Category: How to

  • BETTER LIVING | How I Simplified My Home and Routine After Moving Abroad

    Moving abroad isn’t just about packing bags — it’s about choosing what kind of life you want to live. When I left Panamá for the US (but I’m actually Brazilian), I saw it as the perfect opportunity to simplify my home, my routine, and my mindset. And honestly? It changed everything.

    1. Why I Chose to Simplify

    I’ve always believed that a well-organized home makes everyday life lighter. Living in a cluttered space, with too many things you don’t use, only adds to mental chaos. So when I moved, I promised myself: I’d only keep things that made sense for my life, were durable, and made me genuinely happy.

    2. What I Let Go Before Moving

    Before packing, I went through every corner of my home. Clothes I hadn’t worn in over a year went straight to donation. Things I bought on impulse and never used? Same fate. I kept what fit me well, made me feel confident, and matched the lifestyle I wanted to build.

    It wasn’t easy at first, but it felt so freeing. Less stuff means less to worry about.

    3. How I Keep It Simple Today

    In my new home, I focus on smart, intentional purchases. I love buying organizing essentials — closet separators, kitchen drawer dividers, matching hangers — because a tidy home makes daily life so much easier.

    I avoid impulse online shopping. I only buy what’s truly missing or what adds real value to my life. And when it comes to décor, I invest in pieces that tell a story: souvenirs from my trips, handmade items, or things that make me smile every time I see them.

    4. The Benefits of Living This Way

    Since adopting this minimalist mindset, I’ve noticed I have more time, less stress, and I spend less money on things I don’t need. My home feels lighter, more organized, and much more ‘me’. It boosts my self-esteem, makes me happier, and turns my space into a real sanctuary.

    💛 Final Thoughts

    Minimalism isn’t about having almost nothing. It’s about having exactly what you need, what makes your life easier, and what makes your heart feel at home.

    If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by stuff, maybe it’s time to rethink what really deserves a place in your life. Start small. It makes a huge difference.

  • DECOR | How to Style a Coffee Table Like a Designer

    Hi there! I’m a designer with over 10 years of experience in interiors, and let me tell you — a well-styled coffee table can completely transform your living room. It’s one of those little details that instantly makes a space feel intentional, cozy, and polished.

    If you’ve ever looked at those Pinterest-perfect setups and wondered how do they make it look so easy?, I’ve got you covered. Today I’m sharing simple, timeless tips you can use in your own home — whether your style is modern, boho, classic, or somewhere in between.

    1. Start With a Tray

    As a designer, I always recommend using a tray. It instantly gives structure to your table and keeps things from looking messy. Think of it as your anchor — a place to gather candles, books, or a small plant.

    Designer tip: Look for trays in materials that complement your room: wood for warmth, metal for a sleek touch, or marble for something classic.

    2. Follow the Rule of 3

    One of the easiest styling tricks is the Rule of 3. Grouping items in odd numbers (usually 3 or 5) feels more natural and balanced to the eye.

    My go-to combo:

    • A stack of beautiful books

    • A candle or decorative object

    • A small plant or fresh flowers

    It’s simple, effortless, and always works.

    3. Play With Heights and Texture

    A flat, one-note table feels uninspired. Mix objects of different heights, shapes, and textures to add dimension.

    As a designer, I love combining:

    • A tall candle or vase

    • A low, stacked book

    • Something organic like a wooden bead garland or woven bowl

    It keeps the eye moving and makes the setup feel curated.

    4. Keep It Personal

    Your coffee table should reflect you. Add a small object from a trip, a vintage piece, or something sentimental.

    I always tell my clients: A room feels more like home when it tells your story.

    5. Don’t Overcrowd

    As much as I love beautiful decor, negative space is your friend. Leave room for your morning coffee, a book, or a place to kick your feet up.

    Bonus tip: Some Amazon products now let you use their AR tool to preview how decor items look on your table. It’s a game-changer for checking scale and fit before you buy.

    ✨ My Favorite Coffee Table Styling Finds

    To make your styling even easier, I’ve gathered a few of my favorite pieces from Amazon — designer-approved, neutral, and perfect for any style.

    👉 Check out my favorite finds below and see if something feels like a perfect fit for your home.

    Happy decorating ✨

  • DECOR | How to Style a Bookshelf

    Looking to upgrade your home decor with a stylish bookshelf? Whether you’re a book lover or a decor enthusiast, this guide will help you turn a basic shelf into a beautiful, functional statement piece.

    Step 1: Define the Purpose of Your Bookshelf

    Before buying decor pieces or scrolling endlessly through Pinterest, think about what you actually need your bookshelf for. Is it:

    • A space to showcase your favorite book? (Click here to see my favorite)

    • A spot for your travel souvenirs and photo frames?

    • A functional divider between rooms?

    • A way to fill an empty wall or corner?

    When you get clear on the purpose, it becomes much easier to decide what kind of shelf to buy and what items to display.

    Step 2: Match Your Shelf to the Room

    The room where your shelf is located will determine what should go on it.

    • In the Kitchen: Use shelves to organize small appliances like a blender, stand mixer, and juicer, along with your favorite cookbooks.

    • In the Living or Dining Room: Showcase decorative objects, indoor plants, art prints, decorative boxes, and a drink tray for your home bar setup.

    Step 3: Stay True to Your Personal Style

    Don’t just copy a Pinterest picture or your friend’s living room if it doesn’t resonate with your vibe.

    The best homes tell your story — and that means adding pieces you love and things that spark joy.

    👉 Tip: Browse my favorite bookshelf styling ideas on Pinterest for inspiration.

    Step 4: How to Style a Bookshelf — A Practical Step-by-Step

    Ready to decorate? Follow these easy tips for a balanced, stylish shelf:

    1. Lay Out All Your Items

    Place everything you want to include on a table or the floor. It’s easier to visualize and select what truly deserves a spot on your shelf.

    Recommended product: Decorative storage boxes to hide small items.

    2. Balance Proportions

    Make sure to mix objects of different heights and sizes. Don’t place tiny decor pieces alone on a large, empty shelf. Use stacks of books or decorative boxes to elevate smaller pieces.

    3. Mix Books Vertically and Horizontally

    Alternate between upright books and horizontal stacks. A thick, hardcover book stacked horizontally makes a great base for a small decorative object on top.

    4. Add Indoor Plants

    A touch of green makes any shelf feel fresher and more inviting. If your shelf doesn’t get much sunlight, go for easy-care options like a Pothos plant or a Boston Fern.

    Place plants on the top corner or let them trail down the sides for a relaxed, natural look.

    5. Highlight Your Favorite Items

    Keep the pieces you love most at eye level. Whether it’s a photo frame, a unique sculpture, or a meaningful souvenir — these should take center stage.

    6. Skip the Candles

    Candles might look cute, but they’re not safe for shelves where you probably won’t light them anyway.

    Final Thoughts

    Your bookshelf should reflect your style, personality, and memories. Use these tips to turn it into a space that feels intentional, organized, and beautiful.

    👉 Shop my favorite bookshelf essentials here and start styling your shelf like a pro.