A Bargain Centerpiece

I wanted to create a centerpiece on the coffee table.  Something that brought an earthy feeling to the room.

I was able to create a warm yet natural, simple candle centerpiece without spending a ton of money. 

This project was cheap and easy!  I already had the wooden bowl.  During a fun trip to Michael's  I found the stones, red balls and wood bits.  (I'm not exactly sure what they are but they are beautiful in shape and color.) All of the pieces were prepackaged and on clearance for $2.50. 

  I knew I wanted a candle but I couldn't find the right color or size.  One thing I've learned is to be patient and the right thing will be found.  While looking for picture frames at Marshall's I found the exact candle I was looking for and it was only $4.99.  The scent was an added bonus - Amber Bark...it's amazing!!  Unfortunately since it was at Marshall's I don't think I'll find anymore of that scent. 

All together (besides the wood bowl) this project cost $7.50! It's all about the bargain hunting! 

A Room With "Feeling"

We've all heard that a room's decor and design can evoke a feeling but I think it's important that a room has a feeling...or texture.  Texture is something we feel and something we can see.  When designing our living room I wanted to use texture to evoke a feeling of comfort that enveloped each visitor.  I wanted to textures to be as as natural as possible.

On the windows I mixed bamboo blinds with linen curtain panels.

As you read previously these blinds were a  tough decision.

Home Depot came through with the best options!  These blinds offer an overlapping bamboo so while they allow a little bit of light in they do not allow nosey neighbors to see in!The linen softens the hard wood blinds and offers an airiness to the large window.  These were an awesome find!  I searched all the typical curtain spots...it was a constant disappointment.  Then one day during a Target shopping trip I thought, it never hurts to look... Surprise! Right color, right texture AND right price!

Texture on the floor is very important.  Nothing is more amazing then the perfect texture under your feet!  We have beautiful hardwood floors that are amazing but they are hard...amazing on the eyes, but not so nice to the touch.

The rug purchase was another surprise...Lowe's.  Who knew they had an amazing rug department??  When I saw this rug I was immediately drawn to the simple colors and exciting texture.  This run softens all the harsh lines and woods in the room while offering an amazing feeling underfoot!  It is so plush the cats won't walk on it!

Rug shopping tip: Not sure how an area rug will look in your home on the existing floor?  If you're in a flooring or home store take the rug (or a smaller version of it) to the floor section and lay it on a floor similar to yours.  You'll be able to see how the colors and textures work together. 

The last bit of texture is a simple addition to any room - lamp shades. The lamp shades add a bit of a swirl to a room with straight edges and lines.  The swirl design is a simple stitching that offers a slight raised effect to the shade.


Don't be afraid to mix textures.  When you mix a variety of textures you create a room that has feeling!