our home Archives - Emily A. Clark

A Few Fall Touches In Our Entryway

Oct142019

This post is sponsored by Walmart.

I’m hosting a pretty large group later this month and added a few new things to our entryway so that it feels a little more like Fall and, hopefully, more welcoming. I added in some metallics and autumnal colors with just a few accessories. (When it comes to Fall decorating, a little sparkle goes a long way.)

I started with a new wreath. I haven’t owned one in several years and, I have to say, this one totally surprised me. I took a chance after seeing it online since it was under $20. It is so much more substantial in person than it looked in the product photo. I love the colors against our black door and several of the leaves are gold, tying in with the other accessories I added.

Inside, I changed up this table by adding these pretty little votive holders and a big gold star. I added moss to the wooden dough bowl that I bought at a flea market several years ago. (I’ve linked to a similar style below.)

Outside, I just cleaned things up a little, adding new white river rocks to our planters and a new door mat is always an instant refresh.

I once again found so many good things at Walmart for this project. You simply can’t beat two-day free shipping (with orders over $35) and their free ship-to-store options. And, where else can you find a fabulous Fall wreath for under $20? I’m sold. To make it even easier, they’ve grouped their Fall entryway picks here and I’m sharing more of my favorites for a classic look below.

Cozy Finds for Our Screened Porch

Aug152019

This post is sponsored by Walmart.

As I’m just starting to think about cooler Fall evenings on our screened porch, I find myself wanting to add a few cozy touches. Plus, little changes always make me feel happier any room in my house–indoor or out. I already had a patterned throw so I threw it over our console table to add some quick, inexpensive pattern. I also found this big woven basket online at Walmart to hold extra pillows and blankets.

It has the feel of an oversized market tote with handles and a cute tassel detail. I think I may order another one for towels or laundry in the boys’ bathroom. I also found the little blue lumbar pillow at Walmart. Lots of texture and detail for just $12.

And one more thing–I added a Carom game board in the corner. We all got hooked on this game when we visited my parents’ house this Summer. Nothing like some fierce competition to make everyone put their screens down (for a few minutes, at least).

You can see more of Walmart’s coastal-inspired home decor here. As always, free shipping on orders over $35 and free returns if it doesn’t work in your space. Need it quicker? Same day, in-store pick up is available on most items.

Would I Choose Open Kitchen Shelving Again?

Aug132019

It’s easy to rave about things around your house when they’re brand new and don’t have the wear and tear of everyday use. I’ve had several people ask me if I’m still happy with our open shelving three years after our kitchen renovation so here’s the quick update. . .

I knew going into our remodel that I loved the look of open shelving and less heavy cabinetry; I just didn’t know how it would translate to everyday use for our family. Fortunately, it’s worked out great for us and I don’t have any regrets about foregoing more closed cabinets.

One reason it works well is that they’re directly behind each of the dishwashers (yes, two). I keep (most of) the dishes we use on a daily basis on these shelves–cereal bowls, white plates, smaller blue and white plates, glasses, coffee mugs, etc. I do think this whole look works best if you keep the dishes simple and limited to one or two colors. I also don’t mind if pieces are not-so-perfectly stacked. (Our not-so-pretty plastic bowls and cups are stored in the deeper bottom drawers.)

I know some were concerned about the dust that would accumulate when we first had them installed. I’ll just say there’s no more dust here than anywhere else in my house (take that for what you will. . . ) and that I’ve never been one to make a decision based on dust potential. Again, because everything is used almost daily (especially on the bottom shelves), it rarely has time to get very dusty.

I’m also happy to report that they’ve stayed up well (thanks to the metal rods that our contractor mounted through them) despite the adjacent door closing/slamming shut 197+ times each day.

Anything else you’d like an update in a future post?