Mix Up Your Decor with Mixed Media Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Unexpected combinations can add interest and drama to your home design. Unusual combinations created through mixed media home décor and furniture using mixed materials can make your design a memorable one.

Let’s explore a few ways using mixed media can spice things up.

Metal and Wood

Wood and metal are a classic combination that can be found in the living room, bedroom, and dining room alike. While it isn’t new, look for fresh treatments and combinations to enhance your room’s style. Try a dramatic combination of dark oak and glistening polished stainless steel for a modern effect, or pair distressed wood with a rustic metal for a farmhouse feel.

For a contemporary dining room, try centering your space with a clean-line table featuring a simple wood base and glass top. A glass table is surprisingly versatile and a refreshingly unexpected. To add a rustic vibe to your living space, try an occasional table with a distressed wood top and metal base.

A Touch of Glass

Adding a bit of glass into the mix is a great way to introduce mixed media to your space. A metal coffee table with a glass top is the perfect fit for a contemporary living space. Metal and glass shelving can add function to your home office. Wood and glass can also work well together in the dining room.

A Little Change

If you like the mixed materials look but aren’t looking for a big change or major purchase, look to an accent piece like an end table, coffee table, or sofa table. While small in price, occasional tables lead the way in the bold use of mixed media. Choose from a wide range of material combinations and styles, as well sizes and features to fit the needs of your room.

Don’t be afraid to go bold with your use of mixed media. These pieces can easily become statement and conversation pieces that will tie your décor together.

Visit any one of our eight locations across East Texas and Louisiana today and bring the perfect accent table, coffee table, end table or TV Stand.

Making the Perfect Bed for a Restful Night’s Sleep Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Time to kick your bedmaking game up a notch. Making your bed first thing in the morning may seem like a small accomplishment, but in reality, it sets the tone for the rest of the day. Plus, and this is a biggie, a bed that is made up also encourages you to get a restful night’s sleep.

Let’s look at a few tips to make the perfect bed for a restful night’s sleep.

First: Protect Your Mattress

The first step to making your bed starts with protecting the mattress. You should start with a mattress protector that keeps your mattress fresh and you feeling comfortable. A mattress protector acts as a top-of-bed barrier, protecting your mattress from dust, dust mites, allergens, liquids, and stains. You can also select a mattress protector with features to keep you cool and comfortable at night. By reducing heat that can get trapped next to the body, a mattress protector can help create a healthy night of rest.

Next: Sheets

The next step to making your bed is having the perfect set of sheets to help keep your bedding clean and provide comfort and style in your bedroom. Choose from materials such as soft cotton or a cotton blend that offers a cozy cotton feel as good as a lustrous and wrinkle free finish. You can also look for features such as deep pockets and over-sized dimensions that will simplify the bed making process. An ultra-thick elastic in your fitted sheet can also help ensure a secure fit.

Then: The Comforter and Pillows

This is mostly personal preference, but an easy-to-maintain comforter is machine washable and easy to change. Keeping the comforter clean is essential to the look of a freshly made bed as well as the feel of a comfortable bed when you crawl under the covers at night.

Having the perfect pillow is also crucial to achieving your best night’s sleep. Pillows come in many sizes and densities, which ensures there is a pillow out there for everyone. Regarding size, there are often regular sized pillows, or XL, which work best for King/California King beds. When it comes to densities or feel, there are pillows that range from soft to firm, and are made of materials such as gel and memory foam.

Last: Throw Pillows & Blankets

No look is complete without the final touches. In this case, we’re talking about throw pillows and throw blankets. Throw pillows, available in a variety of sizes and color schemes, allow endless opportunities to add dimension as well as color to your space.

If it’s the first thing that you do when you wake up, making your bed can give you a sense of accomplishment at the beginning of your day, which will only encourage you to complete task after task.Visit one of our eight locations across East Texas and Louisiana today to find your perfect pillow or mattress protector!

Create a Workout Space That won’t be an Eyesore Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Whether you have a dedicated room or just a section of a larger space, you can skip the monthly gym fees and create an energizing space that you love to workout in. You don’t need a huge house or a lot of fancy gadgets to get a great workout.

Dedicated Space

The most important thing is to create a dedicated space where you can sweat out your stress and recharge day in and day out. If you have a spare room, by all means take it over for the benefit of your health. But a space in your living room, bedroom, or home office will also work just fine.

Make the Time Fly By

The right TV or Media Stand will help set-up the perfect entertainment corner in your home gym. Look for a console with shelving to hold your extra workout gear like towels or small weights and a DVD player for home workout programs. Make sure that you choose a TV stand that will fit your space and leave you room to spread out for those days when you want to unroll the yoga mat or pop in an exercise DVD. A corner console will do wonders in utilizing available space leaving you more room for workout equipment.

Storage

If you’re limited on space and have plans to utilize your living room as your workout space, no worries! Choose an entertainment center that is both stylish and functional. Look for one with sliding doors or cupboards to keep workout gear and electronics out of sight when not in use. You can also find great storage options with an accent table or buffet, or even an ottoman that opens from the top.

Whether you are new to working out or it’s already part of your daily routine, designing a workout space is a fantastic way to incorporate healthy habits at home. Create a space that not only reflects your personal style but is also fun and functional.

Factors to consider when buying a mattress Thursday, July 4, 2019

You’re losing sleep at night. You’re waking up with sore muscles in your back. You wake up in the middle of the bed when you started on the side in the beginning of the night. It looks like the time has come: you need a new mattress.

There are so many options nowadays when it comes to purchasing mattresses. What size? Innerspring or memory foam? Regular or reclining? Do I need temperature control? Buy online or in the store? There are several factors to consider when taking the leap to buy a new mattress. These tips will help you be prepared.

Comfort First
While it might be tempting to walk into the store and choose the cheapest option available, you should consider this is a 7-10 year investment. You don’t want to choose something that’s uncomfortable just because the price is right. Take notes of you sleep position, preferred mattress firmness, and if you prefer to be warmer or cooler when you sleep.

Price
While the cheapest option might not always be the right one, the highest price doesn’t necessarily mean the choice for you either. There are holidays throughout the year where there are significant discounts available: Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it. The size of the mattress you’re looking for will be the biggest factor in how much you’re willing to pay.

Size
When it comes to purchasing a mattress, size matters. If you already have the frame, then picking size is easy. But if you’re looking to upgrade or downsize, how do you know which size to choose? For little kiddos, a twin or a full is a perfect fit. They’ve outgrown their crib, but they don’t have anyone else crawling into bed with them. Many couples about to move in together struggle between a queen and a king size bed. An important factor to remember is that the size difference between a full-size and queen-size bed is just 5 inches. A king-size bed is a full 16 inches larger than a queen.

Try before you buy
Comfort can only be determined by actually feeling it yourself. Go to the store. Lay on the bed like you would if you were actually going to sleep on it. Sure, it may feel a little silly, but you don’t want to make a large investment you’ll regret down the line.

A large purchase might be overwhelming, but these tips can help narrow your focus and make a great decision for a good night’s sleep.