Accents and Decor – This Weeks’ Top Stories

Posted on 01/15/201901/17/2019 by Kim@CoziNest

Accents and Decor: The Next Big Thing for Winter

I don’t know about you, but the time between Christmas and Mardi Gras is the hardest for choosing the right accents and decor for my home. I tire of Christmas pretty quickly and there’s only so much you can do for Valentine’s Day. There’s only 3 more weeks until the roses, hearts and colors of pink, red and white start to show up. In some places, like Walmart, it is already on the shelves. I love the colors of Mardi Gras and Valentine’s, but what to do in between that is easily transformed for the next holiday theme.

The Days Between December 26 and February 10

The six weeks between December 26 and February 10th are honestly the hardest to keep my home looking trendy and cheerful. The days outdoors are frosty, dreary and cloudy. That is hardly the look I want to bring indoors and thankfully the accents and decor we can bring inside in the winter can be beautiful. Whether your style is traditional, modern, transitional or minimalist, you can still create focal points that highlight the warmth of the season.

The interior of our homes is where we get cozy, cuddle with a loved one and make the most of the short days of the season. Since there are many who suffer with SAD (seasonal affective disorder), it is important to brighten our homes with affordable, inspired pieces. Hibernation doesn’t have to be groggy and gray. So how do we highlight the beauty of the season?

Bring something live or live-like into your rooms. Ferns, small pine trees like a Norfolk, winter cactus or African Violets can add a lovely breath of freshness to your rooms. If live doesn’t work (like for cat lovers or those with a brown thumb), shop for decorative “drop-ins”. You can find real looking Iris, Paper Whites and Magnolias that are great transitional pieces until Spring. You simply “drop them in” to a heavy container for winter and swap them out for drop-in blooms before Easter.

Rustic Winter Decor by LizMarie

Add texture to the room with sweater-wrapped candles, afghans and heirloom quilts on the bed.

Bring in large pieces to balance scale of your smaller pieces. Large mirrors, artwork or potted trees add height and texture to a room. Fiddle Leaf Figs are beautiful, green and add scale to the room. They are still in style. Olive Trees are on the way in, so place your orders now if you’d like to add that to your accents and decor. Comment below if you are interested in life-like olive trees and I’m happy to order one for you.

Add brightness with lighted branches, fires in the fireplace, battery-operated candles and a touch of pattern. Animal print, fur rugs and velvet add beauty as well as texture and pattern.

By Horchow Dallas – See more Home Design Photos

Botanical prints on easels or hung on walls add a sweet addition of greenery to the space.

Stacks of hardback books give a whimsical touch of fantasy, color, texture and a sweet fragrance of days gone by.

Shopping Local is Always First Choice for Accents and Decor

Shop Houzz online for modern, minimalist accents and decor. Shop CoziNest at Daphne Antique Galleria or Heart for Dixie at Southern Antiques & Accents. for your local winter accents and decor.

Is winter decor important to you? If so, why? Is it to add cheer during the cold days before the spring thaw? Is it because you love the coziness of winter?

Or is it not important to you because you are a minimalist? Less is better and more is just more? I’d love to hear your thoughts on winter accents and decor. Comment below to enter a raffle for a pair of winter candle holders. Winner to be announced on Valentine’s Day.

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click through them to make a purchase, CoziNest will earn a commission. Keep in mind that these companies and their products are chosen because of their quality or my personal experience and not because of the commission received from purchases. Thank you so much for reading. My goal is to provide you with the best recommendations possible.

Partaying with these lovelies:

Meal Plan Monday Dishing it & Digging it, Between Naps on the Porch,

Merry Monday Make it Pretty Monday Celebrate and Decorate ,

Delicious Dishes Recipe Party Oh My Heartsie Girl Full Plate Thursday

Thursday Favorite Things Creatively Crafty Home Matters

Weekend Potluck Sweet Inspirations Happiness is Homemade

CoziNest Photo Caption Contest and Giveaway

Posted on 06/25/201806/25/2018 by Kim@CoziNest

Contest to Win….

I bought you something in Greece! As I walked among the ruins of Olympia, I kept thinking about contests. Races. Wreaths. Olive leaves and togas. I imagined the bath houses of the day, filled with contestants after the event, either exhausted and jubilant, or exhausted and downtrodden. I was surprised when I learned that there was originally only one race. One event that included one race! And that means, one winner. When you think of the games today, that’s a little hard to imagine.

Photo #1 Ruins of Olympia

Photo #2 Life blooms among ruins.

Photo #3 Training Area

Photo #4 Artist rendering of what it would have looked like in the period.

Photo #5 Ionic Columns

Photo #6 007 in Olympia

Photo #7 Two “trainers” peak around a column.

Photo #8 Olympic Fire Pit

Photo #9 Entrance to Arena

Photo # 10 Starting Line

Photo #11 Archway as You Exit Arena

Photo #12 Crown Princess Awaits

CoziNest Contest and Giveaway

This is where the fun begins…

Here’s a peek at my dining room table set in a Greek theme. This is a table… runner. Get it? It’s a runner like in a race.

Leaf Placemats are added to the table to remind us of the prize during those races. The prize was a wreath made of olive tree leaves. No medals. No contracts with sporting good companies.

Olives were and are a major export of the Greek Islands. Cats are too!

So, here is the prize. Valued at $32 USD, a Greek Table-Runner in honor of all those who’ve run the race. Whatever race…

Here are the Rules for the Contest:

All Entrants must be 18 years of age or older.
Enter contest by entering all the information requested in the form provided on this website.
Write a caption for any of the photos above #1-12. No profanity.
Entry period is June 26 through July 7, 2018, ending at 12:00 midnight Central Daylight Time.
Give credit where it is due. If your caption is a quote, add the name or source where it originated.
Entries may be submitted for multiple photos.
Upload your photo(s) of choice with caption to Facebook with link to this post. For Instagram, include Hashtag: #CoziRunner.
The entry with the highest number of likes and comments on their caption will win the runner.
Winner will be announced on July 9, 2018

Have fun! I can’t wait to see your creative captions!

Sharing with Over the Moon!

Decor Fusion: How to Combine Vintage with Modern Elements

Posted on 06/04/201806/04/2018 by Kim@CoziNest

Welcome to CoziNest, Gary Ashton

Gary is a realtor in Nashville, TN and contributed the following article to help homeowners and/or stagers combine vintage with modern elements in our homes. Thank you Gary, for allowing CoziNest to feature your tips and advice. We are honored.

Decor Fusion: Tips for Combining Vintage with Modern Elements in a Home

There is something to be said for the craftsmanship of vintage or antique furniture. Many of these items last for generations. While the standard living room set often feels stale and downright boring; vintage elements add personality and variety to a space. The mix of vintage with modern elements can make a room pop.

That being said, there is an art to mindfully combining disparate elements from different periods. Consider personal style and functionality when incorporating items from different periods. Use the following suggestions to add inspiring twists to living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and more.

Choose with Thought

Key pieces of furniture add a particular feel in a home and bring in a sense of history. However, not every vintage piece or antique is worthy of your space. Look for vintage and antique items in good or excellent condition. Joints should be secure. There is little point to choosing items that need significant repair. Items constructed from real wood make them an excellent choice to anchor a room.

Minimalist Style with a touch of vintage. Your eye is drawn to the clock and the chest adds a feminine touch.

Design Around the Piece

Furniture is often chosen to demonstrate the function of a space, which is why people often prefer staging their home when it’s up for sale. A beautiful headboard, vintage dining table or accent chair provides inspiration to the rest of a room or area. Other items worth considering when designing a room include wall art or a larger mirror. Partner these choices with vintage-inspired modern items. Be consistent in applying specific trends or principals to a design to achieve overall harmony. Keep lines and shapes similar when pairing different pieces.

You see modern with vintage here with the placement of antique brass candlesticks on the mantle. The curves of the center table coordinate with the transitional rug and the straight lines of the sofa reflect the lines of the mantle.

Pick Colors and Patterns

A little research into colors and patterns of the period go a long way in drawing out a particular theme. Look at images of the period to see how specific patterns and colors were used. Different colors from the 50’s or the Victorian period incorporated in modern living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens add whimsy and personality.

Color and pattern also add energy to a room and modernizes vintage furniture. Reupholstered older pieces, colorful textiles and prints add necessary brightness to generally neutral-colored spaces. Throw in a pillow, add a centerpiece to the table or a bowl of fruit in the kitchen. Color, when used consistently, creates a cohesive appearance in a room with mixed elements and furniture.

Keep Scale Consistent

Whether it’s high or low, the scale in a room should be similar. High backed chairs feel ill-placed next to low and wide mid-century pieces. A small carved love-seat looks out of place near overstuffed seating. Maintain similar heights in order to make arrangements of furniture blend well together.

Plan the Space

Are you planning a formal room or a more relaxed space? Designers and homeowners should share the same objective. Select a particular theme and adhere to the specified principals as you design the space. The addition of pieces from different periods offers a cohesive feel and look to the room.

It is not hard to mix elements if one is mindful of the general layout. Remember to distribute elements equally and do not simply clump all items of one period together. Balance is about the integration of vintage furniture with contemporary pieces. The eye finds harmony in a design with styles spread throughout a space strategically.

Bring old and new together. Arrange your furnishings in delightful ways. Visitors will want to come in and stay a while.

Photo by Bruce Mars

Gary Ashton REALTOR®
The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage
210 12th Ave South, Suite 201
Nashville, TN, 37203

nashvillesmls.com
twitter.com/garyashton
linkedin.com/in/garyashton/

Check out my new Tennessee Titans Ultimate Fan Guide

Gardening Accents at the Daphne Antique Galleria

Posted on 05/21/201805/21/2018 by Kim@CoziNest

Gardening 101

I heard a story once about creation. The devil approaches God and says, “I can create a Garden of Eden just as easy as you can!” God says, “Ok, show me.” So the devil starts to gather his materials. God interrupts him and says, “Oh no, wait just a minute! You have to get your own dirt!”

Get Your Own Dirt

At the Daphne Antique Galleria, we have almost everything you need to create your own “Eden”. But, you will have to get your own dirt. 😉 Here are a few examples of how to add the Spirit of Loveliness to your garden. And you can find everything in the mall.

Gardening Accents

This rustic, vintage icebox would make a great addition to your outdoor kitchen. Add your favorite beverages, ice, glasses and a few bar tools and you’ll have the perfect outdoor, farmhouse bar. DEALER: pel

DEALER: bcc has watering cans, flower pots and this lovely St. Francis birdfeeder.

Use this farmhouse trough as a planter, cooler or add a piece of glass to the top for a unique console table. DEALER: ewh

These large pelicans would be the perfect “yard art” if you live on the bay. Or add them to your boathouse, pier or patio. DEALER: cab

Add a pair of rocking chairs to your porch, pour a glass of sweet tea and enjoy the view of your Eden. DEALER: coz

A 3-tiered, metal stand with mirrored shelves would make a lovely addition to a screened porch. DEALER: bhb

This quaint, antique carriage seat may not be here long. It’s the perfect size for a balcony or gazebo. It would also look divine on my screened porch with pillows and a couple of ferns flanking the sides. Hurry in before I snatch it! DEALER: cab

Place this lovely birdbath on your porch as a side table or planter. The blues and yellow tones are the perfect colors for a southern veranda. DEALER: lou

Roll this rustic tea cart into your garden and layer it with ferns, begonias or geraniums. Add a birdhouse or a lantern like the one below for more farmhouse decor. DEALER: jsc

DEALER: joy

A Little Bit of Heaven on Earth

This cute little cherub would be the perfect guardian over your garden. Set amidst a ground cover or bed filled with blooming perennials would be heaven on earth. DEALER: bhb

I’ll leave you with a few chuckles found on Garden Digest:

When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.
Wanted: Man to take care of cow that does not smoke or drink.
“The best way to garden is to put on a wide-brimmed straw hat and some old clothes. And with a hoe in one hand and a cold drink in the other, tell somebody else where to dig.”
– Texas Bix Bender, Don’t Throw in the Trowel
God made rainy days, so gardeners could get the housework done.
How do you know you are a Master Gardener?
There is a decorative compost container on your kitchen counter.
You would rather go to a nursery to shop than a clothing store.
You prefer gardening to watching television.
You plan vacation trips to arboretums and public parks.
Dirt under your fingernails and calloused palms are matters of pride.

While sipping your sweet tea in your porch rocker, whisper a plea to THE MASTER GARDENER to bless your garden. What better garden accent than a blessing from heaven!

CoziNest Weekly Special 3/26/18 Just in Time for Easter

Posted on 03/26/201803/27/2018 by Kim@CoziNest

This week’s special at CoziNest…. drumroll please….

This medium size Sheep Pillow! So cute. So comfortable. It is available in the CoziNest booth at Daphne Antiques Galleria. Don’t you love it? Pillows put the finishing touch in any room. And even a cozy porch.

Here’s how to get your special price:

Leave a comment below, sharing where you plan to use the pillow. Like the CoziNest Facebook Page, and this post.

Show your likes and this post to the staff at checkout and receive 10% off. That’s it! Easy peasy.

If by chance, the pillow is sold before you can stop by, leave a comment. I’m happy to order as many as you want this week only for 10% off. Regular price is $39.50.

This pillow is a perfect addition to a farmhouse styled room, Christmas or Easter decor or a nursery. It’s a year-round little piece of fluff!

Weekly Special for 2/12/18

Posted on 02/12/201802/12/2018 by Kim@CoziNest

Weekly Special

This week, CoziNest is featuring our special Valentine’s Plates. They are the perfect addition to a nice quiet dinner at home with your significant other. Use them for appetizers, salads or desserts.

Let your love shine. Don’t hide it under a bushel. NO! Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine! Add sweet love notes beneath the plates. Serve their favorite meal and dessert.

Invite a widow(er) to have lunch. Valentine’s can sometimes be a lonely holiday. Leave a card in your mailbox for your carrier. Surprise a hairdresser, housekeeper or nail tech with something sweet wrapped in pretty cellophane. Bake a cake for your church staff. Drop off a bag of apples to your local gym. Any small act of kindness will make you both feel great. Most of all… let your love shine!

Consequently, we are offering the special price of $11.50 for this set of 4 delightful plates. For the purpose of helping spread a little love around ourselves, these sweet hearts are discounted.

Other specials you may find enticing can be found by clicking here.

Please share how you’ve let your love shine this week. It’s fun to spread it around!