Art Deco is set to make a comeback in 2023, providing a glamorous reminder of the Roaring ’20s.
Heat waves over August and September had most friends and family in a frenzy, yearning to once again be enveloped by the tepid embraces of fall. With change of seasons come change of scents. Farewell for the moment, to watermelon cocktails and the whiff of fireworks smoke after celebrations. Hello to pumpkin spiced lattes and autumn casserole evenings.
On the topic of nifty greetings, candles are a welcomed addition to the start of fall festivities. Here is a tried and tested answer to achieving the ultimate home conversion from summer heat to fall breezes.
No better way to kick it off than Autumn Wreath, Hello Pumpkin and Leaves. No those aren’t catchy postcards. Decadent scents for any household this year.
Autumn Wreath candle produces exotic scents from lemon peel to pomegranate, apple cider and spices. If a more traditional approach is more appealing to your personal taste then Hello Pumpkin might tickle your fancy. Warm spices, vanilla, whipped cream and buttery pie crust (my mouth is watering typing that) produce an unmistakable fragrance of fall flavor.
Trending Décor colors balance old and new with outdoors being welcomed in. Nature has a way of reminding us how small we are. The mutable tones of color changing leaves, a reminder that winter is upon us.
Leaves is crisp and wholesome in its essence. Apples and berries, cloves and musk.
Romance is in the air this season. Don’t believe me, take a look outside and marvel at the wonder that is mother nature in all her Glory.
Is your bathroom in need of a makeover?
If so, then you'll definitely want to check out our selection of luxurious bathroom accessories. From sleek soap dispensers to beautiful mirrors, we've got everything you need to take your bathroom from drab to fab! And don't forget the bath mats!
A soft, plush mat is a must-have for any bathroom. So why not take a look at our selection of bathroom accessories and get started on your update today? You won't regret it!
The design and decor of your home is a reflection on you. Living spaces that embody calm, happiness - these are important to create for yourself or those who live with us! In 2022 we'll see an increased focus on earth tones in Fall while pops of color make their way back onto the scene during other times throughout each year (think Springtime). Use dramatic textiles against muted natural hues like browns, greens etc., if looking for extra flair without breaking any rules!
Mercado Bath Collection (4-Piece)
Updating your bathroom doesn't have to be a daunting task. In fact, with the right accessories, it can be downright fun! Soap dispensers, mirrors, and bath mats are just a few of the ways you can add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. And don't forget the Face Scrub Pads
If you’re anything like me, then the saying “a change is as good as rest” couldn’t ring any truer in my day-to-day life. “Rest” in my mind, consists of basking in the Caribbean sun, sipping a Mai Thai, as the ocean breeze blows through my salty curls… and then I wake up and realize I’m still at home (bummer).
Since a vacation may be off the list of things I gift myself this year, a fresh new look around the home will surely create a feeling like I’ve stepped into the very next best version of an ocean retreat.
The Primary bedroom redo is always a winner when I feel the need to spruce up my space. I usually start there. It sets the scene for overall palette and mood I’m hoping to achieve around the rest of my home. What do we recommend? Any of our fall candles with our cute Safety Matches!
This years’ Summer Home Décor trends were bright and light, while Fall is gearing towards luxurious textures and warm tones with an organic twist. It’s all about shapes this season. Intriguing and provocative contours in statement pieces and décor are absolute must-haves to create that ultra-trendy Fall vibe.
Start small!
Other décor items include the Mercado Bath Collection (4-Piece) is a faultless example of how to stay ahead of the curve. Paying homage to several design tips from the experts, for the perfect up-to-date bathroom essentials. Natural solid wood base and resin containers to keep bathroom counters organized and elegant.
Hummus is traditionally a Middle-Eastern-Mediterranean dip or sauce made primarily from cooked chickpeas, or garbanzo beans. If you've never had the pleasure of eating falafel or are looking for delicious vegetarian recipes, chickpeas are a healthy, nutritious source of fibre, vitamins, folate, magnesium and much more. Chickpeas and the hummus made from them has become very popular the world-over in the last years. As such, we've also managed to come up with different versions to suit our own tastes and climates.
For that reason, in comes pumpkin, a winter staple that can be used just as versatile as chickpeas! Now, why not combine them together for a special treat perfect for the holidays? It's easy and great for having guests over or just when you want something different. Traditionally, hummus is made from blended, cooked chickpeas with tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic and salt, with some added extras of olive oil, yogurt and/or other Middle Eastern seasonings according to region. Hummus can be served as a dip or a spread with (pita) bread, chips, crackers, sliced veggies, or added as a sauce to salads, warm dishes, or anything else your heart desires.
For this pumpkin-hummus recipe, we eliminated the tahini and substituted that creamy texture-giver for some pumpkin to add color, a hint of savory flavor and an extra punch of nutritious benefits. Fall spices can be added tp give a more warming flavor perfect for the colder times of the year.
PUMPKIN-HUMMUS
INGREDIENTS:
INSTRUCTIONS:
Soak the dried chickpeas** overnight (or, for at least 8 hours) wash and strain, add fresh water and cook covered for 1 1/2 hours (pressure cookers cook faster) until soft and peels start to come open. Add salt to taste.
While chickpeas are cooking, peel, de-seed, and cut a pumpkin into cubes and then steam for ca. 30 mins (for a more detailed instruction of preparing steamed pumpkin, see here). Alternatively, you can also roast the pumpkin without peeling and instead slicing for an added savory flavor, just make sure to brush oil on the slices. After cooling, simply peel back or use a spoon to remove cooked pumpkin.
Now comes the best part:
With a food-processor (recommended) or an emulsion blender, blend chickpeas, pumpkin, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and desired spices together. Once a creamy texture has been met, taste and season/add more oil accordingly. Garnish with the preferred seeds and a dash of (smoked) paprika. Serve with crackers, warm bread, or as a side dish for a delicious healthy, holiday treat!
Notes:
*If you're in a hurry and don't have time to prepare and cook the chickpeas or pumpkin, one 15 oz. cans can be substituted.
**Soak about 3/4 - 1 cup of dried chickpeas to achieve 1 3/4 cups of cooked. For preparing ahead you can double the amount or soak more to use for other recipes (if stored in the cooked juice in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week). You can also freeze the leftover chickpeas for a longer period.
Autumn has arrived and now is a great time to start making some simple changes in the home to reflect the changing season of shorter days to longer nights. With October coming to a close, now is a time to bundle-up, stay warm and get ready for the holiday season. Whether you plan on staying (mostly) indoors or entertaining lots of guests, Pop of Modern wants to help you get ready for the darkest time of the year.
To keep you and yours warm, cheerful, and pleasantly entertained, we've got a few decor guidelines that should help spice-up the home for the darker and colder time of the year. The guide includes lighting, fall colors, cozy fabrics and eye-catching centerpieces, along with a few links to PoM's decor items to help you get started on your next Autumn Decor Project:
Lighting is key during the darker, colder winter months. Traditionally this done with fire and candles, but placing some extra lamps in corners and nooks, or hanging some brightening pendant lighting above a gathering space can make a much needed difference in a home or office. This will help combat the chilling side-effects of getting less sunlight hours. Brightening up the spaces you spend time in will help cheer you and others up as well.
2. Warm-Up the Space: Candles, Matches, & Spicy-Smelling Treats
This is important, especially if you are entertaining. Candles with a complimentary match set are easy, warm decorative pieces that can be placed to bring the eye(s) where you want them to rest. It's also an added ritual to invite others to light the candles, while you finish preparing drinks and/or food!
Don't forget to brew some chai tea (or pumpkin spice lattes) for you and your guests and let the warm, spicy smells of cinnamon and co. waft through the home. Not only do spicy treats and teas give an inviting, cozy feeling for all those who encounter it, spices like cinnamon, clove and ginger have the added benefit of supporting the immune system and warding off colds and flus during this time of the year.
Besides needing the warming effects of added textiles during this season, layering throw pillows and blankets will give just the right feel to a space. In fact, you might not be able to get rid of guests if they get too comfortable! All jokes aside, it's important to support the rest needed during autumn with fabrics that keep one cozy and ward off any chills.
Warming colors and fabrics will also be eye-catching and present fond recollections of this time of year. We recommend wall hangings and tapestries as well in jewel tones such as emerald green, amber-orange, or golden-yellows placed on bare walls to help add texture and warmth to otherwise 'cold' spaces.
4. Match the Colors to the Season
This should be a no-brainer for most, especially since most of us have been trained to recognize certain colors to certain seasons. But for those who don't necessarily live in an area where the seasons change and demonstrate the colors changing too, it helps to use the corresponding seasonal colors for many reasons. Jewel-tones, similar to falling leaves of autumn are the best bet for colors. Deep yellows, oranges, reds, browns and dark greens are some of the best colors to work with, and when it comes to entertaining guests you can't go wrong with glassware and other practical decor choices in these colors.
5. Decoration is Admiration: Make an Entrance or an Altar
It's not hard to understand why traditionally, Halloween, All Saint's Day, Dia De Los Muertos/Day of the Dead, Samhain, etc. all take place during fall/autumn. This is a time to acknowledge the changing season from light to dark, and well, also to honor the dead. Many of these traditions make use of altar-building and decorations placed at entrances to acknowledge that which has passed (or those who have passed).
Pumpkins with or without the Jack-O-Lanterns placed at the entrance, candles placed in windows or around fireplaces as well as decorations that remind us of someone or something special, are great ways to add fall touches to the home. Make sure to place these decorative and symbolic reminders where others can see them too. Besides at the entrance of a home, altars in certain corners, around fireplaces, or in the main-part of the room display the importance and admiration you have for these traditions, certain persons who have passed, and/or the significance of this time of year.
Even if you don't have a lot of money to spend, even gathering pine cones, small twigs and branches into a basket or vase can be a beautiful decor centerpiece in and of itself.
Now, this guide is by no means final, but we hope it will get you started and excited about being in fall! Let us know in the comments or on social media what gets you ready for this time of the year.
The team at PoM is very familiar with the joys and woes of living in different places and spaces—be they temporary or semi-permanent. We know that sometimes a space needs a major re-adjustment even if you are not planning to stay there for long. Many of us don't want the pains of undoing any painting, mounting, or other construction projects once we've left our mark on a place (as is the case in rentals and apartments)! But, don't despair, interior decorating and design is all about being creative and can be achieved without costly, time-consuming 'fixes.'
If you're looking for innovative ways to update a space or need to make some changes to accommodate living and/or working changes, below we've listed "Five No-Demo Ideas for Renovating the Home or Office" to make it look like a whole new space:
1. Wall-Hangings: Add color without needing to paint
Transformation without demo is as easy as hanging up beautiful, creative paintings or properly placing a mirror. But, in addition to covering bare walls, wall-hangings and tapestries add not only color, but texture as well. Depending on the size and style they can transform what's behind it or even transport the viewer into an entirely new space. Wall-hangings let us get imaginative on walls without needing to prepare, paint, and wait for it to dry. If you need some inspiration, check out our handmade wall-hangings, tapestries and paintings!
2. Lighting Magic
Lighting magic is an easy way to refresh a space. Literally, bring in the light with a statement lamp or a cluster of lights and fixtures for a dramatic and brightening effect to any space. This can definitely be mood-boosting depending on the lightbulbs used. Lights, especially well-placed change the atmosphere as well as the room highlighting different aspects possibly not seen before. Plus, if you’re into art installations you can find new ways to meet people and make new friends. 
3. Plants to the Rescue!
Whether artificial or the real thing (we prefer the real thing), plants are always a great way to make a space more inviting and natural. They can be air-purifying or simply for adding some greenery in a cemented city-scape room or a cold, industrial styled home or office. Besides the beneficial aspects of maintaining plants and greenery inside, they add color and are aesthetically attractive. Plus, they put us that much closer to nature and the elements often lacking when we are feeling down, especially in spaces needing renovation.
4. Indicate Key Spaces with Minor Shifts
Easily moveable pieces or modular furniture can separate a large space into smaller, different key spaces. Using rolling table carts, open-shelving, modular sofas and room-dividers can indicate where one space and another begins, especially if the open-room plan has become a collection of everyone's stuff... Separating key spaces adds organization, but also functionality. Making it stylish is as easy as adding lighting magic or wall-hangings to shift how one enters or moves in a room as well.
5. Don’t forget about the Floor!
We've talked about walls, opening and closing-up spaces, but our last point is just as equal to all the aforementioned ideas: what to do with the floor? It's there, not going anyway and you need it, so why not add color, texture, or other unique designs to catch the eye (or distract it, depending on the current floor you're working with).
Dressing-up the floors of any home or office can transform it into another space not just for walking on. Rugs and carpets add texture, warmth and excitement depending on the style. They’re comfortable for the bare feet and can be layered for a nomadic-look, especially to cover-up pre-existing floors. Adding pillows and plushy rugs also make it comfortable to eat, play and rest at ground-level compared to a lavishly furnished place (especially for the budget-friendly and furniture-less)! So, don't forget about the floor. You're feet (and possibly bum) will thank you later!
Most of us know or have heard how meditation and/or yoga can help us to feel better. It's not hard to find scientific proof about about how activities like this work to calm our nervous system and settle our mind, which is why everyone should try to incorporate mindfulness (such as meditation and yoga) into their self-care routines.
Sometimes though, we simply don't have the energy for mindful techniques and all we want to do is light a beautiful candle, stretch out on the sofa, take a bath, or curl up in bed to rest and relax; especially on rainy, cold or cloudy days. This indulgence isn't just our obsession for candles and calm spaces, it actually can make us feel better.
Neuroscience studies on the mind-body connection have demonstrated how our sense of smell is intimately connected to cognitive, mood and behavioral functions including how certain scents affect memory, emotional, physiological and mental states.
Lighting a candle provides a natural, elemental way to add warmth, bring attention to light, as well as provide intimacy and sensuality. And all this without the use of electronic devices!
Our ancient relationship with fire that brings us light as well as sight, traces back to our primordial connection of worshipping of the sun. This is not simply philosophical in thought, but cognitive in understanding: Observing the constant, colorful movement of a flickering flame is a great way to stay grounded in the present moment and soothe negative emotions and thinking.
Which is why candles are often used for meditation and concentration techniques. Using the flame for focusing the breath or altering thought processes are great ways to promote physical and emotional relaxation.
Simply having a 'lit wick' aids in the process of mindful relaxation and works its fascinating magic on the senses. The lighting of the flame connects not only with sight, but is also associated with finding illumination and enlightenment in times of darkness. So let it burn, baby, burn.
Scented candles utilize both the human senses of sight and smell. Besides being used to relax and calm the mind, energize the body, or even stimulate memory caches, scents are a gateway to the subconscious cognitive and physiological functions. In other words, our moods, stress levels and (cap)abilities to work can be mediated or augmented through scents. Exploring the function of scents, with essential oils for example, is what aromatherapy does.
Aromatic scents, such as lavender and rosemary, have been studied for their stimulation on human brain activity. Suggesting one reason why aromatherapy has long been used to promote health and wellness, including its beneficial use for lowering anxiety and depression.
Ever smelled a beautiful rose, whose scent was slightly sweet but at the same time inexplicably uplifting, soothing and deeply satisfying? This is why the rose is so treasured. Its scent has a positive effect and promotes calm and even wonder.
In a similar fashion, though of a different category, lavender is known for its relaxing and peaceful aromatic inductions, especially for promoting rest and sleep. Both scents are wonderful for those with high sensitivities.
Of course, certain smells and combinations of scents can turn us completely off or invoke unpleasantness. Which is why it's important to know your scent palette, in order to recognize what you already (might) know gives pleasure or stimulates certain mood associations. If you're not sure what this means, ask yourself specific questions about what fruit/flowers you like, or where/when a certain place, season, or vacation was that you fondly enjoyed, etc. This can also be achieved easily by ruling out what types of scents you know you don't like or prefer. For example, sage has a heavy herbal, sweet ever-green scent great for cleansing and grounding.
In the PoM shop we've got many scent profiles for relaxing or uplifting the senses from which to choose:
There are many other scent combinations as well as candle (holder) designs in our shop for coffee to spa-lovers, which make perfect relaxing gifts for the self and for others.
Go ahead, relax and relieve stress with a Pop of Modern scented candle, because you deserve to light up the senses! Plus, our candles and candle accessories are on sale for 15% off.
Lighting a candle provides a natural 'elemental' way to add warmth, light, intimacy, and sensuality. All this without the use of electronic devices, so noise and artificiality are not needed to enjoy the relaxing and thoughtful qualities of a candle. Lighting a 'small fire' inside can achieve the same effect as a traditional fireplace without all the work needed. Simply having a lit wick aids in the process of understanding the fascinating effects of the elements on the senses.
Plus, being aware of the natural elements constantly in movement around us is a great way to stay grounded in the present moment. Which is why candles or flames are often used in meditation and concentration techniques.
Scent and sensory go hand and hand. Who has not had the experience of smelling something which invoked a strong memory or sensation? Now, this can be a good or even not-so-good experience, but let's just focus on the good feelings and memories that candles can invoke. Certain times of year, holidays spent cooking or eating, and faded-yet-charming experiences can all be invoked from the right scented candle.
Similarly, most are familiar with aromatherapy and its applications. If you're a lover of certain scents and aromatherapy, candles are one the best ways to achieve some of these therapeutic benefits.
We often talk about mood-changing or mood-enhancing techniques through home decor in this space. Well, candles are, of course, one of those techniques or tools to use when a (quick!) change is needed.
For example, to add to or detract from a certain seasonal vibe, candles can assist in that transition whether through use of scents and/or lighting effects (aka mood-lighting).
Transforming the mood of the atmosphere can be achieved quite quickly when lighting a candle or several, especially when specific scents and aromas are taken into consideration.
Left: PoM's Rose Gold Concrete Candle. Right: Sweet Water Decor's N°37 Spa Day Soy Candle
The easy and relatively inexpensive appeal of candles makes decorating any space a cinch. Candles have been around for a long time and are clearly (and thankfully!) here to stay. Not only does the fire and natural element of a candle fascinate the observer, they make a stylish statement all on their own.
Whether traditional or modern styles appeal to the candle-lover, candles add style, easy decor, and comfortability to one's space. They can add a pop of modern to the home or bring a more relaxed setting to an office space in an instant. A great way to add decor that contributes to a timeless, calming vibe in any room or space.
Thus, they also make great gifts! If you need personal gifts in time for the winter season, stock up now while all our candles are 15% off for a limited time.
