End of January (Home Decorating, Shopping and More!)
Hello friends and welcome to the Saturday Spotlight, where each week, I like to highlight a different theme or topic to inspire you. As always, the month of January has been dragging on forever…don’t you think? Now that January is almost over, we can start looking forward to a few fun holidays…and of course spring isn’t far away! Today, I’m sharing finds for the end of January along with a few of my decorating plans for the year!
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End of January Decorating Inspiration:
In case you missed it…
This week, I shared traditional bathroom ideas from a designer showhouse I toured. If you’re tired of all the no-personality bathrooms you see everywhere, you’ll want to hop over and read that blog post.
For some reason, it takes me awhile to share designer showhouse photos! I guess I take so many pictures that I get overwhelmed…so I put it off. Hopefully, this week I’ll get my act together and show you the rest of this home!
Future decorating plans for my home…
It’s been almost 9 years since we renovated our kitchen and installed hardwood floors. Although I didn’t plan on putting an area rug under our kitchen table, I’ve recently changed my mind. Over the years, the chairs have scratched the wood in several areas. Yes, we have pads on our chair legs but we still ended up with scratches under a couple chairs.
Luckily, some websites make it easy to envision how your rug will look. For instance, I just used a picture of my table and applied the “room visualizer” from the Rugs Direct website. So, here is how one of their rugs could look in my kitchen…
To be practical, I like to use outdoor rugs in my kitchen. Ironically, I bought this outdoor seagrass rug (in the 7’10” x 10’10” size) for our Vermont condo a few months ago. Since I decided on a different rug for that space, this rug is currently rolled up in the basement there. Next time we go up to ski, I’ll bring the rug home and try it under my table to be sure. I really need to do something to hide the scratches on the floor and I refuse to have them refinished at this point.
By the way, you can probably tell by the photo I used above that I’m already in the spring mood. If you’d like to see more of that table, read – How to Set an Easter Table with Pretty Pink Flowers.
More decorating related plans…
After I removed all the Christmas decorating, I didn’t do much in the foyer. Usually, I style the console table with seasonal items but it’s very “blah” at the moment. For years, I’ve been thinking of replacing that table with a chest, an antique or just something more substantial…and possibly with storage. As one of my goals this year, I’d like to find something on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for that spot. We’ll see how that goes…
In addition to the table, I might buy a different mirror. The oval mirror in that spot is from Pottery Barn from like, 20 years ago! Sure, it’s a classic piece but I’m getting a little bored with it. Stay tuned for some changes in this space.
Progress with my New Year’s resolutions…
Well…if you’re like me, you consider January to be a “practice” month. Like many of you, I was motivated the first few weeks of January and then lost a little enthusiasm as the month went on. Yeah, I blame the weather…haha. Well, the weather actually did throw off my walking routine but I’m back on track now!
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve put less pressure on myself to have a list of must-do goals for the year. Basically, I make a list and then make small changes at a time. How are your new year’s resolutions coming along?
Here are a few home related goals I’m hoping to accomplish in 2024:
- Remodel our primary bathroom…(this goal is several years overdue).
- Decide on new rug for kitchen and furniture for foyer (as mentioned above).
- Organize several closets…starting with my utility closet. (So far, I just bought a door rack).
- Freshen up my home office (and organize the mess!)
- Make at least one new recipe per month. (Mission accomplished for January!)
- Read at least one book per month. (On track so far).
For my recipe this month, I followed the Greek Sheet Pan Chicken recipe from The Mediterranean Dish but made a few modifications. Instead of zucchini and olives, I substituted with broccoli, carrots and mini potatoes. (I just used what I had). Normally, I cook with chicken breasts but I followed the directions for the boneless thighs and they came out perfectly…and the sauce was delicious! For an easy dinner, I highly recommend this one!
Maybe once February arrives, I’ll add more to the list. Right now, I’m keeping my list short. If I add too many things, I get overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin!
End of January Shopping Finds:
If you’re looking to freshen up your home, here are a few things that caught my eye…
How pretty are these pillows? They’re nice and big too… 22 inches. If you already have a 22″ or 24″ insert, you can just buy the covers.
Since I love to mix a few island inspired pieces into my home, this pretty accent chair caught my eye!
If you’re a blue and white fan like me, you’ll love these gorgeous vases!
For even more end of January ideas, here are some finds from around the internet:
- How gorgeous is this toile tabletop?
- After seeing this gorgeous painted furniture project, I want to paint something navy!
- For fun Valentine’s Day ideas, go watch this pretty tour!
- If you have the winter blues, here are some great tips to beat them!
- For an easy Valentine’s Day craft, learn how to transform a candy box!
Here are a few more winter and end of January decorating ideas…
- January to February – Ways to Embrace the Winter Months
- January Decorating Inspiration (last week’s Saturday Spotlight)
- Goodbye December, Hello January Decorating Ideas
What has inspired you this January?
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Shelly, thank you so much for sharing my post How to Beat the Winter Blues. I hope it has a few tips to help people.
I like that rug with your table, it looks beautiful and your beautiful Spring flowers.
Have a wonderful week.
Thanks Elizabeth! I’m sure many people will find your ideas helpful during this dreary time of year! I’m looking forward to trying that rug in person…we’ll see!
I still remember when you redid your kitchen! Then and now I think it’s just beautiful!
Great ideas for the new year. I’m with you and no longer put tons of pressure on myself about it all. Just a fun list of wishes and needs to remind me what to do is perfect. 🙂
Thanks so much Stacey! It’s hard to believe its been almost 9 years…how sweet of you to remember! Yes, none of us need the extra pressure…glad you liked my ideas! Enjoy your week!