5 easy tips to add modern style to a Traditional home

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Love modern style but live in a traditional home and feel confused on how to mix styles? I got you! I’ve teamed up with my friends at AllModern to bring you 5 easy ways to add that sleek and sexy modern style to your traditional home.

Let’s get into these tips!

1. Embrace Simplicity

Less is more. Modern design is all about clean lines and simple silhouettes. Opt for a more neutral palette with pops of color and minimal clutter (when possible) to keep the space open and allow the eye to freely move throughout the room without interference.

2. Look to nature

Create texture by incorporating organic elements, like wood, stone, jute, leather and metals, throughout your furniture and decor pieces for a modern and streamlined look. And don’t forgot life! Adding beautiful plants throughout your home will bring in color and vibrance to your space.

3. Go for contrast

High contrast colors like black, indigo and dark green help give spaces that sharp and clean feeling that is common in modern design. Create contrast to white cabinets with matte black hardware. Get some pops of color in with a cool geometric rug and coordinating pillows. Or go for a big color pop with a beautiful modern chair or sofa paired with other more neutral pieces.

4. Create harmony with color, shapes and texture

A great way to create harmony and balance in your home is to repeat shapes and colors in interesting ways. For example, in the room below I paired that amazing spherical chandelier with that stunning 2-light floor lamp. Both have those beautiful globe shades and sleek finishes so they compliment each other and create a good balance in the room. The same could be said about the pops of color coming from the pillows + tv art – similar colors and shapes paired together for a modern + cozy feel.

5. Mix + Match

I’ve said it before – good design is all about that mix! And mixing materials is another great way to blend traditional and modern styles together. Don’t be afraid to mix metals and wood tones for an eclectic feel. For example, this nightstand mixes in matte black, wood tones and brass for a modern touch. Warm and buttery leather is a more classic material but in the form of a chair with clean lines and an MCM shape, gives it a more modern vibe.

That about wraps things up! If you need some inspiration and are looking to add some modern accents to your home, then you must check out AllModern’s best of modern collection. I’ve rounded up a few of my favs below with links at the bottom.

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This post is sponsored by AllModern. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting content that keeps Sunny Circle Studio going!

A Floating Fantasy Office & Creative Space

Come and take a tour of this bright and dreamy bedroom turned creative sanctuary.

flush mount chandelier / rug / pouf / cloud mural / swivel chair / curtains / desk chair / bookshelf

Hello and happy 2022!

I’m super excited to share this project with y’all today – welcome to a new concept that I have been working on recently, a fantasy room! Have you ever wanted a space in your house that was uniquely yours? Imagine going all out on color, letting your inner child run wild and indulging your innermost interior design fantasies; that’s a fantasy room.

Let’s get into this, shall we?

I recently designed a creative and colorful office for a friend + client in Tampa, FL. My client was in transition, a new empty-nester, looking to convert her daughter’s old bedroom into a creative studio and office space that could accommodate hobbies and working from home. She wanted a space that felt ethereal, that would inspire creativity, and that made you feel as if you were floating inside a bubble, a floating fantasy office and creative space.

That’s my client with her sweet pup Isobel, by the way. She is fantastic in case you can’t already tell :)

Let’s talk color

Color is an essential element in this room, and this room is filled with ombre ribbons of lilac, pink and turquoise from the baseboard until up to the trim molding. We chose SW Watery, SW Childlike and SW Free Spirit at 50% to create the ombre effect. The walls are painted with a glitter paint finish to give the illusion of being in a bubble. The ceiling is one of my favorite features in the room, a gorgeous sky mural from Anewall, which gives the entire room an ethereal vibe and adds to the feeling of floating.

On choosing art

Art is also important to my client, and finding a way to highlight artwork and personal items became a key consideration in the design. A gallery wall was the perfect solution to allow my client the flexibility to rotate her artwork and add new pieces in the future. The gallery wall frames a beautiful bookcase from Crate and Kids, which perfectly complements the cozy deep green swivel chair in this reading and meditation nook.

Good lighting is key

Lighting is an important design feature, and in this room we decided to choose fixtures that would mirror the look of a bubble. This shape can be seen in the turquoise desk lamp from Target, the brass flush mount chandelier from CB2, and the floor lamp from Ikea. We also added a rainbow light from Target for a whimsical detail.

The work space

My client also needed a space in this room to work from home during the week and sew and work on creative pursuits on the weekend. She was looking for furniture that was versatile and could transition well from different activities. This cute caned desk from Target was perfect for the room, and the large side drawers provide extra storage for projects. 

In addition to working and creative pursuits, my client also uses this room for her workout activities like yoga and ballet. Finding a large mirror that worked in the space was crucial, and this affordable standing mirror was the perfect fit. The cozy creamy wool rug covering the floor adds some texture and grounds the room in a neutral color to balance the rest of the room.

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And that’s a wrap!

I hope you have enjoyed my tour of this fantasy floating office and creative space! And more importantly, I hope you are inspired to pursue the creation your own fantasy and creative space.

This post does contain some affiliate links meaning if you purchase something you've clicked on, I will get a small commission. I only promote the products I truly love though!

A dream dining set up with Bassett

Today, I’m super excited to share one of my latest design projects – my dining room update with Bassett Furniture! Recently, I got the chance to team up with the lovely folks at Bassett to showcase and share some pieces from their BenchMade Collection and my dining room has never looked better! I’m talking about high quality, American made furniture that will last a lifetime and then some! 

Let’s get into it, shall we?

A Bit of History

In case you don’t know, Bassett has been making furniture for a while – since 1902! The company had its start in the late 1800’s running a sawmill in Martinsville, Virginia that provided supplies to the local rail line. During the time, the furniture industry was rapidly growing as was the subsequent demand for raw lumber. After some success providing quality lumber to furniture makers, Bassett and his brothers decided to branch off and in 1902 the Bassett Furniture Company was born! And for more than 100 years, they have been perfecting the art of crafting furniture that is proudly American made.

The Factory Visit

A few months back, I got the chance to tour one of their factories in Virginia and see how the furniture making magic happens! It was so cool to see products still being made in the USA! They graciously welcomed me and answered all my questions and even posed for a selfie! I even got to see my dining table in progress! The hard work, attention to detail and master craftsmanship that goes into each piece they make was a treat to observe!

The Design Plan

All the pieces from my dining set are from the BenchMade collection, which is their modern, artisan-crafted made-to-order line. I put together a rough mockup of the BenchMade pieces I selected in my current dining room. My goal was to successfully mix styles and finishes for a comfortable, eclectic and elevated dining experience.

The BenchMade Details

I wanted my dining room to feel warm, welcoming with an elevated eclectic style, so I chose pieces with different finishes and shapes. The Crossbuck oak dining table has such a strong and supportive presence! I chose it because it brings in so much warmth, character and perfectly grounds the space. For a lighter balance, I paired the table with the Ostrow maple arm chair in lamp black for a little french flair. I love the mix of weights and finishes! One of my favorite details are the round backs on the chairs and how they play so well with the  other elements in the room. 

To finish things off, I selected a beautiful textural rug from their collection to soften the space.

The Final Reveal

It’s magical when it all comes together, right? My dining room has never felt so grown up and welcoming! I love love love these pieces in my home. They are versatile, stylish, extremely well made and most importantly – timeless! Isn’t it amazing how furniture can really transform and elevate a space?

Who’s ready to have a dinner party?

This post is sponsored by Bassett. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting content that keeps Sunny Circle Studio going!

2021 holiday gift guide: CYBER MONDAY EDITION

Hello and happy CYBER MONDAY! (I have no idea why I need to type all caps…)

Any who…I’m back again with some more yummy gift goodness! Today is a really good day to get a deal as almost everything on the entire internet is on sale. lol.

But seriously…time to kick the holidays officially off and get to shopping! I express my love through gifting and these guides are no exception! Please enjoy this carefully curated round up of 30+ gift ideas, all on sale and all awesome!

Let’s get into it, shall we?

1. Charm Stacker Necklace One of my favorite jewelry brands!

2. Earphone Holder Love this little leather accessory for you air pods!

3. Charging Tassel Keychain I love a gadget that makes my life easier!

4. Pop Socket I love these retro cuties!

5. Retro Floral Phone Case The perfect case to the match the pop sockets from #5!

6. Scandinavian Body Wash So fresh with an amazing smell!

7. Pink Earrings Gorgeous and colorful!

8. Lace-Up Boots Perfect for the colder season ahead!

9. Knitted Booble Hat This adorable hat is already in my cart…

10. Fanny Pack I love a fanny pack on the go and you can not go wrong with the black and white checkers!

11. High Neck Dress Love the vintage cut on this dress!

12. Warby Parker Sunglasses I have these and wear them often. They are so comfortable and well made!

13. Frame TV I can’t recommend anything more!

14. “Are you in a bad mood?” coffee mug This is the best mug ever. I have it and love it!

15. Marshall Speaker These speakers are beautifully stylish and very high quality!

16. Table Lamp I love the sleek and modern design!

17. Transport Tote Madewell never disappoints with their bags!

18. Round Pintuck Pillow I’m team velvet on pretty much everything! This pillow comes in so many beautiful colors and you can’t beat the price!

19. Velvet Laptop Pouch Another Boden item that is already in my cart! Such a cute case for your laptop!

20. Star Leggings Beyond Yoga makes the comfiest leggings around and I love the star pattern on these!

21. Commuter Garment Bag Perfect for the travelers in your life!

22. Full of Pride Mugs Beautiful hand-painted mugs for a good cause.

23. Fujifilm Instant Camera A fun gift for a teen or tween!

24. Always Pan This do it all pan gets amazing reviews and comes in a beautiful selection of colors.

25. Oval Customizable Ring Simple and elegant!

26. Marble Canister A gift of marble is never wrong!

27. Oval Standing Floor Mirror Such a stunning piece of home decor!

28. Bronzed Watering Pitcher Vase A classic and beautiful shape!

29. Classic Vans Best sneakers ever!

31. Power Ring This 10-pound power ring lets you press, hold, swing and squat to increase strength, agility, endurance and balance.

30. Dip-Dyed Stools I find these to be the perfect and most versatile piece of home decor!

32. Rainbow Knit Cardigan I love the bright colors and cozy boxy shape!

Dive into the list below.
Click directly on the image to get the link.

Happy Holidays!

This post does contain some affiliate links meaning if you purchase something you've clicked on, I will get a small commission. I only promote the products I truly love though!

2021 holiday gift guide: for the home

Hello and happy holidays, friends!

I’m back again with another round of rad gift guides to share for the upcoming holiday season. Now I know we are still in mid November, but in case you haven’t noticed…the Santa party started early this year, folks. Like really early, so here we are.

Today’s guide is focused on all things home!

Let’s get into it, shall we?

1. Airtight Silicone Lids I’m intrigued by these lids for cooking and food storage. How beautiful is the design and the colors?!

2. Flip Clock We have this cute little clock in Wyatt’s room. I love the old school analog design!

3. Bubble Lamp The shape of this lamp is everything!

4. Terrazzo Black Raffia Tray I love anything Terrazzo and this tray is the perfect mix of texture and pattern plus it’s a nice size catch all for your coffee table.

5. Curvy Vase Who could say no to a beautiful Scandinavian vase?

6. Moss Planter For the plant lovers in your life!

7. Smeg Toaster There is no sexier toaster out there!

8. Pale Wood Chain A beautiful display pieces for a bookshelf or table.

9. Striped Vase (pictured below) I’ve had this for years! It’s versatile and so well made.

10. Walnut Cutting Board A beautiful piece for the foodie in your life!

11. White oak curved mirror Leanne Ford can do no wrong!

12. Wood grain sculpture A bit quirky but very beautiful statement decor!

13. Zodiac Trinket Box A perfect little treasure box for your nightstand!

14. Abstract Velveteen Throw Pillow Love the simple print, color and plushness of this pillow.

15. Linen Coated Tray These trays are so versatile, plus the navy check pattern is amazing.

16. Marble Fruit Bowl I have this and love it so much. The marble is beautiful and very heavy + well made. A class piece for sure.

17. Grecian Bust Pot Such a cool and unusual planter!

18. Recycled Cotton Throw Been a fan of Happy Habitat’s work for years!

19. Spindle Taper Candles These would be gorgeous on a mantle!

20. Footed Cake Stand with Dome For the bakers in your life!

Dive into the list below.
Click directly on the image to get the link.

Happy Holidays!

This post does contain some affiliate links meaning if you purchase something you've clicked on, I will get a small commission. I only promote the products I truly love though!

A roundup of fun + fantastic fall crafting finds

Calling all weekend crafters! I’ve rounded up 15 really cool seasonal crafting finds to get into this weekend with your kiddos (or friends or just you…no judgement here) all from walmart.com!

Fall is in full swing and I couldn’t be happier. I love so many things about this time of year – the chill in the morning air, cozy slippers and sweaters, the smell of a wood burning fire, more time with friends and family, comfort food…and last but not least – crafting! I love getting creative and making something with my hands – whether it be a fun Halloween costume, decorating a wreath or creating something from a pile of craft supplies with my daughter. It’s all fun and I am here for it!

So to celebrate my love of all things craft + fall, I’ve teamed up with my friends at walmart.com to bring you a selection of 15 fall crafting finds, ranging from felt leaves and fuse breads to cool art supplies and a painted pumpkin or two. Walmart.com has really tapped into the craft scene and has a fantastic selection to choose from. I hope you enjoy my picks!

And keep scrolling for a quick and easy felt wreath diy!

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Easy fall wreath with felt leaves

Supplies:
wire wreath
felt leaves (3 sets)
wooden beads
leather cord
floral wire
wire cutter

Using the wire cutter, snip the leaves from the stems and arrange then around the wreath in color blocks.
Next, attach each leaf to the wire wreath by wrapping the wires around on the back side of the wreath.
In the process of cutting all the leaves, some of them fell off so have some additional floral wire and glue on hand for touch-ups.
To finish it off, cut three leather strands of varying heights and thread the wooden beads onto the leather cord and tie a knot to secure.
Hang and enjoy!

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Thanks so much for stopping by!

Happy FALL!

This post is sponsored by Walmart. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting content that keeps Sunny Circle Studio going!

Easy Small Space Drop Zone

See how we made a scrappy little corner into a working school drop zone!

The spaces just inside front and back entries of our homes can be magnets for clutter! I know mine was. We have a very small hallway just off the door to our garage that serves as a universal dumping ground for school items, shoes and coats among other things. I needed a better storage solution to keep the mess at bay and accommodate a very tight corner.

Here’s a peek at the before so you can see what I’m talking about…

The wall measures a little over 3 ft wide with next to no depth because of the garage door. I knew I wanted to utilize the wall vertically and wanted it to be as simple and functional as possible. Enter my favorite way to organize: with a pegboard!

I found the wooden boards on Etsy and ordered 2 to stack on top of each other to make use of the floor-to-ceiling space. Because I wanted to have a shoe storage solution, I ordered more pegs for plenty of hanging options and used black shower hooks for shoes with a heel loop.

It was also important that the kids actually use this, so I placed certain items like their back packs and masks within easy reach for a quick and seamless in and out during the morning rush.

This little project was ridiculously easy to install and really has really helped to calm my mess-adverse brain. Cleanish house, happy mom!

If you want to give this a go in your own home, I’ve got the sources rounded up below.

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Thanks as always for reading, y’all!

This post does contain some affiliate links meaning if you purchase something you've clicked on, I will get a small commission. I only promote the products I truly love!

25 on-trend home decor items from Walmart under $25

Get my curated list of 25 really cool and on-trend home decor pieces and see how I styled a few at home. Did I mention everything is under $25?
Keep scrolling!

Hello and happy Friday!

Today I’m teaming up again with my friends over at walmart.com to bring you a really cool list of home decor items that are on-trend and ridiculously affordable (all under $25)!

They recently introduced a new ‘Wow & Now’ section in (select) stores and online for folks that like to browse for fun, trendy Home items. It’s pretty dope!

I picked up a few items from my own list and styled them very simply in my kitchen. I especially love the collections from Better Homes & Gardens and Gap Home! I found some really cute pieces that are simple, stylish and blend right in with the rest of the decor in my home.

The beautiful Acacia wood bowl is the perfect container for fruit and canisters are high quality and versatile and could work in the kitchen as well as the bath or even a craft space.

I found a bunch of really cool pieces in the ‘Wow & Now’ section and put together a curated list of items for your home – all under $25.

Get into it below!

And thanks for stopping by!

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This post is sponsored by Walmart. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting content that keeps Sunny Circle Studio going!

my all-time favorite wallpaper patterns

I’ve rounded up my all-time favorite wallpaper patterns to inspire your next design project!

Today let’s talk about wallpaper! It’s been a while since I touched on this subject (see an old post here) and I’ve used some pretty amazing papers in my design projects as of late. And as we all know – wallpaper can do AMAZING things to a room. Pattern, color, texture, movement…basically it’s a giant piece of art that can make a statement or quietly provide texture and tone.

She’s so versatile!

In our entryway above, I used the Meadowsweet wallpaper from Serena & Lily. It adds the most perfect subtle texture and dimension to the walls!

via Jupiter 10

I recently discovered Jupiter 10 and was blown away by their selection! So good! Several of their patterns made my top 16 favorites!

And speaking of my favs, I’ve gathered them up – old and new in the graphic below! (scroll down for the links below the image).

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Happy perusing and thanks for stopping by. I appreciate you!

This post does contain some affiliate links meaning if you purchase something you've clicked on, I will get a small commission. I only promote the products I truly love though!

A renovated Mid-Century home bursting with style & character

Come and tour this chic + amazing home in Durham, NC!

Welcome to the coolest, most unique, dope-a** Mid-Century Modern home on the block!

A home that was lovingly renovated, thoughtfully designed and carefully curated by my very talented and lovely client (who is also an amazing artist + actress + creative visionary in her own right) and styled and photographed by me! I’m so happy to share this incredible home that I had the pleasure of collaborating on in late 2019. Despite all the Covid delays, I was finally able to get out there a few weeks back and spend the day styling and shooting this dream home in Durham, NC.

Come along with me on a little tour and get a sneak peek of some before and afters that will blow your mind and a round-up of sources at the end, of course!

Let’s get into it!

First thing’s first. Some delicious before images

So you can get a sense of the home before any work or design was done, scroll through to see where things started!

The Entry

The first impression you get when you walk in feels modern, bright and like cool people live here. lol. But seriously, the vibe is warm and inviting with lots of eye candy and pockets of bright color. The homeowners have the raddest collection of art and treasures which are beautifully integrated into the home in simple moments.

In case you were wondering, my client dreamed up those Tribe Called Quest-inspired pillows and has plans to make and sell them.

Stay tuned for that!

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The Kitchen

The homeowners totally transformed and re-invented this dated kitchen into a modern culinary oasis! I love how uncluttered and classy this space feels…modern simplicity at its finest!

I especially love that amazing Tupac art and the juxtaposition of the old + new. Genius!

bar stools / marble bowl / pendant lights / Tupac print (only available to folks in the UK, unfortunately)

The Dining Nook

One of the most important things to my client was a cohesive feel throughout. This nook is one part of a large and open area and needed to feel connected to the rest of the space. We pulled a kid-friendly + washable rug (they have 2 very active boys and 2 dogs) and paired that with the classic oval tulip dining table and an eclectic mix of seating.

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The Living Room

The pièce de résistance! This space is big and open and so inviting in the most modern and chic way! We mixed things up a bit in here with a more traditional rug paired with more retro-inspired pieces, like that amazing velvet sectional!

Keep scrolling for all the eye candy and sources at the end!

floor lamp / console (similar) / cane chair / black globe (similar) / acrylic shelves / curved vase /
circle vase / Maya Angelo Barbie / brass knot (similar)

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And that about does it for this one! Such a special home that I feel very privileged to have collaborated on! I gave you guys a lot to look at and read, but in case you missed any of the sources, I have a master list below.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Master Source List

In case you missed anything because that was a lot up there!

This post does contain some affiliate links meaning if you purchase something you've clicked on, I will get a small commission. I only promote the products I truly love though!

My top 5 all-time favorite picks from Serena & Lily

In my vision board…years down the line…I have this amazing modern beach bungalow with beautiful views out to the sea, a stunning interior, all the amenities all while being fully stocked and styled with all my favorites Serena & Lily!

A girl can dream…

And still, enjoy all the goodness from S+L from the comfort of my suburban home!
Today, I’m breaking down my top 5 picks – all of which I own, from one of my all-time favorite brands! I have purchased most of these over the years and I have nothing but good things to say! They stand the test of style and time!

Let’s get into it.

1 / Capiz Honeycomb Chandelier

She’s a stunner no matter the room or the style! This is one of the first pieces you see when you walk into our home and she shines from every angle!

2 / Monaco Bar Cart

The warmth and the texture are off the charts on this gorgeous woven piece. This beauty is so versatile and classy and could accommodate almost any kind of beverage/snack, no matter the occasion.

3 / Sunwashed Riviera Dining Chair

S+L does texture like non-other! This chair lives in our kitchen and is the perfect warm addition to the all-white vibe. It’s held up over the years to my kid’s abuse (which is saying a lot) and it’s comfortable to boot!

4 / Meadowsweet Wallpaper

This super subtle all-over print brings the perfect amount of pattern and texture to your walls without overwhelming the entire space. You could paper an entire room with this and it would be spectacular! We have it in our entryway and it gives off such a cozy and homey feeling when you walk through.

5 / Dip-Dyed Stool

I feel like this is the workhorse in the S+L catalog! This little beauty goes with anything and can go anywhere. It’s both petite, beautiful and so versatile and I have personally used it in so many spaces!

And that’s my top 5! All pieces I seriously adore and would recommend to anyone!

In case you want some more design goodness, I gathered up a few honorable mentions below!

Enjoy :)

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This post is sponsored by Serena & Lily. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting content that keeps Sunny Circle Studio going!

Citrus summer: fresh & affordable finds from Walmart

Hello readers and welcome back!

Today, I’m excited to reunite with my friends at Walmart Home and share some really fun, fresh and affordable home decor pieces that will brighten up your space and your mood!

Let’s get into it!

Bathroom Refresh

Want to jazz up your guest bathroom in time for summer guests? These colors and patterns give me all the happy vibes and make me want to have the biggest fruit salad ever. lol.

I especially really love that shower curtain and have ordered it for our kid’s bathroom! The color palette is on point and perfect for the season!

BATH SOURCES:
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LIVING ROOM SOURCES
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Living room love

Y’all know I’m here for anything Mid-Century and Walmart is really killing it in that department!

The palette is cheerful and yet also very relaxing. These pieces lean in a retro direction but with boho touches and a happy dose of tropical. And how good is the brass table lamp?!

Fresh walls

Swapping in new art is a great way to refresh your space and Walmart has a ton of really amazing and affordable options! These pieces are so fun and playful and give the perfect beachy vibes! My favorite piece is definitely the retro van illustration!

WALL DECOR SOURCES
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I hope you have enjoyed this little roundup!

And now get outside and enjoy the summer!

Thanks for reading.

This post is sponsored by Walmart. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting content that keeps Sunny Circle Studio going!

Amazon Finds: 50 amazing home decor pieces $50 and under

In honor of Prime Day, here are 50 really cool, unique, and beautiful pieces of home decor for under $50!

To all of my fellow Amazon + home decor lovers!

I’ve curated this list of beautiful home decor finds – from modern to Nordic to cozy and colorful styles that are all under $50!

Please browse and enjoy this roundup!
Click on each image to get the link.

This post does contain some affiliate links meaning if you purchase something you've clicked on, I will get a small commission. I only promote the products I truly love though!

5 tips to create a playful + unique + summer ready bed

Freshen up your bedroom just in time for summer!

Hello and welcome back dear readers!

Today, I’m chatting about beds. Specifically, how to create a uniquely stylish, playful and inspiring bed with printed bedding as the star! I’ve teamed up with my friends at Garnet Hill to bring you 5 fresh + easy tips to dress up your bed just in time for summer! 

Let’s get into these tips!

Start with color

Color is where I always start in a design project. It sets the overall tone of the space and drives the design. Since this is a place of rest, you don’t want to get too crazy with the bold colors, but also – if that is what you love, go for it! But for me personally, I like to start with a neutral background and add color to the soft furnishings and other design elements in soothing shades. I particularly love to add in monochromatic tones for a cozy + layered vibe.

Vintage Cherries Organic-Cotton Percale Bedding / Siesta Solid Organic-Cotton Percale Bedding / Essential Down Comforter / Wool and Cashmere Throw and Pillow Cover

Mix & match patterns

Mix but also don’t forget to max your patterns. Playful and also sensible. Choose a solid color that is the same or close to the prime colorway in your patterns to balance and unify the design. This helps the space from feeling too cluttered. 

Flora but no fauna

Adding in life always brightens up any room and makes for a very welcoming vibe! Choose a cute plant, or better yet – flowers for guests coming to stay this summer!

Texture is your friend 

Whether it’s in beautiful millwork, textiles or furniture – texture is such an important design element. It adds warmth, comfort and visual interest and makes a room sing! I’d recommend sticking to two or three distinct textures in any single space.

Go for comfort

Indulge in some beautiful and high quality linens that are responsibly sourced and sustainable. This is your sanctuary and you should be very comfortable!

And if you want to get this look, click below for bedding sources!

Thanks so much for reading, y’all! Enjoy your summer!

This post is sponsored by Garnet Hill. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting content that keeps Sunny Circle Studio going!

My go-to moody blue paint colors

When it comes to color, you can never go wrong with a dark, soulful blue.

paint color / wallpaper / rug / chairs / bar cabinet / chandelier / table lamps / mirror / round leather placemats / dinnerware

Blue is my favorite color to decorate with. Always has, likely it always will. Maybe it’s because we are surrounded by blue in nature – be it the sky or the sea. There is something so soothing, calming and welcoming about it in the home. And there are so many amazing blue paint colors to choose from these days so narrowing down the perfect hue can be a challenge. Luckily, I have some experience in the paint selection process, so please enjoy a roundup of my favorite blues in a dark + moody persuasion.

1. BM Gentleman’s Grey. I used this in a client’s kitchen a few years back. It’s a deep blue that can lean a bit black and feels polished and modern.

2. SW Aquamarined This color is rich, bold and intense. We used this in our dining room refresh and it’s VERY GOOD.

3. Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue Dark inky blue goodness. This color is a favorite across the internet and in our home too. We used this in our son Wyatt’s room.

4. SW Distance A lovely faded blue-ish gray that’s clean and simple.

5. SW Granite Peak Another great grey/blue option.

6. BM New York State of Mind A classic, elegant and rich blue.

7. BM Water’s Edge This is a beautiful, slightly muted green/blue that would look great in any style of home.

8. Farrow & Ball De Nimes This color is earthy and rich and looks excellent paired next to matte black.

9. Farrow & Ball Hague Blue Deep, dark and almost black. I love this color which is featured prominently in our home gym.

I hope you have enjoyed this little roundup!

Thanks for reading!

DIY Mini Plant Wall in 4 easy steps

This easy peasy plant wall came together quickly and adds some pops of life into our bonus room. Get the tutorial below!

Hello friends!

Today I’ve got a fun little DIY with some help from my friends at The Home Depot! I challenged myself to pick one item from their spring catalog and bring it to life in a room in my home. I chose a few sets of those hexagon floating shelves and made a petite plant wall with a mix of chalkboard paint, a few pieces of beaded wood casing and the plants of course!

Let’s get into it!

Items you will need:

A blank wall, preferably well-lit with lots of natural light for the plants
chalkboard paint
painters tape
beaded wood casing
a miter saw (to cut the casing)
6 small potted plants 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 (or you can use plants that are already in your home if you don’t want to purchase new)
3 sets of hex shelves
trim nails
hammer

optional:
nailer kit
wood putty

Step 1:

When you have found a nice well-lit spot (I chose a small wall in our bright bonus room between a closet and a door opening), tape off the area and fill in with light coats of chalkboard paint (or any color you prefer!) This particular wall was 6’ x 8’ so I measured out a square to fit between the doors – 40” high by 49” wide.

Step 2:

Once you have the area painted, it’s time to cut those pieces of wood trim. I chose the beaded casing because I liked the shape and texture it adds and the pop against the black paint. Get more than you need because inevitably you will mess up and need more. (we did) We ended up getting 6 pieces. It is handy to have a miter saw to cut these pieces so I would defintely recommend getting one. We use ours quite a bit for other home improvement-type jobs. If you want to re-create this exact size, we ended up with 2- 49” pieces and 2- 40” pieces.

Step 3:

Time to install and put everything together! I purchased a nailer kit when we were working on the millwork in the gym last year so I had one on hand – but if you don’t have one, you could use trim nails and an old fashion hammer to secure the pieces around the painted area. I didn’t end up covering the nail heads bc I didn’t mind seeing them and they are super small. But to cover those up, grab some wood putty and ultra fine sandpaper to smooth and even everything out.

Step 4:

Hang the shelves! This bit was kinda tricky to get each one lined up evenly. I may have put a few nail holes in this if I’m honest. Lol. Word of advice – measure, measure, measure! Then once you have the shelves where you want, add the little plant babies and enjoy your cute new plant wall!

Ta da!

I had fun flexing my creative and diy muscles a bit on this project! It was honestly so easy especially with help from my trusted assistant (my husband who helped cut the casing). I hope you have enjoyed this and let me know if you are inspired to try one for yourself!

Thanks for reading!

This post does contain some affiliate links meaning if you purchase something you've clicked on, I will get a small commission. I only promote the products I truly love!

A bold + colorful + pattern-filled dining room full of whimsy

This neutral room just got a facelift! Keep scrolling to take it all in all the goodness.

Hello and welcome to my newly refreshed and re-imagined dining space! If you have been around here long enough, then you know this room looks much different than the previous more neutral version but in case you need a refresh, here you go:

And not to be confused – this was not a bad set up. We loved this neutral vibe for years. When I wanted a change, I would swap out things like the rug, plants, lightening and even some furniture but I never touched the color because it was just so easy and bright and if I’m being honest – was one of my most popular rooms on IG. But it was time for a change and a bold change for that matter!

So after we finished up the home gym, I was itching to add more color and pattern into my life. More boldness. Less fear of not being popular and more just about creating a design that I truly loved that really represented my style. And I feel like I have achieved that!

Let’s hit the highlights:

The Wallpaper

I had been swooning over this Farrow & Ball Hornbeam paper for years! The design and colors are amazing and give the space the coziest vibes! The pattern is big and bold but I love it and hope I never get sick of it! (but if I do, my installer informed me that wallpaper is super easy to remove these days….simply go over the walls with a wet sponge and the peel it off). But seriously, zero regrets even though I may have spent a fortune on it. Don’t tell my husband. lol

rug / dining chairs / sideboard / chandelier / table lamps / round mirror / wall paper / bar cabinet

The Paint

I wanted a more rich and tonal blue to compliment the darker views you can see from the home gym across the foyer. I tested a few but ultimately landed on Sherwin Williams Aquamarined. It’s bold, yet earthy and is the perfect blend of blue, grey and a hint of green as well. And I wanted high impact so I choose to paint everything that wasn’t going to be wallpapered (except the ceiling, which I did consider).

The Rug

Since the room is A LOT – a lot of color, pattern and plenty of other bits of eye candy, I wanted to ground the space with something quieter and more textural. I chose this amazing rug from one of my favs, The Citizenry for that very reason. It’s neutral but has really cool texture that balances this room out and makes it all work together.

And that about wraps up the tour! What do you guys think? Do you love it as much as I do? ha! Not possible. Let me know in the comments!

Thanks so much for stopping by today to check things out! And as always, if you are curious about where everything is from – I’ve got all the sources rounded up below.

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This post does contain some affiliate links meaning if you purchase something you've clicked on, I will get a small commission. I only promote the products I truly love!

3 easy + design-friendly ways to display your kid's artwork

Level up your kid’s art game while adding a bit of character and charm to your home in the process!

rug / media unit / grey striped bins / surfer girl art / ocean print / large hex cluster art / mon cheri print

If you have kiddos in your home, and you are sentimental (like me) then you likely have several bins worth of their artwork over the years, filed away, with more coming in each day. I will say that I don’t keep everything, but I do keep a fair amount..because..well they are the most special little humans in the world to me and everything they create is masterpiece worthy and must be saved! haha.

You get my point. :) The things they create are special and worthy of display, so come along with me and keep reading for a few tips on how to display your kid’s artwork in a very easy and designer-friendly way!

1 . Create a series

For a gallery wall effect or a lovely little wall accent!

My daughter went through what I called an ‘abstract phase’ and was painting a lot with big brush strokes and bright colors. I collected my favs and converted them into a chic mini gallery wall by cutting out sections from each painting and dropping them into simple white 5 x 7 Ikea frames. I really love how this came together! (in about 15 mins!)

pendant / white frames / marble bowl / faucet / leather stools

2 . Use a pegboard + magnets for an upgraded collage feel

This is a great temporary solution!

We are big pegboard people in our house! You can do so many cool things with a pegboard including displaying art! Add in some storage compartments, a trinket or two, and your fav pieces of art for a really cool and collected way to show off their work!

chair / brass knobs / rug / pegboard / sconces / bear light (similar) / desk caddy / be kind pennant

3 . Mix them into a gallery wall

A beautifully curated gallery wall is a great way to add charm and character to a blank wall. Include your fav paintings, prints, photographs as well as your kiddo’s beautiful creations! You can see my son Wyatt’s self-portrait from last year proudly displayed in the top corner!

What do y’all think? It’s easy and makes your kiddos feel special, which I of course love. And you really can elevate any type of artwork with a good finish!

Thanks so much for stopping by and for reading!

DIY punch needle : Scandi Floral wall hanging

Try your hand at this super easy + fun craft and get a beautiful fiber art wall hanging in the process!

So today let’s chat about one of my favorite crafts: punch needle! If you aren’t familiar – punch needle is a simple embroidery technique that involves punching loops of yarn through tiny holes in a woven cloth with a hollow tool to create a design. Once you get the basic process down, you can make really cool projects such as wall hangings, pillows, or even rugs, and the best part - it’s very beginner-friendly and everything comes together quickly!

I started experimenting with punch needle about a year or two ago and I was hooked from the beginning! It’s easy and very satisfying to do. Today, I’m going to walk you through how to get started and the materials you will need to create this Scandinavian-inspired floral wall hanging.

Materials

To get started, you will need the following items:

frame wrapped Monk’s cloth
punch needle tool
yarn:
hot pink / navy / golden yellow / mint green / sage green / cream / petal pink / lavender / light pink
a good pair of scissors
painter’s tape
the pattern (download here)
pencil / disappearing ink pen
floating frame

Step 1 – Transfer the pattern onto the fabric

Once you have your materials and are ready to go, you will first need to transfer the pattern onto the fabric. Center your pattern on top of your fabric. Mark the corners using a disappearing ink pen or a pencil, making sure to push the pen through to see the mark on the backside. Connect the corners with a ruler. Next, flip the frame to the back again and tape down the pattern, making sure to align it with the corners. Head to a window (or you can use a light box if you have one – I didn’t) and trace the pattern onto the fabric.

Step 2 – Thread your needle + start punching!

To thread your punch needle: take your yarn end and slide it through the hole at the tip, facing away from the slot. Pull the yarn through the slot and leave about a 1/2’’ tail sticking out of the hole.

For the first stitch, hold the punch needle the way you hold a pencil and punch all the way down to the wooden handle. Pull the yarn from the end of the open slot through to the back, leaving a 1/2” tail. Pull the tool back up and start punching the yarn all the way down (to the wooden handle) and back up, following the lines of the pattern. Make sure when you pull up your tool, you are keeping it close to the surface of the fabric.

I like to outline the shape first and then go back and fill the rest in. Punch about every other hole and alternate your stitches from one row to the next (like laying brick) and make sure to keep the open slot of the needle facing the same direction you are punching. A good rule of thumb is to punch about 6 stitches per inch for the outline and 4 for filling in. See the video below for a (very quick) demo.

Step 3 – Switching colors + finishing punching

Once you have completed a section and are ready to switch colors, gently push your needle all the way down, snip the loop to create a 1/4” tail on the back. Be careful to cut the yarn all the way through and gently pull your needle out, avoiding pulling on your stitches. Repeat as needed until all sections are complete. Trim the excess ends to the length of your loops.

Once your piece is finished, drop it into the floating frame and hang that baby up!

For fun, I experimented in iMovie and made this little video summarizing the whole process.

A few things to note:

Punch needle is very forgiving. If you make a mistake, loosen the stitch on the flat side and gently pull it up to remove. If you end up pulling out several rows or sections, the fabric will get a bit stretched and holes will appear. You can run your finger or the tip of your needle against the fabric, pushing the lines back to shrink the holes.

Do not punch every hole. The fabric will become too taut and your stitches will end up being overcrowded.

Your finished piece will expand about 1/4’’- 3/8’’, compared to the original design (the chunkier the yarn, the more it will expand)

I hope you enjoyed getting to know a bit more about punch needle! I am by no means an expert, but I really do enjoy this technique and feel like it’s attainable to all crafting levels! In case you need a re-cap of the materials to make this, I’ve got you covered below!

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This post does contain some affiliate links meaning if you purchase something you've clicked on, I will get a small commission. I only promote the products I truly love!

A modern + functional family command center

See how we transformed a small accent wall into a chic family scheduling hub!

leather fly swatter / hanging plant / chalkboard panels / door knob / acrylic calendar / brass outlet / hook rail / paper roller / family magnet / modern door chime / clock + thermometer

Hello there!

Today I’m excited to share this little bit size home project that I tackled last week. Everyone loves a post about organization, right? If not, keep scrolling down for pretty things with rainbows on them! ha. just kidding!
Today I give you my little version of a family command center!

Let’s get into it and chat about the elements.

but first…a quick recap of the before…

The before

The wall is small and right off the kitchen. Originally I had wanted to take the paper all the way up the ceiling and opposite wall, but I miscalculated the number of panels I would need and came up short. So we improvised and shrank it down a bit! I picked up a few pieces of basic trim from the hardware store and framed the top and side for a more finished and custom look.

The chalkboard panels

My friends over at Chasing Paper sent those really cool chalkboard panels to test out and that was really how this idea was born. I love the contrast and the pop they bring to the space! Black + white, forever and ever!

The acrylic calendar

Whoo. What a stunner, right? I found this one on Etsy and the quality did not disappoint! It was a snap to install and a breeze to write on and clean off! I also upgraded and added a very hand magnetic pen and magnetic strips/cubes for things like pictures, cards, etc. This setup is perfect for keeping up with all that is going on in the week, especially now as things have opened up a bit more and we are slowly venturing out into the world.

A storage solution

I wanted a place to drop the mail, hang keys, masks or whatever I fancy! I found that faux leather folio at Target and loved that it had a built-in hook rail! In all honesty, this is a very styled-out version and more likely I would hang more practical/functional things but that (reeeallly good) hanging faux plant looked so happy there so it stayed for the photo! I will likely hang face masks and keys for every day use. But the fly swatter stays because there are a lot of flies in the south and it’s killer good. :)

The finishing touches

We are a family that likes to write things down – to-do lists, grocery lists (mainly grocery lists…lol) and loved the idea of a smaller scale paper roller. I found this one on Amazon and it was the perfect size for that space. And probably my favorite little accessory of all time – that family magnet! My sweet and thoughtful sister gifted that to us for Christmas and I love love love it! Such a great personal touch!

And I think that about wraps this project up! It’s chic, simple and functional and I’m very happy with the results! Plus, it was way easy to put together!

If you wanna re-create this look in your own home, I’ve rounded up all the sources below!

And thank you so much for stopping by!

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This post does contain some affiliate links meaning if you purchase something you've clicked on, I will get a small commission. I only promote the products I truly love!