You walk into your office and there’s a desk with your big bulky monitor on top. The setup doesn’t exactly motivate you to hit the ground running, so how can you spice up your space without breaking the bank? Little accents go a long way. Here are our top 5 ways to add a little flare to your workspace.

1. Add some pictures

There’s nothing like a sweet family photo or an inspirational quote to remind you throughout the day of your goals. Grab a set of matching frames that contain photos of your kids, your spouse, or even your pup. Whatever or whoever inspires you day-to-day should be showcased and displayed in a frame you love.

2. A bookcase

Nothing cures a little writers’ block or research itch like a bookcase with all your favorites. Whether its books about how to increase sales, how to deal with a boss you don’t agree with, or a book with all of your favorite quotes from episodes of Seinfeld, a bookcase that holds all your paperback treasures is a perfect way to add some comfort to your office.

3. Frivolous décor

It might sound silly, but adding a bulletin board, a framed map, or even a bowl of brightly colored Post-it notes can liven up your desk and office. These little treasures show off your personality and can also serve as a convenient place for fun office supplies. Don’t be afraid to display your favorite athlete’s bobblehead or a vase for flowers. If you don’t know which items may go together, our stores have plenty of spaces setup for your reference.

4. Accent lamps

Being under florescent lighting for eight or more hours at a time can make the day seem to go on forever. An accent lamp can do wonders for when you have to type up a strategic brief or have to eat lunch at your desk. When there’s no windows in your office, a little soft light can do wonders for your mood.

5. Rugs

Adding a small rug to your office can serve many purposes. Adding some color to your brown carpeted cubicle can brighten your space and show off your personality. If you work in an office where you can hear a pen drop, a small rug will help absorb the noise.

It’s easy to spend most of our day at the office; it often acts as our second home. Just as you make your home fit your comfort and needs, so should you show the same attention to your office space. Make your desk a space to be productive as well as an inspiration to achieve your goals.

These days, the entertainment/media center has displaced the hearth as a place to gather ‘round and make merry. But with all the design options and configurations out there today, your quest for the perfect entertainment center can start to feel overwhelming. Let’s explore your options on your quest to make a media center.

The Center
Of course, a media center is nothing without the main feature, the entertainment center. Whether you’re looking at a large entertainment center for both display and storage or a minimal TV and media console, you’ll want something that you’ll actually enjoy looking at.

Smaller Options:
If you have a smaller television or don’t want your TV to be the focal point, then opt for a minimal console of a small table or stand, with or without shelving or storage depending on your needs. Furthermore, if you mount your flat screen on your wall, you won’t even need a stand, just some storage space or open shelving for game consoles, Blu-ray players, Roku boxes and more. Minimal can also mean thin, clean lines that add a little character without all the heft of an entertainment center. If you already prefer a more open design aesthetic, stick with it. Look for metal and glass pieces, ladder bookcases, and anything that is more shelf than cabinet.

Larger Options:
Large entertainment centers or media walls are ideal for anyone who needs some storage and has the wall space to spare. Centers with tall, wide shelves and glass-fronted cupboards are perfect for displaying family photos, showcasing curios, and creating an overall homey feel with décor.

You’ll also need that storage space to be functional! Game consoles, cable boxes, cords, wires and all those details can be tucked away out of sight. Want to close up everything? Chose a unit with sliding or shutter doors or be on-trend with a set of sliding barn doors.

Lighting
Lighting is also a consideration for your media center since this is one room of the house that you’ll want less natural light. Consider blackout curtains for windows and floor lamps that scatter the light.

Choosing the right accent pieces for your brand new baby

Nesting is a common process for mothers who are expecting a little one on the way. You’ve created your ideal registry, but now what will you do with all the items? How will you store everything? What kind of pieces should you purchase? There are plenty of directions to go in, but we streamlined some choices to make your nursery as lovely for you as it is for your baby.

Crib
You’ll want to choose a crib that grows with your child. This includes adjustable mattress heights and removable side railing. Kids grow like crazy their first few years of life, so you’ll want to make your initial investment worthwhile.

Rocker/Glider
Chances are that your baby, and really you for that matter, will have many sleepless nights. A nice glider, rocker, or recliner will come in handy when it comes to soothing your little one.

Declutter
The state of your baby’s room before they arrive may look like stacks of gifts from your shower, but when your bundle of joy arrives you’ll want each item to have its proper place. With the proper set of kids’ nightstands and dressers, you could have those cute onesies and loads of diapers properly stored in no time.

A Personal Touch
Framed photos, decorative throw blankets, and a fun mobile will truly make the parts of your nursery come together. Whether you have a theme or just a color scheme, don’t forget that style goes a long way. You want your baby’s room to be an extension of the style you love throughout your home. You’re likely to spend as much time in the room as your child, so ensure it’s a space that brings you peace and comfort.

Shop and save on our great selection of storage cabinets and unique options for the right accent furniture for your baby's room at all Home Furniture Plus Bedding locations.

It’s no secret that we like to hold onto sentimental objects. We remember gatherings with friends and families in the living room chatting about our jobs and our dreams. We remember the armchair our parents would sit in when they’d stop by for a visit. We even remember buying the crib for the firstborn with excitement and anticipation of a new little one in the home. With such memories, how can we determine when it’s the right time to replace some of the old with the new? We’ve narrowed down a list of things to look out for when it comes to purchasing new furniture to replace some of your older pieces.

 In the Living Room
When you take a seat on your comfy couch day after day, it may be hard to tell when the wear and tear of the piece gets to be too much. There are a few signs to look for that once all added together most likely equals the need for a new piece. When guests arrive and sit to visit in the living room, hearing a big squeaking or creaking noise is not a very good sign. This means the couch has some structural damage that needs to be addressed. It might be the squeaking of the frame or some of the metal springs, but the integrity of the couch is most likely damaged. You certainly do not want a situation where you or a friend is the one to be injured just from taking a quick seat in the living room. Something else to look for is how supportive the cushions are. Lumbar support from your sofa is important so you don’t end up with back aches from your relaxation time. Some cushions can be re-stuffed, but this can only be done a few times before the material is over worn. Sometimes just a quick glance can tell you all you need to know. Are there irremovable stains? Can you see holes in places that cannot be patched? Is there an obvious dip in the cushions? If you can answer yes to these questions, it might be time to start browsing for a new sofa to replace the old.

 In the Bedroom
Sometimes the bedroom is the last place we look when it comes to replacing furniture. We don’t spend a significant amount of time there, but the time we do spend is important. Getting a quality night of sleep is pertinent for our day-to-day living, which means we need a mattress that is going to help and not hurt us. An obvious sign that you need a mattress upgrade is if you wake up with aches and pains. Waking up stiff and not well rested is a clear sign that your mattress is working against you. It might be that the springs are tired or that the support structures have lost their integrity over time. Another sign is a visible sag or pull to one side of the bed over the other. If you feel yourself sliding to the middle of the mattress, you’ll want to start looking for other options. There are several options of size and comfort levels for you to choose from, just make sure that you do your due diligence and feel for yourself before making a big mattress purchase.

In the Dining Space
Chances are that the tiny cafe style table you once used in college isn’t big enough for you and your growing family. Another thing to look out for is if you keep having to break out your toolkit just to keep the table steady. Obvious cosmetic issues might be chipped paint, big scratches, or faded colors. You’ll want to look for dining room table styles that fit both the size and needs of those you live with.

It’s okay to treat yourself to new furniture pieces once in a while, and it's easy at Home Furniture Plus Bedding - find a store near you. Take a look around your home and ensure that your pieces are serving both for style and function.

When you move into your freshman dorm, you’re beginning a brand new chapter in your life. While your space may be limited, you’ll have the ability to express yourself, show off that amazing style, and build something of your very own that illustrates every part of you. 

Dorm decorations are a huge part of showing off your true self, but there are other essential dorm room items you can’t forget. What furniture do you need? Home Furniture Plus Bedding is here with a handy list of furniture for Mcneese University, University of Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Southern University, and Lamar University students looking to give their dorm room that special touch.

Seating For Your Dorm Room
While you may not have much room in your dorm, you can maximize the potential with comfy lounge seating for some serious Netflix sessions after a long day of class. A cozy bean bag chair or versatile futon can bring everyone together for a movie marathon or study group!

Dorm Room Desks For Homework 
If you’d like to sit down and really hit the books, your own desk is the best place to do it. With several different styles available, you can choose between a beautiful farmhouse desk or a lift-top coffee table for a more relaxed feel.

Dressers That Will Fit in Your Dorm
If you find your dorm room drawers just aren’t cutting it, you can always choose from one of our spacious dressers. You won’t have to leave your favorite sweater or pair of jeans behind!

Shop Dorm Furniture At Home Furniture Plus Bedding
Fill your dorm room with furniture that makes it feel more like home. If you have any questions or would like to shop our furniture selection, don’t hesitate to contact us at our home furniture and bedding showroom serving the students of Mcneese University, University of Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Southern University, and Lamar University today!