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. - Jesus

Bridal Shower

My sister did it again. My sweet niece is getting married in one week and at the beginning of May my sister gave her the sweetest bridal shower. I am sharing pictures of the day.

Robyn Kathryn

Me, my mom, Robyn Kathryn, Lauren, Allie, and my sister Suzanne.

a pack of mints wrapped in burlap with "Mint To Be" tags

my sister did the chalk board sign

my mom did the flowers

The menu:chicken salad croissants (a must at any bridal shower)

peanut butter, strawberry preserve, banana, and granola whole wheat wraps

broccoli salad

fruit salad

quiche

sweet potato and brie tarts

lemon tarts

pimento cheese muffins

coconut balls

cake pops