DIAL UP THE DECOR - THE PARLOR

For years and years, I have set the bar when it comes to decorating and as a connoisseur of design I am finally giving my expert advice on all the things you need to create a delightful ambiance in your home.

DECORATE WITH DIRECTION

First up, find your taste!! Are you a modern girl? Do bright colors illuminate your life? What do you want your home to say about you? Its important that you step into decorating with some direction. I like to create mood boards and lists.

START WITH SEATING

Start with one room at a time! Don't overwhelm yourself by doing to much at one time, details are key when it comes to decor. Okay, now bring in your big items, couches, tables and chairs. It's important to find placement with your items and the space you plan on fitting them in. Your seating is your base, its the element that defines the room. In order to give your couches depth and personality you absolutely need pillows. Your pillows are your personality. Fluffy is fun and comfortable, Velvet is sassy and vintage, Silk is alluring and stylish. But, picking the fabric is only the first part, now what does your colors say about you?

Red for passion, black for chicness, and white for purity. Now we are getting somewhere! Rugs will make or break a room, some people overemphasize with their rugs. Its okay to keep some things plain. If you have peppy pillows, stick to something simple. Your rug can also be a statement piece if your couch decor is light. Now with my couch I like having a throw, I get cold and love snuggling up on my couch with a nice up of tea wrapped in a warm blanket. Adding a throw gives a more homey vibe.

CURRENT HOME DECOR

DECIDING ON CHAIRS

MY FIRST CHAIR CHOICE

TACKLE THE TABLES

Table decor is probably the most fun. After adding your rug (if you want, sometimes things look better without) place your coffee table in the center. If your table is two tier that gives you space for more decor. Lets start with the top, since most will have just that. With the top of your table add things that you need first, its probably best to make a little list, no more than 6 items. I always like fresh flowers on my table, something pretty to look at is an instant mood booster. Add some interesting reads, I love fashion and self-help books. I add about 2-3 books and switch them up from time to time. You can also decorate with magazines, obvi a Vogue or Cosmopolitan, whatever is important to you. Don't forget a candle, that's a must and I'll be judging if you skip it. For your side tables, try a lamp that compliments your rug. Lamps are easy but make sure it fits your tables. On my side table I have a lamp, a coaster and my iPad. Simple but effective, I sip my tea, lay it on my coaster and respond to DM's in the morning. Personalize your tables with whats adequate for your daily routine.

WAKE UP YOUR WALLS

What's on your walls? Something eye-catching, something sentimental, or something to open up your room? When it comes to wall decor the options are endless. Open up your space with mirrors!! I am about to spill a secret, and you're welcome in advance. Your mirror shape should match your rug shape!!! If you don't have a rug, you have no limits. Keep it cohesive, if not with your color palette, at least with your shapes and structure. Hardware is another important thing. What color are your couch and table legs? Silver? Gold? Well your mirror should be the same. Tie in the hardware in your home. I have a mirror in every room and even some in my hallways. Mirrors are game changers and confidence boosters, but pictures capture sentimental moments and hold value. I have a collage of pictures throughout my halls and on almost every wall. Most are of me, my pets, my family and special times that remind me of my precious life, but yours can be anything. Picture frames matter, so choose wisely. Same as the mirror, try to include hardware that matches your other home items, trust me its amazingly aesthetically pleasing. The placement of your photos are completely up to you. Another option is art!! Omg, art means everything to me, so I do have some art in my home as well!! When it comes to art, you want to keep the same vibe throughout the room. Are you hanging canvas art? Framed art? There are so many different types of art and not just art for your walls but art for your home in general. I have plenty of art in my home, including sculptures. Sculptures are another form of art that I love. I have 3 sculpture forms throughout my penthouse and they look absolutely stunning. Sculptures are a expensive and coveted kind of art, so you know I had to have it. Even though sculptures aren't wall art, it looks fantastic against a wall on in a corner. Make sure to add a spotlight to shine some light it's exquisiteness.

Now that I have shared some of my professional advice, I want to see your parlor pics. Your home is your sanctuary and tells a story of who you are. Remember home is where the heart is, so love your space.

xo, Aly

like & comment for more home decor tips, another room coming soon!!