One of my favorite things to do when designing a room is to work with what you already have. Often times people feel like they need to start from scratch when working with an interior designer. That is not the case with Decorator in a Box. I want you to get the most bang for your buck. When I start with a client they complete the online questionnaire which tells me their priorities. That was the case with this boys bedroom design in San Diego. His Mother thought organizing and revamping his bedroom was the perfect Summer project. The mission was to create a space with more storage and a spot to do homework. This project was completed just in time for school to start. In true California style this guy likes to surf. Not shown in the after photos is the surfing photographs done by his photographer Father. These photos will be the perfect addition to finish off the design and give it the Southern California style. My favorite part of the design is the beach style hanging lamp.

Tell me about your space. I will work with what you have to create a look that reflects your personal style. Plus incorporate new things to pull the overall look together. Most importantly I will work with your budget. The process is so easy you can do it over your lunch break or while the baby naps. Start your Decorator in a Box today! 

Xo, 
Annie

Who doesn't love all the colors of Fall starting to pop up? Isn't this photo from Chris Love Julia the coziest corner? It's definitely inspiring a future corner for one of my designs. I'm also loving the warmer accent colors in interiors and it looks like they are here to stay awhile. The camel leather chairs, rust pillows and mustard velvet's have me feeling cozy. These warm colors currently have a more modern vibe. It felt like for many years any time you wanted to work in a terracotta or mustard yellow pillow it was more on the traditional style side. I'm excited to start layering in these warm color accents into my own home and current designs. How do you feel about the warmer tones? Are you still loving tone on tone grays or are you looking forward to more color?

Need help with a custom design in your home? I'm here to help with a Decorator in a Box. Send me your room photos, measurements and style inspiration. I will create a custom shopping list, furniture plan and vision board to meet your budget. I'm always available for questions or to make design tweaks.  The best part is you can start the process over your lunch break or while the baby is napping. Give your room some love and start your custom design today. You can start the process here.

Xo,
Annie

image via chris love julia

image via tiffany lusteg

image via the preppy hispanic

image via clothandwool

I have been making a conscious effort to reduce waste and make our household "more green". In the past this seemed like an overwhelming task. Since I have begun the process I realize little steps snowball into a big wonderful fluffy snowball. As families we have the power to cast the vote by the purchases we make. The more sustainable we buy the sooner it will be more accessible. It feels good to have that kind of power. Since doing this I have seen multiple benefits I did not expect. I see my daughters being educated by our choices and doing their part. As an interior designer I notice everything. I like things to look pretty. Most sustainable products are lovely and really add to your lunch box, shelf or counter-top in a beautiful way. Little things like opening your lunch to see a reusable napkin or bag can have a impact on your day and lifestyle. I have also noticed since everything is reusable it saves us money which always feels amazing right?!

Here are thirteen small easy and completely doable changes I have made. I could have added thirteen more...like I said it's a snowball. I now notice everything wasteful. Especially how much plastic use there is. Here are my favorite things all of them can be found with a few clicks on Amazon. I recommend supporting your small and local business for some of these products. Even if you just start with reusable plastic bags it makes a massive difference. 

As a Mom of two girls I'm constantly packing snacks and lunches. We have used a reusable bento lunch tin for years, but sometimes you just need a bag. These reusable bags work so great. I use them for so much more than I thought and the wash up like a champ!

 Image via @thislittlemiggy //reusable bags via full circle home

So many plastic straws end up in our oceans. This one is a change with lots of impact. Next time your at a restaurant say "no straw please". We are a big smoothie making family and we love sipping those with these straws. I keep the them on hand in our kitchen drawer. I keep a stash in my purse to use at restaurants in lieu of their plastic straw. 

via amazon

Beeswax wraps have multiple benefits. We have replaced plastic cling wrap by using these. We use them to cover containers in the fridge, wrap fruit and sandwiches. They rinse up very well.

via amazon

These are my favorite. Dryer sheets have a lot of chemicals that are not good for us or the planet. These reusable dryers balls get out the static, fluff our clothes and look pretty in a canister on your laundry shelf. They are a win, win, win!

via food 52

So many of our bath and cleaning products come in plastic that cannot be recycled. By using refillable amber glass for your bath and cleaning products you can make a lasting change. Then the trick is to not refill the bottles with something that comes from a giant plastic jug that get throw in the garbage. You can find refillable soaps in compost friendly packaging. You can also visit your local bulk store that has bins where you can refill your products in a reusable container. Whole Foods is one of these stores, but search your area for options. You can also research ways to make your own cleaning products to put in the containers.  

You can opt for no packing on your shampoo and conditioner. This I have not tried yet, but have heard great things. As soon as I run out of shampoo I'm going to give it go.

via basin

This one is a no brainer. If you haven't switch to a bento container for you lunch your missing out. I love following this company Planet Box on instagram simply to get their beautiful and fun lunch ideas. 

via planet box

I'm not much for drinking out of a water bottle. I love my stainless reusable tumbler with a straw. It keeps my ice water cold and I bring it everywhere from the gym to the store. Begone with plastic water bottle waste that is one of the worst things for our planet.

via amazon

Eliminate the food you purchase in plastic containers and opt for shopping at a bulk bin store in your area. Bring your own bag and refill pastas, beans, nuts, cereal and baking essentials. The earth will thank you and your pantry will be a show stopper. My hope is to see more store popping up like this. Whole Food is one of them and you can get deals there with your Amazon Prime account.

via the container store

Keep a pretty compost pale on your counter to discard food scraps and keep it out of landfills. Instead this compost will be used to grow more food in gardens. This is truly giving back to the earth. Minnesota locals can do this free. Sign up here to get your free organics bin. 

via food 52

We use to use a lot of liquid laundry soap that comes in a hug plastic container. I have since switched to a powder detergent to in a cardboard box which is easier to recycle than the plastic jug. If you a liquid detergent lover you can refill a spout container at your local bulk store. I also love this because it adds to the laundry shelf pretty factor. Once again win win!

image via mindy gayer design

Instead of grabbing more plastic for your produce opt for reusable produce bags. These also come in handy for nuts and pastas coming out of a bulk bin. 

via amazon

In our house we were in a bad habit of grabbing paper towel after paper towel to use as a napkin. I have now tried to start pulling out cloth napkins at every meal instead of just special occasions. It's less waste and makes the meal more enjoyable even if we are just having PB & J. 

via west elm

The list of things could go on and on. Once you start it's really actually fun. The main thing is to  start with something small. Small goes a long way. I think you will find in the process your home looks pretty, you feel less guilt and planet earth is feeling good too. 

Do you need help making your house more of a home? Tell me about it. I will create a custom interior design that is mailed right to your door or inbox. The best part is I will work with what you have, your personal style and most importantly your budget. 

Start your custom Decorator in a Box today! click here

​With Annie Pauza's guidance, you can affordably transform your space into a place that reflects your style and personality. As an online interior decorating service, Decorator in a Box lets you maintain control through the do-some-of-it-for-me process, and gives you everything that you need to bring an expert aesthetic to your home.

Happy weekend all! I hope your relaxing or tackling a weekend home project. We are painting and installing wood floors in our kitchen remodel. By we I mean my husband is painting and installing wood floors. I'm already on to thinking of the details like hardware, furniture and my favorite the art. An easy fun and quick way to add high style to your space is by incorporating a vintage portrait somewhere. This can be added to a gallery wall, layered on a shelf and really anywhere. I know what your thinking an old portrait can be a bit creepy with a haunting vibe. Just have fun with it. You can even have a little fun by adding googly eyes to these portraits come Halloween. I'm thinking of adding something like this to my powder bath gallery wall so stay tuned for that. Search for these on Etsy, 1stdibs or your local thrift store. Below are some great ways to incorporate a vintage portrait in your home. 
Do you need help with more than just quick tips? Tell me about your home project. I will create a custom flat rate design that meets your specific needs, style and budget. It's so easy and fun you can begin the process from the comfort or your computer at home or work. Let's start your custom Decorator in a Box today!

Xo,
Annie

Need more tips and inspiration? Follow me on instagram @decoratorinabox

image via 1stdibs

image via emily henderson blog

image via new darlings

image via shop super marche instagram

The best part of my job is getting the after photos. I’m always impressed how the client executes the design I created. They get to bring it to life and pull it off the page.

​Even though it’s closing season for this West Hampton beach house it’s still fun to look back on Summer. My favorite part of this design is the retro cane chair, campaign dresser and beachy art prints. All selections were very affordable and fitting for a secondary vacation home. How about that view?! I wouldn’t mind waking up to the sound of ocean waves.

Tell me about your home project. I’ll create a custom Decorator in a Box they meets your personal style and budget. The best part is it can all be done from the comfort of your computer. Lets start your custom design today!

​Xo, Annie

Being an interior designer I notice everything. This is a blessing and also a curse. Shoe piles and clutter can really throw me off. When my kids get home from school and dump back packs, shoes, papers, lunch bags and craft projects in the entry it doesn't "spark joy" with me. Let's just say it sparks something less cheery. That's why in our mud room update I incorporated a small locker with hooks and shoe cubbies. There will eventually be a place for my girls to easily put things away on their own. Eliminating the entry pile up.
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Soon I will be sharing our affordable laundry solution with you when the room is complete. I was so inspired by this Nordic modern locker design. Details like the natural wood back and leather drawer pulls make all the difference. I decided to create a design that has this feel in a look for less version.

Here is the vision board for our future Laundry Room. Everything all together on the vision board is just a little over $500 dollars. The washer and dryer that came with our 1980's home have not died yet. We decided to wait on replacing this appliance and come up with an affordable solution that works for now. We are also under going a kitchen remodel, so we need to prioritized projects and budget. Eventually we will go to  more of a space saving stack-able washer and dryer. Right now I think this will work great! Hey it's better then the honey oak I have yet to miss. Shopping details listed below.

Shelves//Locker//Hooks//Sink// Print//Drying Rack//Laundry Cart//Wallpaper

Do you need help with a design? I want to hear about it. Let's start your custom online affordable interior design today. Decorator in a Box is so fun and easy you will find it's the only way to hire an interior designer. Click here to begin your custom design.

Xo,
Annie

Who doesn't love a gallery wall? Gallery walls are a great place to display art, photos and memorabilia. Most of us don't have an extensive art collection. Mixing a few of your favorite affordable prints with some other framed momentos can really add to the art you already have. It can make a design statement and serve as a reminder of your favorite moments in life. I bet you have special things around your home you never even thought of framing. The key is to frame these items well. You can do this on your own or use an online frame service like Framebridge.  Here is a list of 7 things to have your gallery wall telling your story and sparking memories.

Gallery wall inspiration image via Wit & Delight.

I always grab a book of matches if a restaurant has a bowl of them. Framing a collection of matchbooks can be a reminder of dining al fresco while you were in Rome or Paris. It can also just be a collection of your favorite go-to local restaurants. Whatever the collection of matchbooks is they frame so well. 

image via framebridge

A framed photo booth print always takes me back to the movie 'Beaches'.  Rememver when C.C. Bloom spots the framed childhood photo of her and best gal pal Hilary at Coney Island where they first met. Hilary being the more elegant of the bestie pair had it framed beautifully. If you have an old childhood image or something recent from an event the long strip always frames well and is oh so silly too.

image via framebridge

We all have that trip that was our favorite. I will never forget my honeymoon in Greece. I love how the stubs are framed using a technique called float frame. The ticket stubs are applied to a piece of foam to give the illusion of floating. It's little details that makes a big difference.

image via framebridge

I'm sure you have thought of this one before. The key to framing a child's art is to frame it like it's your most precious print. Bringing in that float frame technique is a detail that should not be missed. This will make it look like a masterpiece that belongs next to the pro painting that you paid over a thousand dollars for.

image via Oh Joy!

My daughter is a Girl Scout. Every time she earns a new badge I say "oh so cute". Well now that she is moving up to being a brownie she won't need her sweet little Daisy vest anymore. I hate to see all those well earned badges sit in her closet. I may just have to take a few of her favorites to frame in this way. They can also serve as a good reminder to the troops moral code and lessons learned.

image via framebridge

I will never forget the moment I saw both my daughters first photos. I can still see that photo when I look at their profiles today.  Instead of sticking that image away in a book I would love to hang it near their artwork or with a photo of them today.

image via Style By Emily Henderson

I have several maps I kept from all my travels. All of them are colorful and beautiful. They are a great reminder of getting lost in a city and discovering something you wouldn't have if you didn't take that wrong turn. Like some tasty gelato near the Trevi Fountain.

image via framebridge

Well there you have it. Start pulling out those little mementos you have tucked away. Frame them to create that gallery wall that reminds you of all the wonderful moments in life. 

Xo, Annie


If you need a little help with that Gallery wall contact me to create a custom Decorator in a Box. It's a flat rate and financially savvy way to get a custom interior designer. The best part is you can do it all from the comfort of you computer. 

Happy Fourth of July to you all! Remember that amazing outdoor kitchen I shared with you a few weeks ago? Now we are on to the finishing touches of furniture for the deck. With a kitchen like that a lot of seating is needed for entertaining. This family also has small children and utilizing the large space as a play area is a must. It was also necessary to incorporate some storage for pool toys to easily be tucked away. Here's a sneak peek at the furniture layout and design I sent yesterday. There are so many furniture sales going on right now. I wanted to get the design to them in time to start shopping and score some great deals. I hope they can enjoy this space a little this fourth of July! I hope you all have a great one and get see some fireworks!

Tell me about your space. I will work with your budget, style and even your existing items to create a custom design. The best part is you can do it all from the comfort of your computer. Start your design while the baby is napping or your taking a lunch break at work. Send me your room photos, measurement and inspiration to be on your way to design bliss. It's so easy and fun!

Let's start your Decorator in a Box today! 

Xo,
Annie

I was so happy to receive these "after" photos from my client this morning. I created this Palos Verdes, CA deck and outdoor kitchen design almost a year ago. The outdoor kitchen is equipped with everything a grill master needs. The outdoor TV makes it easy to enjoy the game while you sit at the bar. The new deck is a low maintenance aluminum rail and composite decking. No staining or painting required. We are now on to phase two of adding the furniture details. Stay tuned for that. 

Tell me about your interior or exterior space. I'll create a custom design that meets your personal needs, style and most importantly your budget. Let's start your Decorator in a Box today!

Xo,
Annie

What is more fun than designing a space for a baby? I can't think of any. I was squealing with joy when this return Decorator in a Box client in Los Angeles contacted me to turn their home office into a nursery. I created a design for their main living space a few years prior. What I love about creating a nursery is thinking of all the special memories that will be made in this room for the parents and baby. The mission was to create a gender neutral room keeping with the clients modern style. They had already purchased some fun art prints to be the pop of color. I love working with what people already have. This room still had to function as a guest room when family comes to visit. Now it's all ready for baby and a whole lot of snuggles. 

Do you have a room your stuck on? Let me take away your worries and prevent costly mistakes. I'll create a custom quote to meet your specific style and budget. The best part is this can all get started from the comfort of your computer over your lunch break. 

Let's start your design here!

Xo, 
Annie