Sonata Script – Issue #24 – Top Ten Edition
Giving you a peek into the past week for me and Sonata Home Design. The week in review, my favorite finds on the web, and just a little “this and that.” I always want to give you great ideas, inspiration, creative motivation, light bulb moments, and a hearty “You can do it!”
I know I am not alone in my passion for home decorating, crafting, and nesting. So, please join me each week for this creative Saturday jolt!
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Welcome 2025!
I’m playing a little catch-up.
So this Sonata Script will be a little catch-all!
My Top Ten blog posts…
A lucky Sonata Home Design contest winner…
What to look for in 2025…
And learning how to PLAY!
Let’s jump in!
Sonata Home Design’s Most Popular Posts in 2025
It was a quite year full of decorating and DIY projects. Here are your favorites of the year!
#10 – How to Make Yummy Cinnamon Apple Beignets
Inspired by the classic French beignet, this recipe promises a delightful twist that will tantalize your taste buds.
#9 – Alpine Sparkle: An Anthropologie Inspired Wreath
Inspired by a gorgeous Anthropologie design, this budget-friendly project features snow-dusted houses, little bottle brush trees, and plenty of alpine sparkle.
#8 – How to Paint French Doors and Love the Result
Knowing how to paint French doors can seem like a daunting task. But trust me, it’s easier than it looks!
As part of the One Room Challenge, I gave my interior French doors leading into the TV room a fresh new look with paint. The results were stunning, and the entire process was simpler than I expected!
#7 – 15 DIY Wallpaper Crafts for Creative Home Decor Projects
Have you ever looked at a leftover roll of wallpaper and wished it could be more than just wall décor?
Dig into these easy and fun wallpaper crafts and discover how to transform those beautiful patterns into stunning, functional home decor pieces for your home!
#6 – The Best Way to Restore Solar Pathway Lights
This is the third year this post has been on my top ten list! (Don’t worry, I update it each year!)
Bring your outdoor solar pathway lights back to life with these easy and affordable steps. Enjoy the long-lasting, bright illumination of restored solar pathway lights!
#5 – Easy No-Bake Lemon Curd Pie
Do you crave the refreshing tang of lemon curd but don’t want to mess with an oven?
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a stunning and delicious pie perfect for any occasion.
#4 – DIY Door Wreath with a Lampshade Twist
Are you ready to add a touch of whimsy to your door decor? Craft a unique DIY door wreath using, of all things…a lampshade!
This is a fun and innovative project that will add charm to any door in your home!
#3 – DIY Concrete Cement Bowl Planter Birdbath
I had never worked with concrete before and had so much fun with this project.
Spice up your home decor with a DIY concrete bowl!
This project is easier than you think, and the results are gorgeous! This modern planter is perfect for any space, and you can customize it to fit your unique style.
#2 – When a QVC Producer Calls You…Wait! What?
I never would have thought this would be in the top ten list…let alone #2!
But you were so gracious to join me on my QVC/Philosophy skin care adventure!
Do you ever do a double-take when you look at your phone voicemail? Imagine my surprise when QVC left me a voicemail.
Click HERE for a taste of my QVC adventure and my skin care routine details.
#1 – Front Porch Makeover Collaboration with Lowes
This was a dream come true!
With a little help from Lowe’s, we gave our front porch a beautiful makeover!
New front door, sconce lighting, shutters, furniture, rugs…we are definitely ready to usher in spring 2025!
And the Winner Is… 🎉
A big THANK YOU to everyone who entered the Sonata Home Design contest! Your enthusiasm and participation made this giveaway so much fun.
I’m thrilled to announce that Viv R. is the lucky winner of the Bissell Little Green Machine! Congratulations, Viv! I hope you enjoy your new cleaning companion as much as I do!
Stay tuned for more exciting giveaways and design inspiration coming your way! ❤️
Jumping Into 2025!
Now that I’ve had some days to put away Christmas decorations, eat up the remaining Christmas cookies, and binge watch The Great British Baking Show, I am so excited to share some of my ideas for you and Sonata Home Design in 2025!
Here is a taste of what is coming…
One Room Challenge Completion: Remember my TV room? I was giving the room a makeover and then the holidays hit.
I got the walls and ceiling painted, hung the drapes, and gave the credenza a much-needed makeover.
But I had to hit “pause” and leave you hanging! There is not much left to do but there will be a reveal coming soon!
Other spaces that are on tap for a SHD makeover this year include:
- Dining Room
- Upstairs hallway
- Storage Closet
- Side yard
- Home Office
DIY and Thrifted Decor: You that I love a good DIY project. And I have plenty of those planned! But this year, I’m excited to explore more projects that involve styling, upcycling, and repurposing thrifted items.
Learning to Play Again: One of my daughters said I was a “workaholic.”
What???
At first, I rejected the thought. Yes, I do tend to overfill my days with projects…but I love what I do day in and day out!
Then I wondered…do I play? Or really relax?
Do I do something purely for the joy of it without the thought of a deadline or completing a project?
Not as often as I would like. So, I’m going to work on that…with a list, of course!
I made a list of things I love to do, things I want to do, things I’ve never done.
Reading. Playing the piano. Singing. (Just me singing…not teaching someone else how to sing!)
Trying new restaurants with family and friends.
Baking sourdough bread?
Needlepoint? I’ve never tried it, but I’m going to!
Skydiving? Umm…no!
Travel. (We took the plunge and booked an Alaskan cruise for next summer!)
And, because I love to share, you might get a peek into some of my “playtime!
How do you “play?” Please let me know in the comments…I need some ideas!
Bentley (Nala!)
I’m afraid Bentley is not going to get the spotlight this time…
You might remember that I gifted our cat, Nala to my NYC daughter to keep her company in her teeny-tiny apartment.
During my recent visit, I took full advantage of the opportunity to nuzzle and snuggle this little queen!
So, Bentley move over…all eyes on Nala!
Blog Posts You May Have Missed
Now that the holidays are over, it is fun to dive into cozy decorating, winter inspiration, and yummy comfort food!
Decorating with Snowshoes: A Touch of Cozy Winter Charm
Simple Ideas to Transition from Christmas to Winter Decor
After overindulging holiday sweets, I am so excited to make this Healthy Winter Vegetable Soup recipe! It tastes so good to get veggies back into my mainstream eating!
Look What I Found On the Web
Need some motivation to read some great books? Nicolle from Our Tiny Nest has a FUN Reading Challenge that you will want to join!
Jennifer from Cottage on Bunker Hill shares How to Declutter After the Holidays.
KariAnne from Thistlewood Farm shares 5 Simple Tips to Start Your Morning Routine. She also wrote this charming book with amazing 10-minute decorating ideas!
Wishing you a great week as we jump into 2025! Happy New Year!
Always remember…”Home is where your story begins!” ~Annie Danielson
Cheers!
Check Out My Lowes Storefront!
I’m so excited to share My Lowe’s Storefront with you! It’s where I found everything for my front porch makeover and so much more. From DIY tools to stylish home décor, Lowe’s has incredible options to help you create a home you love. Take a look and get inspired for your next project!
More Shopping!
What an amazing year you had, friend. I can’t wait to see all the big things that are in store for you in 2025!
Loved the countdown!! And adding in play! Taking notes, friend…Happy New Year!