I previously mentioned that I buy myself flowers on a weekly basis because it makes me happy. I’ve decided to start a new series titled Simple Pleasures to bring ideas and inspiration for simple ways to make you happy. Why not start with my personal favorite?

Not only do flowers bring outdoors into your living area, but they can also add a lovely pop up color to a room. I think when most of us see flowers they instantly brighten your mood, wether you’re conscious of it or not. So bring in a little happiness!

To gather your flowers:

• Buy real flowers and enjoy the scent that comes with them.
• Buy fake flowers that still bring beauty into a room for a more cost-effective option that lasts forever.
• Buy silk flowers, such as these, if you really want an investment.
• Who says you need to be fancy? Pluck flowers outdoors and bring them in!

So get creative — you can place flowers anywhere. It’s an easy way to put a smile on your face.

Do you decorate using flowers? If not, would you consider giving it a try?

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

I grew up in Germany for the first couple of years of my life and I love seeing pictures where I’m hip deep in snow wearing a ridiculous parka during the winter. Right now I’m in Florida for the holidays and it just isn’t the same…

Fall and winter are my favorite seasons. Nature starts showing off my favorite neutral shades and the weather allows for layering fun with clothes and my favorite boots. It’s also easy to take winter colors and use it for interior design inspiration.

Here are a few examples of how to take your favorite season and decorate your place to make you feel happy all year round!

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

It’s rare that I do something like this nowadays, but with my last room tour being back from 2008 I figured it would be appropriate to make an updated one! I’m currently living in my parent’s guest room. I got to choose the wall color, which is called Apple Slice. (Is that not he cutest name ever for a paint color?)

Disclaimer: The wall came out much greener in the pictures than it really is. The wall color in the picture featuring my desk is spot on for the intensity of the color. Also, I apologize for having a crappy camera and absolutely no photography skills whatsoever.

So here is my current set-up. Please click the thumbnails for a better quality picture.

What’s changed since last time?

• My dog: Max now lives with me upstairs, so he has a part of the small bedroom to himself.
• Less furniture: I have very little furniture now. The only pieces I own are the desk and bookcase.
• Hidden books: My huge book collection is gone. My absolute favorite books are scattered around. My professional books are in the bookcase. I donated or sold everything else. I have over 600 digital books, so I figured hard copies taking up dust and space was just a big waste. I used to think if I crammed my bookshelf, I could show off my love for books — dumb idea when your space is limited and you move a lot.
• Updated technology: I saved up for a (used) PS3 this past summer! You may notice Netflix — I’m loving my free trial to death. How will weekend nights be the same without it? My iPad is on my nightstand, which was actually a welcome home gift from my family and now serves as my e-reader and travel buddy.
• Storage: My bags hang on the back of my door instead of in the closet. There’s actually nothing stored under my bed — a first!
• Desk: I gave away my huge, towering storage desk and opted for a flat, basic one. This way I don’t get overwhelmed with clutter and everything that’s on there is essential. (Even the Perrier.) When I’m at home I use a big monitor for design purposes and just carry the laptop on its own when I travel to class. The glass monitor stand is an amazing product called a U-Board. It’s a bit pricey, made by a designer in Korea, but it fit my needs perfectly and I couldn’t be any happier with it.
• The room: The room itself is much smaller than my other one, but I’ve learned that I’m happier with less. Also, see the wood floors? Disaster. I’m constantly dropping things on it, and I bet it’ll be ruined by the time I move out.