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Composting at Home for Beginners: Your Simple, Guide to Starting Today

Hey, friends! If you’re ready to add a little green magic to your garden and reduce kitchen waste, composting at home is the perfect place to start. Trust me—it’s easier than you think, and your plants (plus the planet!) will thank you.

In this post, I’m breaking down composting basics for beginners—no jargon, no fuss—just simple, doable steps to help you turn scraps into garden gold. Let’s dive in!

What Exactly Is Composting?

Composting is nature’s way of recycling. It’s the process where kitchen scraps and yard waste break down into rich, nutrient-packed soil that boosts your garden’s health. Think of it as homemade superfood for your plants!

Why Should You Start Composting at Home?

  • Reduce waste and help the environment: Food scraps are a huge part of landfill waste. Composting cuts that down and lowers harmful emissions.
  • Nourish your garden naturally: Compost improves soil texture and keeps plants thriving without chemicals.
  • Save money: Why buy expensive fertilizers when you can make your own?
  • It’s totally doable: No fancy equipment needed—just a little patience and love.

How to Start Composting: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pick Your Composting Style

You can compost anywhere, even if your space is small! Choose what fits you best:

  • A compost bin to keep things tidy. (a bowl by your sink will work)
  • A compost pile in the backyard if you have space.
  • A compost tumbler for a faster, hands-on approach.

2. Find the Perfect Spot

Place your compost in a spot with good airflow and some sunlight to keep things moving without drying out.

3. Gather Your Compost Materials: Greens and Browns

Balance is everything here!

  • Greens = nitrogen-rich stuff like veggie scraps, coffee grounds, and fresh grass clippings.
  • Browns = carbon-rich materials like dry leaves, shredded newspaper, and cardboard.

Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to keep pests away and odors down.

4. Layer It Up

Start with a base of browns, then alternate greens and browns. A good ratio is about 3 parts browns to 1 part greens. This keeps your compost happy and healthy.

5. Keep It Happy: Maintenance Tips

  • Turn your pile every week or two to add oxygen and speed things up.
  • Keep it moist like a wrung-out sponge. Add water or dry materials as needed.

6. Wait for the Magic

In a few months, you’ll have rich, dark, crumbly compost that smells like fresh earth—perfect for your garden!

Bonus Tips for Chic Composting Success

  • Chop your scraps smaller to help them break down faster.
  • Avoid weeds with seeds to keep your garden weed-free.
  • If your compost smells, add more browns and turn more often.
  • Cover fresh scraps with browns to keep critters away.

How to Use Your Finished Compost

Sprinkle it around your garden beds, mix it into your potting soil, or use it as mulch. Your flowers, veggies, and houseplants will love the extra boost!

Composting is such a rewarding way to connect with nature and make your gardening routine more sustainable. Ready to get started? Grab a bin, gather your scraps, and watch your garden and your eco-impact grow!

Want more gardening tips and easy eco-friendly ideas? Stay tuned here at Splash of Chic for all the stylish ways to green up your life!

Dining Room Glow-Up: How We Transformed Our Space with Intention and Chic Simplicity

There’s something special about a dining room. It’s where stories are shared, guests gather, and everyday meals become cherished moments. When we moved in, I knew our dining space had potential, but it didn’t reflect the warmth and modern charm I wanted to bring into our home. So, I decided it was time for a transformation. The result? A space that feels both elevated and inviting, with thoughtful details that reflect our personal style.

Starting with a Blank Slate

Before any design decisions were made, I took a step back to assess what we needed from the space. Our dining room needed to be multifunctional: cozy enough for family dinners but polished enough to host friends. I updated our fixtures by gold gilding, changed the hardware to gold for more sophistication, and gave the walls some blue grass cloth, instantly giving the room texture and warmth.

A Chic Statement with Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

To add personality without commitment, I installed a stunning peel-and-stick wallpaper on the walls by Society Social. It created instant visual interest without overwhelming the room. Here’s exactly how I did it:

  1. Prep the surface: I wiped the wall down with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. Smooth, clean walls are key!
  2. Measure and mark: Using a level and measuring tape, I lightly marked where the first panel would go to ensure it stayed straight.
  3. Peel slowly, stick carefully: Starting from the top, I peeled a small section of the backing and stuck it down, smoothing with a wallpaper tool as I went. I worked in sections, peeling and smoothing as I moved downward.
  4. Trim edges: I used a sharp utility knife to clean up the edges around the baseboards and ceiling for a seamless look.

Editing the Right Table (and Chairs!)

The heart of the dining room is the table, and I had the perfect antique. The problem was it had been around the block and really needed to go from cherry to a lighter vibe. The chairs for this table were falling a part and I really wanted a chair that people could sit in comfortably. To add contrast and interest, I paired it with a mix of upholstered end chairs (antique) and chose a pattern, the side chairs in green to coordinate with the pattern. The mix keeps things from feeling too matchy-matchy while adding character.

The Power of Lighting

Lighting can make or break a room. I gave our fixture a glow up by painting it with gold gild. The warm glow it casts at night makes the entire room feel magical. I also added dimmers and it’s a game changer for ambiance.

Styling with Intention

For the decor, I kept it simple and chic. A runner to match the end chairs, a couple of candle holders from Homegoods.I styled a mix of thrifted finds and personal mementos to add soul to the space.

Elevating the Everyday

One of my favorite things about this transformation is how it’s elevated our everyday. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner with the kids or a weekend dinner, the space just feels good. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a massive renovation to create a space that inspires connection.

Thinking of Your Own Dining Room Glow-Up?

My biggest advice: start with how you want the space to feel. Let that guide your choices. Layer in texture, mix materials, and don’t be afraid to blend old with new. And above all—make it yours for the perfect dining room glow up.

Feel free to view the reel of the project here.

Chic and Private: Design a Lush Urban Garden with Fast-Growing Hedges and Climbing Roses

In a bustling city like Charlotte, finding a slice of serenity in your own backyard can feel like a luxury. But with a bit of thoughtful planning and a touch of garden glamour, even the smallest outdoor spaces can become lush, private retreats. I believe style and function should grow together, and that’s exactly what this garden makeover is all about.

To block out the noise (and the neighbors), we’re leaning into natural borders that are as beautiful as they are hardworking. Wax myrtles are the unsung heroes of Southern privacy screens—fast-growing, evergreen, and easy on the eyes. Paired with the fragrant charm of tea olives, they create a living wall that smells as good as it looks.

For a vertical wow-factor, we’re building a wall of climbing roses, with alternating blooms in blush pink and creamy white. The result? Romantic, eye-catching color that blooms from spring to fall.

Down below, we’re dressing the beds with Zone 7-friendly blooms like echinacea, black-eyed Susans, salvia, and larkspur, layered with texture and color for a garden that feels full of life all season long.

Digging in the details for plant pairings and layout tips to help you design your own private garden paradise, one chic bloom at a time.

Smart Plant Pairings for a Chic, Layered Look

Creating a lush garden is all about layering. Combining height, texture, color, and fragrance in a way that feels effortless but intentional. Here are some stylish pairings to make your small space feel full and inviting:

Back Row: The Privacy Wall

  • Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)
    Pair with:Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans or Osmanthus heterophyllus)
    Alternate these evergreens along your fence line for year-round coverage and sweet seasonal fragrance.
    • Tip: Plant wax myrtles every 6–8 feet and tea olives between them for staggered growth and interest.

Middle Layer: Vertical Color & Romance

  • Climbing Roses
    Pair alternating varieties:
    • ‘Eden’ (soft pink) for a romantic cottage vibe
    • ‘Iceberg’ or ‘White Dawn’ (white) for brightness and contrast
    • Train them on trellises or a fence to draw the eye upward and soften hard edges.
    • Tip: Install a simple lattice or wire panel system against your fence for support. Mix bloom times for extended color.

Front Beds: Bold Blooms & Pollinator Power

  • Echinacea (Coneflower)
    Pair with: Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
    These classic native perennials thrive in Zone 7, love the sun, and keep blooming all summer.
  • Salvia (‘May Night’ or ‘Caradonna’)
    Pair with: Larkspur or Snapdragons (spring to early summer)
    Great for texture and hummingbird attraction. Their upright spikes contrast beautifully with broader petals.
  • Heuchera (Coral Bells)
    Pair with: Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) or Sweet Alyssum
    For shady edges or beneath shrubs, this duo adds rich foliage and soft, spilling texture.

Layout Tips for a Small, Stylish Garden

1. Layer by Height

  • Place tall evergreens (wax myrtle & tea olive) in the back to create privacy.
  • Medium climbers (roses) go in the middle with vertical support.
  • Low-growing perennials and groundcovers should fill the front and spill over pathways or borders.

2. Keep a Flowing Color Palette

  • Stick to 2–3 complementary colors. In this case: soft pink, white, gold, and lavender-purple.
  • Repeat colors throughout the beds to create cohesion and rhythm.

3. Think Seasonally

  • Combine spring bloomers (larkspur, snapdragons) with summer staples (coneflowers, salvia) and late bloomers (tea olive scent intensifies in fall).
  • Mix evergreen structure with seasonal pops for year-round interest.

4. Use Pathways and Planters Wisely

  • A narrow gravel or stepping-stone path can make the space feel bigger and more navigable.
  • Add a few elevated planters or urns with trailing flowers near seating areas to draw attention inward.

5. Add Chic Touches

  • Hang string lights above the roses.
  • Place a small bistro table beneath the tea olives for a fragrant morning coffee nook.
  • Incorporate a garden mirror to visually expand the space.

Why I Broke Up with Air Fresheners (and You Should Too)


Spoiler: They’re toxic. Literally.

Let’s just get this out of the way: I love a good-smelling home. Walking into a space that smells like “Coastal Rainforest Morning Dew” or “Vanilla Bean Magic” used to make me feel like I had my life together. But plot twist—turns out those lovely scents were basically chemical cocktails in disguise. 😬

Like most people, I didn’t question it. I thought I was being extra clean and put-together because my bathroom smelled like cucumber melon. (If you know, you know.)

But here’s the thing…

The Dirty Truth Behind That “Clean” Smell

Fragrance air fresheners-sprays, plug-ins, candles, those cute little gel thingies—are often filled with harmful chemicals. And I mean harmful in a “how is this even allowed in stores?” kind of way.

Let’s break down what you’re really spraying around your house:

  • Formaldehyde: Yes, the same chemical used to preserve dead things. A known carcinogen and major irritant.
  • Benzene: Another known carcinogen. Excellent.
  • Phthalates: They make the smell last longer but can disrupt your hormones and reproductive system. Cute.
  • Toluene: Linked to developmental issues. So no, not baby-friendly.
  • Xylene: Messes with your central nervous system. Think headaches, dizziness, and feeling foggy for no reason.

Like… why are we doing this to ourselves? All in the name of making our living room smell like a fake ocean breeze?

So What’s the Healthy, Still-Nice-Smelling Option?

Two words: Essential oils.

Making the switch to essential oils has been a game-changer in my health and wellness journey. Not only are they non-toxic, but they actually support your body rather than sabotage it. And no, they don’t make your house smell like a crunchy hippie commune unless you want them to (and hey, no shade if you do).

Here’s why I love them:

  • They’re natural and safe for kids and pets.
  • You can customize your own blends depending on the vibe or season.
  • Some oils (like lavender and eucalyptus) actually have therapeutic benefits.
  • They make you feel like a holistic goddess, and that’s a fact.

A Few Favorite Essential Oils I’m Obsessed With:

  • Lavender + Lemon: Relaxing and refreshing at the same time.
  • Peppermint + Eucalyptus: Think spa day but in your kitchen.
  • Orange + Clove: Cozy fall vibes without the toxic candle smoke.
  • Geranium + Cedarwood: Romantic and grounding.

How to Root a Plant from Cuttings

Does anyone else feel like plants are so expensive these days? love getting new plants, giving them as gifts, or just sharing the love with friends just because, so it’s great to be able to root your own plants from cuttings.

Rooting your own plants is an easy way to save money, and get something new to look free of charge. I am sharing a general, easy way to propagate that should work on most plants.

Directions:

  1. Select a healthy plant with a lot of foliage (you don’t want to kill a plant by taking vital foliage or propagate from an unhealthy plant)
  2. Select a stem that does not have a flower and cut at a 45 Degree Angle with Clean Shears
  3. Take off excess leaves and leave a couple at the top
  4. Place freshly cut side in Root Hormone to protect plant
  5. Place directly in soil or clean water
  6. If in soil, add epsom salt to water and water every other week
  7. Allow plant to root (can take a couple of days up to a couple of weeks.

Artist Find: Peter’s Pottery

I posted a couple of pictures on instagram @splashofchic that included Peter’s Pottery. His pottery is absolutely beautiful and so versatile in its’ use. You can easily dress it up or down for a dinner party or just a tomato sandwich for lunch.

Not only that, but the story behind Peter’s Pottery is pretty neat. There were 4 brother’s that started the business in 1998 in a small town in the Mississippi Delta. They bartered in order to get the building supplies to build their first shop. The shop was originally outside of the small town city limits, but they asked to be included so that their town could receive the tax benefits of the business. The company is still family run today.

You can not order his products online, but you can view some of his inventory and then call in to place your order. Love the old school vibes there. 🙂

Check out his site: Peter’s Website

How To Take Care Of An Orchid

Orchids are one of those plants that I have struggled with forever. I have never been able to figure out how to keep them alive. I buy one orchid and they live through the first round of flowering and then boom donezo.

Over the last couple of years a few plants later I think I have finally figured it out. I am sharing my steps below.

Orchid Care:

  1. Make sure your Orchid is in bright, but indirect light.
  2. Place in a sink with water for 15 minutes once a week.
  3. Once the Orchid has finished flowering below the last blooming flower (at the node), it should bloom again in about 8-12 weeks.
  4. Repot orchids ever couple of years in bark. Make sure to not pot in soil.

That’s all, how easy is that? Comment if you have any other tips or tricks. I would love to hear them.

XOXO, Katie

Bedroom Design Inspiration

Father’s Day Gift Guide

I put together a quick list of some of my favorite products for a Father’s Day Gift Guide. Most of these products will allow for quick delivery and are incredibly useful.

Big Green Egg Grilling Station

One of the best things that came out of staying at home all last year is Blake’s wood working skills. We had a lot of time to do home projects, and it was cool to see Blake pick up on a new skill. Blake’s first project was the Big Green Egg Grilling Station

It turned out so well I wanted to share it with you guys. Below is the list of what you will need and the link to the directions we followed for the Big Green Egg station from SearedandSmoked.com

Tools

  • Miter Saw 
  • Jig Saw 
  • Power Drill
  • Pocket Hole Joining Kit 
  • Table Saw 

Materials

  • 2″ x 4″ x 8 ft Cedar
  • 1″ x 6″ x 8 ft Cedar
  • 1″ x 2″ x 8 ft Cedar
  • 1″ x 4″ x 8 ft Cedar
  • 1″ x  8″ x 8 ft Cedar
  • 2 3/4″ Self Tapping Wood Screws
  • 3 1/4″ Self Tapping Wood Screws
  • 4 1/4″ Self Tapping Wood Screws
  • 1.75″ Finish Nails or Finish Screws
  • 4 Heavy Duty Casters and Mounting Hardware to mobilize your grill table
  • Exterior Grade Wood Sealer if Desired

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