All posts by Jessica Ganga

Give the Gift of Sustainability

It is that time of year when the search for the perfect gift is on. Something that might be on most gift lists is a beautiful piece of jewelry. Whether it’s a new pair of earrings, a necklace or a set of rings, this year, gift-givers (and self-treaters) can make an effort to choose sustainable and fair trade options. Consider these companies if you’re searching for sustainable jewelry choices.

Enji Studio Jewelry

In 2014, founder Niki Grandics saw the opportunity to make a positive change in the jewelry industry. Grandics developed a passion for luxury fashion and jewelry at a young age. As an adult, she went on to study goldsmithing and silversmithing. 

In 2013, her eyes were opened to a negative side of the fashion industry when the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh that housed garment factories collapsed, killing over 1,100 workers. Grandics knew she didn’t want to contribute to the problem and chose to ethically and sustainably source all the materials she uses for her pieces.

 

Faustina Ring: Ruby slice (2.5ct), Montana sapphires (0.1ctw), recycled 14k rose gold. Photo courtesy of Enji Studio Jewelry.

For her creations, all the gemstones are fair trade and ethically sourced from small scale artisanal miners. As a whole, Grandics wants to marry modern luxury design with traceable sources to ensure that people can own and wear a piece they feel proud of.

Dael Necklace: red rutilated quartz slices (13ctw), recycled 14k rose gold.

Sahar Agate Earrings: white agate slices (~13-16ct each), Montana sapphires (0.1ctw), rough diamonds, recycled 14k gold.

Aline Pendant: 2.25ct rutilated quartz, recycled 14k gold, 18″ chain available in sterling silver or 14k gold.

All above photos courtesy of Enji Studio Jewelry. 

I also come from a family of immigrants and scientists and it impacts the way I design and view the world around me. I see the contrasts and the differences in the places I’ve lived and traveled – how it’s all part of a larger whole. We’re all connected.”

-Niki Grandics

Photo courtesy of Puck Wanderlust. 

Puck Wanderlust

Named for a mischievous fairy (Puck) and the strong desire to travel and for adventure (Wanderlust), the jewelry company based in London was co-founded by two women that shared the same philosophy and mantra regarding sustainable fashion. 

 

According to the company’s website, each design is handcrafted by “happy hands” in countries such as Bali and India. The 925 sterling silver and 18-karat gold vermeil are 100-percent recycled and every stone used is hand-selected, hand-cut and “lovingly set,” allowing pieces to be individual and unique for each buyer. 

Puck Wanderlust’s suppliers are family-owned, something the company is truly proud of. 

 

“Our suppliers use recycled materials where possible, provide fair wages for their staff, and comply with ethical standards put forward by the government,” co-founder Ranelle Chapman says.

 

The company features multiple collections, one collection in particular — The Bombay Deco Collection — is inspired by the geometric motifs and vibrant colors and patterns of Indian art deco. 

Photos courtesy of Puck Wanderlust. 

   Other Sustainable Jewelry Companies to Check Out: 

   * Accompany

   * Melissa Joy Manning Jewelry 

   * AUrate

   * Bario Neal

Featured photo courtesy of Puck Wanderlust. 

Fashion Beyond the Runway

To casual observers, fashion trends are shaped by iconic designers, glossy magazine covers and social media posts by celebrities. But in truth, a myriad of forces are at play.

Accessorize Like an Expert this Winter

Cold weather can feel calamitous to one’s personal style as bulky puffer coats, chunky gloves, and clunky snow boots forcibly overtake outfits.

Plant-Based Handbags

In the ever-changing fashion industry, handbags go beyond mere accessories. They serve as reflections of personal style, symbols of status, and extensions of identity.

Winter’s Finest: 10 Luxe Sweaters to Keep You Stylishly Warm

By Kristen Hunt Sablyn Eloisa Cashmere Cardigan Fall in love with winter in this pastel cream cashmere cardigan by Sablyn. Its oversized sleeves and ribbed hemming bring to life the designer’s motto of sophisticated and sexy. For a chic look, pair it with a tan mock...

High-Tech Health Gadgets

If your sights are set on living a healthier lifestyle, boosting your mood, or reaching new fitness milestones, then consider adding some technology to the mix.

How Quiet Luxury is Taking Over Fall 2023

By Jacquelyn Elliott What is Quiet Luxury?  Quiet luxury is a term used to describe a style of living or a product that exudes a sense of refinement, elegance, and quality while never coming off as flashy or showy. This understated sense of luxury focuses on...

Outside the Bag

By Kristen Ordonez The beauty of fashion is it’s innate ability to evolve, both forward and backwards in time. Its only curse is deciding which pieces and styles align with your taste. For designers, the best way to stay ahead of the curve is to think outside...

A Night Out

By Ritika Jain Designer fashion specifically offers fashion-forward customers a diverse selection of the most bold, experimental pieces that reflect modern style, but also foreshadow upcoming trends. Neiman Marcus curates that experience, selling high-end clothing,...

Celestial Standard Time

By Roger Grody From the first night our ancestors cast their eyes skyward, our species has been fascinated by the universe, and the current space race is yet another expression of our obsession with what lies beyond our atmosphere. Luxury watchmakers are keenly aware...

Sustainability Without Sacrifice

Hoping to be more sustainable in 2022? Introducing luxury handbags that leave their mark on the fashion industry without damaging the environment.

Private “Gulf to Channel” Family Estate

16486/488 Captiva Drive is a once-in-a-lifetime gated estate on Captiva, Florida's prestigious Gold Coast.

Diagram This

Now a self-taught artist based in Austin, Texas, Peralta has a unique taste for both science and how things work as well as art.

Renovated Tropical Contemporary Home

This completely renovated tropical contemporary home in South Miami offers perfection with utmost functional details and high-end finishes.

Charming Spanish-Style Residence

Prepare to be enamored by this charming Spanish-style residence, nestled in the serene enclave of Little Gables.

The Line

A sleek reflective facade against the gorgeous Saudi Arabian landscape is only the beginning of this futurist urban development that could change city living forever.

An Exclusive Look at The Mansion on St. Simons Island

At 316 Yacht Club Lane, expect unparalleled luxury living and breathtaking views that will leave you in awe from the moment you arrive.

Fashion Beyond the Runway

To casual observers, fashion trends are shaped by iconic designers, glossy magazine covers and social media posts by celebrities. But in truth, a myriad of forces are at play.

$12.4 Million Southlake Stunner: Insights from Industry Pro, Sherri Murphy

Prepare to be captivated as we unveil a distinguished property nestled within the prestigious enclave of Southlake.

Extraordinary Oasis in West Montrose, Ontario

Home of the Day: 1305 Sawmill Road! A 80-acre parcel with over 2,500 feet of Grand River frontage.

A New Lease on Luxury

A new kind of vacation trend is sweeping the nation. Seekers of serenity are experiencing the tranquility of being tucked away with only the birds to sing them awake. But they’re not roughing it.

Orange is the new Rosé

If the wine you’re presented possesses a rusty, amber hue instead of pink, it’s not the flattering lighting. Rather, your trend-conscious host has selected a bottle of fashionable orange wine.

Cash for Craft

In the past two decades, an explosion of craft distilleries — much like the proliferation of microbreweries that preceded it — brought greater innovation and individuality to the spirits industry.

Harry’s Table

By Jamie Yoos Inspired by a traditional Italian street filled with local vendors, such as a butcher, cheesemonger, fishmonger, and more, Harry’s Table in New York City is offering a new type of culinary journey. At Two Waterline Square near Lincoln Center, the...

Satiable Summer Sips

By Marlene Ridgeway Beverage companies around the world are building brands aimed to be inclusive, sustainable, and satisfying. These recipes and ready-to-drink creations are perfect by the pool, at the beach, or as an afternoon refresher. Teremana Tequila Among the...

The Secret Sauce

By Roger Grody Expensive culinary academies may insist that exceptional cooking is solely the product of refined technique that takes years to master, but many chefs acknowledge that access to quality ingredients is half the challenge. With celebrity chefs spilling...

Taco Tuesday

By Roger Grody   Tacos are the ultimate street food, and college kids, frazzled moms and anybody on a budget knows they are also typically a great value. But as the tradition of “Taco Tuesday” has spread from the American Southwest through the entire nation,...

Fast Yet Fashionable

By Roger Grody Fast-food operations are not what they used to be, and even the term “fast food” is passé, with trade associations turning to more attractive euphemisms like “quick- service restaurant” (QSR) or “fast-casual” establishment. The latest generation of...

Sweet Sustainability

Some of the world’s finest hotels have accepted hundreds of thousands of new guests: honeybees that reflect a commitment to sustainability.

Dining Responsibly

Seafood challenges chefs and delights diners, but a world of rapidly depleting resources requires conscientious choices.

A Guide to the Michelin Guide

Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce that both the hotel’s signature restaurants, the Italian Il Ristorante — Niko Romito and the Chinese Bao Li Xuan, have been awarded Michelin stars during the Michelin Guide Shanghai 2020 presentation ceremony.
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New Luxury Residence Begins Sales

West Hollywood, California will be the home of Pendry Residences West Hollywood by Montage Hotels & Resorts. Construction of the $500 million project is well on its way, with the launch of sales recently announced. 

Forty exclusive residences make up the Pendry Residences West Hollywood with prices starting at $3 million. If the private verandas and flowing floor plans don’t sell people, the location will. The development offers a prime location on Sunset Boulevard, providing stunning and sweeping views of Los Angeles. People who choose to call the Pendry Residences West Hollywood home will be steps away from premier dining, shopping, and entertainment. 

Featuring interior designs from Swedish interior architect and product designer Martin Brudnizki, each Residence includes floor-to-ceiling windows, custom-designed kitchens, Poliform walk-in closets, to only name a few. Each Residence boasts a private elevator that connects directly to a private resident’s terrace and a secure parking location. Floor plans range from 2,900 to 6,000 square feet, with select Residences featuring landscaped terraces that go up to 3,400 square feet. Some terraces include a private pool, spa, and an outdoor kitchen. 

“Pendry Residences West Hollywood combines Montage’s extraordinary service culture with the dynamic Pendry brand in one of the city’s most iconic locations,” says Alan J. Fuerstman, founder, chairman, and CEO of Montage International. “Our residents will enjoy both the vibrancy and amenities of the Pendry Hotel and the serenity and privacy of the Residences and its offerings.”

The building is adjacent to the Pendry Hotel, where residents will have the opportunity to enjoy the amenities the hotel has to offer. In the Residence’s building, residents can take advantage of the rooftop pool, fitness center, residential lounge and bar, and garden deck. 

An interesting feature of the building is the inclusion of a private music venue, the first new venue in West Hollywood in more than 20 years. Along with the venue world-renowned chef, Wolfgang Puck returns to the Sunset Strip to provide seven food and beverage concepts that residents can experience. 

The Pendry Residences West Hollywood is scheduled to open summer 2020.

 

Photos and feature photo courtesy of C & R Public Relations. 

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Restaurant Embraces Waste-Free Trend

In the United States and around the world, dining out is a common luxury. Getting to savor creative dishes, discovering new foods and enjoying the atmosphere of a restaurant all together make for a memorable time.

 A downside to eating out: food waste. In the United States alone, about 11.4 million tons of food is wasted each year. That staggering number has opened the eyes of chefs and home cooks to practice zero-waste cooking. 

 This up-and-coming trend led three chefs in Helsinki, Finland to open up a restaurant dedicated to waste-free cooking. Restaurant Nolla, located in Helsinki’s Design District, combines Finnish cooking with the roots of the founders and chefs, Albert Franch Sunyer, Carlos Henriques, and Luka Balac. 

Restaurant Nolla prides itself on using fresh and well-kept ingredients. 

Each dish created is carefully crafted to maximize every piece of each ingredient. Parts of an item that can’t be utilized are composted. Restaurant guests witness this process as the composter is located in the main dining area, showcasing what the restaurant is all about. Although utilized, the composter is not used as a garbage can. Before each item is tossed away, it is weighed and analyzed using a waste management software. Data is collected, what was thrown out, who threw it away and why, and is used to help improve the restaurants practices. 

The Restaurant Nolla team. 

The composter sits in the dining room. 

Nolla is a restaurant without a trash bin. You cannot find any single use plastic here — no plastic packaging, no cling film, no vacuum bags, no foil,” says Sunyar, head chef of Restaurant Nolla, “Every detail from staff clothing and napkins to tableware has been thought of. Even the gift cards are made of compostable paper that has poppy seeds in them.”  

Food is handled in a special way to ensure that Restaurant Nolla remains a waste-free establishment. From the way the food is delivered right down to how it’s stored, no part of the process was disregarded. 

We have created a box system for vegetables, fish and meat with local producers,” says Sunyar. “The boxes travel back and forth to prevent any packaging waste. We are very strict with this rule. If something comes in a non-reusable packaging, it is sent back to the supplier. No exceptions. This is the only way to make sure that people understand our beliefs and respect our practices.”

All parts of rhubarb.

Beans and crudo. 

Ice cream, berries and honey. 

Sturgeon Pil Pil.

Food is fermented, pickled and dried to ensure ingredients are stored properly. The restaurant works with local producers who help them determine the best ingredients to use, based on what is growing during peak season. 

“We use local and organic products,” says Sunyar. “The ingredients and their natural characteristics are the backbone of our tasting menus, and therefore, it is imperative that the quality of the produce is very high. These products tend to be more expensive in general, however, by using seasonal products and utilizing every part of them, our way of operating is very much cost effective.” 

The chefs set out to show people that what they have accomplished is profitable and manageable. According to Sunyar, it’s not an easy process and creating the menu does take some time, but in the end he and the team stand by what they do, and they execute delicious and visibly beautiful dishes. 

 

“It is a common misconception that waste-free practices mean cooking from products that expire soon or that making sustainable choices means that the quality deteriorates,” says Sunyar. “We do not cook from waste nor do we produce waste. We want to show that creative and great food can go hand in hand with sustainability.” 

Tomatoes, raspberry and chili.

All photos and feature photo courtesy of Nikola Tomevski.

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Glamping is the New Camping

Fall is in full swing in many parts of the U.S., and that means planning as many seasonal activities you can before the falling leaves are replaced by falling snow. Although it may already seem like it’s a little too cold for camping in some regions, the idyllic outdoorsy experience may still await. 

If you would like to heighten your camping adventures, consider looking into a trend that allows for all the things that make camping enjoyable, but with less work for you. 

Glamping, or “glam camping,” brings the comforts of staying in a luxury hotel to the outdoors. Companies such as Collective Retreats and Under Canvas are doing just that. 

Photo courtesy of Collective Retreats. 

Collective Retreats

With diverse locations across the country, Collective Retreats offers various options for people seeking an authentic and unique experience. The company’s goal is that each person gets the chance to create their own “Traveler’s Mark,” a mark that represents the individual and them as a traveler. 

For a traditional campground feeling, check out Collective Hill Country location in Wimberley, Texas. The retreat is located on Montesino Ranch, a 225-acre sustainable and eco-friendly area overlooking picturesque valleys, canyons and mountains. There are plenty of dining options and activities, including s’mores around a campfire and horseback riding. 

Each tent accommodation has its own amenities including French Press Coffee, in-tent spa services and private decks. Enjoy waking up to a Texas sunrise and gaze at the stars during a cool night in one of your private tents. 

Photos courtesy of Collective Retreats. 

If you’re looking to escape to the outdoors, but want to have a feeling of city-living, book a stay at Collective Governors Island in New York, N.Y. The company’s latest retreat, the Island provides guests with famous skyline of Manhattan’s lower side. Venture out of your tent to popular parks, the Brooklyn area or Lower Manhattan. 

Collective Retreat provides guests the option for a Farm-to-Table dinner that features sustainably sourced seafood and fresh produce from the Urban Farm that is located on the Island. Yoga and private boat tours around the city make this location special. 

Photos courtesy of Collective Retreats. 

Under Canvas

National Parks put nature on display and Under Canvas allows guests to stay within or near their natural beauty. The luxury adventure glamping company took inspiration from African safaris. With that in mind, the founders of Under Canvas combined the safari tent with lush amenities, still keeping the rustic atmosphere.

Photo courtesy of TheNomadicPeople.

With most of the camps being near National Parks, there’s one that is sure to create a memorable time. Each spot features multiple luxury tent options for people to choose from, each with their own individual comforts, such as a viewing window above the tent’s bed for stargazing before bed.

Glamping near Utah’s  Zion National Park borders the park and is located on 196-acres. The breathtaking famous red rocks of Zion provide the back-drop for the trip. Guests’ adventures include hiking trails, rock climbing and canyoneering. Wind down with you own in-tent massage and enjoy the extensive meal options provided. 

Photo courtesy of Stephanie C. Russo. 

Photo courtesy of TheNomadicPeople. 

Photo courtesy of HeyKelseyJ_4.

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and be in awe at its natural beauty, bordering North Carolina and Tennessee. Go on a guided hike with a park expert or take the opportunity to tour the park from a helicopter view. Get a view of the mountains from the roaring white rapids or zipline from the mountain tops. There’s no shortage of exhilarating experiences here. 

Photos courtesy of Paul Joyner.

Featured photo courtesy of Collective Retreats. 
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Introducing Yerba Buena Island

Yerba Buena Island will be a residential development like no other in San Francisco! Boutique developer Wilson Meany and real estate investment firm Stockbridge Capital Group recently announced the start of the vertical construction of this two-decade long milestone project. 

The 266 luxury residences will have sweeping 360 degree views of the city, a first of this area’s kind. A naturally formed island in the heart of San Francisco Bay, the island’s community will feature a number of “wellness-minded amenities” such as hiking trails, access to parks and more. Residents will be able to lounge out on Clipper Cove Beach and travel only 10 minutes to the city’s downtown. 

“Sustainable” is a keyword for this new development as the island’s diverse topography was kept in mind when designing each condominium, flat and townhome. Meany’s developments, which include the historic San Francisco Ferry building, typically reflect the importance of holistic living and people’s connections with each other and the nature that surrounds them — Yerba Buena Island will be no exception. 

More than half of the island’s environmental space is being reserved for open area parks,  sandy beaches, and hiking and biking paths. A team of award- winning architecture firms —Hart Howerton, BDE Architecture, Inc., Cliff Lowe Associates, Inc., Hood Design Studio, Edmonds + Lee Architects, Meyer Davis and Aidlin Darling Design — teamed up to create residences that incorporate and celebrate the island’s unique geography. 

 

Residential sales will begin in early 2020, with the The Agency Development Group being the exclusive marketing and sales firm for Yerba Buena Island.

Photos courtesy of Hayes Davidson. 

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Designing for Small Spaces

Whether you live in a modest studio or a trendy loft, it can prove challenging to design and organize a small living space. Luckily, there are simple and creative ways to make a tiny apartment feel [almost] like a penthouse. 

Photo courtesy of Original Style.

In the kitchen, a large, rectangular dining table takes up most of the space. Opt for a small, round table so you can maximize the space to move around in when cooking or entertaining guests. Cabinetry tends to have extra space at the top and bottom. Go for cabinets that go all the way up and down, making the room feel higher. Mirrors create an allusion that a room is larger than it seems. The oldest trick in the design book, mirrors expand the space and add dimension.  

Photo courtesy of Oak Furnitureland.

Photo courtesy of Essential Home.

Day-beds double the size of a bedroom. Try and find a day-bed that is multi-functional, providing storage space or an extra bed when a guest stays over for a night. Don’t have a spot for a desk? Install a wall desk, which takes up less room compared to a regular one. Mount shelves about it for extra storage. 

For studio apartments with less area and no defined rooms, create zones by using dividers or other furniture. This design strategy helps designate where people can go when they visit and what is more private. 

Photo courtesy of Noa and Nani.

Photo courtesy of Einrichten-design.de.

Photo courtesy of Go Modern Furniture.

Utilize pieces of furniture for more than one use. A coffee table can be used as a dinner table, an extra chair means a nightstand. Sofa beds are a great way to take advantage of a location for people to sit and become a place to sleep at night. Murphy beds keep where you sleep hidden and some come with shelving for storage. 

Cheerful, bright colors open up space and liven it up. Pick out colors such as turquoise or pink hues. Cool, even tones make the room feel as if it’s larger than it is. If bright colors aren’t your thing, try neutral, even tones such as tans or grays. This color scheme tricks the eye into thinking the room is bigger than it is.

Photo courtesy of PLACE TO BE.

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Gothic Glamour Done Right

Spooky styling for homes doesn’t have to be reserved for the Halloween season. Gothic Victorian trends can be achieved in a tasteful, modern way. Here are some ways you can incorporate the elegance of this classic look. 

When it comes to using color in a home, black is an obvious choice, but it doesn’t have to only be for the walls. Black furniture or accents can subtly incorporate this bold color into any space. If too much black causes eerie vibes then try other rich and vibrant shades. Ocean blue, ruby red and emerald green provide the Gothic opulence without being too harsh. And to balance out the room, add other earthy, warm tones such as tans and muted browns. 

Achieving a Gothic Victorian look means adding drama into your home. Moldings and a mix of materials structurally helps to accomplish this dramatic feeling. Wood paneling on the wall or wood moldings to the ceiling add Gothic charm.

Photo courtesy of AUDENZA.

Photo courtesy of Covet House. 

                Photo courtesy of Brabbu Design Forces. 

A black, smokey shower door is an unique and stylish way to add allure to your bathroom. Other ways you can create drama is to mix stone walls with a wood floor, or install a clawfoot bathtub for additional luxury.  

Photo courtesy of Merlyn Showering. 

Photos courtesy of Lime Lace. 

Little touches like Gothic-style light fixtures give any space old-world sophistication. A hand-finished chandelier or brass candle holder bring a stunning effect.

British lighting company Besselink & Jones recently introduced a new line of Gothic light fixtures. Their Empire lamp shade, pictured below, features Gothic-style pleating and Ecru silk fabric which together produce a glamorous effect.  

Photo courtesy Besselink & Jones. 

This trend isn’t exclusive for Middle Age castles — investing in one or two pieces will bring the style’s lavishness to your living space. 

Photo courtesy of The French Bedroom Co. 

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Feng Shui for Fall Decor

The start of a new season can lead to many new opportunities. For homeowners or interior designers it means the chance to reorganize and redecorate using new styles or regimens, one being Feng Shui.

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese belief system with the idea that one’s living space can nourish positive energy. With the fall season right around the corner, there are a few simple ways one can take advantage of some of these concepts that can improve the atmosphere of the home.

Photo courtesy of Artisanti

Accents

As a material, metal represents intelligence and mental strength in Feng Shui. As an addition to the home, metal will attract positive energy while accentuating the fall season, including metal accents in items such as vases or wall decor which can enhance a space. Incorporating metallic paint colors like bronze, gray and gold can have the same effect. 

Photo courtesy of Chaplins Furniture

A bowl of fruit in a kitchen symbolizes a home that will never be without food and encourage healthy eating. Place bright, red apples in a stylish bowl to add a seasonal, stylish touch. Scented candles fill any room with a fall aroma, such as the enticing smell of apple pie or the crisp fall air. These scents will calm you while the decorative candle complements a room. 

Give the people entering your home a reason to take a moment to pause by hanging artwork on a wall. Place it in a foyer or front hall so guests take their time as they come in. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                     Photo courtesy of Garden Trading

Organization

Removing the clutter in a home is another way to fix the harmony in any space. Opulent organization techniques, like renovating a closet, will refresh a room’s ambiance. While organizing a space, rid yourself of items or furniture that don’t add purpose to the area. 

Shelving allows for an interesting focal point while allowing you to reorganize personal items. Larger shelves give more room to add decorations, books and storage. 

 

Photo courtesy of Covet House

Outdoors

Keep your outdoor space neat and remove tired-looking flowers or plants. Chrysanthemums, for example, bring in good luck and are often used in the practice of Feng Shui. They add balance to a person’s life and can balance out the look of a front yard with a pop of color. Flowers evoke feelings of beauty and grace. If gardening isn’t your thing, opt for artwork for either inside the home or in the yard. 

Doormats are the best way to have some flair and attract the possibility of new opportunities. Get into the habit of putting out new ones every week and steer away from your typical “Welcome” Funky patterns and designs can improve any dreary front porch or walkway. New habits spark good energy during any new season. 

Photo courtesy of Melody Maison

Featured image courtesy of Lights4fun

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