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Shop my fall fireplace decor here. Fall is here and there is no better way to embrace the colder season than to bring out the fall decor! If you're anything like me, a beautiful, cozy and welcoming home is the best feeling this time of year. Keep reading for easy styling tips, shoppable accessories and design inspiration for your home! When it comes to home styling, it is very easy to overthink and overcomplicate things. Below are my tips specific for fall to make it easy for you to transform your home without second guessing! Color Palette - play off the color scheme you already have! Bring in more muted and earthy tones to warm up your space and mimic the outdoors. Stick to 5-7 colors to avoid being too monotone but still cohesive. See my cozy autumn color palette above for inspo! Texture - no such thing as too much texture. Mix and match all the different materials such as leathers, knits, stones, woods, etc. As long as you stick to your color palette, you'll end up with a gorgeous, tailored look to your home. Layers - from pillows, blankets and rugs to decor of all sizes, layering pieces on top of or in front of/behind each other will add so much dimension to your space. Try stacking a couple coffee table books with a decorative piece on top or draping a blanket over the arm of your sofa and adding pillows with different colors and textures to the corner. Scale - scale is so important to consider and can be somewhat of an art. Adding furniture and decor to fit the space will make or break it. Exaggerated pieces should be intentional. A big cozy accent chair in the corner or an oversized mirror can make a great statement. More often than not, a piece that's too small just won't work. Layer in larger pieces or move items that are too small to a space that they fit better. Although I firmly believe in investing in the main pieces in your home like your sofa, decor is where you can save and still make your home look complete AND stunning! Two of my favorite places for the best home decor are Target and Amazon. I've curated some of my favorite home decor finds from each that are easy to transition throughout the seasons. Everything is linked in the captions below! 1. Green Velvet Throw Pillow | 2. Boucle Throw Pillow 3. Pampas Grass Bundle | 4. Ribbed Glass Green Vase | 5. Solid Chenille Throw Blanket | 6. Cable Knit Throw Blanket | 7. Tufted Ottoman | 8. Blackened Ceramic Candle Bowl | 9. Hello Doormat | 10. Glass Pumpkin Candle | 11. Crackling Wooden Wick Candle | 12. Ceramic Pumpkins | 13. Wooden Oak Leaf Serving Board | 14. Neutral Stitched Lumbar Throw Pillow | 15. Woven Striped Throw Pillow 1. Patina Modern Coffee Table Book | 2. The Art of Home Coffee Table Book | 3. Travertine Coffee Tabe Book | 4. Sculptural Modern Vases | 5. Fall Eucalyptus Stems | 6. Wood Links | 7. Free Form Edge Ceramic Bowl | 8. Black Candle Stick Holders | 9. Beeswax Candle Sticks | 10. Black Brown Wood Vase | 11. Cashmere Suede Candle | 12. Cinnamon Rolls Candle | 13. Faux Leather Throw Pillow Covers | 14. Woven Wicker Basket | 15. Chunky Knit Throw Blanket Designs I'm Falling For! For more fall design and styling inspiration, check out my "fall decor" board on Pinterest. You can also shop my fall favorites on my LTK and Amazon storefront! For a custom experience, reach out to book your design consultation or start a project with Homes by Simmone at homesbysimmone.com! Hi! I'm Simmone I'm so glad you're here! I am an interior designer, realtor, owner of Homes by Simmone and completely obsessed with all things home. This blog is an exciting way to share my knowledge and grow my small business. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more! Want to work together? Please inquire through my website or email me at simmone@homesbysimmone.com

See more from Homes by Simmone's Organic Modern Tudor project here. Photo credit: Spacecrafting Photography Taking on a home remodel is no small task. It can be time consuming, tedious, and expensive. But once your home is transformed, it's so worth it! That is IF you do it right. The planning and designing phases are the most important part to ensure your home updates go smoothly. Here is where to start for a successful home remodel! Step 1: Create a Detailed Budget This is more than just deciding on an all-in budget of X amount, which can create unrealistic expectations and more often than not will result in going over budget. Although it's important to know how much you're willing to invest in your home, your renovation budget needs to be very detailed. Below are some key items to include. If you're unsure, don't just guess! Do your research and get quotes first. You can even create your budget with a range from low to high, to be your guide. Step 2: Consider Hiring Professionals I have this as step 2, but many of my clients come to me after realizing they are in over their heads with steps 3 and 4. Home remodels/renovations are incredibly difficult to tackle yourself if you are not a seasoned pro. If it is within your budget, hiring a contractor and interior designer team in the beginning is sure to leave you with a better result in the end and also allow you to have fun with the process. You will be amazed at how much they can take off your plate! Consider the time commitment and level of expertise required before diving into a project. Step 3: Space Planning Pinterest inspired concepts are a great starting point, but do they actually apply to your home? Space planning is crucial to make sure your brilliant ideas are tailored to your space. Measure all the widths, heights, and clearances to see how things will fit and determine sizing accordingly. Not only are remodels done to make a home more aesthetic, but it is a huge opportunity to create better overall function as well. Without space planning, you could end up with a bathroom vanity that's too big, a kitchen island too small, or an off-center fireplace. Check out this cheat sheet for remodeling and decorating by Buzzfeed. #14 has common dimensions for space planning! Step 4: Choose Durable Materials to Fit Your Lifestyle There are endless options out there for materials like tile, countertops and flooring. Even if that budget is getting tight and you're tempted by the cheaper options, I urge you to think long term. Cheap materials may look okay in the beginning, but they likely won't hold up and will lead to higher maintenance and quicker replacements. Your finish selections should be quality enough to withstand your everyday life with kids, pets and spills. My personal favorites are quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, porcelain or ceramic tiles, and nylon carpets. Look at cleanability and durability when making selections! Deciding to do a home remodel is actually a huge life decision. But every day, people are making the decision to improve their homes and lifestyle. It's amazing what interior design can do and all the untapped potential your home already has! Thinking about starting your own home remodel? Reach out to schedule your interior design consultation with Homes by Simmone! Subscribe to my email list to get blog posts and newsletters sent directly to your inbox and follow me on Instagram to for more behind the scenes and content like this! Hi! I'm Simmone I'm so glad you're here! I am an interior designer, realtor, owner of Homes by Simmone and completely obsessed with all things home. This blog is an exciting way to share my knowledge, fun lifestyle content, and grow my small business. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more! Want to work together? Please inquire through my website or email me at simmone@homesbysimmone.com

Photographers: Kyndal Elise Photography, AGNT Media The first half of the year has been filled with a lot of change both professionally and personally. After taking some time to adjust and get settled, I am back to taking on interior design projects, real estate clients and revamping my social media and blog! I wanted to bring the blog back with a bit of an update for anyone who has not been following along. In January, my husband Spencer accepted a new job in Iowa, which meant a big move from Minnesota. I was born in Seattle, but my family moved to Des Moines, IA when I was 8 years old. Spencer and I met around 11, started dating at 15, and both attended the University of Northern Iowa. Although we ended up in Minneapolis after college, Iowa has always been home for us. That was a big factor in deciding to move and it's been amazing being so close to many of our family and friends. In March, we found out that we are expecting our first baby, due on Thanksgiving! I'm almost halfway there and we couldn't be more excited. Time is flying by! Most of our family and close friends know the gender, but I'm waiting to announce on social media with the nursery reveal. I'm pulling out all the stops for baby Clock! It was hard to say goodbye to first home, but we were thrilled to find our new home in Ames, Iowa! We landed on a 1980 fixer upper, and it is our goal to have the majority of our remodel done before baby comes. This includes an addition, full kitchen remodel, all new finishes and more. Because why not throw in a major home remodel with new jobs and a baby on the way? Owning an older home as come with its fair share of challenges, but it's nothing we can't handle. I'm calling this project the "Perfect Storm" remodel, for obvious reasons! With Spencer taking on his new role, I was very thankful that I could continue with Homes by Simmone. My focus is designing new builds and remodels and I'm looking forward to taking on more projects. I also passed my Iowa real estate exam and am now licensed with RE/MAX Precision. Feel free to reach out with any of your design or real estate needs! I'm still transitioning into this new chapter of life, but I know the best is yet to come. You can follow along on Instagram for the latest updates and all the design, real estate and lifestyle content! Thank you for sticking around! Hi! I'm Simmone I'm so glad you're here! I am an interior designer, realtor, owner of Homes by Simmone and completely obsessed with all things home. This blog is an exciting way to share my knowledge, fun lifestyle content, and grow my small business. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more! Want to work together? Please inquire through my website or email me at simmone@homesbysimmone.com

Photo credit: Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe 2023 is here and everyone is eager to embrace the new year's design trends! As an interior designer, I am already starting to see these trends appear in the industry and for the most part, I'm loving them! Below is my take on new, continued and outdated design trends. I can't wait to implement these in upcoming projects! New Trends for 2023 Photo credit: cb2 More Fun and Personality! Neutral interiors were all the rage in 2022, but in 2023, expect to see more pattern, color and bold choices. I'm predicting a shift from the transitional style to more modern and glam while remaining informal. Unexpected Combinations. Rules are about to be broken. Unlikely color and style pairings will become popular with more unique and interesting interiors. Richer Tones. I'm already starting to see an increase in beautiful, rich color tones. From darker woods to deep reds, greens, blues and golds that will be mixed in with other elements. Statement Lighting. This will only become more prominent this year with more creative and stunning light fixtures hitting the market. Expect to see lots of artwork-like lighting as interior focal points! Continued Trends from 2022 Photo Credit: TOM Nature Inspired. Natural elements such as wood and stone will continue into this year with texture remaining a huge trend. I personally hope this one never goes away! Moody Interiors. Dark and moody offices, kitchens and accent walls have blown up over the past couple years. I'm predicting more moodiness to come, not just in paint colors, but in almost every element from tile to furniture. Ceiling Features. We can't ignore our ceilings anymore. Wood beams and painted ceilings have made their appearance and I think ceiling features will only get bigger with wood paneling, mouldings and coffered ceilings. This one will definitely be more prominent in higher end homes. All About That Brass. Unpopular option, brass is timeless rather than a trend. Brass and gold details are not going anywhere and will continue to be seen in cabinet hardware, lighting and as an accent metal. Outdated Trends Photo credit: Pinterest All White Everything. Neutral interiors done right are classically beautiful. However, it's time to add some color back. All white interiors have run their course. Luckily, this provides a blank canvas that's easy to enhance. Uniform Styles. Styles such as industrial, farmhouse or traditional alone have become stagnant. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of these styles but don't be afraid to mix 2-3 styles together in your space in 2023. No one is one-sides. Minimalist Design. I'm talking a bare, monochromatic, Kim K house (look it up). This is no longer chic, but cold and lifeless. I personally love a clean look, but you should not sacrifice detail and personality. Design trends are changing faster than ever, and they are really only a matter of opinion. Although trends are fun to experiment with and keep in mind, it's important to stay true to you and your personal style. Try adding some trends into things that are easy to change like accent furniture and decor. This is a great way to keep your space exciting and updated without fully committing. Will you be trying any of these trends this year? subscribe to my email list to get blog posts and newsletters sent directly to your inbox and follow me on Instagram to for more behind the scenes and content like this! Hi! I'm Simmone I'm so glad you're here! I am an interior designer, realtor, owner of Homes by Simmone and completely obsessed with all things home. This blog is an exciting way to share my knowledge and grow my small business. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more! Want to work together? Please inquire through my website or email me at simmone@homesbysimmone.com

See this statement light shine in my "Feminine Chic Home Office" here Lighting is by far my favorite thing to add into my projects! If done correctly, lighting can double as artwork and can completely tie a space together or add another element to make things more interesting. I've designed entire spaces around unique light fixtures! There are endless options for lighting, and I know that it can be overwhelming. I see a lot of the same fixtures used repeatedly and although they look great, sometimes you want something more original that gives off that WOW factor! Below are my designer picks for chandeliers, pendants, and flush mounts AND how to use them effectively in your home! Chandeliers 1. Bon Air Chandelier | 2. Ripple Mesh Lantern | 3. Swoop Arm Chandelier | 4. Capiz Round Chandelier | 5. Halia Chandelier | 6. Trace Chandelier | 7. Banyan Convertible Ceiling Light Is there anything more captivating than a gorgeous chandelier? These are the statement makers! Chandeliers are traditionally used above dining tables, but can be used in a variety of other areas such as a living room, stairway, bedroom, office, bathroom and more! Make sure to choose a light fixture with finishes that complement its surroundings but don't be afraid to have it stand out. In a dining room, the chandelier width should be 1/2 to 3/4 the width of the table. If used in a room, pay close attention to the overall height and make sure that there is enough clearance to use it in the desired space. Pendants 1. Distressed Metal Cone Pendant | 2. Iona Matte Black Pendant 3. Verve Gunmetal Pendant | 4. Mod Globe Pendant | 5. Cap and Globe Pendant Pendant lights don't make quite as much of a statement as chandeliers, but they can be just as fun! These are most often seen above a kitchen island. I like to stick to 2-3 pendants and sizing is up to your discretion. Pendants should hit 30"-36" above the countertop and be evenly spaced out. Whether you go for oversized or smaller scale, make sure it's intentional! If you don't have the option to add them above an island, try placing one above your sink instead. In addition to the kitchen, I personally love seeing pendants used in the place of nightstand lamps in bedrooms! Flush Mounts 1. Givoni Black Marble Flush Mount | 2. Asher Flush Mount | 3. Soft Ceramic Ceiling Light | 4. Docile Dome Ceiling Light | 5. May Flush Mount I've included semi-flush mounts as these can typically be used interchangeably with flush mounts. These are the ones that you'll want to switch out from the good old "boob lights". You know what I'm talking about! Flush mounts are most commonly used in hallways, bedrooms, laundry rooms and mudrooms. For sizing, I like to double the width in feet and use that as a baseline in inches for my light size. For example, if your laundry room is 6'x6', take 6+6 to get a baseline width of 12" for the light fixture. If your hallway is 4' wide, take 4+4 to get 8" wide. No need to consider the length of the hallway in determining the right light size. Choose What Works for You Lighting is an easy way to elevate a space at any price point. Wayfair and Amazon are great places to start for more basic and affordable lighting (just pay close attention to quality and maintenance). However, if you are looking to invest in quality and truly one-of-a-kind pieces, I highly recommend working with an interior designer! As a designer, I have access to hundreds of exclusive, trade-only vendors that I am able to obtain for my clients. Overall, it depends on your budget and the look that you're going for! For more lighting recommendations, check out the "lighting" sections of my LTK and Amazon storefront! For a custom experience, reach out to book your lighting consultation or start a project with Homes by Simmone! Hi! I'm Simmone I'm so glad you're here! I am an interior designer, realtor, owner of Homes by Simmone and completely obsessed with all things home. This blog is an exciting way to share my knowledge and grow my small business. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more! Want to work together? Please inquire through my website or email me at simmone@homesbysimmone.com

See the rest of the "Midwest Meets Cali" project on the Homes by Simmone website here! So, you're ready to make updates to your home! Whether this is all at once with a remodel or over time with smaller projects, it's important to keep in mind how long you will be at this home. Is it temporary or a forever thing? The updates you make now will have a big impact on resale value. In the project pictured above, I worked with the homeowners on a budget conscious remodel knowing that they wanted to move within the next 5 years. The goal was to have a more comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing home that would net them more money when it is time to sell, covering the cost of the remodel and then some! Read this blog before making changes to your home if you won't be there for the long run! Maximizing Your ROI One of the main things to consider when updating your home is the return on investment. There are updates that can greatly increase your home's value and ones that could cost you. Kitchen remodels top the list for biggest ROI. However, this is if your existing kitchen needs some major TLC. If a full remodel isn't necessary, a simpler kitchen refresh with things like painted cabinets, added backsplash and new hardware will go a long way. Finishing basements, bathroom updates, new flooring, paint and lighting can also add to the value. Combining rooms, garage additions and pools in colder climates (like here in Minnesota) are all updates that you are not likely to get your money back for. If recouping these costs isn't important to you, they won't hurt your home's value! See more examples here. Timeless Choices Check out this kitchen before! We "refaced" the cabinets, giving them classic shaker doors and drawers, repainted them in a clean white and replaced the dated hardware. New lighting and an added backsplash make the kitchen feel more elevated and finished. Notice that we kept the granite countertops and replaced the mixed wood and carpet flooring with luxury vinyl plank that continued throughout the whole main level. When updating a home with resale in mind, do your best to make smart and timeless choices. Avoid trends that come and go and leave that to the things that you can take with you, like furniture. Paint Colors Home updates most often include a whole lot of paint. Paint is an inexpensive way to completely change a space, for better or for worse. Even if you think you're playing it safe with a neutral color, there are different undertones like yellow and blue that can come out in your home depending on lighting and surrounding finishes. Paint is difficult for many people to see past because it covers so much surface area. Make sure to do your research or consider consulting with a professional for larger projects. Below are my favorite paint colors from Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore for a solid starting point. Favorite neutrals: best for walls and cabinetry Sherwin Williams- Drift of Mist Benjamin Moore- Revere Pewter Benjamin Moore- Balboa Mist Favorite whites: best for trim, doors and cabinetry Sherwin Williams- Pure White Sherwin Williams- Snowbound Benjamin Moore- Chantilly Lace Favorite bolds: best for accents like the fireplace or a kitchen island Sherwin Williams- Iron Ore Sherwin Williams- Homburg Gray Sherwin Williams- Pewter Green "Right Now" vs. Forever Home Owning a home is absolutely something to be proud of and it's natural to want to customize it to your liking. With every improvement you make, remember to ask yourself, "is this my "right now" or forever home?". If the answer is right now, make updates that you will love, but the next homeowner is sure to appreciate as well. The objective is to improve your home's value which means making updates that the general public sees value in. Getting too personalized could mean a hard sell down the line. If this is your forever home, customize away! Interested in updating your home for resale? Reach out for a designer guide consultation or to begin a project with Homes by Simmone today! Not local to the Minneapolis area? Ask me about virtual design! Hi! I'm Simmone I'm so glad you're here! I am an interior designer, realtor, owner of Homes by Simmone and completely obsessed with all things home. This blog is an exciting way to share my knowledge and grow my small business. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more! Want to work together? Please inquire through my website or email me at simmone@homesbysimmone.com

Image Credit: Juliette Laura It's Thanksgiving week! And Christmas is just around the corner. If you're anything like me, you have a long list of loved ones to buy gifts for and you want to make each one special. I've put together the ultimate gift guide to make it effortless for you. Gifts for him, for her, for the home and some of my favorite things! For Her 1. Electric Candle Lighter | 2. Capri Blue Candle | 3. Black Stainless Steel Wine Glasses | 4. Bum Bum Beats Bodycare Set | 5. Charlotte Tilbury Mini Lipstick Trio | 6. Layered Gold Necklace | 7. Memory Foam Slippers | 8. Chunky Knit Throw Blanket | 9. YETI Rambler 20 oz Travel Mug | 10. BruMate Slim Can Holder | 11. Oversized Half Zip Sweatshirt 12. Oversized Checked Shacket For Him 1.Sherpa-Lined Shirt Jacket | 2. Vegan Suede Bomber Jacket | 3. The Ridge Minimalist Slim Wallet | 4. Michael Kors Runway Stainless Steel Quartz Watch | 5. Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie | 6. Insulated Whiskey Glass | 7. Contour Gauge | 8. Microfiber Suede Clog Slippers | 9. Manspot Electric Shaver For the Home 1. Spice Jars with Labels | 2. Decorative Wood Chain Links | 3. Outdoor Striped Rug | 4. Natural Doormat | 5. Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer | 6. Abstract Dots Bone Picture Frame | 7. Mango Wood Cutting Board | 8. Reed Diffuser Set | 9. Half Baked Harvest Every Day Cookbook | 10. At Home Coffee Table Book My Favorite Things! 1. Farmacy Honey Grail Face Oil | 2. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops | 3. Aerie Flare Leggings | 4. Faux Rabbit Fur Throw Blanket | 5. Amber Moss Soy Candle | 6. Featherweight Rib Long Sleeve Tops | 7. Carlo Black Marble Wall Clock | 8. Long Neck Clear Glass Vase | 9. Retro Round Blue Light Blocking Glasses | 10. Beis Work Tote | 11. Silk Pillowcase | 12. Marble Black and White Striped Cutting Board I hope you found something that you're excited to gift this season! For more, head to the "gift ideas" section of my Amazon storefront and make sure to follow along on Instagram and LTK! Happy holidays! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that I make a small commission off of purchases made through each link. This is no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business! Hi! I'm Simmone I'm so glad you're here! I am an interior designer, realtor, owner of Homes by Simmone and completely obsessed with all things home. This blog is an exciting way to share my knowledge and grow my small business. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more! Want to work together? Please inquire through my website or email me at simmone@homesbysimmone.com

Image Credit: City Homes Buying a home is a major life milestone and finding the right one can feel like an impossible decision. There are many factors to consider when house hunting and far too many get overlooked. From purchasing my own home to helping my clients with theirs, I've learned the important things to call out in advance that would otherwise be an afterthought. Below are my top 7 things to look for that might not be on your checklist! #1 - Space Planning The specifics of how furniture will precisely fit can come later, but this should be something to keep in mind while touring homes. Consider if each space is large enough to accommodate your needs and the size of your family. If key furniture pieces will be making the move with you, make sure to have those measurements. The living room is a big one! #2 - Flooring Flooring gets the most wear and tear in any home. Durability is an important consideration to make and there are differences between every flooring type. Replacing carpet is one of the top updates that new homeowners will make, or even negotiate sellers to cover. #3 - Mechanicals The mechanicals of any home are integral to how it operates. Look at the mechanical room and make sure there are no visible concerns. If you aren't sure what to look for, the seller's disclosure is a great indicator. Check out this article listing the average life span of homes, appliances and mechanicals. This is especially important in older homes! #4 - Exterior Condition While the interior is typically the main focus, the exterior deserves a closer look. The condition of the siding, roof, deck, yard, etc. are all things that I guarantee you will wish you would have paid attention to after you move in. Take a walk all the way around the outside of the home you're looking at. I try to avoid showings in the dark for this reason! #5 - HOA Is there a homeowner's association and what does it cover? Although this may seem like an annoying added monthly fee, consider what it covers and what it would cost you to take care of those things on your own. Typical items covered include lawn care, snow removal, and trash & recycling. Large HOA's may include amenities such as a community pool, club house, or workout facility. Learn more about HOAs here. #6 - Neighborhood Exploring your neighborhood and community is something that is generally part of getting settled in. However, it's a good idea to do some exploring before submitting an offer. Drive around the neighborhood to see what it has to offer such as parks, trails and lakes/ponds. Are there sidewalks? Lamp posts? Landscaping? All of this may add or take away from the home that you're interested in. #7 - Town Attractions In addition to your neighborhood, getting to know the entire town and what's accessible is worthwhile. Look into nearby restaurants and grocery stores and potentially try them out first. Are you a Target regular like me? I can tell you without looking that my nearest target is exact 18 minutes away. I can work with that! No home is perfect but it's important to know what you're getting yourself into. Paying attention to these things will not only help you with negotiations but avoid buyer's remorse. If you opt for an inspection, many of these things will be called out. However, it's best to know upfront. Make sure to subscribe to my email list to get blog posts and newsletters sent directly to your inbox! And follow me on Instagram to for more behind the scenes! Hi! I'm Simmone I'm so glad you're here! I am an interior designer, realtor, owner of Homes by Simmone and completely obsessed with all things home. This blog is an exciting way to share my knowledge and grow my small business. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more! Want to work together? Please inquire through my website or email me at simmone@homesbysimmone.com

Photo by Skylar Rae Photography Before I dive in, I want to say a big THANK YOU to anyone reading this! It's been a dream of mine to have a blog ever since I started Homes by Simmone in the midst of the craziness that was 2020. Interior design is my true passion and real estate has been an incredible addition. By specializing in both, I get to help others find and create the home of their dreams. To me, home is so much more than just a place. It's where you should feel the most content and surrounded by everything you love. What could be more important than that? My hope is that today's blog will encourage you to create your home with intention and shift your perspective on the impact home has on your life. A Reflection of YOU! Your home says a lot about you. The style, colors, décor, and artwork displayed are all points of conversation. Why is that? Everything has been carefully crafted by you and there is always a reason behind those choices. Maybe the kitchen backsplash is your favorite color and handmade by artisans, or the throw pillows in the living room were a result of Saturday afternoon thrifting with your best friend. Even if the reason is simply because you love it, or it makes you happy, all choices come together to make your home uniquely yours. By putting intention behind all the details that make up your home, the physical area you live in quickly evolves into an emotional space. While I stress the importance of turning a house into a home, I know it can be an intimating process when you consider everything else going on in your life. As a realtor, I purposely aim to find homes for my clients that fit their everyday life and style to ensure the emotional connection is created from day one. When that connection feels lost, my interior design role comes in and we have the ability to create a beautiful, functional home that is the best reflection of you and your family. Add a personal touch to your home with artwork or photos. Check out my favorite custom framing company, Framebridge! Curated for Everyday Life Home is where every day starts and ends. The ins and outs of daily life are probably on autopilot by now because you've set your home up to fit into your routine. However, there are systems that can be put into place in your home that can make your life run smoother! Start making small changes weekly or monthly that make your daily life easier and see the big changes over time! Below are some quick and easy ideas: Reorganize spice cabinet, pantry and refrigerator. Toss out expired items and add baskets, bins and labels for easier access. Replace multiple, large appliances with one that is multi-purpose, like an air fryer with four different functions. Any coffee drinkers? My self-grinding, automatic coffee maker is a godsend. Create a designated spot for mail, keys, wallet, etc. I have a bowl on my counter that I have to go through when it starts filling up because it's in plain sight. Looking for bigger changes with most impact long-term? You may want to hire an interior designer. The following ideas are ones that I've worked with clients on, and they truly make all the difference: Whether you're building off of what you have or starting fresh, change up the color scheme! New paint, décor and accent pieces are a great start. Consider some demo. Opening up walls and changing floor plans will make you feel like you have an entirely new home that functions better than you ever thought possible. Out with the old, in with the new. Breathe new life into your home by updating dated light fixtures, hardware, finishes and furniture. Remember to choose with intention! Fall in Love with Home Shop my modern casual home here! Like most things, creating a real, positive connection to your home takes time. I didn't feel this attachment when we first moved into our home, but we knew it was the one right when we walked in. After a few years of changes and updates, I can happily say that I am absolutely in love with my home. It's not the biggest or fanciest, but I have worked hard to make it ours. If there is something I don't like about it, I work towards improving it. Some may call me a homebody, but it's a great feeling when home is your favorite place in the world. I take pride in helping my clients feel this was about their home as well. Creating a home that is everything you desire it to be (and more) is achievable! If you don't feel that you can accomplish this on your own or maybe your current home isn't the right fit... I know a girl ;) Reach out to schedule your home buying or design consultation with Homes by Simmone! Hi! I'm Simmone I'm so glad you're here! I am an interior designer, realtor, owner of Homes by Simmone and completely obsessed with all things home. This blog is an exciting way to share my knowledge and grow my small business. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more! Want to work together? Please inquire through my website or email me at simmone@homesbysimmone.com

By: Simmone Clock of Homes by Simmone Image credit: Erin McGinn | Source The season of gathering is here! Whether you're hosting a friends-giving, family from out of town, a secret Santa exchange, or a full-blown New Year's Eve party, I'm guessing your home will be more crowded than usual this time of year. Let's be honest, hosting can be equal parts exciting and stressful, and every host wants their guests to feel comfortable and catered to. I personally LOVE to host and have found that it doesn't have to be stressful if your home is set up for it. Here are some simple ways to create a home that makes hosting and entertaining a breeze! But be warned, your family and friends are gonna want to keep coming back for more. Gradually Clean in Advance Starting off with a tip that is actually more for you than your guests. Self-care people! When your house is clean, it's one less thing to worry about (even subconsciously) and it gives you a blank canvas to prep your home for company. In the days leading up to your big event, gradually start cleaning your home. Vacuum, sweep, clean bathrooms and the kitchen, and get bedrooms ready in advance by washing bedding and making beds if needed. DO NOT do all of this the day of or even the day before. I've been there and I never seem to give myself enough time. Hello anxiety! If you have an event on a Friday evening, start your prep on Monday to ensure the only thing you will have to worry about is having too much fun! Make Functional Modifications Based on how many people you'll be hosting and what the purpose of the gathering is, you might want to make some modifications to your home to make things more functional. Think about if seating needs to be added- try these stylish and affordable Target poufs that can be easily moved around and work in almost any setting! - and if things need to be put away to allow more space. Consider switching up the layout temporarily to make room for your guests. For parties, make space in your closet for shoes and coats and bring out the bar cart! Shop image here Set the Mood Setting the mood is absolutely key to put you and your guests at ease. I always light candles, put music on and make sure that there is appropriate lighting. Starting a fire and switching on accent lighting as opposed to overhead lighting automatically makes your home feel cozier and more intimate. It's also fun to have games, snacks and drinks ready to go! How do you want your guests to feel during their stay? You call the shots! Work With What You Have Unless there is a theme, there's no need to go out and buy new décor, place settings, or serving utensils. Get creative with what you have and only buy what's necessary. I've dug deep into cabinets and closets to find platters, vases, and old decorations that I totally forgot I had. Pro-Tip: Create an aesthetic that fits the home you have! If you have a specific color scheme in your living or dining room, use that as inspiration and save yourself the worry of trying to fit a theme completely new. Comfort over perfection wins every time! Have Fun! Hosting doesn't have to be stressful! Think about the little things that you appreciate when visiting family and friends and come from a place of giving. Make it fun by pouring yourself a glass of wine and turning up the music while you make those final touches. I'm confident that you'll start enjoying hosting and your home will become a place that people love going to! For more tips and inspiration like this, subscribe to my email list for exclusive blog content and follow me on Instagram @simmoneclock! Hi! I'm Simmone I'm so glad you're here! I am an interior designer, realtor, owner of Homes by Simmone and completely obsessed with all things home. This blog is an exciting way to share my knowledge and grow my small business. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more! Want to work together? Please inquire through my website or email me at simmone@homesbysimmone.com