6 essentials for the perfect vanity area

I can remember being a teenager and wanting a vanity for my bedroom. My parents didn't really think I needed one, so I went ahead and make shifted one myself. It was made of a small side table and old mirror. It was magical and it was my special little space. As a girl, there is something very powerful about your 'dressing area'. I used to watch my grandmother in her large glamorous vanity put on makeup every morning and was just mesmerized by the special care she took in prepping herself for the day. She didn't wear much makeup, but with every product she put on, I could see her confidence grow. As she would finish up, she would spray her favorite scent and declare herself ready for her day. All she was doing was going to the kitchen to make breakfast for our extremely large family, but she did with this killer confidence you see in the movies.

I think every girl should use her vanity in the same way, a place to feel more beautiful, say affirmations to begin your day and walk away with beaming confidence. There is nothing like using your time to give yourself some self care with beauty and at the same time work on self love for your self! Read this post for some examples on affirmations I repeat daily.

Here are a few essentials for your home confidence area a.k.a the vanity. 

1. A gorgeous mirror. Without a fantastic mirror, it's just an ordinary work space. The first key in setting up your vanity for success is the mirror. You want something large enough to reflect ample light and see everything. I prefer antique mirrors for the drama. 

Tara Fingold | Style at Home

2. Fantastic lighting. I always like to choose an area with a ton of natural light because that's the best to apply makeup to the face. However, the right light fixtures can work too. You will want your light fixtures to direct light at your face, not from above, that will cast shadows you don't need. The lightbulb is everything. I recommend lightbulbs with a CRI of 90 or above. (CRI = color rendering index number) Try these. 

Rue Magazine

3. The right seating. A beautiful chair obviously would be amazing, but I prefer small benches or vanity stools. You want to sit in something very comfortable but also have the need sit up straight while putting on your makeup. Good posture is a great habit to start out your day right. 

4. Things that make you smile. Whether its pictures of your loved ones, framed vision boards, words of encouragement or just trinkets you adore. Be sure that your vanity has a collection of things that put a smile on your face. Nothing can beautify you better. 

chic vanity - lonny

5. Proper storage. Be sure to use a table with at least a few drawers. You don't want everything piling up on top of your beauty area. There are also plenty of beautiful organizers to sit atop your table space. 

6. Flowers + candles. The right fragrance can make everything better. Flowers will lift your spirits and keep the vanity area looks fresh and beautiful. Then, you'll want to burn a candle for ambiance. Those two things will just make the whole experience complete. I like to make sure all my products packaging is matching and looks good together too. For example, I love black white and gold, so on my vanity you'll find things in that color scheme of packaging like so. . .

Goddard design group

Happy beautifying! xo

How to curate a show stopping front door ( 5 tips )

This post is all about 3 ways to create a show stopping front door of your home.

I've been driving around lately, noticing all of the doors of the very large beautiful homes. Some of the doors are so incredibly stylish and well done and some are completely left alone. I can’t help but wonder why on Earth would someone not pay attention to their front door. In Feng Shui, doors are everything, the entryway is literally the mouth of the home, meaning it is the MOST IMPORTANT space in your home for calling in opportunities. I have an entire e-book that tells you 25 ways to attract money into your home by redecorating your front door. Please, go download it now. It will help inspire you to focus on your front door.

Not only is it good Feng Shui, your front door is a representation of who you are, who lives inside. You've got to give a little effort and make it chic. As they say, dress up for the life that you want.

LEARN HOW TO FENG SHUI YOUR FRONT DOOR TO ATTRACT MONEY!

5 ways to create a show stopping front door:

1. A bold door color. First, thing is first, you've got to nail down the best paint color for your door. Black lacquer doors are pretty much always a winner for me. Black is a neutral that goes with almost every single look, style and exterior color. Always go with a high gloss paint or a lacquer finish. 

   A black front door will attract positive energy and a renewed connection to nature. It’s intertwined with the water element, which represents wisdom, maturity and healing. Water is also connected to your social connections, so black can be a supportive color for building relationships, fostering communication and inviting good energy in quickly.

MORE COLOR OPTIONS FOR YOUR FRONT DOOR:

Light blue : bring serenity and tranquillity to any home

Dark blue : promotes wisdom and knowledge within

Green: a promise to renew your connection to nature and will welcome in new life, vibrancy and good fortune.

Gray: associated with determination, self-reliance and sophistication. In addition, it’s the color associated with travel and helpful people.

White: the color that represents a fresh start and quiet contemplation.

Red: represents good fortune and at one time meant that you have paid off your mortgage.

Yellow: a home of optimism and positivity.

Pink: will represent a heart-centered home full of happiness and youthful cheer.

Purple: this will attract creativity, inspiration, spirituality and luxury.

Brown: represents a home that has a grounded energy.

2. A pair of planters. When it comes to the decor, planters are always a good place to start. A pair will symbolize harmony when placed on either side of the door. When you are looking to create balance in your relationships, you will place matching nightstands on either side of your bed. To attract happiness and balance in your home and life, place a pair of planters on either side of your front door.

Find the right pair of planters to add to your front door or if you are lucky enough to have steps, place a few smaller ones down the stairs. Here are a few I like:

Inspiration for door color:

Bold colors are also always going to be chic for a front door.

photo via sarah diorio

I read on Elle Decor that red doors are the symbol for good luck and fortune, so if you want to welcome that, why not paint your door a chic shade of high gloss red? 

If you really want to get fun, you can do a dynamic duo like blue and black. I think these doors pretty much nailed this look. . . 

3. Personalization. Why not trick out your door with a monogram or your address in a cool painted on font? Door knockers also are very chic, my grandparents have a cool door knocker with the family last name engraved. Details are everything. I absolutely adore a pretty door mat, like this bumble bee mat.

better homes and gardens

Why not throw in a stylish floor mat and garden stools in the mix? 

4. Beautiful Hardware. I am obsessed with door hardware. In fact, for me, the bigger, the better. I also love vintage or antique looking hardware. You can also accessorize your front door with modern address numbers and a beautiful door knocker.

A few door knockers that would look great on any door:

houseandhome.com

Verandah House

5. Stand out lighting. Don't go for some skimpy light fixture. Upgrade your front door with a stunning light piece. Something that complements the style of your home and adds some pizazz. 

A few stylish sconces. . .

Title image via Anouska Hempel | all other photos can be found on this pinterest board.