A mattress matters to your overall health and well-being, but it can be a pricey investment up front. Consumer reports recommends a new mattress every 7 to 10 years, so think of the cost of a quality mattress as one that can be spread out every night over the course of a decade. That should help put the purchase into perspective.

You should expect to spend anywhere from $350-$600 on a nice king size mattress. One in the $900-$1500 range is more common for a quality night sleep. One with all of the bells and whistles of memory foam, individually wrapped coils, and gel could run over $2000.

Let’s look at the options, one by one.

Innerspring Mattresses

The most common and least expensive mattress is the innerspring. It has metal coils inside of the mattress with foams and fibers on the top. The lower priced mattresses tend to use the older style coil in which they’re all tied together.

The more quality mattresses have stronger springs and will be individually wrapped. If the springs are individually wrapped, they contour better to your body and have less transfer of motion. So, if one person bounces around or changes positions, the partner will not feel it as much. Many innerspring mattresses also offer the added luxury of pillow top.

Specialty Foam

Foam mattresses are becoming much more popular, and they tend to get higher customer satisfaction ratings than innerspring mattresses. There are two major types of specialty foam, latex and memory, and a foam bed will usually have at least one of them, if not both.

Memory foam is probably the most recognized type of foam in bedding. It is a slower-response foam that takes time to return to its normal position. This has the benefit of not causing pressure to the body. Memory foam is often mixed with a type of gel to add additional support and cooling. Some foam mattresses are a bit stuffy.

Latex foam is the other type of common specialty foam. It tends to be more supportive than memory foam, more durable, and feels a bit cooler to the touch. It is not as good at relieving pressure as memory foam.

Most of the time, these types of foam will be put on a base of what’s called “poly foam,” which is just a high density, resilient support foam. Many times, memory foam and latex are mixed.

Foam Plus Springs

Many of the top-rated mattresses offer a mix of both springs and foam. Most feature an advanced pocketed coil technology combined with multiple layers of advanced memory gel foams. They offer support, cooling action, and pressure relief.

Depending on your needs and your budget, a quality mattress in any of these categories can be found. This investment in your overall well being doesn’t have to break the bank. Remember to shop sales and clearance mattresses before making your decision.

Recliner shopping used to be fairly straightforward, but now the options are endless. What type of material? Oversized or sleek? Power? Glider? Swivel? There are many options to consider.

All have the end result of relaxation and putting your feet up, but which recliner is right for your space?

The Right Price

Expect to pay around $275 to $350 for a basic recliner and up to almost $1200 for one with all the bells and whistles. However, there are many amazing options in between those price points.

Know Your Space

Choosing the right recliner is a matter of understanding your space. Do you have a large enough living room to accommodate two oversized recliners? Is the rest of your furniture sleek or pillowy? Is your living room contemporary or traditional? The answers to these questions all have a bearing on which recliner option is best for you.

There are multiple size options available when you’re choosing a recliner. The majority of people are looking for a single-person recliner, but sofa and love seat recliners are available. Some love the look of a smaller, sleek model, while others want the feel of an oversized recliner with pillow-like cushions. It’s a good idea to test a few out in the store before committing to a size.

Keep in mind that the standard recliner needs approximately six inches of space from chair back to wall to fully recline. Even if you purchase a smaller recliner, plan on giving it a bit of space.

Upholstery

One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when choosing a recliner is whether to go with leather, microfiber, or fabric. It will likely have much to do with what type of furniture is already found in your living room. A casual contemporary oversized recliner might look a little out of place in a more traditional or formal living room. Match the style of the recliner to the style of furniture currently in the living space.

If you are starting from scratch, you’ll have to consider your lifestyle. The most popular choice is leather. Leather is durable, easy to clean, but also a bit pricey. It’s also easy to scratch, so if you have pets, you may want to take special care. Microfiber is also very popular. It can mimic the look of leather or suede, is easy to care for, and is less expensive than real leather. It’s a great choice for homes with pets and children. Fabric is also another option. It cleans up well and offers endless pattern and color options.

Other Options

Traditional:
The traditional recliner is a two-position chair, either sitting straight up or reclined. The person sitting is required to pull a lever or press a button to create the motion.

Rocking:
A rocking recliner combines the rocking motions of a rocking chair with the functionality of recliner. It also comes in glider and swivel options.

Push Back:
A push-back chair reclines without a switch or button. The person simply uses their own weight to push the back of the seat into a reclining position.

The Extras:
Many recliners are available with extras including built-in cup holders, power lift, storage, and much more.

Understanding your space and other design elements in your home will help you make the right decision. You want your recliner to blend naturally with the rest of your furniture pieces.

If your idea of home is relaxing on cozy pieces that never seem to go out of style, then you are already familiar with old-world charm. The two styles that encompass this charm the most are traditional and farmhouse. Nothing wild or outlandish, just an elegant space meant to be an escape from the world. Traditional and farmhouse rooms are not ostentatious, and furniture pieces are often reproductions or “new takes” on furniture from an earlier time.

What to Look for:

To bring a bit of old-world charm to any room of your house, look for upholstered furniture with classic lines and quiet details. Edges are soft, smooth, and blend together. When looking for fabric designs, think florals, plain colors, muted plaids, understated stripes, and small all-over patterns. Multi-color florals are often a great starting point of a traditional color scheme while solids help solidify a farmhouse look.

To incorporate a bit of farmhouse flair, look to wood that’s rustic but not rough! Simple, unpainted (or rustically painted) wood that can be mixed with newer pieces will help fill any room will glimpses from a bygone era. Wood furniture should follow classic lines and if “too simple” is not what you are after, feel free to go a bit more ornate with light carving details.

When arranging your seating, stick to the typical pieces of sofa, loveseat and two chairs. The space can then be complimented with a coffee table, side tables, ottomans, rugs and more. Consider a recliner that doesn’t look intruding and is not oversized. At least one accent chair will help center the room and help it look like a place for conversation as opposed to watching TV.

In the bedroom, a simple bed with understated dressers and drawers will do the trick. And if your bedroom has the space, try to create a sitting or reading area. Old-world bedrooms should be a place to unwind and settle down.

What to Steer Clear of

Creating a charming and cozy space encompassing a traditional or farmhouse theme means making some sacrifices. This space is not the place for sharp edges or modern art. Steer clear of glass counters, garish ornamentations, and futuristic pieces.

The little kids that once scattered toys all over your house are now teenagers and you are stuck with a bonus room that used to be the center of their world. What can you do with an outgrown toy room? Anything you want! Here are 3 great ideas for the space.

1. Multi-Use Room

What exactly is a multi-use room? Well, just what it sounds like: a room that serves multiple purposes in your home. It could serve as an office, craft room, guestroom and more. The key is to invest in pieces that serve a few purposes while all working together.

First, decide what the main purpose of the multi-use room will be. If the answer is guestroom that will sometime serve as an office, keep its main function in mind when choosing furniture.

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 its comfortable, homey look and feel.

2. A Game Room

Turn that old toy room into a teenage haven with a game room. Invest in seating that inspires conversation and collaboration.

Sectional sofas are the perfect pieces of furniture to ensure a good look at the game board or the screen for video gaming. And you’ll need to consider a table and chairs as part of the design. Look to pub dining room sets to keep the atmosphere casual. Also, don’t forget about storage for those games! Accent pieces with cabinets and open shelves are perfect for game night.

3. Home Theater

The right home theater furniture makes movie night and watching the big game a one-of-a-kind experience. When you have a room that is primality used for watching a large screen, seating is paramount. Every seat in the home theater has to be “the best seat in the house.” You have to take into account comfort and view.

Just like with a game room, sectional sofas are great for this space, but so are recliners and a more conventional sofa and love seat.

Of course, a home theater is nothing without the main feature. The entertainment center. Depending on your needs, you may want to hang your TV on the wall and use a smaller TV stand underneath. Or you can opt for a more traditional entertainment center that has room for every entertainment device in your house. It can be a home for multiple consoles, streaming devices, smart home devices and more.

It can be tempting to just grab a few pieces of discarded furniture, haul them to your man cave, and call it a day. But your man-cave could be so much more! It can be a place to display trophies, play video games, relax and have a drink: a man-cave can be so many things. Let’s tackle a few issues that will help create the ultimate masculine spot.

1.  Mix Used with New

Used furniture for your man-cave is perfectly fine, but spend a little time on a few new pieces. If you use an old sofa, add a few new side tables. Or if your old lounger finds its way to the cave, buy new lamps. Mix a bit of the “well loved” with “will be loved” furniture.

2. Trophies and Mountings

It’s easy to put mounted game up on the wall at your man-cave. It’s a great way to show off your trophies, but be sure that’s not all you have adorning your walls. Add family pictures, shelving, travel photos and more! Consider grouping any hunting or fishing trophies together for a more updated look.

3.   Limited Space

If space is limited, ditch the overly masculine and bulky furniture. Find slimmer pieces and opt for seating that has a dual purpose. Consider footstools that double as storage or a sofa that pulls out into a bed.

4.  Seating with a View

A popular function of many man-caves is gaming or watching a large screen. That means every seat in your cave has to be “the best seat in the house.” You have to take into account comfort and view. Sectional sofas are the perfect pieces of furniture to ensure a good look at the screen and a comfy place to settle in.

5. Entertainment Center

While video gaming may not be the primary focus of your man-cave, having a quality entertainment center helps to have a quality viewing experience. Depending on your needs, you may want to hang your TV on the wall and use a TV Stand underneath. This type of entertainment center can serve as a place to set a large TV on top or just hold the essentials like a gaming console and cable box. Some also have the added bonus of being a fire place.

You can also opt for an entertainment center with more storage, one with room for every entertainment device in your house. It can be a home for multiple consoles, streaming devices, smart home devices, and more.

Take a little bit of time to discover the uses of your man-cave. Don’t just throw a few pieces in a room and put your feet up. Spend a little extra time adding touches that will make your time there relaxing.

Getting ready to redesign a bedroom, or throw some new paint up on your living room walls? You may be wondering about a neutral canvas that won’t have you swimming in beige. Enter the versatile gray canvas. Gray as a neutral can be the perfect choice because of its quality to make colors pop.

Neutral Colors
In the context of interior design, neutral means without color. Neutrals such as beige, ivory, taupe, black, gray and shades of white appear to be without color, but in many applications these hues often have undertones. Be aware of these underlying tones as you match colors or choose paint. For example, beige might have an undertone of pink, tan or gold. White might be slightly ivory, yellow, bluish or peachy. Gray, on the other hand, ranges from various warm shades to cool colors, with minimal undertones. Gray works perfectly with the bold, more colorful lighting and home décor that’s on trend. For warmer gray hues, brass and antique gold are great pairings options.


The All-Gray Room Palette
If you are going for an all-neutral look, layer different hues of the same color for a classy and sophisticated look. Gray can be used in every room of the house and all values from light to dark. It is a very sophisticated color than can change the mood from romance for the bedroom to classic for the dining room.

Gray as Background
Gray is such a versatile color. It serves as the perfect backdrop for you to showcase your personality. Choose the gray based on what other colors you wish to use, how much natural light the room receives, and your personal preference for lighter or darker walls. Be mindful that a darker gray for the walls may seem to close the room up while a lighter gray will open things up a bit. You’ll also have to decide whether you prefer a warm or cool shade.

For example, if you go with taupe, try pairing that shade of gray with navy-blue sofa and chairs. Add an area rug or carpeting in the same shade of taupe as the walls or a bit lighter. In this color scheme, you have taupe walls and floor accents or carpeting for a neutral canvas.

Gray is really the unsung hero of the neutral color world. Dress it up or down, keep it warm or cool, it’s up to you! Remember, there is more to a neutral canvass than just beige or white. Turn to gray to really set your colors apart.

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 just 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.

Pub-Style Table

The table is clearly the most important feature of any dining room, but not every home has a separate dining room or space for a table that seats 8. Enter the pub style table. It’s tall, comes in a variety of styles, and feature stools that bring a casual atmosphere to any space.

The defining feature of a pub dining room table is the height. They are higher than the average dining room table at around 34 to 36 inches high, and some go as high as 42 inches. Since they are relatively taller, pub tables create an illusion of extra room. Plus, they prove to be real space savers because many include fold down leaves. They are the ideal solution for small spaces.

Pub tables are the perfect match for eat-in kitchens where they can easily serve as an extension of the kitchen countertop to provide some additional preparation space. What's more, the height of the chairs makes it easier for people sitting on them to have a conversation with the people standing in the kitchen. They can serve as the perfect homework space, conversation space, and even double as a kitchen island.

Pub tables can be square, round, or oval. Some sets offer stools with back rests, while others are backless and can be easily tucked under the table when not in use. Some pub table sets even offer bench seating for larger family gatherings. The options are endless and practical for your space.

There are lots of ways to make your kitchen uniquely yours. One way is to use a bright color that sets the room apart. You can also embrace your collections by choosing the perfect displays. Make a style statement by displaying a favorite collection of dishes. Show off your wedding china or your grandmother’s tea set. The right collection can add a personal or formal touch to any kitchen.

Curio or China Cabinet

A china cabinet is designed to display chinaware. That means the sides are typically enclosed. If your collection only needs a to be viewed from the front, this is the way to go. However, if you have a collection of salt and pepper shakers or antique kitchen appliances you may want the collection viewed from all sides. That’s where curios come in. 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.

Buffet and Accent Tables

China cabinets and curios are not the only way to make your display stand out. A buffet in the kitchen or a nice accent table with open shelving can serve the same purpose on a less formal scale. These are especially good options if your collection has items that you want to display and actually use from time to time, such as your grandfather’s old meat grinder or your aunts standing mixer.

Keep Your Space in Mind

If you have an open floor plan with lots of space, make sure your display choice doesn’t close in the area. You don’t want to be overwhelmed by your collection: you want to show it off as naturally as possible. For an open plan, lean more towards buffets and accent tables. If you have a separate kitchen, with more wall space curios and china cabinets work nicely.

So many of us are programmed to keep décor harmonious and safe. It’s scary to get out of our comfort zone and mix things up a bit. However, mixing patterns, textures, and tones makes for exciting design.

First, let’s tackle woods.

Match Undertones, not Finish

Wood finishes don’t need to match, but they should complement each other. If you have an antique, dark, wood dresser that doesn’t quite match your ash hardwood floors, don’t fret.  Look at the color of each wood to see if it is warm or cool, then make sure their undertones match. For example, the darker dresser will look great with the ash floors as long as it’s not pulling out too much red.

Carpets Will Help

Placing a wood dining room table directly on top of a different wood floor will likely draw attention to the things they don’t have in common. Don’t worry, there is a stylish solution! Add a buffer such as a rug or carpet that compliments both wood types.

Now, on to patterns.

Balance is Key

If you’re starting with a very bold pattern, consider bringing in one or two smaller scale, tone-on-tone, or solid patterns for balance. So, if your accent chair is a bold stripe, balance that with a solid sofa and throw pillow with a smaller scale pattern.

Color Harmony

Believe it or not, you can coordinate a floral, a geometric, a stripe, and a solid all in one room. The key is to make sure they are all of the same color palette.  As long as each of these fabrics are drawing on the same color, you can create a beautifully mixed and matched combination of patterns.

Stripes Are Great

Stripes are an excellent starting place for decorating with patterns. Their secret? They go with almost any other pattern! An even better selling point for stripes? They are perfect for balancing out solid pieces as well.

An interesting design scheme comes from playing outside of the lines a bit. If you want décor that’s daring, don’t be afraid to mix things up!

Don’t be afraid of that purple sofa, bright red ottoman, or velvet blue chair. Embrace them and make a statement in your home. There are a few ways to make even the most eye-catching pieces work with your overall design scheme.

1. If it’s Supposed to Stand Out, Let it: If you're trying to let one piece be a statement, keep other things smaller or less ornate. You can't fill a room with statement pieces of furniture or it will feel overwhelming. Balance your oversized canvas on the wall with smaller, sleeker tables, or let your bright blue carpet stand out against a white floor.

2. Play with Opposites: Let’s say you have a weathered, antique, dark, wood dresser in your bedroom passed down from your grandmother. How do you help it make a statement? By playing with opposites in the rest of the room. Use newer pieces around the antique to let it shine. Pair that dresser with a more modern bedroom set or stay in the same design period, but use lighter wood in other ways to let the dark, distressed dresser stand out.

3. Use the Color Wheel: You may not have seen a color wheel since grade school, but there is a reason you learned the basics. If you have a piece of furniture that is bold and bright, use complementing colors on the wheel to augment the piece.

4. Don’t Get Match-Happy: You don’t have to match accent pieces to the statement piece. In fact, it’s better if you don’t even try. When adding color to a room, it's good to pick it up in three different accent areas. You don't have to use that much color to make it feel like there is color in the room. When you start using a lot of different colors, it can be hard to make it all work without looking too busy.

5. Patterns Can Play Together: If your statement piece has a pattern on it, don't be afraid to combine it with other patterned accents. Patterns do not have to match to complement each other. Just remember to play with the scale of the pattern. For example, if your chair is a bold stripe, pair it with a smaller print on another piece or even on an accent pillow.

Ever walk into a home and immediately notice a velvet sofa, or how the leather ottoman draws your eye? That’s the power of choosing the right upholstery or fabric. Making the correct texture choices can change the entire feel and focal point of a room. Let’s explore some options and how they are best used.

Cotton fabrics are one of the most common upholstery fabrics. The choice is durable and can vary greatly on weave, pattern, and finish. Cotton is an outstanding choice for families with children and pets. It can be easily cleaned and comes in endless colors. Consider cotton for your living room, family room, or even game room.

Microfibers are a relatively new addition to home furnishings. Offering a soft and a vast color range, they also resist most stains and can easily be cleaned with soap and water. The looks range from leather to plush and soft velvet. This fabric is a good choice for households with children. Since the color options are almost endless, a microfiber living room can be interesting and a bit intriguing. You can go bold and add fun and whimsy to any room of your home.

Linen is a more noticeable fabric. It is best suited for formal living rooms or adult areas because soiled pieces must be professionally cleaned. It’s also not a good idea to keep linen in direct sunlight since the fabric can fade over time. The upscale nature of this upholstery means that a single accent piece in linen can change the nature of any room. It instantly adds sophistication and texture to every space.

Leather furniture is a tried and true upholstery for a reason. It’s easy to maintain, lasts for decades, even generations, and instantly creates a focal point for any spot in your home. Worn leather has its own character and needs little adornments to make it stand out. It’s perfect for offices, dens, or even sitting areas in your master bedroom.

You can also mix and match any of these fabrics to create outstanding texture schemes throughout your home. The impact of a single leather chair among linen is jaw-dropping. A solid, bright microfiber love seat pairs wonderfully with a patterned cotton fabric. Upholstery will make any piece an accent piece when chosen thoughtfully.

The right accent pieces for your space should be a perfect marriage of style, function, and color. The most popular accent pieces include chairs, tables, rugs, and cabinets. These items serve as a way to really show off your design choices and the style of your home. Here are a few things to keep in mind when adding accent furniture to your home.

Add Texture and Patterns
An easy way to add interest to a room with a neutral palette is with a chic, standout accent chair. 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.

The best thing about accent chairs is that they are made 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 Styles
Create stylish, yet comfortable living room décor by meshing a few complimenting styles. A farmhouse design looks lovely with shaker cabinet elements. A modern scheme benefits from a few bolder table choices. These accent pieces should not be the star of your room, but rather compliment the overall design by adding interest.

Consider Function
Before falling head over heals in love with that accent table, consider its location and use. If you are looking for a side table for an often-used chair, a sleek design with zero storage may not be the best choice. However, if the table is going to sit next to an out of the way bench or adorn a walkway, storage may take second place to style.

Add Drama
The perfect accent piece will add a touch of drama to your living room. If your color scheme is a mix of grays, use an accent piece to add a pop of bright green. If your living room has a sectional sofa as the focal point, consider a sleek accent chair to counteract that style choice. An unexpected choice can add flair and joy to any living room.

Entryways, hallways, and stairwell landings are often the last place people think about applying design. These spaces in your home can actually offer unique opportunities to cozy things up and add a pop of pizazz. Here are a few tips to make sure you are making the most of these forgotten spaces.

Unexpected Seating Area
Many walkways can accommodate a quaint place to sit, take off your shoes, rest after a quick run up the stairs, or find some privacy to read a book. A small accent chair with a chic round table looks warm and functional. Add a lamp and a small picture frame or two for a more personal touch.

Bold and Stunning
Try pairing large, oversized art with a table that fits the space. It always sets a chic tone. Investing in the perfect statement piece pulls together a dramatic entryway or hallway that leaves a lasting impression. A sofa table can easily serve as a display and would look great with an oversized painting hanging above it. Try to find a thin and stylish table that allows a painting to the be star of the walkway.

Play with Textures
You can create an interesting impression of the décor throughout your home with a mix of textures scattered around your walkways. Consider a dramatic faux fur rug paired with an understated table. If your rug makes enough of a statement, consider a smaller table and maybe add an interesting lamp.

A Long Walk
If you have a spacious walkway, consider a full treatment of design. Go bold with your lighting, make your art pop, and add multiple pieces of furniture. A large walkway can shine with a seating area for two using understated accents chairs and a small table. If the space you are working with seems oversized, be sure to make it feel cozy with lamps, rugs, and personal touches.