Category Archives: Decorating

March Comes In Like a Lion… Or Maybe Just a Squirrel

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gray squirrel

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Checking the Weather the New England Way

There’s an old saying that “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.”
Here in Massachusetts, that lion has a flair for the dramatic. Some years it roars in with a blizzard, other years it tiptoes in like it’s afraid to wake the neighbors. And sometimes it just shrugs and gives us mud.

So this morning, before I did anything else, I performed the official New England March 1st ritual:
I looked out the window to see what kind of mood March was in.
(Cold, Light rain and snow. Yuk)

Meanwhile, at the Deck Slider…

While I was assessing the weather, Banner and Balboa were conducting their own March 1st investigation. Both were crouched at the deck slider, tails whipping like furry windshield wipers. Outside, the squirrels were running back and forth, pausing just long enough to give the boys a look that clearly said:

“Ha ha, you can’t get me.”

Banner took this as a personal insult. Balboa, ever the dramatic one, flattened himself into full panther mode. The squirrels, of course, remained unimpressed.

If March did come in like a lion today, the squirrels didn’t get the memo.

A Little Spring Inside the House

No matter what’s happening outside — roaring lion, sleepy lamb, or taunting squirrel — March always feels like a turning point. The light lingers a little longer each afternoon, and I start craving small changes that make home feel fresher.

One of my favorite early‑spring rituals is swapping out my heavy winter curtains for something lighter. Even if the weather is still acting up, it makes the whole room feel like it’s leaning toward spring.

This year I’ve been eyeing the Joydeco curtains — soft, modern, and perfect for letting in that slowly returning daylight.
Explore  Curtains here

Lion, Lamb, or Something in Between

Whether March arrived roaring, purring, or just sending squirrels to mock my cats, I’m welcoming it with a warm mug, a hopeful heart, and a few small changes around the house.

Here’s to brighter days ahead — and to Banner and Balboa keeping the squirrel population on high alert.

 

A Simple, Stylish Bedroom Makeover

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Fresh Ideas for a Modern, Cozy Retreat

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A bedroom makeover doesn’t have to mean knocking down walls or buying all new furniture. Sometimes the most transformative changes come from simple updates—fresh bedding, a new rug, better lighting, or a thoughtful rearrangement of what you already own. Whether you’re craving a minimalist cocoon, a modern sanctuary, or something with a little mid‑century flair, you can refresh your space step by step and still make it feel uniquely yours.

Below are some inspiring ideas—plus easy upgrades like quality linens from Promeed—to help you create a bedroom that feels calm, stylish, and deeply personal.

Start with the Basics: Build a Foundation for Better Sleep

Before diving into décor, set the stage for comfort.

✔ Invest in a quality mattress and linens

A supportive mattress and breathable bedding are the heart of a restful bedroom. Soft, durable sheets and a comforter that suits your sleep style make a world of difference. Neutral tones—ivory, mocha, gray, soft beige—create a timeless backdrop that works with any décor. We recommend checking out Promeed for linens and accessories

✔ Layer your lighting

Modern bedrooms rely on lighting that works in layers:

  • A main overhead fixture
  • Bedside lamps or sconces
  • Optional accent lighting like string lights or a soft-glow nightlight

This creates ambiance and makes the room feel warm and intentional.

✔ Choose soothing colors

Whether you love crisp whites, earthy browns, or soft coastal hues, pick colors that help you unwind. Modern design leans toward clean lines and calming palettes.

Modern Bedroom Inspiration: Clean, Calm, and Personal

Today’s  bedrooms are all about simplicity, comfort, and thoughtful details. Here are a few design directions inspired by House Beautiful:

Go for a Headboard + Nightstand Combo

A statement headboard instantly elevates the room. Some designs even include built‑in nightstands for a sleek, custom look. Pair this with soft neutral bedding and warm lighting for a balanced, modern feel.

Keep It Neutral and Natural

Mocha walls, gold-toned linens, and a jute rug create a cozy, autumnal cocoon. Natural textures—linen, jute, cotton, wood—add warmth without clutter.

Make It Minimalist

A minimalist bedroom doesn’t mean empty—it means intentional.
Try:

  • A simple gallery wall
  • A built‑in shelf above the bed
  • Hooks for robes or accessories
  • A sculptural pendant light

These small touches keep the room serene but interesting.

Textiles & Decor: The Easiest Way to Refresh Your Space

Textiles are the quickest, most affordable way to transform a bedroom. Consider:

Bedding

Upgrade with quality linens, decorative pillows, and throws in layered textures.
Bedding and Linens

Rugs

A soft area rug or runner adds warmth, color, and grounding. Accessorize with a throw banket. Find more ideas at Joydeco

 

Curtains

Fresh curtains can soften the room, control light, and instantly modernize the space. Check out Joydeco for quality curtain and shade ideas

Plants

Real or faux greenery brings life and freshness to the room.

Lighting

Swap outdated fixtures for sconces, pendants, or soft accent lighting.

Nightstand Styling

A tray, a book stack, and one or two personal objects make the space feel curated, not cluttered.

Furniture & Layout: Small Changes, Big Impact

Floating Nightstand

You don’t need new furniture to make the room feel new.

Rearrange the layout

Sometimes simply moving the bed or shifting a dresser opens up the room.

Add a statement headboard

Upholstered, wood, rattan—choose something that reflects your style.

Improve storage

Floating nightstands, storage ottomans, or under‑bed bins help keep clutter at bay.

DIY upgrades

New knobs on a dresser, a fresh coat of paint, or repurposing an old piece can make a big difference.

Finishing Touches: Make It Yours

These small steps pull everything together:

  • Make the bed daily—instantly tidier and more inviting
  • Add personal touches—secondhand finds, DIY art, or sentimental objects
  • Use scent—lavender, eucalyptus, or your favorite calming fragrance
  • Keep surfaces simple—a few meaningful items go further than a dozen small ones

Ready to Refresh Your Bedroom?

A modern bedroom doesn’t have to be complicated. With thoughtful updates—especially new bedding and linens from Promeed and fresh curtains from Joydeco you can create a space that feels serene, stylish, and unmistakably you. Whether you’re going minimalist, natural, or mid‑century inspired, these ideas help you build a bedroom that supports rest, comfort, and your personal design story.

 

 

Discover the Magic Mirrors can Make

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Discovering the Magic in Gothic-Style Mirrors

 

A Surprising Shift Into the Visual Side of Things

Lately I’ve noticed myself leaning more and more into visual inspiration. Maybe it’s the season, maybe it’s the creative rhythm I’m in, but images have been speaking louder than words. Case in point: these gothic-style mirrors I added to Welcoming Haven a few weeks ago.

Honestly, when I first listed them, I liked them—but I didn’t think they were anything extraordinary. True confession time: I mainly needed another wall mirror for the shop, and my suppliers weren’t exactly overflowing with options. I didn’t want a lineup of ten round mirrors staring back at me. I wanted something with personality, something different.

When an Ad Turns Into a Creative Spark

Today, while putting together an ad for these mirrors, something unexpected happened—they suddenly popped. The very first layout I tried gave me a full-on Dark Shadows vibe. Anyone remember that show? I used to rush home to watch it. Barnabas Collins, the brooding vampire, is still etched in my memory. And these mirrors? They hit that moody, dramatic note perfectly.

A Whole New Mood With Just One Change

Then I switched the background and—surprise—the entire feeling shifted. Gone was the gothic mystery, replaced by something bright, warm, almost spiritual. Instead of the Adams Family aesthetic, I got a soft cathedral glow. If these mirrors were stained glass, they’d be right at home in a chapel.

 

Mirrors That Shape Your Space

That’s when it clicked: these mirrors are chameleons. They can lean dark and dramatic or light and uplifting. They can be moody, romantic, whimsical, or serene. Whatever atmosphere you want to create, they’re ready to play along.

 

Your space could be uniquely yours with just one of these beauties.
Take a peek at them over at WelcomingHaven.com—you might see something you didn’t expect.

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What’s Feng Shui got to do with it?

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Deck the Halls… with Good Energy! 🎄✨

The stockings are hung, the tree is twinkling, and the scent of pine (or maybe gingerbread) fills the air. Holiday decorating isn’t just about sparkle—it’s also about how your space feels. And that’s where Feng Shui comes in. This ancient practice is all about arranging your surroundings so energy flows smoothly, bringing harmony, joy, and maybe even a little extra luck under the mistletoe.

🎁 Feng Shui Basics, Wrapped in Holiday Cheer

  • Qi (Chi): Think of Qi as the invisible holiday spirit that flows through your home. When it’s blocked, things feel stressful. When it’s free, everything feels merry and bright.
  • Yin & Yang: Balance is key—like pairing cozy candlelight (Yin) with lively holiday music (Yang). Too much of one, and the vibe feels off.
  • Five Elements: Your decorations already bring these in!
    • Wood: The Christmas tree or wreath.
    • Fire: Twinkling lights and candles.
    • Earth: Ceramic ornaments or a rustic nativity scene.
    • Metal: Shiny baubles, silver bells, or tinsel.
    • Water: A reflective ornament or even a bowl of holiday punch.
  • Bagua Map: Imagine your home as a gift box divided into nine sections—each tied to areas like love, wealth, and career. Where you place decorations can subtly boost those areas.

🎄 Holiday Decorating with Flow

  • Tree Placement: Put your tree where it feels welcoming, not crammed in a corner. Bonus points if it’s near the “family” or “wealth” area of your Bagua map.
  • Clear Pathways: Don’t let piles of wrapping paper block the flow of Qi—or your guests!
  • Light It Up: Fairy lights aren’t just pretty; they energize a space. Place them where you want to spark joy or creativity.
  • Clutter-Free Cheer: After the gift-opening frenzy, tidy up quickly. A clutter-free space keeps energy moving and spirits high.

✨ Why It Matters

Holiday décor isn’t just eye candy—it sets the tone for how you and your loved ones feel. By layering Feng Shui principles into your decorating, you’re not only making your home look festive, you’re inviting harmony, warmth, and good vibes to carry you into the new year.

 

So this season, as you hang ornaments and string lights, think of it as more than decorating—it’s a little energy makeover for your home. And who doesn’t want their holidays to glow from the inside out?