Studio Office Cabinet Progress – Cubby Bridge Basic Build

I did it! I built the cubby bridge on my studio office area cabinets all by myself yesterday, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how this section is turning out! As a reminder, here is the goal…

And at the start of the day yesterday, this is how the cabinets in that area of the room looked…

The actual cabinets (the white parts) are IKEA Sektion cabinets, and I’m in the process of customizing them. This has been a multi-post project just getting them to this point, so I’ll link the previous posts at the bottom of this one.

When it came to building the cubby bridge, my initial thought was the build it in the carport, and then bring it inside and screw it to the sides of the cabinets. But I work alone. For those who are new around here, my husband Matt has M.S. and is completely unable to help me with projects. And while there are several people who would be willing to come and help me, I really hate to bother people for things like this. Plus, I’m fiercely independent, and I thrive on figuring out how to do things myself.

So that was the challenge. How do I build a cubby bridge, and then hoist the thing up there by myself while trying to screw it into place? The answer? I DON’T! Instead, I decided to build it in place. That seemed like the most “work smarter, not harder” solution to me. Here’s how I did it…

First, I measured and marked where I wanted the bridge to be attached to the side cabinets, and I attached a piece of scrap wood to the side of the cabinet with the top edge of the board along the line I just marked. This ledger board is temporary, and I attached it using three 1.5-inch 16-gauge nails.

And then I repeated that process on the other side.

With my temporary ledger boards in place, I measured and cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood for the bottom of the cubby bridge. It took a couple of tries to get the fit just right, but on the second try, it fit perfectly between the side cabinets and rested on the ledger boards. You can see that it bows down a little bit in the middle, but I wasn’t worried about that. That will be corrected later in the buiding process.

After fitting that piece, I removed it and drilled three pocket holes on each end. These pocket holes are on the top of the board, not the bottom. The bottom is visible when standing in the room, and I don’t want visible pocket holes, and I don’t like having to fill pocket holes on areas that will be visible.

To drill the pocket holes, I used my Kreg Pocket Hole Jig. This is the one I have (affiliate link), and it is worth every penny. If you want to build furniture or cabinets, this tool is a must-have item!

So again, I drilled three pocket holes on each end of that piece, making sure I drilled the holes on the top of the piece.

At this point, I brought my scaffolding in to make the whole building process much easier. This is the one I have (affiliate link — also available at Home Depot), and it is yet another thing I bought recently that I wonder how I lived without for so long!

So standing on the scaffolding, I placed the plywood piece back on the temporary ledger boards, pocket holes facing up, and I screwed the piece into the side of the tall cabinets.

With that secured in place, it looked like this. The bow in the middle was still there, but I wasn’t worried about it at this point. I just wanted to make sure that it looked level with the trim at the top of the window.

Once I was sure it looked level, I removed the temporary ledger boards. That did leave three nail holes on each side that I’ll have to fill and sand, but I’m okay with that. We DIYers who work alone have to do what it takes, and filling and sanding six small nail holes is a small price to pay for getting this job done by myself.

Next, I used my table saw to cut the pieces for the ends. I attached these by nailing from the inside of this side piece into the plywood on the side of the side cabinet (i.e., in the direction my nail gun is pointing below).

And then I also nailed through the bottom plywood piece and into the edge of the side piece.

After repeating that on the other end, I was ready to cut the back piece to fit inside the two end pieces. This is where the bow in that bottom board would be corrected. You can see the back piece set into place below, and the bow in that bottom board is still visible.

To secure that back piece, I first nailed through the side pieces into the edge of the back piece.

After repeating that on the other end, I nailed through the bottom piece into the bottom edge of the back piece.

This is what took care of the bow and straightened up the bottom plywood piece. You can see that there’s no longer a gap between the two pieces at this point.

To be clear, other than the six pocket screws holding the bottom piece in place, I built the entire thing using 1.5-inch 16-guage nails. I have full confidence that these nails will hold. The kind that go in a nail gun are very rough, and really grab into the wood. If you’ve ever built anything using these nails, and had to take pieces apart, you know how strong they are. But if you have less confidence than I do in how well the nails will hold, you can always use wood glue in addition to the nails, or even add more pocket holes to hold the pieces together.

Next, I cut and attached the top piece, nailing it all around the three sides that sat on the side pieces and the back piece. I nailed through the top and into the edges of those three pieces. At this point, it was really starting to look like something! 😀

And the final step of the basic build for the cubby bridge was to cut and attach the dividers. I cut them using my table saw, and then attached them just like the other pieces.

After measuring and marking for placement of these divider pieces, I nailed through the bottom piece into the bottom edged of the divider pieces.

And then I nailed through the top and into the edges of the divider pieces.

And with that, the basic build was done! It’s going to take a lot of trim and finishing to get this section of cabinets to look like I envision in my mind, but I’m well on my way!

I so wish that every single one of you could see this in person. Pictures don’t do it justice. This section of cabinets went from looking kind of small and dwarfed by that tall, wide wall, to looking very substantial, like it can hold it’s own against that huge wall. Sometimes, more is definitely better! 😀 And I think, when it’s all finished, it will look way more like custom cabinets now.

So stay tuned, because coming up next, I’ll get the whole thing trimmed out and ready for primer and paint. I’m getting really excited about seeing this section finished soon!

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W Brom 2 – 1 Coventry

West Brom took a big step towards securing a spot in the Sky Bet Championship play-off places as they beat Coventry 2-1 on Friday night.

In the week their new owner, American businessman Shilen Patel, completed his takeover of the club, the Baggies celebrated with first-half goals from Mikey Johnston and Grady Diangana.

The result moves West Brom seven points clear of Norwich in seventh ahead of the rest of the weekend.

Coventry, who pulled one back in the second half through Haji Wright’s penalty, remain four points adrift of the play-off places.

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Mikey Johnston neatly put West Bromwich Albion ahead against Coventry.

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Grady Diangana gets on the end of Tom Fellows cross and makes it two for The Baggies.

Johnston strikes again as West Brom seal victory

It took just six minutes for Johnston to get the opener, as his brilliant solo run in from the left provided him with the space to bend one into the top corner, leaving Ben Wilson completely helpless in the Coventry goal.

After 36 minutes it was two. Tom Fellows was the provider as his ball in from the right was met perfectly by Diangana, who guided just inside the post from six yards.

Deep into the second half, Coventry were gifted an unlikely lifeline as Cedric Kipre fouled Kasey Palmer in the box, and substitute Wright stepped up to slot the resulting penalty.

But there would be no equaliser, as the Sky Blues saw their top-six hopes drift a little further away.

The managers

West Brom’s Carlos Corberan:

“That’s why [Johnston] was our target from the beginning. He can play different positions for us. Some days he can play wide, and other days it’s a playmaker inside. It’s not easy to find a way who can manage both positions.

“In general we were very good in the first half. We found spaces to attack and progress with the ball. In the second half we knew they would press more. We lost a lot of balls in the middle of the pitch which didn’t allow us to progress in the pitch.

“We didn’t command the game well enough. I said to my players the key wasn’t the result at half-time it was the result at the end of the game. We finished the game better.”

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Life Lately: He’s here! – The Inspired Room

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

Life Lately: He's here!

He’s here! He’s here! Meet Forrest. My heart can hardly take in his sweetness! I’m so thankful he is healthy and in awe that I get to be a Grammie to this precious little guy. Mama and baby (and Daddy) are doing well!

Thank you for all of your prayers and excitement over the arrival of our first little grand babe and the beginning of a new chapter in our family and home.

Give me all your ideas for how to be the best Grandma I can be! Grand babe two is due this summer!

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Mastering Major Mixing Techniques for Optimal Music Production

Major mixing techniques play a pivotal and transformative role in shaping the sonic landscape of a musical composition. This intricate process involves the artful manipulation of individual audio elements to achieve a cohesive, balanced, and professional-sounding mix

Let’s delve deeper into the significance of EQing, compression, and the impactful use of reverb and delay in achieving a professional and distinctive sound.

EQing (Equalization):

Equalization is a fundamental tool in major mixing that significantly influences the frequency balance of a track. Here’s a closer look at its importance and application:

  1. Balancing Frequencies: EQing allows for the meticulous balancing of frequencies within a track. By cutting or boosting specific frequencies, it addresses clashes, reduces muddiness, and enhances the overall clarity of the mix.
  2. Complementing Style and Genre: Skilled mixing engineers understand how to apply EQing techniques in a way that complements the style and genre of a song. It’s not just about fixing problems but also about bringing out the best in each element for a cohesive and polished final product.
  3. Understanding Instrument Roles: EQing demands an in-depth understanding of each instrument’s frequency range and its role in the mix. This requires time, patience, and skill to identify problematic areas while maintaining a harmonious balance between all elements.
  4. Professional Level Quality: Hiring a professional who excels in these nuances can elevate your music from an amateur level to industry-standard quality. Proper balancing for clarity, removal of unwanted frequencies, and precise boosting of certain frequency ranges using tools such as equalizers contribute to a polished final product.

Compression:

Compression is a dynamic tool that plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of music production. Its effective use provides consistency, sustain, and punch to instruments and vocals while minimizing background noise. Key considerations include:

  1. Controlling Volume Levels: Compression is instrumental in maintaining consistent volume levels, ensuring a smooth and balanced sound throughout the track.
  2. Adding Sustain and Punch: Skillful application of compression can add sustain and punch to instruments and vocals, contributing to a more impactful and dynamic musical experience.
  3. Reducing Background Noise: Compression is adept at reducing background noise, enhancing the overall balance of the mix and allowing the primary elements to shine.
  4. Key to Professional Sound: Understanding and utilizing compression effectively is often the key to achieving a professional-sounding mix, unlocking potential and taking your music career to the next level.

Reverb and Delay:

Reverb and delay are sonic enhancements that add depth, space, and dimensionality to tracks. Their strategic use can set your music apart in terms of creativity and originality:

  1. Creating Depth and Environment: Reverb simulates reflections, creating a sense of space, while delay adds rhythmic interest through echo effects. Used sparingly, these effects enhance the listening experience without overwhelming the listener.
  2. Textural Atmosphere: Both reverb and delay can add texture, character, and atmosphere to tracks, contributing to a unique sonic signature that distinguishes your music.
  3. Experimentation for Creativity: Experimenting with different settings is crucial when using reverb and delay. This process allows you to explore new sonic possibilities, giving you more control over how each track interacts within the overall production.
  4. Setting Your Music Apart: The creative use of reverb and delay can set your music apart, providing it with a distinct identity within your genre and capturing the listener’s attention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and mastering major mixing techniques, including EQing, compression, and the use of reverb and delay, empowers musicians to unlock the full potential of their music. These techniques are not just tools; they are artistic expressions that, when wielded with skill and creativity, elevate a musical composition to new heights.

Whether through precise EQ adjustments, dynamic control with compression, or the spatial enhancements of reverb and delay, major mixing techniques are the key to crafting a professional, engaging, and unforgettable sonic experience.

Two Ideas For Reupholstering My Studio Desk Chair

Yesterday, I listed reupholstering my desk chair as one of the items on my “to do” list for the office area of my studio. If you’ve been reading my posts for a while, you might remember that this desk chair was originally a dining chair that looked like this…

It didn’t have casters on the legs, and the nailhead trim was silver. So I did a little makeover on the chair by cutting the legs down, adding casters, and then using a little Rub ‘N Buff in a gold/brass color to change the color of the nailhead trim.

chair makeover - from dining chair to rolling desk chair - 1

What drew me to this chair in the first place is the really high back. I like a big desk chair that makes a statement. I don’t like small desk chairs that get lost behind the desk. Before buying this one, I had searched and searched for a pretty velvet desk chair in a bold color, and while I found plenty of them, they all had a short back that seemed to barely peek over the desk. So those didn’t fit the bill. I remember finding one that was perfect at Ballard Designs, but it would have been about $1500, and I didn’t really find a fabric from their fabric selection that I loved anyway. I say that as if I’d ever spend $1500 on a desk chair. 😀 I wouldn’t.

So that’s why I’m opting to keep this chair and reupholster it instead of just purchasing a new chair. It’s the perfect size, and it’s actually very comfortable. I love the design, the style, and the size, but I don’t love the color anymore. Plus, as I showed you yesterday, my cat has done a bit of redesigning on it for me.

So I need to reupholster it in a cat-proof fabric, and velvet is always my go-to fabric for that. I checked on Spoonflower (the same place where I had my floral mural wallpaper, the floral curtain fabric, and the colorful square wallpaper printed), and they do offer a performance velvet that can be used for upholstery. So I started playing around with a couple of ideas.

First, I tried doing some stripes using the colors from the floral design, which I also used on the square wallpaper design. Here’s a (very rough) mock up of what that could look like…

I added the stripe on the back and the seat, and then did the rest in a solid eggplant color. I’m not sure about doing the entire chair in the stripe. My first thought is that it might be overwhelming and busy. My second thought is that trying to match those stripes would be a nightmare, and might end up looking very sloppy. But I could do horizontal stripes on the back and seat cushion, and then vertical stripes on the rest so that they’re very intentionally different, and wouldn’t require matching up the stripes from one section to another. I didn’t do a mock up of that idea, though, because I’m just not that good at doing mockups.

The second idea I tried was using the same colorful square design that I made for the studio bathroom wallpaper. I can have that same design (but probably with smaller squares) printed on fabric. That would look something like this…

Again, I paired it with a dark eggplant color for the sides. And the chair in those pictures is sitting in front of the old, original wallpaper that had the smaller, darker flowers. If you’ll remember, when I decided to go with the larger flowers, I also lightened the colors on some of the flowers quite a bit. But the new wallpaper isn’t so drastically different in color that it would affect what goes on the chair across the room.

So those are the two options I’m toying around with right now. I might play around with those stripes a little more and try out some various edits, like perhaps doing the stripe vertically instead of horizontally, or using fewer colors with wider stripes.

But just based on the two options I’ve done so far, I think the fabric with the colorful squares is my favorite. My only concern is that I might be getting a little heavy on the squares and rectangles. My floor is painted squares. The bathroom walls will be covered in colorful squares. The paint swatch cabinet is covered in colorful rectangles.

And then I bought a huge colorful wall calendar to go on the wall next to my desk. I haven’t shown y’all the wall calendar yet, but it’s this one from Kaleidoscope Living. It’s huge, and glorious, and colorful, and amazing…and more rectangles.

I feel like the room is already getting pretty heavy on the colorful squares/rectangles, and that makes me think I need to make the stripes work, even if they’re my second choice. But we’ll see. I may end up throwing caution to the wind and adding more colorful squares.

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Six Figure Spa Chick: Candace Holyfield Parker is At It Again!

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Photo Credit: Candace Holyfield Parker

As the excitement of Super Bowl weekend swept through the city, one event stood out among the glitz and glamour: Candace Holyfield Parker’s Super Bowl Weekend Extravaganza. Combining the thrill of the big game with the tranquility of wellness, Parker orchestrated a one-of-a-kind experience that left attendees feeling rejuvenated and inspired.

Set against the backdrop of the bustling cityscape, Parker’s event brought together a diverse array of guests, from sports enthusiasts to wellness aficionados. But what truly set this gathering apart was Parker’s unique blend of entertainment and enlightenment.

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Photo Credit: Candace Holyfield Parker

At the heart of the event was Parker’s commitment to holistic wellness. Amidst the festivities, guests were treated to a series of rejuvenating spa treatments and wellness workshops led by Parker herself. From soothing massages to guided meditation sessions, attendees were invited to unwind and recharge amidst the excitement of the weekend.

But Parker’s event wasn’t just about relaxation – it was also a celebration of community and camaraderie. Throughout the weekend, guests had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, forging new friendships and deepening existing bonds.

Candace Holyfield Parker’s Super Bowl Weekend Extravaganza was more than just an event it was an experience that left a lasting impression on all who attended. And with Parker at the helm, the future looks brighter than ever for those seeking to embrace wellness, connection, and celebration in equal measure.

For more info follow Candace Holyfield Parker IG @Sixfigurespachick

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Our 5 Best Cordless Impact Wrench Picks (2024)

Affiliate Disclosure: We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services.

Impact wrenches are a must-have for any automotive worker, but they can also be highly useful around your home. Cordless impact wrenches provide maximum mobility and a high power level, making them useful for anything from removing lug nuts to metalworking to changing a tire. The best cordless impact wrench for you will largely depend on what you need it for and how much power is required. To help you find the best tool for your needs, we created this guide to the best cordless impact wrenches available. Here are our top picks.

Best Cordless Impact Wrenches: Our Top 5 Picks

Compare Top Cordless Impact Wrenches

Best Overall

Good for: This cordless impact wrench is a good choice for a serious do-it-yourself (DIY) project or for a professional who needs a tool capable of handling large jobs with a high torque level.

What Customers Are Saying

We found that customers who gave this product positive reviews liked that it was highly durable, powerful, and easy to grip. Several others were impressed with this wrench’s batteries and that the tool kit included two separate and long-lasting 5 amp hour (Ah) batteries. On the other hand, a few customers felt this tool was overly heavy, and some also said the case didn’t fit properly.  

Best Value

Good for: This impact wrench is good for those who need an impact wrench for standard household tasks but don’t want to break the bank. 

What Customers Are Saying

We found that customers who left a positive review for this wrench liked that it had excellent power and speed for its size and that it was lightweight and maneuverable. On the other hand, others felt that this wrench struggled to loosen lug nuts, and others felt it didn’t have as much torque as advertised.

Best Mid-Level

Good for: This impact wrench is a good option for DIYers seeking a well-built, mid-torque model that can work for small and medium-sized household projects.

What Customers Are Saying

Our team found that this impact wrench drew positive feedback from Amazon customers for its portable, lightweight design, durable build, and high power level. However, we did note that some other customers felt this tool’s battery died too quickly, and others said its charger was inefficient. 

Best Heavy-Duty

Good for: This impact wrench is a good choice for those working on large household automotive or construction projects looking for a well-built, efficient tool with high torque output.

What Customers Are Saying

We found that customers who liked this wrench said it was well-built, had excellent torque, and easily removed lug nuts and bolts. However, we noticed that a few customers felt this wrench’s variable speed was difficult to control. Others said that this cordless impact wrench ran out of battery life quickly. 

Best for Small Jobs

Good for: This impact wrench is good for customers looking for a less expensive impact wrench that still produces enough power to work on small and medium household tasks.

What Customers Are Saying

Our team found that customers impressed with this cordless impact wrench said it was durable and well-built. Others found that it had a long-lasting battery. However, one customer did note that they felt this impact wrench’s fan was too loud when charging.

What To Know Before Buying Cordless Impact Wrenches

Cordless impact wrenches are extremely useful tools for construction, mechanical, or landscaping projects, but finding the best option for you will depend on several factors. You should consider the wrench’s battery, ergonomics, power level, and size before purchasing.

Battery

The battery level of cordless impact wrenches is measured in voltage, while the battery size is measured in Ah. Typical power levels include 12 volts and 18 volts for small- and medium-sized tools and 20 volts and 24 volts for larger impact wrenches. Tools with a higher Ah will typically run for a longer charge. Ah levels can range anywhere from 1.5 to 6 depending on the make and model. 

Ergonomics 

Impact wrenches can be challenging to use and maneuver if you’re not used to them. However, most modern tools have features that make them easier to operate. Look for cordless wrenches with a comfortable handle to ensure the tool won’t cause hand or wrist pain. Additionally, many cordless impact wrenches come with ring lights and vibration control to reduce common pain points. Models with a lightweight design will usually be easier to handle than heavier models. 

Power Level and Speed

The higher the power level, the more efficiently you can get through the job. Powerful tools can run at a higher price point, so it’s important to know what job you’ll be performing and if you need maximum torque and RPM. 

The power level of a cordless impact wrench is determined by its torque, which high-level models are capable of upwards of 3,000 pounds, and compact models sometimes offer as low as 100 pounds. The speed is measured by IPM (impacts per minute) and RPM, which indicates how quickly it can drive nuts and bolts. 

Size

Most cordless impact wrenches are 1/2-inch drive models that accept 1/2-inch sockets, but smaller (usually 3/8-inches) and larger (1/4-inches) models are also available. Cordless impact wrenches are typically full compact or subcompact, with most models being full compact unless labeled otherwise. Full-sized models have longer tool heads that can produce higher torque. However, a sub-compact model may be better for fitting into tight spaces. Sub-compact wrenches will typically be lighter and more maneuverable than full-compact tools. 

Common Uses for Impact Wrenches

Many associate impact wrenches with professional construction or automotive projects, but they can also be extremely useful to have for less-intensive household jobs. Here are some ways you can utilize a battery-powered impact wrench to help you get things done around your home:

  • Assembling furniture
  • Changing tires
  • Checking brakes
  • Crafting metal when welding
  • Installing cabinets
  • Installing shock absorbers
  • Mounting TVs
  • Putting together a swing set
  • Replacing bike pedals or handlebars
  • Securing rail components on a deck
  • Swapping lawn mower blades
  • Tightening and loosening bolts

FAQ About Cordless Impact Wrenches

What’s the difference between an impact wrench and an impact driver?

Impact wrenches can deliver more torque than an impact driver, making them more suitable for use on heavy-duty projects such as removing lug nuts or large bolts. Additionally, impact wrenches usually have larger chucks ranging up to 1 inch, while impact drivers typically have 1/4-inch chucks.

What are the advantages of a cordless wrench vs. an air-powered wrench?

Cordless impact wrenches provide more maneuverability and convenience than corded wrenches or wrenches that run on compressed air. Air-powered (also called pneumatic) models may be less expensive, but they require an air compressor setup to work properly. 

How do you maintain a cordless impact wrench?

Cordless impact wrenches need routine maintenance to ensure they continue to work properly. Cleaning the tool regularly, lubricating it after each use, and properly charging and storing the battery are some basic steps you can take to keep your wrench working properly and extend its shelf life. 

What safety precautions are needed when using an impact wrench?

You should wear proper safety equipment, such as hearing protection and safety glasses, when using an impact wrench. You should also keep the work area free from hazards and ensure the area is well-lit before operating the device. Never use an impact driver if intoxicated, overly tired, or on medications. 

Who This Cordless Impact Wrench Guide Is For

Cordless impact wrenches are highly useful for any homeowner or professional looking for an efficient tool that can perform various heavy-duty professional jobs and make it more efficient to complete at-home DIY projects. We examined cordless impact wrenches of various sizes, power and speed levels, and designs to find the best options for you.

How We Selected the Best Cordless Impact Wrenches

To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.

Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of cordless impact wrenches with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers. 

Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.

Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.

Why You Can Trust Us

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. 

Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.

Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

Questions or Comments?

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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Refreshing My Home for “Almost Spring”: Early Spring Decorating

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating
Sources: Blue Range Stove (mine is the 30 inch in Blue Gray / Grey) // Marble Tray // Footed Resin Marble Looking Tray // Floral Hot Water Kettle (more pattern options) // Similar Blue Plate on Wall // Gold Picture Frame // Heron Art Print
Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating

I am so glad February is finally here! Not only is this the month our first grandson will make his appearance, but it feels even more like spring is finally near. Of course the weather doesn’t always cooperate in February but still, I am full of anticipation for sunshine and flowers! After adding my tulips to the living room, I was inspired to get in the spring mood around the house with some early spring decorating! Yes it’s 6 weeks away but we’re half way there 🙂 so this past week I started some early spring refreshing and cleaning. I’ll have more to show you next week but here are a few things I’ve done so far!

Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating
Sources: Round Wood Board (under crock) // Crock was a vintage find but here is another similar one I have

A vintage crock makes a charming vase for spring flowers. I was able to stop in a Trader Joe’s on the way back from some errands the other day and grabbed a big bouquet! My original plan was to divide them into smaller bouquets but I set them in this vintage crock temporarily when I returned home. Once I saw them here I loved them so much I decided to leave them! It is an instant joy bringer.

Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating
Kettle Source + Acrylic Marble Looking Footed Tray Source

This darling teapot has been a perfect “not-quite-but-almost-spring” pick me up! A spot of tea has been one of our afternoon rituals on many dark days this winter so we were delighted to be gifted this new Laura Ashley teapot. It couldn’t be more adorable and definitely has me romanticizing the idea of a cuppa tea in the English Countryside (while thoroughly enjoying it here on our island in the PNW).

Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating

The kettle comes in a few pattern options (all so lovely!)…you can see them all here. There’s an electric kettle version too. The toaster is also dreamy!

Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating
Source: Reusable Paper Towels (more patterns and colors available!)

Spring cleaning has been on my mind and I found the neatest towels for the job! This set just arrived over the weekend and I’m already in love. They are a reusable paper towel substitute, but much thicker and much more absorbent than regular paper towels. You can wash them in the washing machine, or in the top rack of a dishwasher.

We slowed down using paper towels (other than for the really messy jobs) years ago, but our wash loads increased with all the dish towels we went through. I think these are perfect, sooo cute and just the right size to fit in your hand and to tackle most jobs. Plus they don’t take up much room in the drawer at all! These are already a real hit at our house. I definitely recommend them!

You can see all the cute pattern options here.

Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating
Sources: Patchwork Quilt // Buffalo Check Curtains in Chambray Color (more options available) // Striped Chair // Brass Battery Operated Window Candle (other finish options)

I noticed we were getting a little lazy with our bedroom tidying this winter, so it was time for a almost-spring refresh. I don’t know about you but I find it hard to feel inspired in winter! The past few years I’ve challenged myself to work on my bedroom in January and that has helped. Our room wasn’t horrible but I noticed there were just too many random things sitting around.

We’ve been talking about simplifying in HomeBody Gathering Place and last week the topic was simplifying to create a bedroom sanctuary. I finally decided it was time to get out of my winter slump and pick things up in here! I started by cleaning up this corner. It only took a few minutes to put stuff away, tidy and finish it up, but now makes me happy!

Now that we have our hardwood floors upstairs, a few weeks ago I brought in a rug we already had. Partly to make it cozy but also because our pup Jack is getting older now and needs some traction on the hardwoods. Then I fell in love with this quilt I saw and decided to treat myself to it as a birthday gift last month :).

Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating
Patchwork Quilt Source

Dreams come true! My dream as long as I can remember was to have a big stack of colorful quilts folded up on a shelf, so one by one I’m going to make that dream come true in this house! Quilts just feel so homey and comforting and the colors and patterns add so much charm to a room.

Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating

This week in HomeBody Gathering Place I taught our weekly lesson on simplifying our closet, so I’m doing a mini-refresh in mine, too (along with others in the community who are doing the same!). A couple of our mottos are “baby steps” and “progress over perfection! Speaking of dreams coming true, I began The Inspired Room 17 years ago in January 2007 (!) with a dream to help others turn their home into a sanctuary. It has been a rewarding journey ever since! And it’s been especially amazing over the past year to create the HGP community. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to teach the principles and ideas that have inspired me for so long, as well as continuing to share here on TIR and through my books.

By the way, HomeBody Gathering Place will open to new members again in a few weeks for our spring sessions on style. I can’t wait for that one! I’d love to have you join us. You can learn all about it at homebodygatheringplace.com

Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating
Pink Battery Operated Taper Candle (comes in a set of 3, linked several colors!)

Soon it will be Valentine’s Day! Flameless candles are my favorite way to add a little romantic touch to our home all year round. A few months ago I discovered these wonderful flameless candles when I was trying to find flameless colored tapers! I took a chance on this brand I hadn’t heard of and bought the blue tapers to give them a try. We enjoyed them so much all winter (see more photos of them in our home here). Now I have other colors including shades of green and shades of pink which I think will be so fun and pretty for spring. They come in sets of three shades and a remote! They are so pretty we leave them on all evening. There’s also a cream/shades of orange set here.

Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating
Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating

Source: Green Battery Operated Taper Candle (linked other colors too)

Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating
Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating

A Few Recent Posts:

7 Home Organizing Tips + Organizers That Changed Our Lives

Valentine’s Day Decor and Gifts

How I Create a Winter Sanctuary at Home

Let’s Talk About Trends: Butter Yellow Trend

5 Charming Kitchen Sinks

Bathroom Decorating Ideas and 100+ Decor Finds

7 Updates to Our Vintage Mint Green and Pink Bathroom (and redefining home goals!)

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Refreshing My Home for "Almost Spring": Early Spring Decorating

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Louis Vuitton Spell On You Fragrance Review

[unpaid/sample] You know when you experience a fragrance and it just speaks to you right there and then? This is the kind of perfume I could wear for the rest of my life and that really doesn’t happen very often. Louis Vuitton Spell On You reminded me so much of a fragrance my mum used to wear – her dinner party or going out fragrance – and realised that the notes from that continue to inform my own perfume choices.

Louis Vuitton Spell On You Fragrance Review

The first note that hit me when I tested a sampler of the fragrance (the bottle was sent for photography, courier waiting outside …. the pressure!) was honey, and I really don’t like honey other than in very, very small quantities. But, because of all it’s wrapped around in this blend, I was more, ‘mmm, how delicious – a honey note’. Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud (who believes fruity fragrance popularity is declining) is at the helm with Spell On You with a mind to create something mischievous and romantic and uses the floral headiness of Sambac jasmine and rose to achieve the optimism of romance part perfectly. The honey note comes from the acacia flower with a side order of powdery iris and a pinch of musk. I think you could say that the mischievous aspect is more about sensuality – this is a fragrance that settles onto the skin so deliciously and seamlessly that I feel confident that those around you will move in a little closer.

Louis Vuitton Spell On You Fragrance Review

Valentine’s day is the obvious hook for Louis Vuitton Spell On You but looking further ahead, this blend is like carrying a summer night bloom bouquet with you all of the time. Spell On You has a push-pull energy between softness and headiness – it smells of good times, of sensual languidity, of intimate evenings and skin that’s been held. It leaves the lightest of trails on your clothes so folding away sends the memories back to you – really, this is a giver.  It’s a luxury brand, so expect a luxury price – £255 HERE – and if the mood strikes you, you could buy Spell On You its own travel case, £460.

 

Transparency Disclosure

All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.

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