Just starting out and buying your first home can be frustrating in that it seems when you don't have a big budget that you cannot have charm that says "Welcome."
Look at it as a fun and exciting canvas on which to create. I helped this young couple add loveliness for under $500! With a touch of creativity you can add beauty to your home too! Follow along below as I show you how. 

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My first thought was how can we add dimension and depth to what seems like a very flat surface? I suggested putting up a couple of window boxes that you can buy at your neighborhood hardware store. 
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Another way to liven up the curb appeal is to have a front door that is a wonderful, warm, inviting color. This is not a big investment of money, time, or materials. If you find you don't like it, it is not a big deal to change.   

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Next I filled the boxes with beautiful annuals. Before you go shopping for your color, make sure you have studied the amount of sun your window boxes will be recieving. These are so nice because you can change them out to welcome every season! I look forward to putting mini-pumpkins in them in the Fall, and pine cones and lit garlands in the Winter.  Now you have seasonal pots to enjoy all year round that will add such an inviting look to your home. 

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Then I had a simple railing built to create additional depth, and to take away from the front of the house feeling flat and one dimensional. The cost was under $250 with labor and materials! And yes I even hired someone to do it! I also painted the fascia board above the door and windows a nice crisp white same as the railing. Most homes have a fascia board that runs under the gutter. Painting this to match the trim can really add depth to the front of your home.  

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Lastly, Pots and Plants! Just by placing a few plants around the front we have added a welcoming vibe to the front door. I love flanking the front entry with a pair of  matching pots and plantings.
​Just remember that you can add charm and elegance to your home without breaking the bank! With just a touch of paint, plants, and creativity you can give your home a whole new lease on life!

As you know I love to bring elements together to create organic elegance. I found this beautiful pressed metal bowl and faux succulents at my local Pier One. Used together they create a lovely centerpiece perfect for any occasion. Below I will show you step by step instructions on how to make this for your home. 

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I found this beautiful pressed metal bowl with horn handles on clearance. I think it will make a great centerpiece for a dining room table. 

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I recently had a package delivered to my house that had all of these foam inserts in the box. This will be perfect to create the base insert for my centerpiece. I like to use these to create height in my arrangements instead of the cheap foam that tends to explode into tiny balls throughout my home. You could also use Oasis floral foam from your local florist if you don't have any of this. 

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Next I simply finished tearing the foam apart and mounding it into the bowl. I wanted to stack them in a way to create more height in the middle to give it more of a mounding organic look. After placing it, I taped it down with florist tape. Be sure to hide the edges under the lip of your bowl to help it look as natural as possible. 

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I chose to use Sphagnum Moss since it is something that you usually find used with succulents or orchids. I covered the foam with the moss first as it will be easier to simply push the faux succulents through the foam instead of trying to work it afterwards around it. 

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I found these little beauties at the same store as the bowl. They are faux succulents pushed into foam balls. With a little tugging I was able to pull them right out and place them how I liked in my arrangement. A LITTLE TIP...you will get the best bang for your buck buying pre-made arrangements and pulling them apart as opposed to buying individual pieces. 

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Lastly, I simply pushed the faux succulents into the foam. Be creative! Play with height, size, color and have fun! Be sure to cover all of the tape and foam. Love it! 

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Voila! Just by using a few home design pieces I found for a bargain, I have created an elegant faux succulent centerpiece for my dining room table that will last all year round!