7 Fall-Inspired Ways to Decorate Your Fireplace

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but when the temperature is dropping along with the leaves, the fireplace becomes a contender. Autumn brings cozy thoughts and makes you turn to the warmth and comfort of a roaring fire. If you’re in the mood for a change, it would be fun to get inspired with these festive fireplace decorating ideas:

• The simplest way to decorate a fireplace mantel is to place pumpkins, wreath, and candles creatively.

• A vintage touch is popular and carries intense fall colors. You can add a board with your favorite quote written on it.

• Use rustic and nature-inspired theme that screams autumn and other antique goodies. For an instance, you can use giant acorn, yarn wreath, and other antique goodies.

• Be more imaginative and expand your horizons to the entire living room to bring out a seasonal spark. Warm draperies and a blanket over the arm chair are a great addition.

• If you’re not a fan of traditional décor, you can appreciate the beauty in the minimal details. You can use glass vases and other items that compliment the fall hues.

• One of the joys of autumn is sitting around a fire roasting marshmallows and sipping cider. But you don’t have to camp out to do that. You can transform your backyard and deck into a cozy haven.

Have you started decorating for autumn? What were your favorite features in these great outdoor spaces? Share it with us!

Design Ideas: 5 Most Popular Kitchen Layouts

Whether you’re designing a brand new kitchen or remodeling an old one, a solid floor plan is the key to a well-functioning space. The first thing to consider is the layout of the kitchen, the shape made by the arrangement of appliances, storage, sink, and countertop. This creates a work triangle – the path formed by the sink, cooktop, and refrigerator.

There are five main kitchen layouts: single, galley, U, G, and L-shaped. Each kitchen can be enhanced with the right accents.

Single Wall. Others love this kind of layout because of its simplicity. Also known as the I-shaped kitchen, this is ideal for small apartments and open lofts.                                                       

Galley. Just like the I-shaped kitchen, this is an efficient and simple pattern but more flexible for modern lifestyles. The work stations face each other in parallel walls. Some homeowners take out the walls to add a table and seating or create a stack storage to maximize the space.

U-shaped. This is the most versatile layout for kitchens of all sizes. For larger kitchens, an island is usually added.

G-shaped. A variation of the U-shaped, it links the kitchen to the dining area with a common counter surface. You can add a small island but a peninsula is a better choice.

L-shaped. This layout is created on two adjacent walls, fits almost any style, and provides an efficient work area making it popular in today’s multi-purpose kitchens.

Now that you’ve seen the options available, you can create a kitchen plan that works for you, your family, and your changing needs.

Tell us: What type of kitchen layout do you plan on using?