Statement Pieces For Your Home

"I like my house to be unique to me. Sure, I've bought plenty of things out of a catalog, but the way I put them together in my home is special. You might have bought your sofa at a major home decorating store, but the rug you found at the flea market is so unique, it takes your room from 'carbon copy' to 'simply yours' in no time." - Nate Berkus

Creating a cozy home is a major priority for us. We love finding unique pieces to help reflect our personalities. Also, G & I love having people over and entertaining, so a space that's warm and inviting is a must.

Below are six pieces to help elevate any home and create the perfect statement for you or your family. 

1. Bold Lamp - When I rented my first apartment, I found every possible way to make my small one bedroom home to feel unique. I got creative, and found that a lamp could really brighten up the place! There are so many gorgeous lamps that are really fun to design your home with. Also, it is nice to get away from the traditional lamps and get something that matches your personality. 
2. Eye-catching Wallpaper - Wallpaper can really transform a space, and it super easy to put up! Whether it be an accent wall in your bedroom, half-bath, or living room - this item can really open up your space if installed properly. Also, I do not recommend wallpaper in a full bathroom - the steam from the shower can totally ruin this work of art.
3. Majestic Mirror - I love mirrors - they always make your space feel much bigger than it is! There are so many stunning pieces, so get creative and find one that fits your home and space.
4. Over-sized Wall Art - Artwork is where you can really show off your personality. We love going to different home decor stores to see what is available to give our space a refresh. Also, there are times we can't find the perfect piece. Instead, we will get a photo printed and framed to create something special for our home.
5. Crystal Chandelier - Chandeliers really give a bold statement in a home that may be lacking some larger wall space. Also, this provides an excellent source of light to any room.
6. Stunning Sideboard - If you are needing extra storage space in your home, a sideboard is the perfect addition. G and I currently on the hunt for one to store some of our china and glasses! This is so perfect for any home, also you can use this piece as a bar, or to showcase some unique pieces.

What are your favorite pieces in your home that stand out? Also, are you on the hunt to adding some new items in your home?

XO, Analise

Home Sweet Home

"What I love most about my home is who I share it with." — Tad Carpenter

G and I purchased our home almost three years ago. Many of our friends and co-workers ask about our home buying experience, as well as how we've adjusted to being homeowners. The hubby and I both rented before we decided to have our dream home built in Summer 2015. The journey was great for both of us. While it hasn't been super easy, owning a home is something we both really wanted and absolutely love to this day. One of our favorite day dates is to go up and down the aisles of Home Goods, then to our favorite wine shop to do a tasting afterwards.

Today I am sharing a few tips we learned during the home buying process, as well as several of our favorite decor items.

1. Save, save, save. This was a biggie! G and I ended up getting new construction and opted out of a home that was already built. We didn't want to go through the hassle of doing upgrades out of the gate. Make sure you have a solid savings account to prepare for the home buying process. You'll need to provide the bank a statement to prove that you have the sufficient funds in acquiring the house. Also, it will come in handy as you begin furnishing your new home. It is also key that you have money stowed away just in case you need to fix or upgrade items once you move in. Money is very important, but make sure you check your credit as well, and keep tabs on it throughout the home buying process.
2. Location is everything. It is so important to determine the area you want to live. We knew the exact location in which we needed to build our house. Our home is close to both of our families, in a fantastic school district, and a growing area. Building our home in a neighborhood in which the resale value would increase was very important. Ultimately, G and I knew that this area would be home for 5-10 years. Also, if we did outgrow our home, it would be a fantastic rental property.
3. It's an investment. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you'll make. Make sure when you purchase your home you don't end up house poor. Our bank granted us a massive loan - way more than we felt comfortable with. G and I decided to review our finances, and agreed on a monthly mortgage that we'd both be comfortable with. With that we knew certain home upgrades we'd pass on upfront and acquire later down the line. Also, the main objective was to be able to live comfortably and happily in our home. Make sure that whatever you purchase makes sense for your lifestyle and doesn't drain your budget. Your home should enhance your wealth and most importantly add value.
4. Take it one step at a time. Once you move in, make sure to take one room at a time. Do not rush to furnish your home in the first month. Like I mentioned before, we had our own places before moving in. The majority of our home encompassed furniture from our previous places. One amazing tip we were given, is to purchase some big items before moving into the house. A few months before G and I closed on our home, we bought some key pieces that were absolutely needed. We had those items delivered on move-in day, and they were already paid for!

What are some things you learned during the home buying process? Also, are you looking to buy a new home?

Happy house hunting!

XO, Analise

Home Made

"Your home should tell the story of who you are, and a collection of what you love." - Nate Berkus

Crate&Barrel has fabulous home decor to make your house very cozy! Today I'm sharing some of my favorite pieces from the wonderful store. Many of these items we own and absolutely adore. My top priority is for our home to be warm and inviting to our guests.

Below are my favorite items I love most! They are a great addition to any home!

What's In Our Home

1. Marble Board - We love this piece. I use it for cheeses and different items for my guests to nibble on!
2. Throw Blanket - I get cold very often. Having a few blankets throughout the house is a must.
3. Vases - Flowers are one of my favorite things. Often times when I go grocery shopping I'm likely to snag a beautiful bouquet of blooms. Also, G gets me flowers quite often. It's wonderful to have a nice vase to display them in!
4. Red Wine Glass - Olivia Pope is one of my faves! So when I found out Crate&Barrel had the "Scandal" wine glass, it was a game changer for me. I immediately got one, and proudly use it on Thursday nights when the show airs!
5. Serving Bowl - This is one of my favorite bowls to use when I make a large salad for my guests. It is gorgeous and goes with everything!
6. Wall Mirror - I love mirrors - they make the room feel bigger and more open!
7. Marble Wine Cooler - This is perfect after I open a bottle of white wine or champagne! Not only is this piece gorgeous, but it keeps your wine chilled.
8. Lidded Baskets - These items are so functional! The baskets are very stylish, and can hold whatever you like. I like to throw in extra linens or blankets for guests!
9. Tray - I enjoy using trays to style my tables and countertops. They organize our books, candles, and keepsakes.
10. Wreath - We have several wreaths that we swap out for each season throughout the year. They always brighten up our door!
11. Hurricane Candle Holders - As you all know I love candles! These holders are gorgeous and will go with any home decor.
12. Grommet Curtains - I absolutely adore these curtains! They have an elegance to them and make our downstairs space so lovely.

What are some of your favorite household items?

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

Photos Courtesy of Crate&Barrel