Guest Picks: 10 Resolutions for House and Home
Resolve to glam things up, entertain more effortlessly or increase your home's curb appeal in 2012
The new year has arrived! Eating healthier and exercising more are worthy goals, to be sure, but why not also aim to host more parties, cheer up your bedroom and save up for that one statement piece you've had your eye on? It's New Year's Resolution time for the house and home, and these are goals you will actually want to keep! — Laura from Lolalina
FIM Agate Bookends by RabLabs
Resolution No. 2: Add a little glamour.
Accent pieces in metallic silver, bronze or gold, or with crystal, geodes, Lucite, mercury glass, or shiny lacquer will do the trick. I adore these agate bookends from RabLabs; they are gorgeous and truly useful.
Accent pieces in metallic silver, bronze or gold, or with crystal, geodes, Lucite, mercury glass, or shiny lacquer will do the trick. I adore these agate bookends from RabLabs; they are gorgeous and truly useful.
Faux Fur Throw
Once you have something blingy like those gilded bookends, it's time to layer in a decadently soft piece to complete the glamour equation. This luxurious faux fur throw from Calypso St. Barth would fit the bill nicely.
Caterer's 12-Piece Dinnerware Set
Resolution No. 3: Host more parties.
Hosting impromptu get-togethers won't feel so stressful if you are well prepared, so dedicate a shelf in your pantry to party supplies. Stock up on simple white dishes, like these caterer's sets from Pottery Barn, inexpensive wine glasses, and boxes of unscented candles.
Hosting impromptu get-togethers won't feel so stressful if you are well prepared, so dedicate a shelf in your pantry to party supplies. Stock up on simple white dishes, like these caterer's sets from Pottery Barn, inexpensive wine glasses, and boxes of unscented candles.
Glass
If your everyday dishes and glassware are mismatched or simply lacking style, why not refresh things for the new year? I recommend simple, chic glasses like these for everything from water to wine. They work equally well for daily family meals and parties with friends.
Cherry Handled Cutting Board
Always keep a few smooth wood serving boards of various sizes on hand. They are perfect for serving everything from meats and cheeses to appetizers, so you're bound to find yourself reaching for them all the time.
Cast Stone Medici Urn, Granite Finish
A pair of these classical urns would be just right flanking the front door, especially when filled with greenery. They may look heavy, but the natural stone is blended with resin to make them light enough to move.
X-Bench Pair
Resolution No. 4: Add more color.
Try hanging an oversize art print in a bold shade; then pick up the same color in an accent piece for a cohesive feel.
Try hanging an oversize art print in a bold shade; then pick up the same color in an accent piece for a cohesive feel.
Zig Zag Jaipuri, Pink/Ivory
Painting an accent wall is also a natural choice, but if you are feeling unsure, test the waters with a small piece. I am smitten with this pink zigzag rug. Layered over a plain, natural fiber rug, it would add tons of oomph without much commitment.
Jasper Conran at Wedgwood Kilim 3-Piece Tea Set
Even the seriously color-shy can handle a bit of pop. Once you notice how color makes you feel, you might find yourself adding more. This bright and bold tea set would be a great place to start, and it's sure to tempt you to take a proper tea break!
Bon Journey, Process Yellow
Resolution No. 5: Finally finish all of those neglected projects.
Prepare yourself for success by putting all of your most-often-used decorating tools in one (chic) place. I have picture-hanging wire, pliers, finishing nails, painter's tape, a hammer, level and cordless drill in my kit.
Prepare yourself for success by putting all of your most-often-used decorating tools in one (chic) place. I have picture-hanging wire, pliers, finishing nails, painter's tape, a hammer, level and cordless drill in my kit.
Ayanna Sheet Set, Citron
Resolution No. 6: Cheer up your bedroom!
Clear out the clutter, place a small vase of fresh flowers on your nightstand and grab a new set of sheets in a fun color or pattern. I have my eye on this set with a bright citron trim. It would look so cheery peeking out from beneath a crisp white coverlet.
Clear out the clutter, place a small vase of fresh flowers on your nightstand and grab a new set of sheets in a fun color or pattern. I have my eye on this set with a bright citron trim. It would look so cheery peeking out from beneath a crisp white coverlet.
Paris Graffiti Yellow Heart Wall Art Yellow by Little Brown Pen
Place an art print that makes you happy where you can see it when you first open your eyes in the morning. Bonus points if the color ties in with your bedding!
Custom Illustrated House Portrait by Rebekka Seale
Resolution No. 7: Personalize your space.
Monogrammed linens or dishes are always a nice choice, but why not take things a step further and commission a custom house portrait? This would also make a very special gift for your besties who just bought their first home.
Monogrammed linens or dishes are always a nice choice, but why not take things a step further and commission a custom house portrait? This would also make a very special gift for your besties who just bought their first home.
Custom Table Talk Napkin Rings
I also love these custom napkin rings made from reclaimed wood. They're beautiful, unique and sustainable.
Pandan Bin Metallic
Resolution No. 8: Get organized.
First, pare down your belongings to the truly useful and beautiful; it's an ongoing process, I know. Then, it's time to pick the right containers for your stuff. I am over the moon for these textural metallic bins from Serena & Lily. They would be perfect in an entryway.
First, pare down your belongings to the truly useful and beautiful; it's an ongoing process, I know. Then, it's time to pick the right containers for your stuff. I am over the moon for these textural metallic bins from Serena & Lily. They would be perfect in an entryway.
Blooming Branch Hook
Streamline your morning routine by hanging your outfit on a pretty hook the night before. This floral version hung on the back of my bedroom door would make me smile each morning, and it's sturdy enough to handle a heavy coat or suit.
Ruffoni Copper Cookware Set
Resolution No. 9: Cook more often.
Start with a clean slate. Clear out your cookware cupboards, only keeping what you use and love. If you need to replenish your collection, why not invest in something display-worthy like this copper set from Ruffoni? It's gorgeous.
Start with a clean slate. Clear out your cookware cupboards, only keeping what you use and love. If you need to replenish your collection, why not invest in something display-worthy like this copper set from Ruffoni? It's gorgeous.
Cuccina Terza Dishtowel
Get inspired to cook by swapping out those frayed and faded kitchen towels for a stack of cute linens. I like these in fresh minty green.
Mineral & Might Dining Table
Resolution No. 10: Save up for one amazing statement piece.
Choose something that represents your personal style rather than following a trend. This dining table made from the trunk of a reclaimed cedar looks like it came from an enchanted forest. It's definitely splurge-worthy!
Next: New Year's Resolutions for Your Kitchen and You
Choose something that represents your personal style rather than following a trend. This dining table made from the trunk of a reclaimed cedar looks like it came from an enchanted forest. It's definitely splurge-worthy!
Next: New Year's Resolutions for Your Kitchen and You
Swap out your house numbers for a quick and easy style upgrade. I love these oversize numbers in bright red. They would look perfect on a mid-century home.