Genius Mother's Day Decor Gifts That Will Subtly Update Your MIL's Home
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Whether your mom's decor could use a little updating or your mother-in-law's home is a couple decades behind, Mother's Day is the perfect time to lend a loving design hand. We spoke with Leslie Banker, principal and president of interior design firm Pamela Banker Associates, and she had some ingenious gift ideas that do double duty to show your mom you love her while subtly updating her abode. Some can be purchased at a store and others are perfect for the crafty DIY type or those on a tight budget. Get the full scoop in Leslie's words ahead.
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A Vase
Fresh flowers are one of the best pick-me-ups for a space, and if there's a new homemade vase on the scene, then she might feel compelled to use it. A homemade, watertight vase can also be a good hint that it's time to ditch the fake the flowers and go for the real deal.
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Repaint Something
If there's a mirror frame that's chipped, or a table that's looking like it's seen better days — you could offer to freshen it up and repaint it. Think about changing the color and making it a little snappier.
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A Colorful Throw
A colorful throw can be used to cover the back or arm of a sofa that's gotten worn. It adds a pop of color to a room, and is cozy to pull around you when it's chilly.
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Wine Bottle Stoppers
These can be made with polished stone or be a small, rubber chicken. They dress up a bar and are a good reminder that you don't have to finish the entire bottle.
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Frame a Map
If her walls need a pick-me-up, you can frame maps of some of her favorite places. It could be a map of where she grew up or where you'd like to go together next on vacation.
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Throw Pillows
New throw pillows for her sofa might do a lot to spruce up the room. Find something colorful, something not covered in cat hair (like what might be there now), and something that doesn't look so flat and worn (as existing). You can give Mom completely new throw pillows or make new covers to go over her existing pillows.
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Install Shelves
Say you want to practice your drilling skills, and ask your mother or mother-in-law if she would mind if you installed a bathroom shelf or two for her as a Mother's Day present. No one needs to know you're really doing it to help contain the clutter.
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Hand Towels
New hand towels, which you can embroider, are a great improvement to the bathroom when guests come over. Instead of fluffy, everyday towels, these new hand towels should be a flat towel with some decoration such as fringe, a stripe, or stitching.
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Candlesticks
A pair of candlesticks (with a few candles) can be a good way to drop the hint that blaring overhead lighting is not quite the perfect ambiance during dinner. Everyone looks better when lit by candlelight.