West Elm Bubble Knit Pouf

West Elm | Bubble Knit Pouf

Pastel Easter Decor

Decorating with pastels is the perfect way to celebrate the upcoming Easter holiday. Incorporate pastels through dyed eggs, vases, floral arrangements and throw pillows. Bring these items into your home just for the holiday, or keep them around for the entire Spring season. Incorporate this trend more permanently by adding a pastel piece of furniture, reupholstering an existing piece, or painting a wall or room.

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Photo: Decor 8

Photo: Etsy

Photo: Stylish Spoon

Photo: Style Carrot

Photo: Trendzona

Cool Kid Rooms

Growing up, my bedroom was decked out with lavender and white striped walls, colorful florals, and just the right amount of girly-ness. Although it was beautiful, it didn't quite have the "wow" factor that I've noticed in so many kid's rooms recently. With creative bunk bed ideas, indoor hammocks, and even a place for a magic show, nearly any imagination could run wild in these super-cool spaces.

Getting creative with paint, reclaimed materials, ladders, and loft beds can certainly lead to a child's bedroom that is far from ordinary. Take a look at these cool kid digs:

Photo: Habitually Chic

Photo: Pinterest

Photo: The Tumtum Tree

Photo: The Slow Life

Fall Floral Arrangements

If you ask me, fresh flowers are always a welcome addition in any home. 'Bringing the outside in' is a tried and true design technique that is a definite do. And with fall in full swing, it's time to get some seasonal floral arrangements into your space. Whether you're throwing a holiday party, or just want to give your home some fall style, these ideas are sure to please.

Start with a fall-inspired vase or container such as a pumpkin (real or fake), or a rustic bucket or basket. Select flowers in seasonal colors such as red, orange, yellow and cream -- don't be afraid to mix and match. If you're feeling adventurous, incorporate items such as leaves, moss, berries, and fruit for a more eclectic look. Or keep it simple with a flower-only or single-colored arrangement. Keep your finished arrangement in an easily visible place in your home, and I swear it'll brighten your day!

Photo: Eco-Beautiful Weddings

Photo: Southern Living

Photo: Stylelist Home

Photo: Style Me Pretty

Save the Date

Save the dates are an important part of the oh-so-detailed wedding process. It's a way to share your great news with family and friends and to get your special day on their calendar. Your save the date should be a fun and creative interpretation of you and your significant other. Get the receiver excited about your special day, and give them a taste of what's to come. If you know that your wedding is going to have a certain feel, then express that through your save the date. For example, if you're planning on having a laid back outdoor wedding, then select natural colors or textures. Burlap, string, and wood are great materials that will give a classy yet natural look.

If you're having a destination wedding, choose a fun, graphic map for your save the date. Locate your wedding's location with a heart for an added personal touch.

Want to put your DIY skills to use? Create mini banners with the date of your wedding and include one as part of your save the date. Receivers will be likely to hang this cute little banner somewhere around their house -- which will keep your wedding fresh on their mind. And last but not least is surely the most unique idea yet... have your save the date information printed on a balloon. It may not last much longer than a week, but I guarantee that's long enough to make a great impression!

Photo: Oh So Beautiful Paper

Photo: Style Me Pretty

Photo: Hello Tenfold

Photo: Wedding Bee

Photo: O Wedding Days

Pumpkins With Style

Typically I'm not usually a fan of anything with "bling" but I had to make an exception for this adorable fall decorating idea -- and just in time for Halloween! Undecorated pumpkins will always be a classically recognizable decor item for Halloween and fall, but could benefit from a bit of added personality. Carving a pumpkin is fun every once in a while, but if you ask me it's not worth the sticky mess. Instead of carving, gather a few fun crafting items to easily add a little extra style to your pumpkins. Use stick-on gems, glitter, buttons, or lace to create a custom design. Check out the inspiration below and get bling-ing!

Photo: Good Housekeeping

Photo: Gordon Gossip

Photo: Oopsey Daisy

Photo: Wild Ink Press

Casual Weekend Outfit

Anyone who as ever gone shopping with me knows that I usually shop with one thing in mind... comfort. If something is not comfortable it'll end up sitting in my closet unworn until I reluctantly get rid of it. And by comfort I don't mean that you should be wearing sweatpants and a hoodie all the time (well sometimes, but not always!). In my opinion, for clothing to truly be comfortable, it should flatter your figure, contain as much natural material as possible, and never, ever be too tight. Your wardrobe should be something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Here's an example of my ideal, casual weekend outfit.

Casual weekend outfit by carlyahlman featuring a straw fedora

J Crew long sleeve shirt
£120 - net-a-porter.com

J Crew t shirt
$35 - net-a-porter.com

J Brand chino pants
£78 - theoutnet.com

Sperry boat shoes
$50 - sperrytopsider.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs leather tote
£470 - matchesfashion.com

Rag Bone straw fedora
$125 - net-a-porter.com

Fun Photo Framing

Personal photos are a great, easy way to make a space your own. I love to have photos around, and I'm constantly searching for ways to add a bit of originality to them without spending a ton of money. Purchasing a simple inexpensive frame, and replacing its matting is a great way to personalize your photo collection. Mat your photos with a map, old book page, or newspaper cutting for a classic, vintage look. Choose a map that relates to the photo for an extra personal touch. Or for a more feminine feel, create a mat that's covered in lace (so pretty!).

For a simpler style, choose matting in a solid color that coordinates with the photo. Using burlap is a great way to incorporate texture through a single color. Mix and match different types of matting within a collection of frames for a unique, eclectic look. Or keep it subtle by matting all of your frames with the same color or material.

Gather your matting materials from a craft store, or swing by a local second-hand shop for one of a kind items - you never know what you'll come across!

Martha Stewart Weddings

Emily Clark

Martha Stewart

Sarah Nielsen

Just Another Day in Paradise

Backsplash Personality

Adding or changing your kitchen's backsplash can be an easy way to liven up the space while incorporating a bit of personality. If your kitchen is good shape but in need of a little pick-me-up, then this is a great way to add style and value. Get inspired by these unique ideas!

Spice things up with pretty patterns and bright colors, or keep it calm with neutral colored tiles. Not into tiles? Consider a large slab of marble, or field stones for a different look.

 

Photo: Decor8

 

Photo: Delight By Design

Photo: Design*Sponge

Photo: HGTV

Photo: House Of Turquoise

Front Door First Impression

We all know that first impressions are unbelievably important (and if you don't, you should!). It's the first thought that always sticks in someone's mind after meeting you. So why should it be any different for your home? A front door is the first impression that people get when seeing your home, so make it a memorable one.

There are a ton of ways to personalize your front door to make it just the way you want it. My favorite tip is to go bold and paint the door in your favorite color. Yellows, blues, and reds add personality while maintaining an effortlessly classic look. Keep the trim bright white to really make the door color pop. Add accessories that coordinate with the style of your home such as a hanging mailbox, plant or flower pots, sconces, and house numbers. Soon enough you'll have an unforgettable front door that will have it's very own group of admirers!

Photo: Better Homes & Gardens

Photo: Elle Apparel

Photo: Martha Stewart

Photo: Mary Elizabeth Inspire

Photo: Modern Cottage

Photo: Real Simple

The Wedding Cupcake

Right now I'm loving wedding cupcakes. I know, I know, you're thinking "Cupcakes for a wedding? Eh... I'm not so sure". Well don't worry, because I'm sure, and soon enough you will be too. Of course, wedding cakes are classic and lovely, but sometimes wedding cupcakes can be just as beautiful.

The icing on these particular cupcakes can imitate your chosen centerpiece or bouquet flowers, which will tie everything together perfectly. Use multiple colors on each cupcake, or stick with just one. Either way, it will create a breathtaking cupcake display. And... who doesn't love cupcakes? I sure do. Yum!

Photo: Food and Cook

Photo: French Knot

Photo: Glorious Treats

Photo: The Cupcake Studio