Now that it’s finally December, we’re allowed to start thinking about Christmas! And what goes with the holidays better than politics? Hah, gotcha! As much fun as heated family discussions about elections are, we’d rather focus on a really special part of White House life: Christmas decorations at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. We get a little overwhelmed with our own decorations, so we can’t quite imagine the work that goes into coordinating this kind of effort every year.

How much do we love this simple and modern outdoor look from Michelle Obama this year? A LOT. That graphic gift box silhouette is so bold and beautiful, and pops JUST SO WONDERFULLY against that White House.

In 2015, the East Colonnade was filled with hand-cut snowflakes, and the result was truly, truly magical. This is a totally doable DIY- you’ve just to have some time on your hands (plus a LOT of white paper and fishing wire), and this winter wonderland look could be all yours.

2014’s decor featured a stunning gift sculpture in the Jacqueline Kennedy garden. The mirrored sides reflect the gorgeous surroundings, and the big red bow pops beautifully against all the greenery!

Every year, there’s a gingerbread White House featured in the home’s decor. We’re particularly partial to 2013’s house– it’s a little less grandiose than other years (which is kind of homey and nice), and it’s one of the few to feature all transparent windows. Plus, it’s got a functioning fountain! But the miniature Sunny and Bo just take the cake. (See what we did there?)

After spotting George W. and Laura Bush’s Christmas portrait from 2004, we had to get a look at the house’s decor that year- and the all-white was pure magic. We can’t imagine how stunning it must have been in person! (Apologies that this 12-year-old photo isn’t as high res as the others!)

We’ll be over here wrapping lights around out 3′ tall tabletop tree and living vicariously through the archives of stunning White House style.

This week we’ve made a ton of progress in our One Room Challenge, and we’re chalking up that turning point to the power of paint. Today, we wanted to celebrate 5 awesome examples of just how much the right color can change a room!

Some paint and new carpet went a LONG way in transforming this attic space.

A subtle update made a big difference in Courtney’s office space.

An awesome room got update with something soft to make a more calm and beautiful space for John and Sherry.

Katie has had to tackle brown trim all through our house, and this dark-to-light office just may be our favorite!

A dated room got a super-fresh update, all thanks to great new finishes on the paneling and brick.

So, here’s hoping we’ve got our own major transformation to show off to you next week!

Since it’s now officially, officially Fall, grab yourself a pumpkin spiced latte, tie on a scarf, and slip into some shearling booties, because today we’re sharing a few of our favorite elements you can use to make your space a little more fall-friendly.

Our favorite blanket in our house has to be the faux fur throw from West Elm that Ben picked out last year. Not only does he look super manly snuggling up with it, but the plush “fur” is so warm and soft, it’s such a great touch during the colder months. Fall Vibes: 3.5/5 maple leaves- the texture totally suits a fall/winter look, but we use ours year round!

Sarah of Thrifty Decor Chick shared a pretty roundup of fun fall printables. These are such an easy way to change things up for the holidays and feel a little refreshed in your decor. Fall Vibes: 5/5 maple leaves. These are definitely a more literal interpretation of fall, so you’ll want to change things again come December.

Not everyone loves autumn colors (ourselves included), but a mid-toned leather pouf will go well with just about any decor style while bringing in a little bit of fall warmth. Bonus: it’s a great place to prop up your feet while relaxing with a warm beverage! Fall Vibes: 2/5 maple leaves. A leather pouf is a great touch of fall color and texture, but it’s an incredible addition to any room, any time of year!

If you haven’t checked out Target’s Fall home collection, Emily did a great review, showcasing a lot of perfect pieces. We’re working on exercising restraint- not sure how successful that will be! One of our favorite elements: this felt and leather basket. Great mixed textures always scream “Fall” to us, and this has the bonus of being super functional in your space as well. Fall Vibes: 2/5 maple leaves. Amazing texture and color mix, but you won’t feel like you have to pack it away in the spring!

 Furbish Studio has the best textiles– collected on shopping trips all over the world. We’re loving these Peruvian lumbar pillows for a dose of colorful autumn tones. The color-block grey top keeps it from feeling too wild (in case overall color might be overwhelming in your space), and they’re incredibly well made. Fall Vibes: 2/5 maples leaves. The pinks and blues keep it from being strictly fall, but that burnt orange base is all autumn.

We’re still waiting for the temperature to feel more like Fall, so maybe if we start stocking up on lovely textured throws, the weather will indulge us? We’ll see you next week for the last FoF of September!

Hello Friends!  It is that time again, we made it to FRIDAY!!!  Our favorite day of the week, and to celebrate surviving another week we wanted to showcase these five gorgeous bold wallcoverings.  Wallcoverings can add an exciting, or perhaps unexpected, accent to a space.  Check the ones we are loving out, and don’t be afraid to try being a little bold in your own home!

First up, check out this use of leopard print wallpaper.  How can you not love this look?  A lot of pow in such a small space.  House Beautiful also shares other ideas of how to make a big impact in room that might get looked over.

Next is a wallcovering that Meredith is actually specifying for a project at her office.  It’s quirky and fun, and hopefully the clients love it as much as we do.  Check out this wallpaper from Maharam that shows off an eclectic vibe.  Can’t you see this in a small room or nook where it can be showcased?

This next wallpaper might not be “bold”, but it sure does make an impact.  This wallpaper adds a beautiful, delicate, and whimsical touch to this nursery.  Monika Hibbs posted to Instagram this floral print used perfectly in this sweet little girl’s room.

Now, we like a great geometric print, but we LOVE a great geometric print on the ceiling!  We love how Kelly Deck Design has used this wallpaper in an unexpected way.  Wallpapers aren’t just for your walls people.  They can be used on the ceiling!  Such a fun and different way to add impact to a space.

Last, we have a wallcovering that we have googly eyes over.  Metallic, black, white, marble, agate, all the things we love!  Rosa Beltran used this gorgeous wallcovering as an accent in her bar nook, and we think it looks great!  We also love how she used the 3M mounting as a temporary installation method, which would work great for anyone trying to make a statement in an apartment or other rental property.

We hope your weekend is as bold and fun as these wallcoverings!