Organizing the Perfect Crafting Space Thursday, February 7, 2019 If you made a resolution to be more self-sufficient this year, you might notice you are drowning in crafts. Making your own curtains, scrapbooking old photos, and crafting your own soaps is a hobby that cries out for organization. Here are a few tips to make sure your crafting space does not become a burden.

Reuse and Recycle

The key to choosing the right furniture pieces for your crafting space is to reuse and recycle pieces you may already have. Don’t go for plastic tables with flimsy drawers; you need a sturdy work space with quality storage. Just because a chest is “meant” for the bedroom doesn’t mean it can’t store crafts! Choosing bedroom furniture is ideal because your craft room may have to serve as a spare guestroom from time to time. Making smart choices will make your overnight guest feel more at home.

Choose the Right Space

After you have the right furniture in mind, choose a space to fit it all and will allow you to spread out. If you are operating out of a spare bedroom, consider adding a daybed to make the room appear more multi-functional without crowding floor space. Using the toy room so you can keep an eye on the little ones while you work? Move a large sturdy table in there. A dining room table is usually ideal.

Craft Perfect Storage

It’s perfectly fine to head over to the dollar store and buy plastic bins to store your crafts. They are cheap, functional, and will not break the bank. But where will you store those plastic bins? How will you organize the chaos? That’s where high-quality shelving comes in. While the bins themselves can be on the cheaper side, you should splurge on sturdy shelves to manage your storage. An accent cabinet is great for hiding away unsightly plastic bins. It will help to keep your craft space neat and tidy while keeping your bins at arm’s reach. A jewelry organizer is great for smaller items like beads and fabric scraps.

When it comes to organization, clean-up is key. What’s the point of having the perfect storage options if you aren’t using them? Make cleaning away the mess part of your crafting habit. If you stay on top of the odds and ends, your crafting space won’t become overwhelming.

6 Signs You Need to Organize Your Living Room Tuesday, February 5, 2019 Being comfortable in your own home is something many of us take for granted. When you walk through your door and are greeted by piles of disorganization, relaxation is not what your body and mind expect. If you find yourself avoiding your living spaces because the clutter has gotten out of hand, it’s time to make a change.

Here are 6 signs you need to organize your living room.

    1. It Smells

Literally. Piles of paper, stacked up laundry, shoes by the door, and stacks of toys will accumulate dust and let out a musty scent. If the air in your home is not as fresh as it used to be, consider a deep clean to help get you organized. Breathing fresh air inside your home should be a priority.

     2. You Can’t See Surfaces

Papers, books, brochures and magazines tend to accumulate on flat surfaces all around the house. You may need a household information center. The living room is often more cluttered because it's a central gathering place in the house. A desk or filing cabinet is an ideal recommendation.

     3. Tripping on Cords

Lamp cords, TV cords, charging cords: they are everywhere! Fortunately, there are several options for taming cords in the living room. Invest in cord holders that can stick to walls. A cable caddy also usually sticks onto a desktop or behind the TV console and has space for several cables to clamp into. Also consider using zip ties to help organize the cord chaos.

     4. Drowning in Toys

If toys are taking over your family room, it's time to put them in timeout. Unused corners of a family room transform into great play areas because the walls serve to block encroaching clutter. Corners are also good areas to put a small bookcase or children's table. Add rolling bins for toy storage so your child doesn't have to feel confined. Make sure you encourage him to pick up after he is done playing.

      5. No Room for Family Fun

For a family that likes to play together, a game cabinet for board games and cards is both functional and fun. Games usually end up in a TV armoire, but it's helpful to designate a separate space for them, whether in another shelving unit, a bookcase or in plastic containers below the sofa. Creating a single game space will free up other areas of the room for storage.

      6. Can’t Ever Find “It”

 “It” could be anything from the remote to the dog (just kidding!) If you are constantly looking for something in your living room, it’s time to get organized. Consider furniture that helps to store, like benches or ottomans, or invest in an accent cabinet or two to keep track of blankets, games, toys and more.


Having an organized living room will make your home life more enjoyable day to day. Being able to find what you need and lounge on your sofa without clearing a space will make your life less stressful.

Ways to Declutter the Toy Room Sunday, February 3, 2019

If there’s one room in the house that makes most parents want to close the door and hide the mess, it’s the toy room. But there are many smart furniture decisions you can make that will cut down on the clutter. Even if your toy room goes from clean to chaos every single day, these ideas will help you create order.

 

Bins, Bins, Bins

Store things in baskets and bins. There are soft bins for younger kids and more robust bins for older children. Having easily-accessible baskets and bins make it much easier for kids to put away their own toys.

 

Cut Down on the Labels

Consider not labeling everything. Most playroom organization tutorials recommend putting pictures on all of your bins so kids will know how to put things away. However, for little kids this might create a bit of confusion. Try sections instead. For example, stuffed animals and dolls in one area, blocks and cars in another area. It will be easier for the little ones to keep the space organized.

 

Shelving

Sturdy bookcases aren’t only for books, they are the perfect place to store toys and small bins of blocks. Shelves are especially handy for odd shaped toys that won’t easily store in buckets or bins.

 

Double Duty

Invest in storage options that double as something else. For example, a storage ottoman can hold toys and serve as a seat. Futons serve as seating and an extra bed. Backless barstools are seats and tables for building. A small round dining room table is perfect for art projects and snack time. The more functions the piece of furniture can serve in the toy room, the better.

 

Zone it Off
Keep your art supplies in one area by investing in a nice desk or filing system to keep paints and crayons organized. Keep electronics in another area, plastic food and kitchen toys in their own corner, and blocks in a certain spot and so on. This will also help contain the mess.

 

Pick Up Everyday

Do big pickups. Every day or so, clean up the playroom. The kids will like showing off their clean playroom when they’re done! If you making cleaning up a part of your everyday routine, keeping the toy room decluttered will become second nature.

8 Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Thursday, January 31, 2019

There are few design truths that stay consistent year after year. Whether your home is a downtown bungalow or farmhouse retreat, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid. Designing your space should feel fun and exciting, not stressful and overwhelming. You are creating your oasis from the world.

Here’s how to avoid the 8 most common design mistakes.

1 - Ignoring Your Budget
Before your project is underway you should have a pretty clear idea of how much everything will cost. No need to rush and buy more than you can afford at the moment; great spaces are curated over time. Ignoring your budget will create stress down the road. It’s a good idea to search for clearance items first and save money where you can.

2 - Not Using the Measuring Tape
Before you fall in love with that beautiful sectional in the showroom, make sure it fits into your space: literally. Many people realize too late that their favorite lounge chair is far too small or low compared with their sofa. Make sure to measure all the pieces, doorways, and stairwells before making this costly mistake.

3 - Painting Before Buying Furniture
Picking out colors and painting your walls before purchasing anything is a common design mistake that can be avoided. It is much easier to pick a wall color that will complement furnishings, rather than the other way around. If you really want to incorporate a certain color, try finding larger furniture pieces in that shade.

4 - Ignoring Height
Furniture in a room should be various heights and sizes, elevated in multiple ways. Art, window treatments, and furniture should all be elevated, even just slightly. 

5 - Including only Masculine or Feminine Pieces
If you’re looking to make a space more masculine, this does not equate to only using darker shades and vice versa for more feminine spaces. This is a common mistake that can easily be avoided once a balance of lights and darks is introduced into the room.

6 - Artwork Disasters
Incorporating art into your home is a great way to show off your personality and style. Placement of art, however, is where homeowners make a big design mistake. Either placing the art too high or low will throw the room off-balance. Each piece you hang should sit together with the furniture. An easy rule to help avoid this decorating mistake is to keep art only eight to ten inches higher than furniture.

7 - Wall to Wall Furniture
Pushing furniture up against a wall is a decor mistake that is natural to make. Depending on the layout of the room there may not be a way around this, but if you can, you should avoid it. Furniture that is placed up against the walls of any room does not save space. Center your pieces and pull items closer together to create a flow that doesn’t box anyone in.

8 - Being Too Trendy
Design trends are useful to see how other people are styling their homes and can provide great inspiration.  However, trends are constantly changing, so a big mistake is to go too trendy. Instead, opt for pieces that are timeless, but most importantly, select furniture that fits your personal style.

Keep things fun and airy, and stick to your budget. Your furnishings should complement your home and your life! Make sure you are choosing items that add style, comfort, and make you truly feel at home.

Focus on the Family Room: Relaxing Furniture Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Some homes are lucky enough to have a living room and family room. The family room plays a different role in the home than the living room. Where the living room tends to be more formal and geared toward entertaining and visits, the family room in general has more of a lounge feel. Some homes combine the two rooms while others are separated by a wall, archway, or zone.

 

The family room is a space designed for relaxation and comfort. To put focus on the family room, you must focus on comfortable and relaxing furniture. Family rooms are generally more informal than living rooms. They tend to be a bit further from the front door, even in the basement at times, or in a bonus room on a higher floor. Because of the location, family rooms can have a more casual vibe. Here are a few ideas to get started.

 

Incorporating an easily moveable side table or ottoman into the family room design makes the room feel flexible and more relaxed, not to mention distinctly functional. A small-scale, easily moveable piece can also double as an impromptu card or board game table.

 

Sectionals are one of the most efficient family room seating options because they maximize every square inch of seating potential. A sectional sofa works great in the family room to accommodate everyone, whether two people or ten.

 

If you have the floor space, add a recliner or two for those who want to kick back and watch TV. Large, plush chairs with pillow arms and back are perfect for lounging in the family room. Think comfort first when it comes to this section of your home.

 

Leather is great choice of fabric for the family room. When you think about the potential messes of popcorn, soda, and other snacks that will inevitably be consumed during family and/or party times, an easy-to-clean surface like leather is ideal. Micro fiber is also a good option to guard against spills.

 

The comfort and style of the family room helps to set the tone for the time that people spend there. This is perhaps the most important room in the house to incorporate a seating arrangement where all can enter and want to stay awhile.

5 Tips on Decorating Your First Apartment Sunday, January 27, 2019

Striking out on your own is an exciting time. Renting your first apartment is a sign of independence. It’s a time to learn how to make your own decisions, both financial and decorating included. It’s a place where you can truly discover your own style, but don’t forget to keep an eye on the bottom line. Being creative with your new space doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are 5 tips on how to decorate your first apartment.

1. Don’t Neglect the Windows
I bet you’re wondering why this is number one. After all, apartments tend to come with blinds or shades, so you’re done, right? Wrong. Nothing says “I’m new to this whole living on my own thing” quite like a naked window. Take time to get curtains and window dressings. Something simple that adds color or a pattern to the space will go a long way towards making your apartment cozy.

2. Plant Life
Bringing in a few strategic plants is not only inexpensive, but they don’t go out of style. Even if all you have is some furniture and a plant, your space will look more polished. Focus on low maintenance plants, and if you have pets, be sure to check on the toxicity.

3. Invest in Multi-Use Furniture
Pieces that are multi-functional can be your best friend when you’re on a tight budget or living in a small space. A daybed can turn your living room into a guest room while still serving as a sofa. An ottoman can serve as a place for your feet, storage, and extra seating. A bar stool with no back can be a plant stand and seating. Shop around and be creative!

4. Use Neutral Colors
Chances are your first apartment will be tight on space. It’s a great idea to use neutral colors on walls, floors, ceilings and furniture fabric. A palette of off-whites or beiges will expand the space by appearing to push back the walls.  Soft hues reflect light and will add dimension to your space. Add pops of color with throws or rugs, but stick to a neutral color for furniture and paint.

5. Round Dining Room Table
Small round tables aren't just for breakfast nooks or eat-in kitchens. Look past the giant dining table and give yourself some extra space by opting for a small, round dining table instead. That table can also be used for game nights, a prep area for the kitchen, and a work space. You’ll learn to love that small round table.

 

Your first apartment does not to be bland and devoid of style just because of small space and a budget. Keep things simple, multi-functional, and stylish, and your new place will feel like home in no time.

Small Living Room? No Problem! Sunday, January 20, 2019

Whether you’re moving into your first one-bedroom apartment or outfitting your downtown bungalow, knowing how to design around your small living room will come in handy. Understanding proven design strategies will transform your small space into an area that feels cozy and comfortable. It’s all about tricking the eye into seeing more.

 

Use Mirrors

Using mirrors will make your small living room seem larger and less claustrophobic. Hanging a large mirror as a focal point is a great strategy. It will add light and a nice ambiance. You can put the mirror near a light source, like a lamp or even near a window.

 

Look Upward

If your living room has a high ceiling, you’re in luck. Drawing the eye upward will make up for the lack of floor space. Use high book shelves, artwork, and tall floor lamps to capitalize on the vertical real estate.

 

Use Neutral Colors

It’s a great idea to use neutral colors on walls, floors, ceilings and furniture fabric. A palette of off-whites or beiges will expand the space by appearing to push back the walls.  Soft hues reflect light and will add dimensions to your space. Add pops of color with throws or rugs, but stick to a neutral color for furniture and paint.

 

Lightweight Furniture Choices

Pick out pieces that have a lightweight appearance as opposed to heavier ones which will overwhelm a small space. For example, select pieces that have slender legs and sleek lines while avoiding those that are boxy. Glass coffee or end tables will take up less visual space than wooden ones because they are see through. Any furnishings that don’t obstruct views will make an area seem more open.

 

Small-Scale Furniture

Choose furniture that won’t overpower the room or appear to dominate the space. A sofa with thin arms and a tufted back will work better than one with strong arms and bulky cushions. Maybe skip the sofa altogether and go for a loveseat or simple accent chairs.

Multi-Tips for Multipurpose Rooms Thursday, January 17, 2019

Transforming a home into one that is more functional is as easy as turning living areas like the dining room, living room and spare room into multipurpose spaces. A home is more than just a place to eat and sleep. It’s also a place to entertain, work, exercise and play as well. With the right multi-purpose furniture, your home can provide a variety of functions even without much space. Creating a room that serves more than one purpose may sound challenging, however, armed with a few tips, it can be quick, easy, and useful.

Create a Unifying Style

Add a unifying theme to turn your multi-functional rooms from awkward and clunky to pleasing and sleek. For example, if your bedroom also acts as your workspace, your bedroom/office doesn’t have to resemble a cubicle. Consider incorporating soft furniture that’s functional for work but feels like it belongs in a bedroom. An accent chair can serve as a work space and a relaxation area of your room. Look for bedroom furniture with appealing colors and soft lines. The bedroom/office will still be your workspace, but this will keep it comfortable, and the look and feel homey.

 

Creative Crafting Space

Your dining room probably houses your largest table/working surface. It makes a great location for a sewing machine, scrapbooking area, and general crafting surface. Just make sure you protect your dining room table with a proper heavy-duty cloth. Add a chest with multiple drawers and doors, and you can store your crafting items and work table cloth all within steps of your crafting space. The beautiful look of a chest will blend nicely with your dining area.

Double Duty Pieces

Is it an office, bedroom, living room or multi-purpose dining room? It can be everything! For multi-use rooms, find furniture that can serve several purposes such as:

With multi-purpose room ideas, it’s not about splitting one room in half where one area serves as a guest room and the other as an office. A multi-use room means choosing the right accessories and furniture that allow you to easily turn a guest room into an office, gym, dining area or nursery when needed, and vice versa. Be smart with your choices, and it will be the most-used room in your house.

Mixing New and Old Furniture Pieces for a Look that’s All YOU! Tuesday, January 15, 2019

If you are lucky this season, you may get a few new furniture pieces to add to your home. But how will your new end tables pair with your grandmother’s sofa? Or maybe you’re buying yourself a new bedroom set and just aren’t ready to get rid of your old set just yet. Don’t worry, you can do something to help them find new life. You can repurpose your old pieces and make them feel new again.

Credenza Bar

Adding a bar or wine fridge to the kitchen is all the rage right now, but back in the 50s and 60s you were likely to find a small, mobile bar in the corner or a long Credenza bar up against a wall. Even if you have a new modern bar in your kitchen, don’t put your vintage bar by the curb! Sometimes all you need with American-made furniture is cleaner: brass polish along with furniture polish will spiff it up.  If you love entertaining and celebrating with cocktails, then the credenza is for you. Make it the highlight of your living or dining room.

Coffee Table

Even if your new furniture is traditional or farmhouse style, you can always do a mid-century coffee table. So don’t put your great-uncle’s retro table to the roadside just yet. Contemporary tables are typically low-profile and relatively simple, and they complement almost any design scheme.

Chaise Lounger

Whether it’s a stand-alone chaise lounge or one that’s part of a sectional sofa, these beauties pair together function and fashion. They are also timeless, versatile, and can easily go into a living room, office, or bedroom. Sometimes the fabric may need to be updated, but the style of the Chaise lasts forever.

Consider moving your chaise from the living room to the bed room. Placing it in a corner and adding a floor lamp and side table will make a perfect reading nook.

Low-Profile Accent Chairs

Accent chairs are an American staple. Often patterned and sleek, an accent chair can add a pop of color to any room. If you have a pair of low-profile chairs, relocate them to the foot of your bed in the master bedroom. Add a small, narrow table between them and you’ve created a seating area with the unobtrusive feel of a bench.

Dining Room Chairs

Once you’ve updated your dining room, you may be at a loss for what to do with your old chairs. Place one or two in the corners of a large room as accent chairs. This is especially popular with bentwood chairs. Bentwood chairs are strong, lightweight, and have been used in homes since the 1850s. They complement any decor from classic to contemporary.

Small Dining Room Table

If you are upgrading from a smaller dining room table to a larger one, don’t give your old table away just yet. Some rectangular shaped tables could make a nice buffet if you have the space. Others can find a new home in your home office as a work space. If you do crafts, consider using the old table as a craft area.

Focus on how the new and old pieces feel together. Don’t worry so much about design rules as how you want your space to look and feel.

How to Choose An Accent Chair That Will Elevate Your Living Room Thursday, January 10, 2019

Nothing brings function, color, and style to a space better than an accent chair. Whether you choose a transitional, modern, or traditional piece, your family and guests will benefit from the comfort and coziness it brings. Accent chairs offer extra seating, a pop of color, added texture, and dimension to a space.

 

Before making your accent chair purchase, you’ll need to determine the style of your living room. The answer may not seem clear cut, but typically people will gravitate to a particular look. Also consider how you will use your accent chair. Think about the area you want to place the chair. If you want to snuggle up by a fire to drink your morning coffee, you may want a more durable accent chair. Leather chairs are always a great choice. If you decide to get a chair that will rock, swivel or recline, you will need more room and space than a standard chair.

 

Here are a few more tips to consider before choosing your accent chair.

 

Add Texture

An easy way to add interest to a room with a neutral palette is with a chic, standout armchair. Feel free to stick to the same color of your other furniture, but use the chair to add an interesting texture. If the rest of your room is leather, use cloth on the chair. Or if your living room furniture is microfiber, choose a linen chair.

 

Play with Patterns

The best thing about accent chairs is that they are there to stand out, so you can have fun with stripes or patterns. Don't worry about mismatching. Just place it in the spotlight as the signature piece.

 

Mix and Match

Create stylish, yet comfortable living room décor by placing a few accent chairs in the mix. Sure, you can match the chairs, or you can choose separate chairs that complement each other: select a high back chair and a swivel chair in the same color family.

 

Go Elegant

The wingback chair is an elegant choice for any living room. It’s a dapper piece of furniture with its signature high back and contoured wings. It can go from sleek and modern to traditional and utilitarian in an instant.

 

Swivel into Style

Swivel chairs can be used in more ways than just a workspace. Choose a chair that swivels or a useful chair that pulls double duty as an accent piece. It can even be pulled into the dining room for an extra seat!

Selecting an accent chair can really change up a living space. Look through magazines and Pinterest so you can have an idea of what you may like. Remember, constructing the exact look isn’t nearly as important as capturing the style.

Warmer Colors Will Make You Feel at Home Sunday, January 6, 2019

If you are drawn to reds, yellows, oranges and various other combinations of these colors, you are drawn to warm colors. These colors have been known to increase adrenaline, breathing rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. The impact these colors have on your body actually make you feel warmer.

They are a great choice for rooms that need to inspire work, like a kitchen or office, or inspire conversation, like a living room. Since warm colors tend to be energizing, you may not want to use a bold warm color as your dominant color in a bedroom.

Warm colors often work well with a more traditional decorating style. If this is your style, try using muted, warm tones as your dominant colors. Contemporary and farmhouse styles usually lend themselves to a cooler palette, but you can use a pop of warm color to add flair.

Living Room

Red raises a room’s energy level, so it is a good choice when you want to stir up excitement. In the living room, red draws people together and stimulates conversation. A red recliner would be a great starter piece to help play to the reds in your living room. Bring in red throws and maybe pops of red in your area rug.

Yellow brings joy and happiness making it an excellent choice for living rooms. It’s energizing and uplifting. The shade of yellow does not have to be intense; it just needs to pick up the hue. An accent chair demonstrates a great way to introduce yellow into your space. The yellow in the pattern is clearly noticeable but not overwhelming.

Play with the browns and beige in your furniture and draw the warm colors out of them with accent pieces and curtains. Neutral colors will look warm and cozy when surrounded by warm colors.

Home Office

You can play up red in your home office by choosing red-stained wood grains or a red accent chair.  A glider rocker is great for the moments when you need to brainstorm away from the office chair. There are many options perfect for warming up an office space. A two-tone brown color will let you add warmer colored pillows that will naturally blend with the chair. You can also use red throw pillows and curtains to warm up your space.

Kitchen

Yellow is a wonderful color to add to any kitchen. Available accent cabinets would help bring out the yellow tones while adding storage along a kitchen wall. Dark brown curios or china cabinets can also pick up the warm colors of a kitchen and reflect them back. Playing to the reds and cherries of a wooden piece is an excellent way to add warmth to an open space.

Don’t be afraid of browns, beiges, and other neutral colors. Many of these colors have warm undertones that will add coziness to your space. Just remember that too many warm colors can make a room feel small and too much of any one color can be overwhelming. Find the right balance for your space.

Starting from Scratch: How to Decorate Every Room of a New Home Thursday, January 3, 2019

Decorating a home can seem like an overwhelming task. Your new place is a blank canvas just waiting for inspiration. It’s hard to envision the final picture, but the journey and creativity are part of the fun. Here are a few tips for getting started on every room of your new house.

Kitchen

This room is arguably the most central space of your home providing a place for everyone to gather together. Your kitchen should be accessible, have room to move about, and be a perfect space for making wonderful meals. Whatever theme you choose for your kitchen, be sure to stick with it. If you go for farmhouse style, make sure the appliances work with that theme. Do the same with traditional or contemporary styles.

If your new kitchen does not have all of the features you wanted, it’s OK. An island can be fashioned out of a pub table or a breakfast nook out of a small dining set. Some sets are small, fold open or closed for more or less space, and are easy to maintain.

Dining Room

Dining rooms are meant to be a separate place from your kitchen, and therefore can have a different scheme or theme for your decor without it being too jarring of a change. You can go casual or formal or somewhere in between! 

Your dining space shouldn’t be too cluttered, but accent pieces are usually necessary to complete the look. This some cabinets make a beautiful buffet and are perfect for showing off special pieces. Be careful not to overwhelm the space, and remember you’ll be carrying dishes in and out from the kitchen, so make sure you have lots of room to maneuver.

Master Bedroom

Choose a style for your master bedroom that lives in harmony with the rest of your home. A quick word on colors: choose a cooler color palette for the bedroom. For example, if you are playing to the warmer red tones in your living room, go for blues or grays in your bedroom. The cooler colors will let your body know it’s time to calm down once you enter the space of your bedroom.

For a minimal design scheme, go with a bed that makes a statement all on its own.  However, for a master bedroom with a more personal flair consider a bedroom set. Coordinating furniture can really complete a room.

The Kids’ Room

The kids’ rooms need to be their own oasis, so make sure you involve them with planning their space. A full bed is great for a tween or teen and some have added drawers help fight clutter. Also consider bunkbeds for a shared space. Don’t forget to set aside room for hitting the books! A desk with a large surface area to accommodate projects and homework is always a good bet.

Bonus Room

If you are lucky enough to have a bonus room, congrats! You can turn it into a game room for the kids or maybe a home theater for the entire family. Either way, consider a sectional sofa for comfy seating. The arrangement naturally sparks conversation and is perfect for games or movies!

Hopefully these tips will get you started. Don’t get overwhelmed and enjoy the process of making your new house a home!

Too Much Beige Furniture? How to Add Color to Your Life Sunday, December 30, 2018

If you just bought a new home or are moving into a space that doesn’t have many personal touches yet, chances are its color scheme is neutral. After all, neutrals (black, gray, white and brown) are basic to the decorator’s tool kit. All-neutral schemes fall in and out of fashion, but are timelessly flexible. You need to add color to liven things up or calm things down, depending on the room.

When people think of adding color, they may think about repainting an entire room! But your furniture choices can help to add color throughout your home. Let’s look at colors that enhance mood and add atmosphere.

Red

Red increases a room’s energy level making it a good choice when you want to stir up excitement. In the living room or dining room, red draws people together and stimulates conversation. A red recliner would be a great starter piece to help play to the reds in your living room. Bring in red with accents such as throws and area rugs.

Yellow

Yellow brings joy and happiness. It is an excellent choice for kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms. It’s energizing and uplifting. An accent cabinet would help bring out the yellow tones in any dining room and a smaller counterpart could add a bit of sunshine to a bathroom while adding storage. Note that the shade of yellow does not have to be intense. It just needs to pick up the hue.

Blue

Blue is said to lower blood pressure and slow respiration and heart rate and is considered calming, relaxing, and serene. It is often recommended for bedrooms and living rooms. You can easily play to navy blue without overwhelming your room by accenting with whites, greys or even yellows.

Green

Green is considered a restful color and is suited for almost any room in the house. In the kitchen, green cools things down, and in a living room it feels cozy! You could use accent pieces like a bookcase and TV stand to add a feeling of comfort to your family room.

It’s important to realize that even adding a pop of these colors will change the mood and feel of your room. People living in rentals may not have the option to repaint a beige scheme, and that’s OK! Using your furniture to highlight your chosen color palate is just as effective. For homeowners looking to repaint, be sure to choose a shade or two lighter on the wall than what you may initially think. Any one of these colors could be overwhelming to the senses. Instead, use your accent pieces and furniture to draw out the richness of each hue.

The Right Furniture Pieces Will Create the Perfect Reading Nook Thursday, December 27, 2018

It’s nice to slow down once in a while and curl up with a good book. With cold weather (hopefully) around the corner, fall is the perfect time to cozy up with an engaging story. A reading nook is a great way to inspire reading time. Although a soft chair, plush throw pillow and ottoman can be an invitation to crack open a favorite read, creating an entire reading nook will let you take a breath and relax.

The perfect reading nook should be a corner dedicated to quiet and calm. The right furniture pieces will help make this nook possible.

The Location

Start by scouting for the perfect location. Maybe use an unused portion of your bedroom? The quiet of an empty guest bedroom also makes a great location. Do you have a picture window in your living room? Or maybe a landing on your stairs? Pick a spot that’s out of the way of the hustle and bustle of your home: an empty spot away from the TV and the sounds of chaos are ideal.

The Chair

Once you’ve chosen your oasis, it’s time to find the perfect place to rest your bones while you read. A big comfy chair is the natural choice. If you have room for a recliner, some have deep-set sitting room and a plush, supportive back pillow. It’s great for sitting and stretching out. If you prefer to rock while you read, a glider will lull you into relaxation and offers a place to put your feet up.

Your chosen reading nook may not have room for a recliner, and that’s OK. There are lots of comfortable options that take up little space. Some options have a more contemporary flair and a deep-set sitting area that will make you want to sit with a good book for hours.

Put Your Feet Up

Another must-have for the perfect reading nook is a place to relax your feet. An ottoman that compliments your chair is a great addition. Make sure you take the chair height into consideration. Some are perfect for a low-profile chair, while others would go great with a taller chair. Test the ottoman with the chair before deciding.

Side Table

You’ll need a place to hold your book when you’re not reading and a nice surface to place your cup of tea. A side table will help complete the look of your reading nook. Hopefully your reading nook will be set aside just for reading and relaxation, and if that’s the case, you may not need much storage.  

You can finish off your reading nook with a throw blanket and reading lamp. Make sure the space feels warm and inviting. Hopefully it can serve as an oasis in your busy home life.

How to Design a Glamorous Master Bedroom Thursday, December 20, 2018

Your master bedroom needs to be a reflection of who you are: a place where you can truly relax and be yourself. Some people prefer to play it safe and opt for more traditional themes, but others like a bit of glitz and glam. Your master bedroom can play to your more glamorous side. It can be more “you” than any other room in your home!

Style

The great thing about a master bedroom is that it doesn’t have to be in step with the rest of your design scheme. You can outfit this room just for you. However, even with a ritzier bedroom, choose a cooler color palette than the rest of your home. For example, if you are playing to the warmer red tones in your living room, go for blues or grays in your bedroom. The cooler colors will let your body know it’s time to calm down once you enter the space of your bedroom.

The Bed

The size of your bed very much depends on your needs. A king or queen size bed is typically the norm. For a luxury look, choose bedding that is high quality and has lots of flair. Ornate patterns, interesting textures, and lots of throw pillows will add style to any bed.

For a master bedroom seeking to attract some attention, consider a bedroom set. Look for something with a tall headboard that makes a statement. Fabric options are always eye-catching. Plus, a bedroom set will effortlessly coordinate your look for an impressive presentation. Your glamourous bedroom must look “pulled together.” It shouldn’t be a hodge-podge of family heirlooms or repurposed pieces.

Look for pieces with a bit more ornamentation for your glamorous bedroom. Carvings, intricate hardware, and interesting patterns will finalize your look. 

Storage

Depending on your needs, you may want to invest in quite a bit of storage for your master bedroom. Older homes typically have small closets, while newer homes offer walk-in closets in the master bedroom. If storage is a priority, there are beautiful options to consider.  The Emily Bedroom specializes in storage with drawers all around the bed frame and ample storage in the dresser and chest. The Abbey Bedroom set is more suited for a master bedroom with a walk-in closet. Its dresser and chest offer great storage options, but the bed is made to be eye catching and luxurious.

Sitting Area

Master bedrooms should feature an area to relax that is separate from the bed. Create a small seating area using plush and noticeable pieces of furniture. Two accent chairs, a small table, and a rug are perfect for limited space. For a more glamourous look, choose high back or wing back chairs. Accent the furniture with plush or furry pillows. Also, adding an area rug will help separate the space. The rug should be plush and oversized to add a more luxurious feel.

Create a space that fits your needs and reflects your style. A glamourous bedroom is all about the extra touches. Go bold!

The Right Furniture for Homework Spaces Will Put School Front and Center Thursday, December 13, 2018

Every home is different. Some have lots of quiet space for thinking and working, while others have to make use of multi-purpose areas. Whatever your situation, you need to create a homework space for your students. Show them that academics are a priority by creating a study space dedicated to homework and school projects. The right furniture for the homework space will help your kids stay organized and be creative.

The space can be in the bedroom, dining room, office, or kitchen. You can create a quiet area anywhere! The key is a comfortable setting that is free from distractions. As you are evaluating each spot, consider the following:

Here are a few ideas.

In the Dining Room:

As one of the few large working surfaces in the house, a dining room is a natural homework area. You can make the space more dedicated to homework by adding pieces that provide storage. But don’t worry, you don’t have to sacrifice the look of your formal dining room. A hall tree has hooks for each backpack and drawers for keeping homework supplies out of sight. Its gorgeous barn wood exterior will not clash with the formal setting of a separate dining room.

In the Kitchen:

If you have an eat-in kitchen, breakfast nook, or large island, the kitchen can be a great place for homework. The drawers and cabinets provide lots of storage. Try dedicating a cabinet and drawer to homework supplies. If your kids will be working at the island, make sure they have supportive barstools. Stools without a back will be hard on little bodies after a while.

In a Shared Bedroom:

If you have more than one child in a room, creating separate study areas for each of them can be tricky. If you have the space, line up separate desks along one wall and place a dresser or a set of shelves in between them to make clear zones.  The homework area will remain sleek and unimposing while being separate and functional.

In a Home Office:

You can share your work space with your child after school. Maybe invest in a desk of their own for the space. Something that will not ruin the grown-up look and feel of your office space, but has room for a laptop and notebooks. Look for a desk that could be perfect for handwriting assignments for younger students and computer work for older students. Make sure you also spare some room for storage of homework supplies.

If you do decide to dedicate some of your office working space to homework, let your kids create and hang some art or frame a photo of the family and keep it on their desk. Make sure they realize the space is truly “just for them.” A dedicated homework space will get your child in the mood to work. Stick to a consistent schedule in a consistent space, and homework time will become less of a hassle.

Creative Bedroom Storage Ideas Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Somehow bedrooms become a catch-all for many of our odds and ends. Your children’s bedroom is probably home to books, clothes, sports equipment, and more. Your master bedroom may have a collection of discarded shoes on the floor, bags of clothes for donations, and yoga supplies. Your spare bedroom could also be home to your craft space and office space. Clearly, storage in the bedroom needs to be a priority. Let’s look at a few creative bedroom storage ideas.

1 - Choose Spacious Dressers and Chests
Not every bedroom is blessed with a walk-in closet. For the bedrooms in your house without a walk-in, choose dressers with lots of room and storage options. This Lakeleigh Chest of Drawers has two large drawers on the bottom for bulky sweaters or yoga blocks. The smaller drawers on top can house jewelry or neck ties. There is also a shelf behind the sliding door, and the top can be home to a TV. This piece gives more options than a standard 4 drawer chest. This Titan Dresser also offers more options than a standard dresser with a cabinet front and center.

If you do have a walk-in closet, consider putting an older dresser inside for even more storage, making your closet easy to use and decluttered.

2 - Add Shelves and Accent Drawers
Choosing pieces that are not standard fare opens up even more possibilities. For example, this Bolanburg Bookcase would look stunning in any bedroom and add storage for books, toys, fans, and more. It also offers another surface area in the bedroom for clocks or pictures. A lingerie chest can house way more than actual lingerie. These small chests don’t take up a lot of space and can hold socks, swim suits, jewelry, under garments and much more!

3 - Under the Bed
There is always wasted space under the bed. Some beds like this Duncan Full Bed, for the kid’s or guest room, and this Emily King Bed for the master bedroom come with storage options underneath. Others may just offer the space but no drawers. You can always use plastic bins and hide them underneath a bed skirt. Under-the-bed storage is great for seasonal clothes items that don’t need to be accessed every day.

4 - TV Stand
If you have a TV in your bedroom, make sure the furniture holding it pulls double duty. This Maverick TV stand could easily hold shoes or exercise equipment. Choose a stand with drawers or shelves for holding all sorts of items. Chances are the TV in your bedroom won’t be used for gaming and movie night, so the shelves are free to hold other things

5 - Storage Nightstands
Opt for a nightstand that can pull its weight. Yes, a large surface area is important, but don’t neglect the space underneath. For example, this Chateau Nightstand has a drawer for your glasses and toiletries plus a cabinet for books or slippers.

Go beyond what you typically think of as “bedroom” furniture. Be creative with your space and your bedrooms will look decluttered in no time!

A Beginner’s Guide to Curio Cabinets Sunday, December 9, 2018 If you are new to the world of Curio Cabinets, you probably have a few questions before making an investment. Let’s start with the most basic: why would you want a curio over a china cabinet? Since a china cabinet is designed to display Chinaware, the sides are typically enclosed. Curio cabinets have glass sides and a mirrored back so that the decorative detail of each item in the cabinet can be seen from all sides.

A curio cabinet can be used to showcase pretty much anything from vintage tea sets to collectable figurines. They also come in a variety of styles, sizes, and types.

Before You Shop

Before heading to the furniture store, decide how you will be using the Curio. Will you be displaying your trophies, souvenir dolls, or figurines? Give some thought to how large your collection is, and if you would want a curio cabinet that is larger to allow for future additions.

Take measurements. Make sure that it will fit, both vertically and horizontally, into your space. Keep in mind that not all curios are the same shape. You may want to look for own with curves which will make it stand apart from the typical rectangle shape.

Decide what features you would like your Curio cabinet to have. Will you be displaying a mix of tall and short items? If so, then choose a curio with adjustable shelves. If you want light to shine on your collection, select a cabinet with interior lighting.

Types of Curio Cabinets

Curio cabinets come in all shapes and sizes. The size of the cabinet will largely depend on the size of what you are hoping to display. For example, a wall curio cabinet may be the perfect accent piece in a dining room to display a collection of commemorative plates. If you have less space, a corner curio may be the ideal solution.

Standard Curios

A standard Curio cabinet is typically freestanding, available in a range of sizes and constructed to hold heavy objects like large China pieces or metal trophies. Standard Curios generally have mirrored backs and glass sides. They can include features such as interior lighting, lockable doors, adjustable shelves, and plate grooves. This Sabrina Curio is a great example of a cabinet with a smaller footprint and endless features.

Wall-Mounted Curios

A wall mounted Curio cabinet uses wall rather than floor space. Designed to hold a small selection of collectibles, a wall-mounted curio is a self-contained unit that can be mounted on the wall of virtually any room in your home.

Corner Curios

Corner Curio cabinets have many of the same features a standard Curio does, but it is designed to fit in the corner of a room. This is also a great space saver!

It’s also important to keep in mind that a Curio cabinet might appear spacious on the outside but not have as much usable space on the inside, so check the interior dimensions of the cabinet before making a final decision. Also, try not to cram every valuable item you own into the Curio. Give your collectibles room to be seen as individual pieces.

Cool New Ideas to Update Your Dining Room Thursday, December 6, 2018

It’s time to celebrate the heart of your home, the dining room. It’s easy to think the heart of the home is the living room or kitchen, but the dining room is where mealtime actually happens. It’s where you gather to talk about school, work, and enjoy delicious food with friends. Many times this space is overlooked and is outfitted with a simple table and one or two accent pieces. But a dining room can be so much more if you embrace the special time you spend around the table.

Update Your Table

The table is clearly the most important feature of any dining room. Make sure you choose a table that suits both your space and your needs. Choose a table that fits easily within the room, meaning you’ll still have enough space to move chairs and walk around the table comfortably.

To update your current look, go for a completely different style of table. If space is limited, a smaller, round table lets you fit the largest number of diners in the smallest amount of space. Small tables are usually best for breakfast nooks and eat-in kitchens but do work well in a smaller dining room. For larger spaces, a long, rectangular table with extending leaves works for both every day and the holidays.

Consider a dining room set with a bench if you’ve always had one with chairs. Or add a pub table for extra height, especially if your dining room is a multiuse room. A pub table can serve as the perfect homework spot or center for game night.

Update Your Seating

There are so many seating options for the dining room such as Bentwood chairs, cushioned seats, barstools, benches, and more. Don’t limit yourself to just one style. Eclectic seating can give your dining room extra flair. As long as the look flows well with the rest of your home, consider multiple seating options at one table. A great example is a bench with chairs or bentwood chairs mixed in with cushioned seats. Just take the height and multiple uses of your dining room table into consideration.

Update Your Lighting

A multi-use room needs multi-use lighting. Think of all the ways you use your dining room. Ample brightness is perfect for helping out with homework, while soft lighting is much better at creating an intimate dining atmosphere. The real key is layering. Make sure to use a mix of lighting sources including floor lamps, wall fixtures, and windows.

The shape of your light fixture is also important, s choose a shape that complements your dining table.  For example, hang a rounded fixture above a round table and choose a linear fixture to hang above longer and rectangular tables.

Show Off Your Style

Make a style statement by displaying a favorite collection of dishes such as your wedding china or your grandmother’s tea set. Update your dining room by showing your guests your best collections. Choose a Curio or two that help your displays make a statement.

Don’t ignore your dining room. It can serve multiple functions within your home. Treat it as an important center. Play with styles until you find the one that is perfectly you!

Designing a Contemporary Master Bedroom Sunday, December 2, 2018

Your style is a little more modern than most. You like straight lines and sleek pieces that look clean and concise. You are drawn to contemporary furniture and are hoping to bring the look to your master bedroom. We have some tips to keep your style on point!

Contemporary furniture refers to furniture styles that came about after the 19th century. These pieces tend to utilize lighter wood tones, brighter fabrics, and newer materials. A contemporary-styled master bedroom features a focus on clean, light, and functional furniture. Steer clear of anything bulky and look for eye-catching simplicity.

 

Bedroom Sets

A wonderful example of a contemporary style is the Harlington Bedroom Set. The lines are straight, the furniture is light, and the wood is the star. The two-tone feature of the wood is an art piece all its own. It does not need frills to be noticed because the furniture is minimal yet eye-catching. It’s the perfect statement for a contemporary master bedroom. The Ashville Bedroom Set is another great example with a slightly different feel. The gray wood is muted, and the lines are crisp. The low profile of the bed really lets the headboard stand out.

 

Accent Furniture

If you already have the perfect bed in mind, you may want to focus on your accent pieces. The perfect contemporary accent piece is low profile, understated, and functional. Focus on pieces that fit effortlessly into the room without overwhelming the space. The Emily Chest uses the curve of the wood as a focal point. Notice how the drawer knobs are plain, yet still stand out against the dark wood. The piece makes a statement without being garish.

For your dresser, avoid anything with embellished curves. The Warner Dresser makes great use of a square mirror and understated drawers. It has lots of functional space without the excess of extra doors and panels. Here’s another option: a Russell Dresser with beautiful light wood. Lighter wood works beautifully with contemporary design.

Nightstands should be sturdy but not appear bulky. Look for pieces with a larger surface area that still appear to be minimal in design. The Marshall Nightstand offers drawers and a great surface area but still remains sleek and minimal.

 

Sitting Area

If your master bedroom has the space, a sitting area is a wonderful addition. Look for low-profile pieces that match the contemporary lines of your bedroom set. Solid colors and few embellishments will always flow best. The Augusta Accent chair would complement any contemporary bedroom. Pair it with a low-profile loveseat and area rug for a pulled-together look.

Choose artwork that mirrors your furniture, but go bold with the colors. Look for clean lines, solid colors, and unique nature settings.

 Just remember, contemporary style favors light over dark, solid over busy, and function over frills.