EmmyLew_Decorates on LTK

EmmyLew_Decorates

My FIL and MIL are Air Force veterans. We take our flag seriously here!
If you are replacing an old tattered flag this spring, remember this:

#1. Places That Will Take an Old American Flag to retire it 🇺🇸
• Boy Scouts of America
• American Legion
• Some local fire departments

Tip #2. It is supposed to be lit up or taken down at night.

I’ll link our flag pole from Amazon because it has a solar light. We also like this one because it uses carabiners to stop the flag from getting stuck like others do.
It’s been great for us and it is super windy in Fla!

#LTKHome #LTKstorytime

My FIL and MIL are Air Force veterans. We take our flag seriously here! If you are replacing an old tattered flag this spring, remember this: 1. Places That Will Take an Old American Flag to retire it 🇺🇸 • Boy Scouts of America • American Legion • Some local fire departments Tip 2. It is supposed to be lit up or taken down at night. I’ll link our flag pole from Amazon because it has a solar light. We also like this one because it uses carabiners to stop the flag from getting stuck like others do. It’s been great for us and it is super windy in Fla! LTKHome LTKstorytime

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American Flag with Pole & Flag Pole Light, 5FT White Flagpoles for Outside House with 180° Adjus... | Amazon (US)

From classroom to content creator 📚➡️📲
Hi, I’m Emily! After 25 years teaching high school Marketing, I retired early and started sharing the way I style, update, and truly live in our family home in Florida.
Married at 36, mom at 40, and now raising our 7-year-old in our 12th (!!) house.
I’ve always loved finding homes with potential and updating them to feel high-end on a real-life budget.
Follow along for DIYs, decor tips, Amazon & Target finds, and everyday life at the lagoon 🏖️
#BuilderGradeGlowUp #FloridaMomLife #NeutralHomeStyle

The whimsy of our daughter’s playroom is so sweet 💕 the abundant storage cabinets and curtains are the necessity but the rest I can have a little fun with so I added some ruffles and lace! May I always remember that little girls are so precious 🫶🏻 #targetfind #anthropologie #playroom #littlegirls #neutralrooms #simpledecor

#LTKKids #LTKHome

Welcome to my LTK! I am Emily and I am 47 years old and I love simple but stylish home decor and outfits for myself and our 7 year old daughter! Hope to see you around 🫶🏻

#LTKKids #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

When you are getting your porch ready for spring this year, make sure you choose chairs that will last through every season!
I love these Adirondacks from Amazon because they are made from a composite and have stood up to this Florida heat and sunshine 🙌🏻
I thought a chair that would last years would cost about $400 a piece but then I found these.
What I also love about these (besides the cup holder 🍹) is that they fold flat for when we need to put them away them for a hurricane.
They come in other colors too! I’ll link mine here for your outdoor seating area!
I also added the pillow covers I use to make my porch seasonal.

#LTKHome

I’ve tested a LOT of wallpaper at this point — peel & stick and traditional — and not all of them are created equal 🙃

So this is my honest breakdown of the brands I do recommend vs the ones I wouldn’t use again… plus real examples of how each one looks installed in different rooms of our home.

If you’ve ever wondered:
• which wallpapers are actually worth the effort
• which are easiest to install (and which are not 😅)
• which ones give that high-end look

…it’s all in this post.

I linked the exact papers I’ve used so you can see how each one actually looks in a real home — not just a sample online.

Save this post for when you’re choosing wallpaper… it’ll save you time, money, and a few frustrating installs.

⸻

wallpaper brands review, peel and stick wallpaper, traditional wallpaper, best wallpaper brands, removable wallpaper ideas, budget wallpaper, high end wallpaper look for less, DIY wallpaper install, paste wallpaper vs peel and stick, accent wall ideas, home decor wall ideas, wallpaper comparison, neutral wallpaper ideas, textured wallpaper look, wallpaper do’s and don’ts

#LTKHome

Did you get a new build?
This is one of those things I always keep in my junk drawer 👀

Our trim had so many tiny nail holes from install, and this is the easiest way I’ve found to fix them. You literally just swipe it over the hole and it disappears — it makes everything look so much more finished in seconds 🙌

Such a simple DIY fix that makes a bigger difference than you’d think

⸻

DIY home fixes, cabinet repair, fill nail holes, trim touch up, easy home improvement, small upgrades home, home finishing details, Amazon home tools, quick DIY fixes

#LTKHome

I had you guys help me choose between two blankets for our guest room… and this is the one I ended up going with 🐕

I loved it online but wasn’t 100% sure how it would look in here—and it ended up being perfect for the space

This room has a little bit of a British colonial feel, and the dogs + hunting scene tie in so well with everything else we have going on

And I found it on sale, which made me love it even more 😅

I linked it here if you want to see it or grab one while it’s still available. I linked some other options too!

Anthropologie blanket, dog print blanket, guest bedroom decor, British colonial style, neutral bedroom ideas, cozy bedding, unique throw blanket, home decor finds

#LTKHome

This is what our living room looks like—and almost everything in here is from Wayfair 🙌🏼

The rug, sofa, coffee table, and even the chairs all came together so easily because I stick with neutral, transitional pieces that work in any space and don’t go out of style

And this coffee table is actually a dupe for a much more expensive piece, which I love because it gives that high-end look without the price tag

I linked everything here if you want to recreate a similar look or just need pieces to help finish your space

For the chairs, I linked a few similar options (both leather and white) that give the same look and feel

iving room ideas, neutral living room, transitional style decor, Wayfair living room, affordable furniture, coffee table dupe, living room rug ideas, sofa ideas, home decor finds, high end look for less @Wayfair

#LTKHome

Rugs (and curtains) are always the icing on the cake for me—if a room feels a little off, it’s usually missing one of those

These are the rugs I’ve used throughout our home in the living room, playroom, home gym, master bath, guest bedroom, and office, and they’ve made such a difference in pulling each space together

If you’re unsure what to choose, I always recommend going neutral and sticking with more transitional styles so they work in multiple spaces and don’t go out of style

I linked all of these rugs here so you can see sizes, colors, and options if you’re trying to finish a room in your own home

neutral rugs, transitional rugs, living room rug ideas, playroom rug, home gym rug, bathroom rug, bedroom rug ideas, office rug, affordable home decor, finishing touches home @Wayfair

#LTKHome

I love it when I realize my daughter’s bathroom is already decorated for Easter because of this adorable bunny pic 😂 which I found on Amazon then just reframed it with a frame from Michael’s!

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal

Decorating for Easter does not have to take long.
We have a daughter so I try to celebrate every single little holiday for her. Not in a big Insta-worthy way but just a little something.
Here are some ideas for you and I linked what I could 🐣

#LTKHome #LTKmomlife

I know this isn’t technically a dupe… but it’s such a good Pottery Barn–style find 🙌🏻

This art table is made by Carolina Kids (not PB) and it’s around $279 — but it’s one of those heirloom pieces. Ours was actually a hand-me-down.

The best part is the paper roll on the end — when it gets messy, I just rip it off and we’re good to go again 😂

It’s in a playroom now but I had it in our eat-in area before.

I spray painted the chairs we were given, but they sell neutral ones now!

I’ll link the table, chairs, and the paper roll we use if anyone’s looking 🤍

#LTKmomlife #LTKHome #LTKKids

If you know how soft the Aerie “Real Soft” material is then you know why I got these pajamas 🐰
My daughter is 8 and she wanted matching ones but I’m picky. I don’t even own a lot of PJs for that reason! When I saw these Real Soft ones with the bunny pattern I bought them for both of us. Yes, hers are too long but we will hem them 😉
I got her an XXS and they fit! I got a Large and could have used a Med in the pants (I am 5’8” 170lbs).
I like that they are sold separately so you can mix and match sizes of the top and bottom because who is the exact proportion anyway 🙌🏻
They have several cute patterns and they have shorts as an option too.

@Aerie

#LTKmomlife #LTKMidsize

I bought a couple Quince swimsuits for my daughter to try because she wanted a bikini and I like the fact that this has a longer top so she still gets to think she has a bikini and I get a little more coverage for her.
The fabric is very nice quality and it’s cute with the crossing straps in the back and they have a bunch of adorable pattern so she picked out a couple of patterns
They are half off so they’re only $19 plus if you buy two you get an additional discount and if you buy three, you get an additional. This is the perfect time to grab some.
I also grabbed a couple sun shirts so I’ll link everything I got for her here including her adorable little Birkenstocks 👙

@Quince

#LTKootd #LTKKids

The only counter top oven/ air fryer my dad recommends (because it’s ALL stainless steel and healthier for your family) is on sale right now at Target for $99!!
It is normally $299 so I would grab it now! My cousin has two houses and has one in each house…that’s how useful these are!
It’s the perfect size too so it will save space on your counter if you replace your air fryer and toaster!

@Target #KitchenSwaps

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKHome #LTKmomlife

I wanted something to highlight our wedding photo without dealing with wiring… but I also didn’t want anything that looked cheap or too casual for this space.

This wireless sconce ended up being the perfect find. It has a matte gold finish with a glass shade, so it feels elevated and works really well with the wood tones and darker brass we already have in our bedroom.

It mounts right to the wall, uses a battery bulb, and you can change the lighting with a remote (warm, natural, or cooler tones).

One of those small upgrades that makes a space feel way more finished without a big expense.

I linked the exact sconce with bulb here if you’re adding lighting anywhere without wiring.

#LTKWedding #LTKHome

Her new room is small so I wanted a closet that gave us more storage without actually doing anything custom.

This setup made such a difference — the rods adjust as she grows, there’s space for shoes and drawers, and I use baskets so she can actually reach everything herself

the exact system we used isn’t available anymore, but I found similar options that work the same way on @Wayfair

linking everything here if you’re working with a closet like this

#LTKKids #LTKmomlife #LTKHome

I’m starting to collect pieces for an Americana-style gallery wall in our stairway and this was such a good find on Etsy.

I love mixing in things that aren’t just framed art, and this canvas pennant adds so much texture and interest.

It comes in a few colors and sizes, and would be so cute in a boy’s room, a man cave, or layered into a gallery wall like this.

@Etsy

#LTKHome

I’ve wallpapered 7 rooms in this house at this point… (and some in others houses)

I’ve tried peel & stick, pre-pasted, and traditional wallpaper — and learned what actually works (and what doesn’t)

I’m putting together a full wallpaper series next week with all my tips if you’ve been thinking about trying it!

#LTKHome

These are the 3 main pieces we used in my daughter’s playroom

The rug, drapes, and storage cabinets made the biggest difference in making the space feel finished but still work for everyday use. You will be shocked by the Rifle Paper Co x Loloi rug price!!

I especially love the storage — it keeps everything contained but still looks nice

@wayfair

#LTKHome #LTKKids

If you have wire pantry shelves, this made ours so much more functional.

We didn’t replace them — just added an organizer to the inside of the door, pull-out drawers, and bins

How did we go it?
The hacks:
1. We zip tied the drawers to the shelf so they stay in place
2. Got an "over the door" rack that can also attach to the back of the door so it does not show on the top (because no way lol)

Linking everything we used here if you’re working with a similar pantry setup.

Kitchen Organization
Spring Cleaning

#LTKHome

What actually makes a guest room feel cozy (not just look nice).

It’s really just a few simple things — making it comfortable, thinking through the little details, and setting things up so it actually functions for someone staying there

I always try to make it feel ready, not like a spare room

I linked a few of the pieces I use if you’re setting up a guest space and my guest room set (PS: they have it in a darker color that I wish I got!)

#LTKHome

This is what finally made our playroom feel manageable again.

We didn’t need more space… just better systems.

adding cabinets for hidden storage, a rolling cart for everyday use, and using the walls made the biggest difference.

I linked everything we used here + the bins, bags, and baskets that help keep it all organized.

#LTKmomlife #LTKHome #LTKKids

I know this season is busy, so I kept Easter decor really simple this year.

I just swapped a few things out using what I already had and it made everything feel fresh again in like 15 minutes!

Sharing the pieces I used here + a few similar options if you’re pulling something together last minute

______
easter decor, spring home decor, seasonal decor, neutral easter decor, simple decorating ideas, quick home refresh, coffee table decor, tray styling, spring styling, home decor ideas

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

This chair has been in my family for years… but it didn’t quite fit our home anymore.

Instead of getting rid of it, I refinished it—and now it looks like something straight out of Restoration Hardware.

Proof you don’t always need to buy new to get the look 🤍

#LTKHome

We accidentally created an $8,000 bed for under $2,000 and I’m not even exaggerating

We paired an affordable foam mattress with a Tempur-Pedic topper and it completely changed how our bed feels

The Tuft & Needle foam mattress gives both my husband and I the support we need for our backs, but the topper adds that softer layer I need as a side sleeper — my shoulder used to get sore after sleeping and that’s completely gone now 🤯

It honestly feels like a luxury hotel bed

Linking everything here if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your mattress without spending a fortune

And yes you can get them on Amazon! Tip- get the 2” topper. The bigger one is too thick.

#LTKHome

A few of you asked about these after I shared them on stories 🥹

Dave wrote these books and they’re honestly the kind of gift that millennial parents love — they read to the rhythm of songs you actually know, so they’re just as funny for you as they are for your kids

Ella still goes through them and we always end up laughing 😂

one of you even said you added them to your baby registry which meant so much to our family 🤍

I added them here if you’re looking for a unique baby gift or something fun to switch up your bedtime routine!

#LTKBump #LTKmomlife #LTKKids

These lamps are on sale for Wayfair’s Spring Cyber Week right now for $100 🤯

I looked forever for something that felt high-end but wasn’t crazy expensive

they have a really pretty texture + a soft neutral shade (not stark white) so they look like $400 lamps.
Notice ❗️When you click on the product you will notice their photos are more brown. My pictures show you what Mike look like and they are less dark brown on the bottom.

Now is the time to grab these & elevate your room with expensive looking lamps 🙌🏻

@Wayfair

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKHome

This is one of those pieces that works in so many spaces.

This bench is from Wayfair, and I currently have it at the end of our guest bed, but it would also be so cute in an entryway, under a piece of art, or even in a kid’s room. The scallop detail gives it that Magnolia-style look without the higher price.

I also linked the rug and headboard (also from Wayfair) from this room so you can recreate the look if you’re styling something similar.

If you’re deciding between finishes, I love the black for contrast, but the wood version would be so cute in a little girl’s room 🤍

@Wayfair

#LTKHome

I couldn’t find a long TV console I liked that wasn’t thousands, so I made my own using four Target cabinets — and it ended up over 120” long.

This was such a good solution for getting the scale right under a larger TV, and it completely changed how finished the whole wall feels.

I used the glass door version so I could style inside (I love how it adds a little contrast and makes decor pop), but I also linked a solid door option I would buy if you want more hidden storage — especially good for playrooms or busy living spaces.

If you’re recreating this, I recommend:
• using 3–4 cabinets depending on your wall size
• keeping them the same finish for a seamless look
• styling the top like one long console (lamps, books, trays, etc.)

Such a good affordable alternative to oversized media consoles.

@Target

#LTKHome

If you have sheer curtains that you want to keep because for me, they match other curtains in the room, but you also still need to have your blinds on the outside for the HOA and you need a room to be darker. This is a great solution for you too!

I used an inexpensive shade and a cheap tension rod both from Amazon and I’ll link those. You can get the shade and all different colors to match whatever shade your curtains are so that you can’t see it underneath.

#LTKHome

This is how we made a pre-made closet system feel custom (for way less)

We used a system from Lowe’s and then customized it by adding extra pieces, cutting a few to fit, and adjusting the layout to work with our closet

We even added another rod for more hanging space and use the top shelves for things like extra pillows and gifts

The wallpaper was the finishing touch that made it feel more custom and pulled everything together

I linked the pieces we used if you’re planning something similar

@lowes #CustomCloset

#LTKHome

Some of my favorite pieces that made our home feel more high-end without a full renovation

It’s always the small details (and a few key furniture pieces) that completely change how a space looks and feels

I focused on things that:
• look elevated
• are actually affordable
• and make a big impact in everyday spaces

Everything I used is linked here if you’re styling your home too 🤍

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home decor ideas, affordable home decor, high end home on a budget, living room decor ideas, bedroom decor ideas, neutral home decor, modern classic home, pottery barn style, designer look for less, home styling tips, coffee table decor, bedroom styling, curtain styling, home lighting ideas, shelf styling, bathroom decor ideas

#LTKHome