and then I made my house grow up (sponsored by kohl’s)

Hey. So I’m never going to pretend that I know what I’m doing when it comes to home decor.

Because I don’t.

The interior design gene skipped right over me, which is why I don’t have a headboard, I still use the dining table Cody grew up with, I have bachelor pad furniture in my bedroom, old nightstands off Craigslist, a giant red puffle beanbag chair in my living room and a blanket made out of t-shirts on the back of my couch because it is the best napping blanket ever. It even has the Weinermobile on it:

When Kohl’s asked if I wanted to update either my look or my home for fall I figured since I’m all set for fall with four sets of black pants and a dozen sweatshirts it was time to pay a little attention to my home. I started with the stock pillows that came with my couch. Sure! Throw pillows! But they’re green. Green is my least favorite color behind purple. TIME FOR A CHANGE!

Again. Please keep in mind that I don’t really know what I’m doing, but I know what colors I like and I know I love big fluffy pillows and texture.

BEFORE. WOMP. (Heeeey Puffle!)

After: Whoo! At first I was going to go matchy matchy, but I couldn’t find the enough of each one and it was almost kind of stressful laying out pillows along the back wall of Kohl’s but people were very understanding because choosing accent pillows is a very big life decision. Cody chased Vivi around playing peek-a-boo until she finally started chanting “THIS IS STUPID” which was used completely out of context and we’re not entirely sure where she learned it but that sped up my pillow buying process.

Blech. Those green pillows, I never liked them. Ever. (No offense pillows, it’s not your fault you’re a stupid color of green.)

Watch out for that brown chenille one on the left, it’s filled with down and will knock you on your rear if you get caught in its pillow crossfire. They all kind of go with the rug and each other, but maybe they don’t. I don’t know. I was going for casual, they can all just be thrown onto whatever couch without having to be in any specific place. They’ve also made a pillow forts already. Addie says one of them is too scratchy but I say she’s picky.

Up next? PICTURE FRAMES!

Nothing says “This is a home!” like photos. I’ve made a very conscious effort to fill my home with handmade art and things that mean something to me. So far so good! Everything you see above has a story, come over and I’ll tell you them. AND I’LL FEED YOU! Onto the dinner table!

Tablecloths are super grown up. I don’t know any college kids who use tablecloths and cloth napkins (and if you do know of some shh, don’t tell me.) I bought the dishes from Kohl’s for myself last Christmas, another very grown up move (no offense to the baby blue floral Corelle we registered for from Ace Hardware in Vernal, Utah back over a decade ago.) It’s Fiestaware so none of it really matches but all of it matches, much like my life right now.

So we won’t be using the tablecloth regularly, in fact it may only come out on Thanksgiving but still…SO GROWN UP!

So this is where we get to the sponsored part, I have loved Kohl’s since 2004 when I drove a really long way to buy a shower curtain at midnight the day before I went into labor with Addie. (That shower curtain still hangs in Addie’s bathroom to this day, it’s that good.) I like to play a little game when shopping at Kohl’s called “HOW MUCH MORE CAN I SAVE VS. WHAT I ACTUALLY SPEND?”

My friends, I won this round:

Ten Pillows.

One Serving Platter.

Six Cloth Napkins.

Festive Tablecloth.

Four Picture Frames.

$15.75 to spare (Kohl’s generously provided me with a gift card to prove what Kohl’s and I could do together. Also, I’m calling this disclosure, because it is.)

YOUR TURN.

Kohl’s wants you to have the same opportunity. Comment on this post with either your best Kohl’s find or what you’d update with a gift card from Kohl’s and you’ll have the chance to win a $100 gift card from Kohl’s. (Giveaway closes October 21st, 2013 at 11:59 pm EST.)

Go!

 

128 thoughts on “and then I made my house grow up (sponsored by kohl’s)

  1. I’d love to update my master bedroom and bath. They are the last place to get any tlc it seems! Also, I really like the non matchy pillows…great idea!

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  2. So, I totally may swing by your house to hear the stories of your artwork this weekend whilst I’m in Indy! Also, I love the new pillows. I think you know more of what you’re doing than you let on.

    Kohl’s is something Indiana introduced to me. I’ll forever be grateful! And my mom, she could shop Khols like no one I’ve ever met! If I were to win, I’m in the mood for new bedding in my room and new table decorations/placemats/napkins for Thanksgiving dinner.

    But let’s be honest, my husband needs new shoes, so that what would most likely happen.

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  3. I love all the pops of color you’ve got going! Non-matchy pillows are one of my favorite things, and these don’t match, but they DO match, you know? 🙂

    And, oh goodness. I would love a headboard – Kohl’s has awesome bookcase ones, and I like their shutter-style ones, too. Or maybe some new wall decor. Or anything from Kohl’s, really!

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  4. I would update me! I’ve recently discovered, going through my fall clothes, that I’ve not purchased ONE new article of clothing for myself since before my 4 year old was born. It’s time for new underwear.

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  5. I bought two Christmas presents (yes, already, but we’re on a strict budget, so I’m shopping sales!). I think it retails for $75 and I paid just under $20.

    And if I won, I would update ME! I have no pants that fit except a pair of capris that kind of fit, except it’s starting to get very cold here in Utah. I’m a bit chilly these days.

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  6. Well done! I think you made some really nice updates. I, too, have a lack of strong home decor skills. And a lot of hand me down furniture. A lot of it is really cool. Some of it is broken. But nothing really has a plan or any forethought. I’d would do the same thing as you- get some color up in here with pillows and curtains.

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  7. Last christmas I got a cuisinart toaster so cheap with coupons, sales etc. It was leaps and bounds better than the one we got for our wedding. Love kohls! We just moved and there is one right up the road too!

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  8. I am a self proclaimed cheapie. That is why I LOVE Kohls. Anytime I save more than I spend us an awesome day.
    I would use a gift card to update my bedroom. Since I have two young boys every other room in my house has some kind of toy in it. My bed has a thrift store comforter and I lost all my throw pillows after the December family flu last year. A new bedroom would be an awesome retreat for this tired momma.

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  9. I would give a much-needed update to my wardrobe to get back into this century….and make many donations to Salvation Army!

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  10. You don’t like purple? I can’t even wrap my head around that…

    I am trying to sell my house right now, and I don’t want to MOVE anything more than necessary, so no new home decor for me… But I just lost 40 pounds, and I could use some fall clothes that actually fit me!

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  11. My master bedroom is always the last to get any attention. It seriously needs an update. Yeah, we’re still using my husband’s bed he slept on when he was a teenager and the end tables we got from a retirement home.

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  12. Love Kohl’s! I use the in-store kiosk all the time to order stuff w/ free shipping.
    I would get an accent chair for my bedroom or a new winter coat.

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  13. I have no idea what I’d update. I’d probably look for some clothes because pretty much all I have is tshirts that I got for free somewhere-or-other and jeans that are all wearing out in creative places. Also my shoes have a giant hole in to toe? and my others hurt my feet 😦

    And if I’m too picky to find clothes I’d look for furniture or decor stuff for my dorm room. White walls are lame and I’ve been buying posters to cover them up; (YAY DOCTOR WHO!), but I really like the feel of classy decor too.

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  14. Kohls is the best! My savings always exceed my purchase amount and what could be better than that? :o) My most recent super deal was 2 bathing suits for my girls. I think they ended up being something like $2 each? Awesome!

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  15. I would totally update my bedroom. I am in LOVE with some of the Jennifer Lopez bedding. And when i say Love, I MEAN LOVE!

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  16. I would love to update my guest room, also we are in the process of putting the house up for sale, so anything to make it ready to go will be helpful!

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  17. Love the pillows! I love Kohl’s too. Took my 15 yo tomboy daughter shopping at Kohl’s for a semi formal dance the night before the dance because she hates dress shopping. Found a gorgeous $70.00 dress marked down to $30.00 and I had $20.00 Kohl’s cash. Win Win.

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  18. Dang sister, I’m impressed at your shopping mojo. And you definitely have decorating skillz.

    I always love Kohls for their bedding – all of my favorite sheets and pillows and fluffy mattress toppers come from there. I’m actually headed there today to get some sheets!

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  19. I’d update my bedroom. We are in need of sheets and maybe some throw pillows. Just got a new duvet but nothing to go with it!

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  20. My baby is 4 now, but the nursery still needs curtains. I even found the ones I wanted at Kohl’s, just never went back and bought them. I’d have to pick something different now, but I’m up for the challenge!

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  21. Our Kohls is five minutes away. It’s a go-to for pretty much anything from clothes to home furnishings. I bought my husband’s zero xposur winter coat there two years ago on clearance — $30, originally $275. That’s just the one deal that comes to the top of my head! If I won the gift cert, I’d be buying new bedding for the kids. Both are outfitted in Kohls, but need a fresh update.

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  22. I love Kohls. I buy almost all of our clothes there. I’ve bought some beautiful beachy home decor items that I love there too.

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  23. My best Kohl’s find was Coach Poppy perfume. I wanted a different perfume from my others that was very fruity and feminine. That was it! I love it!!

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  24. Love that your dishes don’t match. I intentionally don’t match mine (which drives my husband CRAZY) and I love it so much.

    I am obsessed with Kohls after not having access to it for 4 years and I am now going to have to go NOW to appease my need to spend money!

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  25. I would update my daughter’s room! She is almost six and is using a quilt I bought when she was a baby. It would be fun to take her and let her pick out something she loves!! Also-I also play the how much I save vs what is spend game.

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  26. I moved into my house 6 months ago and still have nothing on the walls – no paint, no art work, and most unfortunately no pictures. I would just love to add some life to these walls!

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  27. I buy all my jeans at Kohls. But, my favorite find is the $5 books and stuffed animals that they sell for the Kohls Cares charity near the register. Great deals and you get to help at the same time. Love it!

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  28. I found the most amazing dress ever at Kohl’s. It’s slinky and feminine, classic but modern, flattering on nearly any figure, and covers well enough that I can feel pretty without worrying that I’ve got bits hanging out.

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  29. Can I say I would update myself because dude, I totally need it! After I buy for my kids, husband, and the house I’m just left there in my black yoga pants from 3 seasons ago wondering if I can get the stains out of my 1 good shirt 🙂

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  30. I’d update my bedroom! Grown up comforter and throw pillows! Currently we are still using a hand-me-down comforter from my in-laws that I THINK was white once upon a time…

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  31. While I don’t understand your hatred of green & purple (what have they ever done to you?!?), I absolutely adore the new color scheme!

    As for me, my daughter is fast outgrowing her toddler bed and it’s time we turn her room into a room fit for a big kid! The gift card would make a nice dent in redecorating!

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  32. I am also still using the pillows that came with my couch. I’ve never been a fan of them and while I always lust after the pillow selection at Kohl’s, I have never taken the leap to actually buy some new ones. This gift card would give me the incentive to actually do it!

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  33. I would update my work wardrobe, it’s starting to get thin. The shift from assistant to lawyer also contributed to the need for new work clothes!

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  34. I think I’d start with a new comforter or blanket for my bed and then see if I have anything left over for some new sheets… Love khols!

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  35. I LOVE Kohls. I was introduced to one 13 years ago while visiting my in-laws in VA. I had to wait 10 years until one opened in San Diego! I too have Fiestaware (my mom collected the old stuff when I was a kid and I was hooked) it is the greatest stuff and durable. 🙂
    My greatest find was a pair of Rock and Republic Jeans for my daugher regularly priced at $60-$70. I paid $3.00 for them. So awesome! I would probably start with flannel sheets- mine are tragically old and winter is coming…

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