Color Psychology

Choosing colors for interior decorating is more important than you think. Each color has its own specific psychological impacts and benefits. So before you choose a color scheme, really think about the effect you want your space to deliver.

Blue

Blue gives off a calming and cooling vibe that creates a sense of tranquility. If you’ve been to a spa, you may have noticed that they typically decorate with light blue colors. Blue also promotes productivity and intelligence, which makes it a great choice for a room you want to get some work done in.

Blue by lizzymccarthy featuring a sea painting

Cyan Design ceramic lamp / Anthropologie curtain / Sea painting / Floral home decor / Blue sofa, $4,565

Yellow

Yellow is an energizing color that gives off a warm, happiness. Because it is such a vibrant tone, yellow can sometimes be overwhelming if it is overused. The best way to incorporate yellow into a space is with a mix of neutral tones and natural textures.

Yellow by lizzymccarthy featuring a wood shelving

Contemporary lamp / Anthropologie yellow home decor / Claude monet painting / Nearly Natural fake plant / Joybird leather sofa / Wood shelving

Green

Green is a natural stress reliever and is closely tied to nature. It is a calming color and is associated with health and wellbeing. Green can be incorporated through accessories and plants.

Green by lizzymccarthy featuring safavieh table lamps

Safavieh table lamp / Sun Zero blackout panel / Barclay Butera framed wall art / Robin Bruce velvet couch / Glass top coffee table

Red

If you want to make a statement, red is a great choice. Just like yellow, red also encourages energy, but it is much more bold. Red shouldn’t be used for a bedroom because it has the opposite effect of relaxation.

Red by lizzymccarthy featuring red home decor

EFF window curtain / Ballard Designs red home decor / Modway oversized sofa / Ballard Designs chair

Jewelry Storage

Trying to find storage solutions can be difficult. It can be especially hard to find storage for items you use on a daily basis, like jewelry. Throughout the years I have tried everything from jewelry stands that sat on my dresser and displayed my pieces, to a single jewelry box that soon became overfilled and crowded. It wasn’t until college that I invested in a jewelry armoire and it has really made such a difference.

I love the jewelry armoire concept because it becomes much more than just storage, it is also a beautiful piece of furniture. While living in my college apartment, I used my jewelry armoire as an integral piece of furniture to complete the décor in my bedroom, but now that I am back home, I keep it in my closet due to the large size of my other bedroom furniture. Luckily, I don’t have built-ins in my closet, so the jewelry armoire fits right in.

I especially love jewelry armoires as I’ve gotten older because I’ve acquired nicer pieces that I like to keep tucked away and out of sight when I’m not wearing them. Many jewelry armoires have a lid that opens, multiple drawers, sides that open for hanging necklaces, and even secret compartments. Even if your jewelry collection is not as large, you can still fill the extra drawers with other small items like scarves, headbands, or any other accessories you might have.  

My jewelry armoire has a vintage vibe, but you can find many different styles like this modern, mirrored armoire or this dark, wood armoire that has a more masculine look. 

Design Inspiration: Atlantic Beach

There are many places we can look to for design inspiration. Some of my favorite inspiration comes from right within my own community. It’s truly amazing to live somewhere as beautiful as Atlantic Beach and the beaches area in Jacksonville. There are so many fun things to do outside at the beach and around the Beaches Town Center. Not to mention all the amazing restaurants that are right in our own backyard. Hawkers, The Flying Iguana, and Southern Grounds are definitely my top favorites.

Not only is the food and atmosphere amazing, the architecture is truly unique too. With the addition of the building that houses Hawkers, Fig & Willow, and other boutiques, the Beaches Town Center has received a much-appreciated facelift.

 The building embodies Mediterranean styles, which are popular along coastal areas. There are beautiful tile accents on the stairs that add a pop of color with their geometric design. 

 The Travel Channel rates Atlantic Beach as one of the top 10 beaches in Florida. I love the summer time, but something about the fall weather makes Atlantic Beach even prettier! If you’re looking for a place to leisurely enjoy the afternoon surrounded by beautiful scenery and architect, Atlantic Beach is a great choice!

Fall Fresh

The seasons are changing and so are the trends! Get ready to ditch bland and boring interiors for a space that is inviting and cozy. 

• Dark Green

Adding a pop of dark green into your color scheme will instantly give you a refreshed look for fall. Dark green will go great with any neutral color palette and looks amazing with metallic accents. If you're second guessing committing to the dark green trend, accent pillows are a great option to test out the look.

Dark Green by lizzymccarthy featuring green furniture

Currey Company green light
lampsplus.com

Forest green throw pillow
amazon.com

Green furniture
onekingslane.com

Chair
mgbwhome.com

• Velvet

Velvet adds a luxurious feel to any space. If a piece of velvet furniture isn't for you, accent pillows and velvet drapes achieve the same type of texture. Revamp your velvet by pairing with natural wood textures for a modern twist.

Velvet by lizzymccarthy featuring velvet throw pillows



Anthropologie curtain
anthropologie.com





Velvet throw pillow
chairish.com





Gus Modern velvet couch
burkedecor.com





Velvet furniture
wayfair.com




• Brass 

Brass is this season's hot metallic. Whether incorporated in a piece of furniture or in accent pieces, brass will add a warm shine and nice contrast to your space.

Brass Accents by lizzymccarthy featuring a pillow top ottoman

Brass lighting
shadesoflight.com

Minimal brass vase
popmap.com

Sparrow Wren pillow top ottoman
bloomingdales.com

Black coffee table
domino.com

If you are on board for all of these fall trends, or just want to try one, adding any of these elements to your space will transition you into the cooler fall weather. Creating a warm, intimate atmosphere by choosing rich colors and textures will get you ready to enjoy the season.

Hello October!

October is my favorite month for many reasons. I love the smell of pumpkin spice, the crisp leaves, and Halloween! I also love to decorate for the season. Simplifying your space and everyday decor is very important to seamlessly decorate for the season and holidays. This makes it super easy to change out your go to seasonal decor and spices up your space every few months (no pun intended). 

Seasonal decorating doesn't have to break the bank! This past weekend, Michael's craft store had their fall doorbuster sale on most fall accessories and decorations! You can stay up to date with ongoing sales by registering your email on most craft store websites. I snagged three white craft pumpkins at 70% off and brainstormed how I could transform them into something special. 

This project was also so cheap because I already had everything I needed besides the pumpkins! In total I spent about $20 on the pumpkins. I used black and gold paint pens, Mod Podge, gold glitter, and burlap glitter ribbon that I had organized in my craft cabinet. I chose a fall quote for the biggest pumpkin, a monogram "M" with a burlap glitter bow for the medium size pumpkin, and a glitter glaze for the smallest pumpkin. These pumpkins are great for decorating through November because they are not specific to Halloween. 

However, these pumpkins would also be great for Halloween decorating! They come in orange and would make for a great Jack O' Lantern project with a little paint.