FALL FLEA – a virtual pop-up home decor market

Fall Flea :: Monday October 3rd through Sunday October 16th

Seasonal decorating of private homes + gatherings is my passion. I have even been told that creating personalized environments is my “special gift”. I LOVE it and intend to keep creating these for my clients but I started thinking…

Why keep all the good stuff to myself?

Why not share my seasonal finds with my online community so you can add personalized touches to your home too?

Well you have by now I am sure, heard about my Seasonal Home Box which is available 4 times a year ~ that will continue to be available, not to worry. But I wanted more. I wanted another opportunity to share my finds, especially my one of a kind finds, with you each season. For you to benefit from the hours I spend scouting seasonal trends and in the stores.

I am excited to announce my first virtual pop-up market, the #FallFlea!

For two weeks this Fall – Monday October 3rd through Sunday October 16th – you can shop the virtual pop-up market from your desk, train or couch! For two weeks only you will be able to purchase fall decor items from my personal collection, recent finds and new arrivals. There will be items for your home, table, and gatherings – all decor that I use in my own home, on client projects or simply a piece I couldn’t resist!

Items will be very limited, with some only having one in stock, so if you see something you must have add it to your cart ASAP before another market goer grabs it.

What do you have to do to be a part of the #FallFlea virtual pop-up market?

Mark your calendar and get on The List for updates and announcements leading up to and during the Fall Flea.SIGN ME UP

And of course be sure to share your #FALLFLEA finds on Instagram + Facebook for a chance to win a $50 gift card that can be used during the #WINTERFLEA!

June 8, 2016March 16, 2017

Krayl’s Spring Seasonal Home Box Reviews + A’s to your Q’s

This spring I launched my first product offering and a long time dream of mine, a Seasonal Home Box Membership, to my delight it has been a hit with busy women across the U.S.! Delivered right to your door, filled with seasonal home decor items, my Seasonal Home Box is perfect for homemakers who are looking for perhaps not a full room makeover, but know that a few well chosen touches can make a huge difference in their environment and make them feel happier.

Friends, family and fans commented on how great the idea was, how “no one is doing anything like this” and “it’s a perfect offering for you brand”. While I loved all the positive comments, I also received many questions like; “What exactly is in the box?”, “What if I don’t like what is in the box?”, “What if the items don’t fit my style?”, “Can I send this as a gift instead?”. All fantastic questions, that got me thinking about how I can best explain the concept as well as relieve all your concerns about trying the Seasonal Home Box Membership, after all this box is designed to make your life easier not harder right? Right!

The Summer Box is now shipping. Ready to sign up? Learn more about the Seasonal Home Box here.

Need a few more questions answered, keep reading.

So let me begin with my response to the most asked questions –

What if the items in the Seasonal Home Box don’t match my style or existing decor?

I understand we all have different tastes and although my goal is to select decor items that will add a seasonal pop to your existing decor rather than completely disrupt your current style, I want you to feel 100% happy with the products and having them in your home. And so that is guaranteed, I am altering my return policy. Going forward once you receive your Seasonal Home Box you will have 3 days to notify me of your return and ship it back at no charge for a refund of the purchase price minus a styling + processing fee of $20.

The returned box must contain all shipped items to receive the refund.

What if I only love a few of the items in the Seasonal Home Box?

You fall in love with four of the say six items in the box and don’t want to send them back but also aren’t in love with the other two? Rather than sending them back – think of this as a bonus gifting service! Spread the seasonal home joy with friends, family and neighbors. Wrap up the yellow pillow case that doesn’t quite fit your home and send it to your sister for her birthday – it’s perfect for her taste. Place the paper cocktail napkins in a gift bag, pair it with a bottle of wine and bring is as a hostess gift to your neighbors dinner party. We all need special thoughtful gifts from time to time and now you don’t have to run out last minute to grab it, another time saver in your busy schedule.

The Summer Box only available until June 15th – Ready to sign up? Learn more about the Seasonal Home Box here.

Need a few more questions answered, keep reading.

I love the Seasonal Home Box Membership idea but I what if I wanted to give it as a gift rather than keep it myself. What are my options?

I LOVED this question because it was something I had not even considered as a possibility but is an absolutely perfect use of this special offering. Going forward before each shipment you will be asked where you would like to have the Seasonal Home Box shipped. You can decide to keep it yourself or send it as a gift to a friend as a housewarming gift, you choose! It’s a perfect client gift, bridesmaid thank you gift, Mother’s Day, birthday gift or simply a Thank You For Being You gift.

Isn’t that fantastic! I am so excited to be able to offer this new option to you – thank you Mary for asking for it!

I hope these new policies and options help you feel confident in joining my Seasonal Home Box membership however, if you continue to have questions please visit the FAQ page for more answers, or feel free to email me krayl {@} kraylfunch {dot} com and I will respond or if needed we can jump on a call to answer them all.

The Summer Seasonal Home Box is only available until June 15th – Ready to sign up? Get your Seasonal Home Box here or head to the FAQ page here.

Wait there is more!

I want to share with you reviews and a few images from happy members adding the Spring Seasonal Home Box to their homes. Thank you to everyone for sharing your images – you have no idea how happy it makes me to see them!

Blogger Reviews of Krayl’s Seasonal Home Box ::

Tabitha Blue of Fresh Mommy Blog – Unboxing Review of Krayl’s Seasonal Home

“I think it’s such a brilliant idea for any busy woman on the go, where you can keep your home looking it’s best every season without having to do all the shopping… just let an expert take care of that part, open your “present” with each new season and let your home benefit from it.”

Read the full post here. Thank you Tabitha for sharing your unboxing pictures with us!

Happy Customers Sharing their Spring Seasonal Home Box items placed in their homes ::

A collage of the items place around the home.

The yellow and herb inspired pillow cases adding color to a guest room.

The spring scented Lotus Blossom candle adding style to a powder room.

The grey and white striped kitchen towel adding style and function to the kitchen.

Ready to sign up? Get your Seasonal Home Box here or head to the FAQ page here.

May 18, 2016March 31, 2023

Metallic Color Block Coasters DIY

Combine two of the hottest trends in design – metallic gold and rose gold, and color blocking home decor – into one easy DIY project with chic Metallic Color Block Coasters. Adding style to your coffee table with metallic cork coasters is easy and can be accomplished in one day. Get your craft on today and you will be ready for weekend revelers.

Watch as I create these Metallic Color Block Coaster on WFLA with Gayle Guyardo, for a segment called Gayle’s Guide to Pinterest. Or watch on my YouTube Channel here.

DIY Metallic Color Block Coasters

Supplies

Cork Board Sheet {12in X 12in}
Utility Knife
Ruler
Painters Tape
Acrylic paint
Flat foam paint brushes
Acrylic varnish

Step 1 ::

Cut the Cork Board Into Squares

Lay your cork board sheet on a protected work surface. Use your ruler to mark your cork board at 4 inch intervals along the top and bottom of the sheet.

Place the cork board sheet on a cutting mat, or cutting board, to protect the surface below from the sharp edge. Use a ruler as a guide to keep the cuts straight, score the cork along the entire length of the board. You will end up with 3, 4 inch strips of cork.

Repeat this process on the strips, cutting each into 3, 4 inch squares.

Once the 12 x 12 cork board is cut you will have 12 separate 4 inch squares to work with.

Step 2 ::

Create + Paint Your Metallic Color Block Coaster Design

Now it is time for the fun! Get creative and begin to layout your design by taping off sections to paint on the cork squares. You have two options here, create your design all at once or layer your colors with drying time in between.

Using a flat brush or sponge, paint the first unmasked area with one color from your selected paints. Be sure to fill the area in completely and don’t forget to paint the edges for a polished look.

Continue to paint each coaster to achieve the desired look. When done painting, lay coasters flat and allow to dry 30 min minimum.

Using a new piece of painters tape to tape off a new section to paint with a new color. Repeat this process for each paint color.

Once each paint color is applied and dry, gentle remove the tape from all of the coasters.

Finally, spray coasters outdoors or in a well-ventilated area with an acrylic varnish to seal.

Step 3 ::

Add Style to Your Coffee Table with Your Metallic Color Block Coasters

Now comes the easiest step of all!

Show off your style by placing your new Metallic Color Block Coasters out for everyone to see!

This color blocking technique can be used to create cork boards, large-scale wall decor or even DIY pillow cases, the possibilities are endless! For now take a break, sit back and take a sip of your favorite beverage with the knowledge your coffee table will be protected in style.

Now it’s your turn. What else will you color block? Watch this on my YouTube. channel.

April 19, 2016January 22, 2017

Announcing My Seasonal Home Subscription Box Membership!

Imagine the perfect home accents delivered to your door, arriving just in time for each season, to refresh and renew your decor. I am beyond excited to announce my first product a seasonal home subscription box, is finally here to make keeping your home beautiful all year-long easier than ever!

In my 15+ years of working with private clients I have asked myself many times, how can I share this same experience with more women who deserve to love their homes as much as possible. More women who don’t have extra time to search out the perfect items but appreciate them in their homes. Homemakers who are looking for perhaps not a full room makeover, but know that a few well-chosen touches can make a huge difference in their environment and make them feel happier.

Changes like adding new guest towels + organic lavender soap to your bathroom, replacing winter couch pillows with textured linen Spring covers, switching out tired doormats for a new welcoming version to greet guests at the door, adding fresh-cut flowers to a hallway table or refreshing garden planters with beautiful seasonal blooms. These changes can be small but can have a profound impact on our feelings about our surroundings and ourselves.

It’s been circling in my head for years, waiting to come to life. And now it is finally here! A seasonal delivery to your door that saves you the time of shopping for those small touches.

For busy women on the go, my seasonal home subscription box is an effortless home styling service tailored to understand your hectic lifestyle, that helps your home look it’s best every season without having to deal with searching + shopping for those perfect pieces. Let me do the work for you – you have other things to check off your already full list.

I hope you are as excited about my first product offering as I am! Please let me know if you have any questions that have not been answered on the FAQ pages, by responding directly to this email. I look forward to being able to share this gift with you!

~ Krayl

{click on the links here or above to read more about the offering and sign up today!}

p.s. ~ wouldn’t this make a great mothers day gift?? HINT. HINT.

December 12, 2015December 11, 2015

How To Decorate Your Bedroom For Christmas

Every season I change out the bedding in our master bedroom to suit the changing temperatures and colors to suit the months ahead. I have bedding for summer, spring and fall, but until this year Christmas has eluded me… Yes, I would put a red pillow on the bed, tie a ribbon around the papier mache deer head above the bed and then spend all season wishing I had real Christmas bedding. Last year I got really close to buying it and was talked out of it by a friend – “no one will see it”.

This year I went ALL in. New evergreen accented sheets, red shams and a mixture of wintery throws to decorate my bedroom for Christmas. My advice, if it makes you happy DO IT! It is easier than you think and if you are anything like me, you will soon be obsessed with your bedroom and not want to leave all season.

How To Decorate Your Bedroom For Christmas

Add A Little Green ~ Wrap live or faux evergreen garland around your footboard. Wrap lights and place them on a timer set to go on and off automatically. I have mine set to wake me up and also shut off when I am sleep – it is as close to Santa waking me up as an adult can get, the excitement gets me up at ready for the day.

Texture ~ Cool weather months call for heavier fabrics and woven textures. Mix cotton, linen and wool on your bed with blankets, duvet covers and various pillows. I love this red wool pillow from HomeGoods and am now on the hunt for its twin!

Layers ~ It is true in clothing fashion and it is true in home decor – winter if for layering. Add a colorful throw blanket on top of your comforter for added warmth and coziness. If you get too hot at night simply pull it off and put it back on in the morning when you make your bed for the day.

Pillows ~ Don’t listen to the haters. Add as many pillows to your bed as you like. I found red sweater covers for my euro shams which are just the right amount of Christmas color then added a warming tan standard sham in front of it for depth. Finally I added a red wool pillow to lead the pack and pull all the colors together.

Sheets ~ Underestimating the power of thread count is a huge mistake I made in my younger days. Learn from me and make the change to quality sheets asap. You will enjoy getting in bed 100% more – no really you will. For the holidays look for sheets with accent features on white linens so they don’t distract from the other colors on the bed. I found these evergreen accented sheets from Perfect Linens and they are… well… perfect.

The goal when decorating you bedroom for Christmas is to create a warm and festive space for you and your partner not to overdo it or get stressed out about creating the perfect look. I am so in love with the small changes I made – and Pete says he is sleeping better under the cable knit blanket – that I am honestly wondering what took me so long! So do not delay. Take these tips and decorate your bedroom today!

{ Love the evergreen linens as much as I do – use code Appealing35 at check out and save $35. No catch. Just my way of spreading the Christmas cheer.}

June 30, 2015April 12, 2022

Summertime Decorating Ideas For Your Entranceway

Summer is just 94 days short but with these quick and easy decorating ideas for your entranceway you will be loving your homes curb appeal all summer long.

Start the season with a fresh coat of paint to really make your front door pop! Add a new door knocker {even if you only use the doorbell they add a great design touch}, seasonal door mat, a potted plant and in one quick afternoon you are ready to welcome guests the entire summer entertaining season!

Inside the doorway place a collection of baskets or totes to keep clutter to a minimum. My bright yellow Hunter boots welcome me home everyday and it makes me smile just to see them – I promise rain boots will change your perception of a rainy summer day for ever, picking up a pair is totally worth it.

Shop my picks here ::

1 – Baldwin Ring Door Knocker :: Baldwin on Amazon.com
2 – Bright Blue Paint will give your home a fresh new look :: Blues By Benjamin Moore
3 – Yellow Hunter Boots :: HunterBoots.com
4 – Bicycle Hand-woven Doormat :: Wayfair.com
5 – A Potted Lime Tree Welcomes Guests :: See what to plant now article
6 – Three Piece Canvas Tote Set :: Signature Home

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And, if you are looking for even more ways to seasonal inspiration check out An Appealing Plan the book.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.

November 6, 2014April 30, 2016

Are You In Love With Your Home?

As the weather cools we head back inside our homes. Do you love your space? Is it a place you are happy to spend time at the end of your day?

The colors and textures in our home can dramatically effect how we feel about ourselves and our lives.

“An interior is the natural projection of the soul.” – Coco Chanel

Small changes such as paint color, comfortable throw blankets or a vase of fresh flowers can completely change the feel of a room.

“I work on the assumption that a house is successful when it is pleasant to live in.” – Alexandra de Garidel Thoron

To me good interior design, feels like it has been created over time. Personal touches and elements brought in as they are found on your travels.

“Strive for progress not perfection.” – unknown

What do you love about your home design? What would you change? Start the conversation in the comments.

Looking to make a few changes to your surroundings? Consider a scheduling a design consultation or booking one of our new e-design packages. Styling services are available virtually as well as in person. Start loving your home.

October 23, 2014April 12, 2022

Monogrammed White Pumpkins

Monogrammed white pumpkin entranceway via @AnAppealingPlan #CelebrateEveryday #Fall #Decorating #DIY

Monogrammed pumpkins add a little touch of chic to your entranceway or table for the Fall + Thanksgiving decorating season. Follow along this quick video to create your monogrammed white pumpkins.

Watch this video below or watch it on YouTube by clicking here.

SUPPLIES:

2 to 3 medium white pumpkins
adhesive backed letters
decorative push-pins
additional pumpkins for grouping

Once you place your monograms group your pumpkins at your front door with other gourds of various sizes and shapes for variation. Add indian corn and a few heirloom varieties for additional visual interest.

Do you decorate your entranceway for Fall or for Halloween?? Let me know your secrets in the comments below and be sure to sign up for updates and follow me on Pinterest for more seasonal decorating ideas.

May 29, 2014July 24, 2015

What’s Your Favorite Position? Feng Shui for the Bedroom Design

I was recently interviewed for a news series that aired on FOX News called “Launch Your Libido”, with Dr Jo and Board Certified Clinical Sexologist Dr. Dae Sheridan regarding the ideal design for your bedroom as it relates to your relationship. We talked about color choices, fabrics + pillows, candles, a mixture of materials and also the placement and position of your furniture with in your room. And of course, since it was a “libido” focused series we naturally focused on the bed as the main furniture in the room.

Now although in this article I am specifically discussing the bedroom, these philosophies can apply to your garden, dinning room and all your entertaining spaces, creating environments for you and your guests to feel their best and happiest. {more to come in future articles so be sure to sign up for updates to your inbox here.}

Feng Shui, which literally translates to “wind and water”, is the ancient Chinese art of placement.

At its most basic level, feng shui {pronounced fung shway} can be used as a decorating discipline based on the belief that our surroundings affect us mentally and emotionally in many ways. Whether it is applied to the entire house as it relates to the land, the furniture in the room or specific objects, according to Feng Shui, the position of these items can have an effect on your chi or Qi, frequently translated as “natural energy”, “life force”, or “energy flow”.

In feng shui, the first “commanding position” for the bed is its relation to the door and it’s distance from the door. Ideally position it as far away from the bedroom door as possible, but which still allows for the most control over the space and in turn your life. The corner of the room diagonally opposite the door is usually best {but you must use a headboard to choose this placement}, or against the wall furthest away from the door, but not in-line with the doorway.

Additional considerations when positioning your bed according to feng shui are windows, beams and bed access.

Try not to position your bed under the lower angle of a pitched roof, a ceiling fan or a heavy beam. These elements are thought to contain “depressing energy” that pushes down on you while you sleep. If you can not work around these architectural features, a bed canopy or fabric suspended from the ceiling are believed to be “cures” for the situation.

{image by feng shui by angel}

Avoid positioning your bed under a window, which lacks the “support and protection” of a solid wall and can lead to a poor night’s sleep as energy enters and exits through the window.

Headboards, especially solid versions made from wood or fabric, are considered good feng shui because they provide additional strength and support behind your head. Footboards, on the other hand, are seen as blocking energy and your forward progress in life.

The Big No-No In Feng Shui Bed Placement

Make sure your feet do not point out the door while laying in bed! Traditional Chinese culture, refers to this as the “Death Position” because the deceased are carried out feet first to their coffins and believe sleeping this way can drain your life force. In Feng shui terms, when your feet are in line with the door you are losing your energy at night and your energy gets weaker, since it is not properly directed . If you can’t avoid it, use a footboard or other piece of furniture at the foot of your bed to act as a buffer {this is when the one exception to Feng Shui’s “no footboard” rule applies}.

Lastly, leave enough room around the bed for energy to flow freely, and for each partner to get up with ease.

What are your design challenges in the bedroom? Let me know your design concern in the comments.

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And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.

May 8, 2014May 31, 2016

How To Decorate A Dining Hutch.

If you love dishes and glasses as much as I do, you will quickly find you run out of spaces to hide them, but you can also incorporate them into your decor by using open and glass front hutches.

In this short video for eHow.com I discuss incorporating your collections in to you home decor and decorating.

Many dining hutches have a glass front area as well as an enclosed area. When displaying items in the glass front area, it’s nice to group them into categories. Even though I have a collection of mismatched champagne glasses, organizing them together in one area creates a very nice display. Use the second shelf for other items that have a little bit more colorful design or are pitchers and stoneware. Use cake plates to add height for your smaller items.

Adding taller items to the top of this hutch, creates height as well as allows for space for those numerous glass vases that we have all acquired.

On the center shelf area, add personalized items such as ceramic bowls or fondue pots from your childhood.

In the enclosed area, you can hide votives, napkins and other accessories that don’t need to be as organized quite as well. There’s really no wrong way to display these items but by grouping them into collections, you will find it really creates a more appealing look.

Did you like this video. SHARE using one of the buttons below and SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel here.

April Showers + Spring Love + A Book Giveaway

Spring is a magical time around the An Appealing Plan table, studio and potting shed! I love the fresh mix of flowers, colors, scents and herbs that come with this season of renewal, it brings new life to every project I am involved with.

Entranceways need new spring containers to welcome guest home; Easter gatherings call out for abundant tablescapes filled with the colors and flowers of the emerging gardens outside the windows; Home offices and guests room are ready for a fresh coat of paint and stylish seasonal accents. I love creating posts to inspire everyone here on the site just as much as working directly with clients on projects to create environments to gather and connect.

But what I really inspires me is hearing from YOU! I want to hear what you love most about the month of April, the entire Spring season or how you plan to celebrate this season.

{Plus I need a little help choosing the cover… would you mind?}

Take a moment to let me know in the comments by posting your #1 favorite things about Spring along with which book cover you prefer and you will be in the drawing to win a copy of my book coming out in just a few months. Easy Peasy right?

{Winner will be randomly selected from all entries submitted 4.1.14 12:01AM EDT – 4.31.14 11:59PM EDT. Winner be announced via blog post, social media and notified by email.}