Simply Practical Living

Welcome to Simply Practical Living, the blog by Simply Practical. Here, we share design inspiration, practical tips, and expert advice to help you create a home that feels beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours. From choosing the perfect paint color to staging a home for sale or setting up a vacation rental that wows guests, our goal is to make the complicated simple—one stunning space at a time.

Whether you’re a homeowner, realtor, vacation rental owner, or apartment dweller, you’ll find step-by-step guides, staging strategies, and insider design tips that make decorating approachable and stress-free.

Ready to start your journey? Explore our latest posts below and discover how to transform your space with confidence.

Nicole Smith Nicole Smith

What It’s Really Like to Work with an Interior Designer (Process, Benefits & Expert Tips)

Ever wondered what an interior designer really does — or if hiring one is worth it? This guide breaks down the entire process step-by-step, explains how designers save you time, money, and stress, and reveals what actually happens behind the scenes to bring your vision to life. If you're thinking about renovating, redecorating, or just want your home to feel more “you,” this is where to start.

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Nicole Smith Nicole Smith

Why E-Design Is the Smartest Choice for Homeowners, Vacation Rental Owners, and Apartment Dwellers

Thinking about giving your home, vacation rental, or apartment a fresh look without the overwhelm of in-person design? E-Design—also called virtual interior design—offers professional expertise with the flexibility, affordability, and convenience of an online service. In this guide, you’ll learn how E-Design works, what it costs, who it’s best for, and how it compares to DIY decorating. Plus, we’ll show you why Simply Practical’s approach stands out with budget tracking tools, rental checklists, and design strategies you can use again and again.

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Nicole Smith Nicole Smith

How to Choose the Perfect Paint Color for Your Home

Choosing the perfect paint color for your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this step-by-step guide, we share expert tips on how to choose paint colors that work with your lighting, flooring, and design style. You’ll learn how to test paint samples, avoid common mistakes, and create a color scheme that enhances your space. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or updating your entire home, these interior design paint tips will help you pick the best wall colors with confidence and transform your space into one you’ll love.

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Nicole Smith Nicole Smith

Favorite Amazon Plant Pots & Planters That Instantly Elevate Your Space

Favorite Amazon Plant Pots & Planters That Instantly Elevate Your Space
Stylish, Affordable, and Perfect for Every Room

Looking for the best Amazon plant pots and planters to elevate your home? Whether you're decorating your living room, refreshing your entryway, or staging a vacation rental, the right planter can turn ordinary greenery into a polished design moment. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite stylish plant pots—all available on Amazon—that blend beauty and function for every space and design style.

From modern ceramic planters and mid-century stands to woven baskets and wall-mounted plant holders, these are my go-to picks for adding texture, height, and personality to any room.

✨ Perfect for small spaces, shelves, and corners
🌿 Great for real or faux plants
💡 Ideal for staging, rental homes, or everyday decor

Want a sneak peek? One of my favorite finds is a neutral ceramic trio that works in any space—and another is a wall planter that doubles as art. These planters aren’t just containers—they’re tools to help your home feel more styled, welcoming, and complete.

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