Sherwin Williams 2024 Color of the Year: Upward SW 6239

Every year, the interior design and home decor world eagerly awaits the announcement of the color of the Year. This announcement sets the tone for the upcoming year's trends and influences how we style our living spaces. For 2024, Sherwin-Williams has selected Upward SW 6239 as the Color of the Year. This soft and serene shade is as versatile as it is unique. In this blog post, we'll explore Upward SW 6239 and how to incorporate this delightful color into your home.

The Allure of Sherwin Williams Upward SW 6239

Upward SW 6239 is a delicate shade of blue that exudes serenity and tranquility. It's a color that instantly soothes the mind and evokes a sense of calm, making it an excellent choice for your home or workspace. The name "Upward" suggests a sense of positivity and hope, and this color truly encapsulates those feelings.

Upward is a cool toned, muted blue with gray undertones. This color pairs well with neutrals because of its soft, subtle hue. Upward has an LRV, or Light Reflective Value, of 57. Meaning this color reflects and bounces more light than it absorbs. A general rule with LRVs is it the number is above 50, it’s a lighter brighter shade. If the number is below an LRV of 50, it will be a deeper, darker shade.

Now that you’ve been acquainted with Upward, lets talk about ways you can use this color in your home.

Create a Peaceful Bedroom

One of the most effective ways to incorporate Upward SW 6239 into your home is in the bedroom. The soothing blue tones of Upward create a serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day. You can use Upward as a paint color for all four walls in your room or use this color as an accent with a complimentary color to offset it. Using this tranquil color on the walls of your bedroom is not the only option you have. You can also use Upward as an accent color for your bedroom furniture such as your dresser or wardrobe. Pair it with crisp white linens and natural wood furniture for a fresh and inviting look.

Image via Sherwin Williams

Calm and Cozy Living Room

Upward also works beautifully in the living room. Combine it with neutral tones like grey, beige, or cream for a cozy and inviting space. Add some plush throw pillows and a comfy sofa to complete the look. This color will make your living room a perfect place to relax, entertain guests, or enjoy quiet evenings.

Modern Farmhouse Color Palette | Sherwin Williams Colors

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Serene Bathroom Retreat

Bathrooms are another area where Upward SW 6239 can truly shine. The color brings a spa-like ambiance to your bathroom, turning it into a personal retreat. This calming hue creates a peaceful atmosphere for your daily self-care routines.

Image via Sherwin Williams

Enliven Your Kitchen

While Upward is often associated with relaxation and mainly used in bedrooms and bathrooms, it can also work wonders in your kitchen. Use this soft blue for your kitchen cabinets or backsplash to add a touch of serenity while maintaining a fresh and lively atmosphere. Complement the blue with white or light gray countertops, and add some green plants or colorful accessories to create a balanced and inviting space.

Image via Grove Restorations

One Room Virtual Organizing Package

Organize your space with the guidance of a professional organizer. The One Room Virtual Organizing Package Includes:

• Introductory video (or phone) consultation

• Virtual Organizing Package for client to follow

• Follow up phones to check out progress

• Access to professional organizer should any questions come up

• The guidance of professional organizer throughout entire process

Inspiring Home Office

For those who work from home or need a creative space, Upward SW 6239 can be an excellent choice for your home office. This color promotes focus and concentration while maintaining a serene environment. Paint your home office walls in Upward and add some stylish and functional furniture for a productive and aesthetically pleasing workspace.

Image via Plan Home

Sherwin-Williams' Color of the Year for 2023, Upward SW 6239, is an alluring and tranquil shade of blue that can transform your home into a calm and inviting sanctuary. Whether you use it in your bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, or home office, this soft and peaceful color will elevate your home design and create a space that promotes relaxation and well-being. Invite more positivity into your home with Upward SW 6239 and enjoy a more peaceful and beautiful living space.

How will you use the Sherwin Williams 2024 Color of the Year in your home? Comment below.

How To Create The Best Night Routine

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Night routine, evening routine - we’re sure this is a term you’ve heard thrown around more than ever before, especially in the past few years. But - maybe the buzz around it is justifiable. Having a good night's sleep is an important part of being able to function properly throughout your day. Have you ever thrived on a terrible night's sleep? Probably not. A great day starts with an intentional night. Creating a night routine that helps you thrive is what will help you be your greatest potential. If you’re trying to create an intentional night routine - we’re here to help. Here’s how to create the best night time routine.

Start With a Great Dinner

Cooking at home and making a healthy, balanced dinner doesn't have to be a chore and shouldn’t take up much of your time. Using helpful kitchen tools such as an Instant Pot can cut your cooking time in half and elevate the taste of your dishes. Try eating dinner at a decent time, with enough time to digest before bed. 

Clean Up

Cleaning up right after dinner lets you unwind for the rest of the night. Also, waking up in the morning to a clean kitchen and house helps you get on with your day easier. Put all dishes away, vacuum and straighten up the house. We love this vacuum- its easy to use, easy to store and packs a power suction to easily clean whatever is on your floor. 

Bathtime

Taking an evening bath or shower really helps you to relax and get into a flow for the evening. It’s a great self care practice. If you’re stressed from your day, a relaxing shower or bath is sure to help wash away any stressful thoughts. Use the time to play a chilled out playlist or listen to a relaxing podcast. Take your evening self care routine even further by using body washes that help you mellow out and feel amazing. Scents such as lavender, cedarwood and vetiver are known to promote relaxation.

Remember, just because you're home doesn’t mean you can’t make your everyday baths a spa- like experience. Wrap yourself in a soft fluffy towel, step into soft as cloud slippers and slip into comfy pajamas to keep the relaxing sensation going. 

Skincare

Not everyone has a multi-step skin care routine. But adopting any skin care routine will optimize your skin's health. If you're not sure where to begin with a skincare routine, try adding face masks , serums and  jade face rollers to your evening routine. You’ll be amazed at how great you feel afterwards.

Take Some Time to Reflect

Using time to reflect is an important step in a nighttime routine. Unwinding your brain and unpacking your day is crucial in being able to relax and sleep peacefully. It can be as simple as listening to calming music with your favorite candle or oil diffuser in the background, meditating or journaling your thoughts from the day. Even writing down a “To Do” list for the next day is a form of reflection.

Brain dumping is another form of reflection that works well in a nighttime routine. This is a practice where you write out your thoughts - like journaling - but not as sequential. With brain dumping, nothing needs to make sense. The point of this practice is simply to get all of the thoughts that are in your head out of there. Doing this allows your brain to release the need to hold on to information, that may not be serving you anyway, which will leave you feeling relaxed and able to rest. Any journal or book will do. We happen to love these journals - mainly because of there aesthetic. Whatever you choose to write on, the most important thing is that you are getting your thoughts down on paper.

Make a bedtime beverage

The act of making a beverage before bed is so soothing, and calming. We are sure that this step will be one that sticks with you when you are creating your own nighttime routine. Decaf herbal teas, decaf green tea, golden milk or simply warm plant based milk are great options to try before bed. Use your favorite mug to enjoy your drink and cozy up for the night. 

Golden Milk is a great night time beverage with lots of health benefits. It’s also the perfect drink to include in your nighttime routine.

Cozy up in bed

Here’s the part of your nighttime routine that you’ve been waiting for. Make your bedroom and bed even more cozy by using lighting to set the mood of the room and cozy sheets and blankets to elevate your nighttime wind-down mode. Falling asleep to a great book is the most nourishing thing you can do for yourself to unwind from your day.

Use this as a guide to creating your own nighttime routine. You can add or swap out any step. The goal is to find the right routine that works for you and that makes you feel the most refreshed the next day. Here’s to a great nights sleep. How would you customize this routine for yourself? Comment below.

How to Add Boho Style to Your Home

Boho, or bohemian, style is a design style that is vibrant, fun and full of unique pieces. This design style contains a mix of patterns, textiles and colors that create an eclectic look in a home. This design style is not for the person who craves minimalism and limited amount of decor items in their home. If you are someone who is interested in boho design but not sure where to start, keep reading - we’re here to walk you through the different pieces that will help you create the unique boho design that you desire for your home.

Curate and Define Your Color Palette

This is, by far, the most important tip in creating the boho design look in your home. Exploring and defining your color palette in advance will help you create a more cohesive, curated look. Since bohemian is a design style that incorporates many colors, have fun and don’t be afraid to play around with several color palettes. We’ve included some color palette examples below to get the ideas flowing.

Play with Textiles

Adding different patterns of textiles and layering these patterns is a staple of the bohemian design look. As a note, if you incorporate patterns and designs from people and cultures other than yours, be sure to do some research to verify that what you are displaying isn’t a form of cultural appropriation or something that is designed simply for people of a certain culture. Remember, not all of your textiles have to have a pattern on it. You can layer diverse textiles that are different colors or textures as well. Play with several forms of textiles such as rugs, pillows, throws, wall decor, etc. This design style is all about layering and enjoying it. Don’t be afraid to mix and layer as much as you want. This is where sticking to a color palette comes in handy.

Image via Momooze

Incorporate Your Life’s Experience

Bohemian style is so fun and personal - you can bring facets of your life’s experiences into your design. If you are someone that likes to display different items that you’ve collected from your travels around the world and throughout life in general- this design style is for you. From works of art, to carved bowls to woven blankets, you can let your life’s traveling experiences tell a story in your home. Incorporating pieces that have been made by people of the culture, place or location is so important. Cultural appropriation is real and has stolen from many cultural groups around the world. Make sure that if you are displaying items depicting a specific culture that it is sourced ethically. In addition, learning about this culture and the meaning behind the item is a great way of educating yourself on the practices and traditions of this area in the world. Learning from other cultures around the world will only enhance the cultural intelligence of people and prevent such acts as cultural appropriation.

In addition to adding some travel pieces, you can add items that are meaningful to you and your family, as well as vintage pieces that you have purchased in life.

Image via Architectual Digest

Handmade Carved Mahogany Bowl From Belize

No Need for “Matchy Matchy”

Decor pieces with the boho design style do not have to match. In fact, you want to stay away from anything that has a matching set (like couches, tables, frames, textiles). Bohemian style is supposed to be free and liberating. There aren’t many rules to designing a bohemian styled home - except that you should stick with your color palette.

Image via songmics.com

Image via homesnaway.com

Image via unwindin.com

Add an Organic Feel with Wicker and Rattan

Adding wicker and rattan pieces will create an earthy, organic feel in your boho home. You can do this with furniture pieces as well as smaller decor items. Wicker bowls and baskets are a great addition to your boho space.

Image via bali-bungalow.com

Image via Etsy

Image via roseandfitzgerald.com

Layer Textures and Patterns

Layering your rugs with different patterns will create that boho design look that you are going for. But don’t stop there. Textures are so important to this design style. So use different textures and types of textiles. Think cotton, silk, satin, wool, crochet, etc.

Image via pinterest

Image via pinterest

Bring Nature Inside

Adding plants into your boho styled home is just as important as layering your textiles and adding color into your space. It is a staple of boho design. Adding plants will create depth and add so much more life into the space. The deep green pigment of the plants will only compliment your beautifully curated design.

Designing and decorating your home in boho style should be fun and exhilarating. Don’t be afraid to play around with different ideas that you have. You are designing your space the way you want it. If you try something that you may not love - change it. The process of decorating in boho style (or any style for that matter) should feel fun and therapeutic.

Image via pinterest

What are your favorite features about boho design? Comment below.

Boho-Farmhouse Paint Colors For Your Home

Are you a lover of farmhouse and boho style but not sure how to fuse the two design styles together? An easy way to achieve a boho-farmhouse look can be as simple as a brush stroke on you walls. Not only is paint a great way to freshen up the look of your space, it also helps you create the design style that you are going for.

Both bohemian style and farmhouse style are extremely popular looks. Each design style has their own unique characteristics but combining the two looks can create an entirely new look.

Here are some great boho-farmhouse paint colors for your home.

Gray Owl

This color is an absolute favorite of ours and was also included in another farmhouse design post as well. Gray Owl is a soft gray that brightens up any space and is versatile enough to fit in any room of your home.

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

Driftscape Tan

This calming earth tone is perfect for your boho-farmhouse home. Driftscape Tan is a soft, muted taupe with a richness and depth that will create a warm environment for your home.

Driftscape Tan by Benjamin Moore

Simply White

If you are not sold on painting your walls with a deep color, you an always choose a fresh white hue. Simply White is a warm white that will add character to your home and works perfectly with a farmhouse-boho space.

Image via Michaela Diane Designs

Calm

The name of this paint color says it all. In addition to creating a space that blends boho-farmhouse design, you want to create a space that is calming and meditative. Calm is part of Benjamin Moore’s Off White collection and is loved for the obvious reasons. It’s neutral, warm and fits with so many designs styles, including boho-farmhouse design.

Calm by Benjamin Moore

Oxford Gray

This soft, muted blueish- gray is the perfect hue to achieve the farmhouse-boho look if you are looking for a deep color with endless character. Whether you are pairing the paint color with decor such as shiplap or rattan, Oxford Gray is sure to make your space pop.

Image via Pinterest

Cushing Green

Another soothing earthy tone that fits perfectly with farmhouse-boho design, Cushing Green will add warmth and depth to your space.

Image via flyingcolorspainting.com

Which of these paint colors are your personal favorite? Comment below.

Holiday Gift Guide

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Let’s be real - 2020 has been quite the year. There has been A LOT of obstacles thrown our way in many forms and you’re probably trying to keep up with or deal with many of these “new normals”. Trust us - we understand. So to make your life a little easier we curated this gift guide to help you chose the perfect gift for that perfect someone in your life. If you’re looking for some great suggestions for the work at home mom (or any woman in your life) click here. And for the hands on dad (or any hands on or aspiring craftsman in your life) we’ve also got the perfect list for you!

The Gift Of Knowledge

Knowledge is power. What’s also powerful? The ability to soak in all of that knowledge will driving to a destination or hanging on the couch with headphones. The possibilities of where and how you can listen to a book are endless. We at Skeen Concepts love the audiobook service Audible. Giving the membership gift of Audible is giving the gift of wonder, possibilities and discovery. The person on the receiving end of this gift will cherish it every time they download a new book.

Buy on Amazon

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

These days, you can bet for sure that everyone has their eyes on a screen at some point of the day. While this has become a common part of life, it’s not always the best for our eyes. If you have someone in your life that complains about eye issues after being on their computer screen or phone for long periods of time then gifting them with blue light blocking glasses is a sure win. There are so many cute options. Check out some of our suggestions below if you’re not sure where to start.

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

The Gift Of Greenery

Who doesn’t love a beautiful houseplant? These luxurious living beings have become a welcome trend lately - with many people become new plant parents. Over the summer we’ve even expanded our plant babies by a sizable amount. Plants are so beneficial for a home. They clean the air, they are aesthetically pleasing - so they will only add to the decor of a home. And the best thing about plants - you can match a plant to the personality of the person you are buying it for. Purchasing a new green friend from a plant delivery service will insure that your gift arrives to its destination with the care and love that it deserves. Some great delivery services include: Bloomscape, Horti and The Sill.

Buy on Amazon

Coffee Table Book

If you have someone that loves fashion, style, culture a coffee table book is the perfect gift for them. Choose a book that speaks to the person they are. Something that will compliment the person as well as the space that it will be set in. Check out some of our suggestions below.

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Reusable Eco-Friendly Gifts

Give the gift that helps to keep the earth cleaner. There are so many reusable items that are not only earth friendly but complimentary of personal style. Check out some of these earth conscious items that we think will make a great gift for anyone.

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Charcuterie Board/ Serving Tray

A custom made charcuterie board or serving tray is the perfect gift for the person on your list that loves to entertain. This gift can be used as a way to display sweet and savory treats at a get together or as a talking piece in a kitchen. Check out our own custom charcuterie boards here.

“Brie” Charcuterie Board

“Austin” Cutting Board/ Tray

“Lynx” Charcuterie Board

Buy on Amazon

We hope this gift guide helps you navigate the many possibilities for gifts for your loved ones. Happy shopping! And as always, stay inspired!

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The Best Farmhouse Style Paint Colors

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Choosing the right paint color is a tremendously important step in creating the farmhouse look that you want for your home. With so many colors to choose from, it’s hard to hone in on the right color or colors for your home. Taking into account the style of your home, size of rooms, etc. it can be an overwhelming decision to make.

Luckily, you’ve got us, the Skeen Concepts Design Team, to help you make this important decision. We’ve narrowed it down to the 10 Best Farmhouse Style Colors for your home. Let’s take a look.

Gray Owl

This is an ideal cool gray color that will fit well in many rooms of your home. We’ve designed a nursery using this calming color. But the spaces in which you can use this color are endless. This color will fit perfectly in your living, kitchen, laundry room and even bedroom. Which ever space your choose, Gray Owl will beautifully illuminate the room that your in. It’s bright and open during the day and perfectly comforting at night.

The Creativity Exchange

Simply White

This shade of white has more texture and depth than a plain, flat white. If you want your room to pop with a bright shade of white with some character and personality - this is the shade to choose.

Mcgee.com

Moonshine

This shade sits beautifully between the shades of gray and white. If you’re looking to add this color as the backdrop to your farmhouse decor and are a fan light shades, Moonshine is a sure win.

Favorite Paint Colors Blog

Umbra

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Quiet Moments

This shade is a blend of muted gray with a hint of blue and green. This is sure to pick up hues of colors from fabrics and accessories in the room. Lighting during various parts of the day will surely display the diverse characteristics in this shade.

Postcards From the Ridge

Revere Pewter

If there’s one shade that I can say is an absolute favorite of many, its Revere Pewter. It’s neutrality is perfect for the person that does not want to “stamp” their home with a trendy color. Revere Pewter is for the person that desires a shade that distinctively stands out and creates a warm tone for the home. 

Decorpad

Goodpick

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Pale Oak

This popular “greige” (gray and beige) color is a versatile neutral that can be used throughout the house. It’s perfect for common areas like living rooms and dining rooms. Its warm and welcoming enough to use in the foyer and has enough texture for bedroom spaces.

A Thoughful Place

Palladian Blue

Palladian Blue is a great farmhouse color for bedrooms, home offices and bathrooms. This soft yet playful color adds the perfect amount of brightness and personality to any room that it is in.

My House My Home

Stonington Gray

This gray is usually compared to or paired with Gray Owl, another color on this list. Stonington Gray is deep enough to be considered a full gray but light enough to brighten up a room on a rainy day. This color is the perfect backdrop for the picture perfect moments you’ll have in your home.

Room Lust

Pro Grade - Paint Brushes - 6 Pack Variety Angle Paint Brushes

Pro Grade Supplies

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Decorator’s White

Decorator’s White is a one of the cooler hues of white. It's the perfect shade if you’re looking to achieve a bright white wall filled with character and presence. This shade fits beautifully in bathrooms, kitchens, foyers and hallways.

Pinterest

Smoke Embers

This pale greige is calming and warming all at once. Not only is this a beautiful paint color for your walls, it also looks amazing on kitchen cabinets.

Home Bunch

THY TRADING

Buy on Amazon

As I always tell people, never choose a paint color based on a photograph alone. The lighting, screen filters and editing of the photo can skew the actual color of the paint. You may be disappointed with the outcome in your home. Make sure and purchase a sample at your local paint store to try before painting the entire wall. 

Benjamin Moore Collections Fan Deck

Benjamin Moore

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For more inspiration on farmhouse decor and creating a farmhouse style in your home, read our blog post on 10 Ways to Add Farmhouse Style to Your Home.

Which of these colors do you think you’ll try in your home? Comment below.

And, as always, stay inspired!

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5 Ways to Organize Your Bedroom Now

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Ahhh, the bedroom. It’s the place that you dream of returning to after a long, hard day. For some, even me, it's the place you miss so dearly even five minutes after your alarm goes off.  I’ll admit it, I’m not a morning person at heart. 

Either way - your bedroom should be the place that you look to as your little oasis from a hectic day. But if your bedroom looks more chaotic than the day you just had, then organizing your space should probably on your “to do list”. If not for anything else, to experience some of the bliss that everyone is talking about.

If you’re not sure where to start with organizing your bedroom, then we’ve got you covered. Here are five ways to organize your bedroom, NOW. 

 Clear the Clutter from Your Dresser Tops and Side Tables

 Clearing and organizing the dresser and side table tops in your bedroom will instantly make your room appear cleaner and less cluttered. You’ll find so many of your items - jewelry, glasses, etc - that you thought you lost. Following this tip also saves you money. Finding that lost pair of glasses means that you won't have to go out and buy another pair.

Pick Up Shoes and Clothes Off the Floor

 Any out of place items on the floors?  Pick them up and place them in their “home” aka where they belong. Clearing the floor space in your bedroom makes your room look spacious and open. Walking into a room with an open feel really helps to foster a relaxed mindset. Which is the whole point why you’re doing this, right? To create an oasis for yourself after a long day.

Clear Off Any Seating Areas

Just like clearing the floors of clothes and shoes, clearing any seating areas as well will create an aesthetically pleasing look for your bedroom. Seating should also be cleared of accessories, electronics, papers and books.

Make Your Bed

 Making your bed sets the tone for your whole room. Doing so will take your room from looking undone to completely put together. It’s easy to turn this practice into a daily habit. Make it a point to make your bed as soon as you wake up in the morning or while you wait for your coffee to brew. By fitting the practice of making your bed into your morning routine it will eventually become a habit that you don’t even need to think about. 

HBCY Creations Circle Wall Mirror Inch Round Wall Mirror for Entryways, Washrooms, Living Rooms and More (Black, 16")

HBCY Creations

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Straighten Up Your Closet

Straightening up your closet is a quick way to create an organized feel in your entire room. Also if your closet is organized, you are more likely to put this space to use. You’re more likely to hang your clothes up rather than throw it on the floor or across a chair. If you have a designated space for your shoes and other accessories, you won’t find yourself using your floor space as storage for these items. This step alone helps with keeping your room organized. If you’re utilizing this tip then that means you’ve probably already done some of the previous tips.

There you go!  Five easy ways to instantly organize your bedroom. Let me know how its going after completing these tips. Comment below with the tip that worked best for you.

Have a great day and as always - stay inspired!

Spring Cleaning Cheat Sheet

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Spring Cleaning doesn’t have to be a complicated task. Follow our Spring Cleaning Cheat Sheet below! And don't forget to download your free PDF of this cheatsheet to take on the go!

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Don’t forget to download your own copy of this cheat sheet to take along with you! Click here to download.

5 Reasons Why You Should Spring Clean Your Home

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Spring is here! The weather is warming up, the flowers are blooming and you’re ready to revive all of your spring outfits. Spring is also the best time to begin spring cleaning your home! (I mean obviously, the name is in the task). If you’re wondering what all the hype around spring cleaning it about and if you should give it a try, then keep reading.

Here are our top 5 reasons why spring cleaning is something you need to do this season.

Helps with Seasonal Sniffles

Spring is a big allergy season for many people. Dusting your home will help alleviate some of your allergy symptoms. Dust can cause sneezing, itchy-watery eyes and a stuffy nose. The more dust thats in your home coupled with your vulnerability to seasonal allergies equals a not so great time for you. Time to reach for that Swifter!

Beautify Your Home

Brighter and longer daylight hours can show off spots in your home that have been neglected. It’s not your fault, blame it on the dark days of winter and the need to hibernate. Either way, a thorough cleaning of your home will bring it back to the beautiful state that it was in before winter arrived.  

It’s Safe for Your Home

The onset of spring is the perfect time to check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. This is one of the smartest and safest spring cleaning routines that you can adopt. Another time that you should check and replace batteries in both the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home is in the fall season. In addition to the smoke detectors, you should also change your air filters during this time. This one is not much of a safety tip but it will help keep the air in your home clean.

You’ll Be Happier

Living in a clean organized home makes you a happier, more productive person. Imagine walking around your home and it’s completely organized. Ahhhh...Knowing exactly where every item is and where every item that’s misplaced should go sends off such calming vibes. If you’re looking to get organized but don’t know where to start, be sure to check out our Organized Life Course to start living a more organized life.

You’ll Find It Easier to Go with the Flow

Life is messy, we get it. However, when your home is set up as a calm environment (aka mess free), you’re actually leaving room for the inevitable messes of life - emotional and physical. This a good thing - don’t worry - you’re not inviting in the many messes of life into your home. Your just leaving space for the guaranteed fluctuation of energy, emotions and physical items. By doing this, you’ll be able to handle what comes your way without feeling like your drowning.

You’ll Be Stress Free

When your home is clean, you’re less likely to be stressed out. Studies show that there is a direct correlation to a messy environment and stress. Who has time for unnecessary stress? Not you! You’ll need all of that extra energy to step out of your home and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

So if you’ve been considering giving your home a good cleaning for spring, hopefully this motivated you to start today! Want a step by step cheat sheet on Spring Cleaning? Click here to get your FREE Spring Cleaning 101 Cheat Sheet now.

7 Ways to Edit Your Life for the New Year

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In the spirit of the new year, the Skeen Concepts team has been thinking of ways to start off the new year with intentional direction. It may seem cliche to make new year's resolutions. So instead - we’ll call our quest a Lifestyle Edit. Here are some ways we plan on editing our lifestyle. Feel free to use any of these ideas as your own.

Wake Up Earlier in the Morning

Getting a head start to your day will help you feel more accomplished and ready to take on whatever your day has to bring. The feeling of having to “catch up” all day long is not only frustrating, it definitely puts a damper on your sense of productivity.

Try setting your alarm for a half hour to an hour early each day

Get Moving Daily

It’s recommended to get at least 2 ½ hrs of physical activity in for the week in order to improve or maintain your health. Not only is physical activity great for your physical health but it also improves your mental health. If your a creative person, your more likely keep the ideas flowing if you are active on a daily basis. So get on that groupon app and browse some classes that you’ve been wanting to try out.

Journal Daily

Writing your ideas, feelings and aspirations out everyday is something that will help sort out the direction in which you want to go this year. It’s a self love activity that will benefit you in so many areas of your life.

Clean Eating

The new year is the best time to start editing your eating lifestyle. Start by swapping processed, unhealthy foods with clean, whole foods. Eating clean will allow you to think more clearly and have more energy. Which, in turn, will help you with all of the other Lifestyle Edits on this list. You’ll naturally want to wake up earlier, you’ll have more energy, you’ll be more creative and have the mental clarity to reflect on aspects of your life.

Practice Gratitude

“It’s impossible to feel anxiety and gratitude simultaneously” - Rachel Hollis.

Practicing gratitude is one of the most loving actions that you can do for yourself. Putting life’s events in perspective will help you see what is important to you and what may need some nurturing and attention from you. There’s a reason we listed this one as “practice”. It will take some time but be conscious about how you implement your gratitude awareness throughout your day.

Set Bigger Goals

When you set large goals for yourself, you will end up accomplishing more than if you aimed lower. Even if you don’t meet the goal that you set, at least you worked towards it. Which in turn means that you will end up further ahead then if you simply set a mediocre life goal. Setting goals will help you in your personal, professional and even spiritual life.

Read More

It doesn’t matter if you’re into fiction or non-fiction. Simply making the decision to read more often will help to expand your mind, goals, and shift your perspective on life. If your not into reading physical books, you can still consume new knowledge in the form of an audio-book.  

We’re so excited about implementing these Lifestyle Edits into our everyday lives! So much so, that we’ve already starting practicing some to get a head start on the new year. We must say, we’re noticing a difference already. What are some of your Lifestyle Edits for the new year? Comment below.

Holiday Gift Guide For The Carpenter Dad

Skeen Concepts is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

It’s the season of giving and (for some) the season of purposely freak ourselves out thinking about the gigantic list of loved ones that we have to purchase gifts for.

Well, this year, we’re determined to keep these annoying fears from popping up and consuming us all season long. And we want you to be on top of your gift giving game as well. So, we decided to share our gift suggestions with you guys! We’re sharing our gift guide for some of the most important people in your life to help you cross off some names from your list. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing a gift guide for a different person that may be on your holiday shopping list. Here’s our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for the carpenter dad.

Durable Radio For His Workshop

While he’s in the workshop - in his zone - give him a gift that will allow him to listen to some of his favorite tunes. A radio that can handle falls, having something dropped on it and any kind of dust that his workshop produces is a gift that he will surely appreciate. A durable radio, such as the one shown below, comes with Bluetooth capabilities which will make listening to his favorite playlist even easier.

Dewalt 20-Volt Max Cordless Radio, $220, Lowes

DEWALT

Buy on Amazon

Wood Chisel Set

If your guy likes to spend time in the woodshop, odds are he’ll have a project where a set of wood chisels can come in handy. Purchasing a quality set of wood chisels, such as the ones shown below, are key to completing a beautiful project.

4 Piece Palm Chisel Set, $60, www.garrettwade.com

Cordless Impact Drill

It’s basically a drill with a power packed punch. If he constantly works on larger projects or is always fixing things around the house, then he would love this as a gift. A gift set, such as the Milwaukee set shown below, comes with a carrier bag that holds the drill and charger.

Milwaukee Impact Drill Set, $100, Home Depot

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Tool Bag

If he has a love for his tools, he’ll need a place to store them all and carry them around where ever necessary. A sturdy tool bag is a sure win gift for the carpenter dad in your life.

Carhartt Tool Bag, $55,Dicks Sporting Goods

Klein Tools

Buy on Amazon

Kreg Pocket Hole Jig

This is an all around great gift for the DIY carpenter to skilled craftsman. This tool creates the perfect holes needed to complete a project and will be one of the most used items in the workshop.

Kreg K4 Pocket Hole System, $100, Home Depot

We hope that this gift guide help you decided on the perfect gift for the carpenter dad in your life. Which ever gift you go with, I’m sure he will be so happy to receive it. What are some of your gift giving ideas for the carpenter dad in your life? Comment below.

Happy Holidays from Skeen Concepts and as always, stay inspired!!

Skeen Concepts us a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Holiday Gift Guide For The Work At Home Mom

Skeen Concepts is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

It’s the season of giving and (for some) the season of purposely freak ourselves out thinking about the gigantic list of loved ones that we have to purchase gifts for.

Well, this year, we’re determined to keep these annoying fears from popping up and consuming us all season long. And we want you to be on top of your gift giving game as well. So, we decided to share our gift suggestions with you guys! We’re sharing our gift guide for some of the most important people in your life to help you cross off some names from your list. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing a gift guide for a different person that may be on your holiday shopping list. And we’re kicking it off with our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for the work at home mom.

Bluetooth Headphones

Give her the gift that will let her work on her business while listening to some of her favorite jams or expand her business knowledge while listening to her favorite podcasts. All with the ability to drown out some of the chaos and noise around her.

Buy on Amazon

Amazon “Alexa”

You’ll basically be gifting her a personal assistant in the form of a device. Imagine how much simpler her day will be if she can just call out commands and get instant answers! Not sure of what’s on the schedule for tomorrow? “Hey Alexa, what’s my day like tomorrow?”. Not sure if the answer to your fourth grader’s homework is the Hudson River? “Alexa, what’s the longest river in the state of New York?” Done and done.

Buy on Amazon

Coffee (or Tea) Anything

Ahhh, sweet coffee. The life source of many working moms. Whether its a new Keurig machine or a Ninja Coffee Bar or a gift card to Starbucks, she will be sure to love this thoughtful gift.

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Glass Water Bottle

Ok - let's be real, coffee is the life giver that gets a lot of the credit . But we all know that water is the TRUE life source of a healthy and productive day. Give her the convenience of being able to carry around her water (with lemon, please) while running errands, exercising or where ever the day brings her.

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Wellness Gift Card

If she’s expressed an interest in joining a yoga classes or any new health trend, here’s your opportunity to let her know that your listening to her. Give her the gift of self love and time. She thank you for it.

Essential Oils or Membership to an Essential Oil Company

If you’ve heard of essential oils, you’ve probably heard of their numerous benefits. If she is into scents and air fresheners, diffusing EO’s is a great and healthy way to spread uplifting scents that will benefit her and her work space. Make sure to purchase from a reputable company. Be sure to check out our post on our favorite essential oil blends for beginners.

Reclaimed Oak Hexagon Shelf, $70, Skeen Concepts

Audiobook Subscription

If she’s into podcasts or even enjoys reading but doesn’t have enough time to get through an entire book, then an audio book subscription is the best gift for her. She’ll be able to absorb the knowledge from her favorite books in audio form. We at Skeen Concepts absolutely love Audible. They have almost any book you’re interested in. It’s so easy to use. Just type in the book title, click download and be on your way to listening to your favorite book in less then 2 minutes! It’s our favorite pass time. Click below to find out more about audible and purchasing a subscription as a gift.

Buy on Amazon

Some other great gift ideas for the work at home mom in your life: professional organizer, laptop or tablet and comfy lounge wear. Which ever gift you go with, I’m sure she will be so excited to receive it. What are some of your gift giving ideas for the work at home mom? Comment below.

Happy Holidays from Skeen Concepts and as always, stay inspired!!

7 Ways To Decorate For the Holidays Like A Pro

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The holidays are officially in full effect and I couldn’t be more excited. Not only does the holiday season signify time to spend with family and friends, it’s also a time to flex your design skills and get fun and creative while decorating your home!

If you’re looking for some inspiration on dressing your home up for the holidays then your in the right place! We’ll walk you through these simple tips that you’ll need to get your home ready for the holidays (and these steps may even unlock the magic to turn you into a decorating pro!)

Take Inventory

As tempting as it is to jump right into the thick of decorating, you’re better off taking some time to sort through the items you already have on hand to see what needs to be tossed and what should be kept. Check string lights, garland, bulbs, etc. Any broken items should be thrown out.

Shop For Items That You Have Space For

This is equally as important as the first tip. Instead of over spending on items that you wont need or have a place for, its better to shop consciously. Your bank account will thank you, especially when its time to purchase all of those holiday gifts.

Choose a Design Theme

You don’t have to be extremely strict on a design theme. It can be as simple as figuring out what color scheme you want. Having a theme will help convey the feeling, setting and overall look that you want. There are so many themes to go with! Create your own or try these: Winter Wonderland, Candy Colored theme, Gingerbread home, etc.

Image via Kirklands

This Christmas wonderland has a Rustic Theme that will warm your heart from the moment you walk into this room. Image via Liz Marie Blog.

This Pink Blush/ Rose Gold color scheme coveys the feelings of joy, excitement and magical whimsy. Image via Like to Know It.

Add Signage

Holiday signs help to convey the emotion that you want to bring to light in a room. Cute signs such as “Santa, Stop Here” or subtle signs the read “Joy” or “Cozy” are examples of how decorative words can add to your holiday theme. You can hang the signs up or let them rest on your mantle or console table and surround them with garland.

Image via Instagram @blessed_ranch

Image via Pinterest

Add Greenery

Speaking of garland, nothing expresses the holiday feeling quite like winter greenery. You can opt for real or faux garland. If you purchase plain green garland, adding extras to it such as frosted moss or acorns will adorn your holiday greenery with a festive feel.

Image via Magnolia

A simple centerpiece for a table like this adds to your holiday decor without overtaking the space.

Soft Calm Lighting is Key

When adding string lights to your home, I go along with one motto - The More, The Merrier. I also have another motto - Monochromatic Lighting is your best friend! If you want to flood your living room with beautiful holiday lights, its best to stick with one color.

This soft, cozy lighting is sure to put you in the holiday mood. Image via Country Living.

Maintain the Look All Season Long

Lights droop, plants lean and trees dry out when not maintained. If you have a real tree, make sure to water it often. The last thing you want in a dry tree. Not only will it be messy (since the needles will fall all over the floor easily) but it more importantly, its extremely dangerous as a dry tree with lights on it is a major fire hazard. Maintain the look and the hard work that you put in towards decorating and your time and energy won’t go to waste.

And most importantly, make sure to sit back and enjoy the the beautiful home that you decorated for this lovely season. Now your a decorating pro!

Stay Inspired!

Skeen Concepts Team

Why You Should Add A Barn Door In Your Home

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Adding a sliding barn door to your home is not only a great way to add a design element that will be the focus of attention in a room, it’s also incredibly functional. Imagine all of the space that you’ll save by adding a barn door to your home. If you are dealing with a small area, for example, adding a barn door will allow for that expressive, design dramatic piece in the room without taking up too much space. If you are trying to close off an area in your home but want something with more character than a basic door or more structure than a curtain, than a barn door is the perfect option!

I’ve heard this so many times, “I would love to install a sliding barn door in my home. I just don’t know where I’d put it”. So many people I meet always express their love for this design element but get stuck when they try to think of the perfect space in their home to place it. No worries! Here are some of the best spaces to hang a barn door in your home and why you should add one to your home now.

If You Are Dealing With Small Spaces

Are you a fan of that pocket door that’s currently installed in your bathroom? If not, than opting for a sliding barn door is just as space efficient as a pocket door - but with much more style and class.

A sliding barn door is a great option for small spaces where a traditional swing door would take up too much space. Image via The Harper House.

When You Need to Hide an Object/Space In a Room

Think kitchen pantries, closets in a bedroom or even a television that you may not want to showcase all of the time. By adding a sliding barn door to such spaces, you’ll be adding a conversational piece to your room while hiding what you don’t want to be seen.

This sliding barn door is doing double duty: it has the ability to hide the television while adding character to this room. Image via Architecture Art Design.

Add a Dramatic Effect

Sometimes a room just needs a dramatic focal point. A design piece that stands out from everything else in the room. With the range of characteristics, designs and stain colors that you can choose for your barn door, you’ll be certain to land on the perfect look that’s meant to be in the designated space.

This sliding bard door adds the right amount of dramatic effect to this hallway while appropriately hiding the washer and dryer. Image via Home Stratosphere.

To Divide A Room

If you’re looking for an option that adds privacy and personal space to a shared room then adding a barn door is an unconventional yet fun way to make this happen.

Adding a barn door to a studio apartment or a shared room will conveniently separate a sleeping area from a common living space. Additionally, it will play the part of an accent wall. Image via Apartment Therapy.

To Close Off Part Of A Room

Open floor plans are great but if you want to have the option to close off part of a room, then adding a barn door to this space is your best bet. Maybe you want the option to close off the dining room from the family room - whatever your reason is for wanting the best of both worlds, you will be certain to achieve it with this design element.

This corner office (created by using barn doors to close it off) is such a genius way to make the best use of this space. Image via Bloglovin’.

This barn door separates the foyer space from a formal sitting room area. Image via The Harper House.

If these examples don’t have you running to call your local contractor or custom wood design company, then let me leave you with this simple tip: If you want to add a barn door to your home - then just do it! You won’t regret it. You will be so happy you decided to go with it. (And don’t worry - I wont take the credit for it).

Until next time, stay inspired!

Hello!

I'm Tiffany. I'm an interior design enthusiast, blogger, lover of everything organized and co-owner of Skeen Concepts. Skeen Concepts is a beautiful combination of home design and lifestyle inspiration. I hope you guys enjoy this site, get comfy and come back for more! Stay inspired!