Krayl’s Seasonal Home Box – Summer REVEAL + Styling Tips

Imagine the perfect home accents delivered to your door, arriving just in time for each season, to refresh and renew your decor. That is exactly what members of my Seasonal Home Box Membership experienced this past month when the Summer Seasonal Home Box arrived at their door! Let’s take a peek inside the Summer Seasonal Home Box to see what items they are enjoying this season!

Is this the first you are hearing about the membership? Head over to learn more about the Seasonal Home Box Membership launch here. Or see the Krayl’s Spring Seasonal Home Box – Spring REVEAL here.

UPDATE :: The seasonal home box is currently “under construction”. The new improved Seasonal Home Decor Box will launch soon! Learn more here + sign up to find out when membership opens again.

This Summer Seasonal Home Box included a few of my favorite items for making the most of this summer entertaining season ~ White Paint Dipped Wood Salad Servers, Blue + White Guest Napkins, Gold Pineapple Stamped Rug, White Ceramic Fish Serving Platter, Nautically Inspired Cocktail Napkins and Sherpa Pink Himalayan Salt! Yes – everything I mentioned is included in the Summer Season Home Box.

White Paint Dipped Wood Salad Servers

Perfect for those big bowls of fresh summer salads, these oversized paint dipped wood salad servers are a functional as they are gorgeous! They look great on the table or in your kitchen.

Blue + White Striped Guest Napkins

Perfectly coordinated with the salad servers the Blue Die Striped Guest Towels can function as a dinner napkin at your next summer gathering or as a hand towel in your guest bathroom. Yes, guest towels are a little bit of an obsession for me and I always change them out for the season. Now you can too!

Gold Pineapple Stamped Mat

One of my favorite items in the Summer Seasonal Home Box was this oversized Gold Pineapple Stamped rug that can function as a bath mat or a welcome rug at your entranceway. Members received either a white or navy background rug and love them equally to add a touch of seasonal hospitality to your home.

Ceramic White Fish Platter

To me summer is all about eating outside with friends. During the week this white ceramic fish platter can hold the summers freshest produce on your kitchen counter, then on the weekends become a serving platter for a cheese plate, cracker tray or a place to put your keys near your doorway when you come home.

Nautical Inspired Cocktail Napkins

I came by my love of cocktail napkins honestly, in fact it might be in my bloodline.

My grandmother on my mother’s side always had a drawer full or the cutest, most appropriate cocktail napkins in a drawer in the kitchen. Family gatherings always had cocktail napkins… I continue that tradition to this day.

The Summer Seasonal Home Box members each received a summer or nautical themed set to add to their own entertaining collection.

Black + White Striped Cabana Pillow Covers – Outdoor Space Design

In my opinion there are a few design elements that make an immediate impact, one is paint and the other are pillow covers, I try to include one of these in every Seasonal Home Box.

Although not true “outdoor” fabric I encourage you to try these outdoors in your covered patio or pool cabana area. No cabana? Simply bring the pillows in or place them in a protected space when not in use to keep their vibrant stripes.

Black + White Striped Cabana Pillow Covers – Interior Design

Prefer to keep your new cabana pillow cases indoors? Try them on your bed with the Spring Seasonal Home Box garden inspired pillow or mix things up and add in an embroidered fish pillow to your master bedroom. Remember, the item in the seasonal box are meant to be seasonal pops to mix in with your existing decor. Try it out for a season then get ready for the next box to mix it up again!

Ready to grab your Seasonal Home Box? Check out my shop here.

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.

March 10, 2016March 18, 2017

Creating A Green + Grey Entranceway For Spring

February 11, 2016April 12, 2022

Home Love :: Valentine’s Gifts For Your Entranceway + Table

It’s the season of love – so let’s show our most cherished place a little love. Whether you are buying it yourself or putting your wish list into a love note placed on a pillow for a special someone to find, gifts that bring love to your home are a special treat that can be enjoyed not just this month but throughout the entire year.

Hunter Rain Boots – There is NO substitute for the original Hunter Boots to add a pop of color to a rainy day. I think we should all have them in a rainbow of colors.
Red Umbrella Stand by NACH – rainy days are perfect for cuddling but be sure you have a spot to place those wet umbrellas when your suitor stops over!
NEST Candle in Japanese Black Currant – I found this scent last year when I was looking for an after holiday but before spring scent and fell in love! I think you will too.
Home With Heart Door Mat – Show visitors your home is filled with love year round with the red heart doormat from Target!
Paint The Town Red – Nothing says belle of the neighbor hood like a high gloss red door! I love this red gloss exterior paint from Benjamin Moore.
Red Mirror Tray – Perfect for your dinner or make-up table, a mirror tray from reflects light to any space.
Ikat Red Salad Plate – Mix and match your dinnerware by placing this Mikasa porcelain salad plate on top of your white dinner plate and voila! you have a valentines table setting to die for with our buying a whole new set.
Love Cocktail from Caspari – Love is in the air, so why shouldn’t it be on your napkins too! Caspari never fails to bring style and quality to your gatherings.
GoVino Champagne Flutes – let your love fly free! Take these shatterproof champagne flutes by GoVino on your next adventure. #WhereDoYouGoVino
AKTAD Cake stand – IKEA does it again! A clear glass lid tops the red plate of this perfectly sized cake or cupcake stand. Use it on a counter top to tempt your sweet toothed partner!
GODIVA – THE chocolate for lovers, Godiva has created a limited edition truffle collection just sweet enough for your sweetie.

January 12, 2016January 12, 2016

Pantone Color of the Year 2016 :: ROSE QUARTZ + SERENITY

As this article goes live I am boarding a flight to Atlanta {in fact I’m editing it at gate C1 to be exact…} for the January Atlanta Home Furnishings Market and I thought it a fitting time to share the Pantone Color of the Year 2016. Well actually this year, for the first time ever, Pantone has introduced two colors instead of the traditional one color. May I present…

the Pantone Color of the Year 2016 – Rose Quartz + Serenity.

And invite you to visit my Pinterest board dedicated to this color combination, Rose Quartz + Serenity, well as the previous colors Emerald Green + Radiant Orchid. Over the course of the year I follow the color and add to this board to see how accurate the prediction is as well as how designers, homemakers and brands are incorporating it into their designs and products.

According to Pantone, “Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.

As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.

In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.”

Official Pantone Colors ::

Rose Quartz PANTONE 13-1520

Serenity PANTONE 15-3919

What do you think?? Honestly I am neither a pink or a pastel person so these are not my favorite colors… and I also wonder why grey has not been a Pantone color for years {has it ever?} and grey has been a predominant fashion and home decor color for years now.

Either way I am curious what you think about the colors, separate or together. Would you use them in your home?

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

* * * * * * *

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.

October 21, 2014May 31, 2016

Oscar de la Renta: The Value of a Life Lived Well

Although the majority of my posts revolve around entertaining, interior design, seasonal decorating, etc… I am personally and professionally {as are many home + event stylists} inspired by the world of fashion, so the news of the passing of Oscar de la Renta was more than saddening to me. De la Renta impacted style for over 50 years and will be remembered in history as one of the greats.

“Be the designer of your own destiny…” Oscar de la Renta

On Monday October 20th Oscar de la Renta, the worldly gentleman designer who shaped the wardrobe of socialites and Hollywood stars for more than four decades, died at the age of 82.

De la Renta died at home Monday evening in Connecticut surrounded by family and friends and “more than a few dogs,” according to a handwritten statement signed by two of his company’s executives, Alex Bolen and Eliza Bolen.

While de la Renta’s primary home was in Manhattan, he also kept a home in the Dominican Republic and regularly traveled there. Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour was a frequent visitor and she has said traveling with him was like traveling with the president. “He’s a superstar,” she said.

“Gardening is the work of a lifetime. You never finish.” Oscar de la Renta

He also had a country home in northwestern Connecticut. Gardening and dancing were among his favorite diversions from work. “I’m a very restless person. I’m always doing something. The creative process never stops,” he said. {quotes credit of Newsday + Associated Press}

Below are a few of my favorite quotes from Oscar de la Renta. A gentleman who knew the value that beauty and design plays in our lives, that by surrounding ourselves with things that make us feel lovely {be it clothes, within your home or in your garden}, we feel better about ourselves and are able spread this joy onto others.

” We live in an era of globalization and the era of the women. Never in the history of the world have women been more in control of their destiny.” Oscar de la Renta

“Fashion is a trend. Style is within a person.” Oscar de la Renta

Wintour shares a story about de la Renta’s relationship with his wife Annette: “Oscar was everything you could want a friend to be. Annette was his perfect partner, creating those magical houses and gardens together, giving extraordinary seemingly effortless dinners, and always taking care of each other.”

We can all only hope we have left such a mark after we are no longer here. Be creative, bring beauty to the world and spend time with loved ones ~ make the most of your days connecting with your surrounding and others.

In three words…what do you hope others remember about you? Share them in the comments and move towards that goal everyday.

October 7, 2014

Dinnerware Artist Spotlight: Nick Moen Studios {#TabletopTuesday}

I love Nick Moen’s handmade porcelain tableware and I can not lie…. But I am not alone. Ms Martha Stewart and America like it too! SO much so that he is currently one of the 2014 Wildcard Finalists in the Martha Stewart American Made competition running through 11:59AM on October 17, 2014.

In it’s third year “American Made spotlights the maker, supports the local, and celebrates the handmade. The program is made up of people and communities that have turned their passion for quality craftsmanship and well-designed goods into a way of life…. Now, through American Made, Martha Stewart and the editors of Martha Stewart Living are spotlighting the next generation of great American makers: entrepreneurs, artisans, and small-business owners who are creating beautiful, inspiring, useful products; pioneering new industries; improving local communities; and changing the way we eat, shop, work, and live.”

ABOUT NICK MOEN

Nick Moen grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. He formed a strong connection with the Northern Clay Center as a student, intern, and teacher. Nick completed a BFA in art and design from Alfred University in 2012. In January of 2013 he moved to Asheville, North Carolina where he started a residency at Odyssey Clayworks. Nick has been focusing on organizing events that pair tableware with food and drink. He has participated in multiple events focused on this concept at restaurants and galleries in North Carolina, Minnesota, and New York.

“I make objects to narrate my relationship with domestic spaces. Function resolves form through a consciousness of how I interact with food and drink. My work reflects a desire to inspire creativity in everyday ritual through gentle suggestions of how the objects ask to be used. I use my work to tablescape with handmade objects that share clues of how the work was made.”

Nick recently posted on Facebook: “If I get like 10 trillion votes then I could meet Martha Stewart and maybe help her bake a hot dish or something. #dreamingbig”. Do you think I can be Nick’s date if you all vote for him? You know that is my dream too.

Martha asked Nick a few questions and this was his response:

“WHAT INSPIRES NICK MOEN?

I am fueled by moments when chefs plate delicious food on my tableware and I share nourishing food and rich conversation with friends, experiences that stimulate body and mind. I am inspired by the community that is created through sharing food and drink. I am inspired by the connection of the farmers, to the chefs, to the makers, to the diners. I am driven to make tools to facilitate this meeting.

WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS STAND OUT?

My business stands out because I am a maker first and then a designer. Most people who design tableware for high volume production have little or no connection with the materials that go into the tableware. By working with top chefs, I have learned much about how tableware enhances the plating and presentation of food.”

I hope you might take a moment and vote for Nick Moen and support him in his journey to meet Martha {who knows… he might bring me}. Vote here in the American Made competition.

Visit Nick Moen on his website to learn more: NickMoen.com

Did you vote?? Let us know when and how often you voted for Nick by letting us know in the comments below. And be sure to sign up for updates right to your mail box by completing the form below.