10 Stylish Ideas for Your Non-Working Fireplace

10 Stylish Ideas for Your Non-Working Fireplace

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If you currently live in a place with a vestigial fireplace that you can’t actually make a cozy fire in, we have you covered. That charming little nook in your living room that once served an important purpose way back when can do so much more than collect dust or store overflow from cabinets and drawers today. There are lots of creative ways to dress it up and turn it into a chic addition to your space. Below, we hand-picked a selection of artful decor, innovative lighting, and other pieces that will transform your non-working fireplace into an inspirational style statement.  

12 Designers Share the Best Styling Advice They’ve Ever Heard

12 Designers Share the Best Styling Advice They’ve Ever Heard

Styling — whether you’re taking on an entire room, a coffee table, or just a single bookshelf — can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re a beginner. The good news is that if you’re feeling stumped by a corner of your home at the moment, you’re in luck. We spoke with designers who shared the most helpful styling advice they’ve received over the course of their careers. After reading through their suggestions, we’re feeling amped up and ready to make some Insta-worthy updates.

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Collect Meaningful Pieces

“I love raiding my grandmother’s stuff and seeing what goodies I can put on display at my place, and she’s usually always cool with parting ways with whatever I have my eyes set on. My favorite piece is a brass hand back-scratcher, sitting on my nightstand from her collection of things.

I’m not a big shopper while on vacation but if I am on a once-in-a-lifetime trip or visiting somewhere with a lot of history and culture, I will make it a point to visit some local artisans and museums. One of my favorite pieces I picked up during my travels is a brass cheetah dish from a museum in Paris. It sits on my coffee table and holds my crystals and sage; it’s such a sentimental piece that brings back so many great memories.” —Kara Thomas, founder of Studio KT

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Incorporate Living Elements

“For all spaces we create, it’s important to integrate living elements within our styling
such as crystals, flowers, greenery, and plants. I was born in Brazil, so I have always
been surrounded by nature both indoors and outdoors and truly believe that when
there’s nothing living in the room, the room is not living.” —Juliana Oliveira, designer and owner of Beyond Interior Design

8 Easy Ways to Deck Out Your Home for the Holidays With What You Have On Hand

8 Easy Ways to Deck Out Your Home for the Holidays With What You Have On Hand

You know the feeling: All year long, the holiday season seems far, far away… and then all of sudden it’s here full force. The month of December brings with it a slew of neighborhood parties, gift exchanges, and other festivities, not to mention so much cookie baking. You meant to get a head start on decking the halls, but you’re only human, after all! Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make your home feel merry and bright, even if you’ve procrastinated and don’t have time to hit the stores. We turned to eight home experts who shared a variety of simple yet festive solutions that will make your space shine, even at the last minute.

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Try This Twist on a Tree Skirt

“I always love to find ways to use vintage or thrifted books! Last year, I gathered all the black ones I had around my house and made a tree skirt out of them.” —Haneen Matt, blogger at Haneen’s Haven

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Shop Your Yard — And Pantry!

“I love incorporating natural materials in my winter decorations and repurposing items I already have on hand. Instead of tinsel garlands, I go for wood beads. Wood bead garlands are available for purchase year round, or you can even easily DIY them with craft materials. Another great tip is to use moss and pine cones. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to find those in your backyard or local park. Enlist the kids in your family to string popcorn and cranberries or other dry snacks for a creative crafty garland. And of course, add candles and fairy lights for that magical holiday mood!” Stefana Silber, blogger at Stefana Silber

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Shine Bright with Twinkle Lights

“Twinkle lights are something I have and use throughout the year. No need for special lights when you keep these handy. Scatter them on tabletops, in glass vases, or on the mantel to bring in that seasonal feel.” —Heather Thibodeau, blogger at The Heathered Nest

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Repurpose Everyday Containers

“Add greenery stems to kitchen utensil bowls, or fill glass canisters or bowls with ornaments!” —Gbeke Omosebi, blogger at Simplicity for Designs

This Underrated Boho Decorating Trick Might Actually Be Better than Buying a Runner

This Underrated Boho Decorating Trick Might Actually Be Better than Buying a Runner

Williams and Richard are an artistic couple who share a 200-square-foot Airstream in Hemphill, Texas. Their collective style is giving simple, carefree, and bohemian in all the best ways. Williams herself calls it minimal meets jungalow. “I like things simple, and Kristen wants a plant in every empty space,” she says. “It’s the best of both worlds, and we each bring our own style to the space. “

As the home of two artists, this quaint, cozy small space is full of creative storage and decorating ideas. Anywhere you look, you’re bound to spot something you probably wish you had thought of yourself (I know I did!). One of these concepts is the idea of layering smaller, colorful rugs to create a makeshift runner.

The space between the couple’s kitchen and Richard’s workspace is long and narrow. Typically, this is where a long, thin runner might come into play. Instead, the couple used a few overlapping Moroccan-style rugs from Lonesome Pine Home to line this pathway, and they fit perfectly.

Considering Richards and Williams originally bought this airstream for $500 then gutted, cleaned, and rebuilt the interior themselves, they had to stretch their budget as much as possible to upgrade everything that needed fixing. According to Williams, their biggest indulgence was rugs, and I can see why. Whether your space is tiny (like 200 square feet) or a bit bigger, rugs can make a big decorative difference and add so much life and color to a space.

If you have bare floors in your home that you’re looking to cozy up, you have options! Instead of scouring the internet for a carpet that’s the perfect length and size, you could start collecting beautiful, smaller rugs with some kind of a common thread between them (color, pattern, etc.). Every time you hit a thrift store or artisan market, buy the little area rug you like, even if you aren’t quite sure where it will fit. Before you know it, you could have an assortment of textiles to layer to make the perfect makeshift runner or extra-large area rug that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Savannah West

Home Assistant Editor

Savannah is a master binge-watcher and home cook. When she’s not testing new recipes or re-watching Gossip Girl, you can find her on Facetime with her grandma. Savannah is a news producer turned lifestyle blogger and professional homebody. She has a bachelors in journalism from Clark Atlanta University, a certification in Digital Storytelling and is earning her Master’s degree from Harvard University. Savannah believes every day is a good day and there’s nothing good food can’t fix.

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Zara’s Home Section Is a Goldmine for Gorgeous Rattan

Zara’s Home Section Is a Goldmine for Gorgeous Rattan

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

While you are endlessly scrolling through Zara’s website and adding way too many clothes and shoes to your shopping cart, you might want to detour for a moment and browse their home decor line, Zara Home. Zara Home is one of our go-to retailers when it comes to finding fashion-forward, luxurious-looking home decor without breaking the bank. It’s truly a treasure trove of trendy and timeless pieces that look much more expensive than they are. Currently, we’re eyeing all things rattan, and Zara Home has a ton of incredible pieces that can help elevate your space. Rattan is a reliable and durable material that can instantly add a natural and modern feel to your home. From furniture to accessories, these are our favorite rattan gems.