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5 Ways to Keep Your Entryway Clear and Welcoming Tuesday, February 19, 2019

A pristine entryway usually doesn’t stay that way for long. Shoes, umbrellas, coats, and backpacks tend to end up on the floor and disorganized. But, there’s a better way. You can keep your entryway welcoming by using these few organizational tips.

1.          Keep Mud Outside

Use moisture catching welcome mats to combat dirt and mud trying to make its way into your home; opt for something heavy duty and slip-resistant. Keeping muddy footprints out of your entryway will make the area feel clean and bright.

2.          Storage

It’s hard to expect the entryway to stay clutter-free if your guests and family do not have a place to store their items. A set of hooks and a shelf will improve things drastically. Go a step further and invest in a low table with drawers or even a stylish locker system with hooks and cubbies. Remember, just because a piece of furniture doesn’t say “entry way” in the title does not mean it cannot be repurposed. An accent cabinet with storage will also do the trick.

3.          Don’t Forget the Door

If your garage entrance or side door is the main way that you and your family enter your home, hang or attach a shoe organizer on the back of the door. Roomy pockets hold mittens and scarves, sunglasses and suntan oil, pet leashes, and garden gloves and shoes where they're accessible but not in the way.

4.          A Place for Keys

Keys are one of the top items that can clutter up an entry way, but it is logical to store them by the door. If you do not have a dedicated drawer for your keys, put a bowl on a table near the door. You can also hang a discrete hook or two. Having a dedicated space for keys will clear clutter and add a bit of organization to your daily life.

5.          Charging Station

The entryway is actually the perfect area to create a charging space for your family’s mobile devices. It encourages tech-addicted household members to plug in their phone in an out of the way location. You may actually start a conversation or two with your teenager while his phone is on the charging station. All you need is an outlet near the entry way and a stylish multi-outlet surge protector, or you can opt for one of the wireless chargers.

Remember, the entryway is the gateway to your home. How it looks says a lot about what guests will find inside and how you feel entering your space. Make putting things in their place a part of your daily routine and your entry way will stay pristine year-round.

5 Ways to Organize Your Home Office Thursday, February 14, 2019 More and more people are working from home both part-time and full-time. As technology improves, the number of people working remotely is likely to increase year after year. But hunkering down in your living room recliner is not the most productive work environment. It’s important to set up a space that inspires!

Here are 5 ways to organize your home office.

1. Dedicate the Space

Most of us do not have the room for a dedicated office space. That means you have to claim a small corner of your house as a work space, and that’s ok! If you’re working in the guest bedroom, think about how often guests actually stay over. If you’re using the space as an office most often, embrace that function.

That could mean choosing a stylish futon over a bed. Or select a day bed that takes up less space. Start thinking about the room as your office that also works as a spare bedroom instead of the other way around.

2. Invest in Comfort

Invest in comfortable office furniture. You need to concentrate and brainstorm in your space. Choose a desk and chair that will allow you to sit comfortably. Also consider other furniture for your space, like a sofa or recliner. Sometimes you need to spread out for a project. You’re going to spend lots of time in your office, possibly eight or more hours per day. Invest in comfort for the sake of productivity and organization.

3. Eliminate Clutter from Your Personal Life

One of the dangers of having a home office is that the line between personal and professional can begin to blur. If you aren’t careful, your workspace could become cluttered with kids’ toys, the book you wanted to finish reading, and other personal items. Then there’s the clutter that simply builds up as part of your regular work effort.

Regular office cleaning is so important. It’s something you should plan to keep up with to ensure that ‘things’ don’t get in the way of you being productive.

4. Choose the Best Storage Options

You may need to store a variety of things within your office. If you don’t manage the furniture and supplies, you could end up with a mess. A simple filing cabinet or hutch could go a long way to avoiding a paper pile-up.

5. Add a Few Inspirational Touches

Inspiration can lead to productivity. While you don’t want your space cluttered with items from the rest of your home, that doesn’t mean you want to work in a barren space. Don’t let your home office become the room you dread. Add a rug that ties it all together, put pictures and paintings on the wall, and add pillows to your futon or chair. The point is to make it a room you want to spend time in!

Working from home can be rewarding and convenient, just don’t let work clutter derail your productivity. Keep things separate from your home life and as neat as possible. You’ll be checking things off your task list in no time!

President’s Day Sales Are the Perfect Time to Buy Home Furniture Wednesday, February 13, 2019

The days and weeks leading up to President’s Day, which is February 18th this year, are a busy time for Home Furniture employees. They are readying the showroom for a record number of customers, and if you are in the market for any new piece of furniture, you should be among them.

Furniture stores promote numerous sales on President’s Day for a few reasons. One is the fact they know you’ve been spending a lot of time indoors this winter. You’ve had time to plan a new layout and evaluate your financial situation after the holidays. Historically, President’s Day weekend sales often focus around things in the home for this reason.

Furniture stores are actively campaigning for your attention, that means deep discounts and special incentives. At Home Furniture, there are markdowns on almost everything, special payment plans, and even next day delivery and set up as part of the campaign to get customers shopping on President’s Day. It’s worth your time to take advantage of these incredible offers. They can really save you big bucks!

Another pricey item that is often on sale is mattresses. A quality mattress can run anywhere from $800 to $3000. It’s not an item people typically buy on a whim. From now until President’s Day expect deep discounts on big brands. Everything from innerspring to memory foam is likely included.

Buying in sets can also save you money. Living room, dining room and bedroom sets are meant to be sold together. If you make the purchase all at once, it will save money and time. The sets will arrive together and be set up by a team of professionals, ready to be used as soon as the next day!

President’s Day also offers a unique opportunity for financing your purchase. Home Furniture offer 48 months special financing with zero interest for 4 years. With this offer, you can take advantage of the President’s Day deals without worrying about your account balance.

Furniture is a special investment in your home and lifestyle. Shopping the deals is a great way to find the furniture that feels like “you” without the buyer’s remorse that sometimes comes along with a major purchase.

Keeping the Clutter Out of Your Kids’ Room Tuesday, February 12, 2019 Just walking into your child’s bedroom can be overwhelming. Toys, clothes, crafts, and school supplies seem to be everywhere! If your child’s room looks like it could be declared a disaster area, keep reading. There are expert tips and tricks to keep the clutter out of your kid’s room.

Furniture that Stores
There is wasted storage space all over your child’s room. Start taking advantage! Try under-bed-storage or a bunkbed with built in drawers that double as stairs. Wardrobes are a nice solution to bulkier items such as backpacks and sports equipment.

Involve Your Kids
You are not in this alone; it is their room, after all. Kids as young as 3-years-old really want to participate, and they're really excited to be involved. If kids are involved in organizing, they'll feel ownership over the project and are more inclined to keep things tidy, or at the very least, they'll know where everything should go.

Let it Go
The clutter of the kid’s room can actually be overwhelming for your child. However, most kids don't know that it's OK to say no to stuff they don't want. Set up a system where you regularly donate unwanted or unused items to charity.

Cubbies and Bins
Cubbies and bins are great organizing tools for kids because they recreate what they're experiencing at school. You can place them in the entryway of their room, creating a 'drop zone' area they'll naturally maintain. With a cubby they can drop their stuff and not even have to think about it.

Make it a Habit
Make cleaning up the kids’ room a regular part of the routine. Before lunch, have the kids tidy up. Before bed and bath time, have them clean up again. This way it’s built into the day and nothing gets too overwhelming.

Kids mirror what their parents are doing. Sometimes you need to look at yourself and really see if your kids are modeling your behavior. Even something as small as putting away your keys can be a mini-lesson in action. Keep the rest of the house clutter-free, and they will want their rooms the same way.

7 Ways to Organize Your Bedroom Sunday, February 10, 2019 Arguably, the bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your house. It’s where your day begins and where it ends. Being surrounded by constant clutter and disarray can make this room an unwelcoming sight, instead of the relaxing haven it should be.

Here are 7 ways to organize your bedroom.

1. Start with the closet: Go through your clothes and get rid of anything that doesn’t fit or that you haven’t worn in the past few months. If you haven’t worn it in a year, donate it! For bulky clothing items, like sweaters and coats, fold them away. Use shelves instead of clothes hangers.

2. Shoe Storage: Customize your shoe storage to make the best use of your particular space. Shoes can be put on shelves, on the closet floor, in cubbies, or even under the bed.

3. Keep drawers tidy: Fold everything in your clothing drawers neatly. Use a drawer divider for smaller items like socks, lingerie, and belts. Consider investing in a new chest or dresser if yours is short on space. Having ample drawer room is key to a neat and tidy bedroom.

4. Use headboard space: Take advantage of headboard storage space by incorporating shelving for everything from books and lamps to your favorite framed photos. You can buy shelved headboards; there are a variety of different styles out there.

5. Don’t ignore the nightstand: Don’t let clutter pile up next to your bed. Depending on how much stuff you have, opt for shelves, drawers, or just a simple table. Be sure to pick the right shape and right amount of storage for your needs.

6. Add a desk: If you find yourself working in the bedroom, spare your nightstand and add a proper desk. Look for a minimalist model and pair it with a small chair.

7. Invest in a storage ottomans or bench: These are beautiful and practical pieces of furniture and a great way to stash those bedroom extras. Storage ottomans and benches come in a huge array of styles and can match any décor.

Your bedroom is worth the extra time it takes to organize. Once the main project is over, it’s just a matter of maintaining the overall look and feel of the room. You deserve a stress-free retreat! Organize your bedroom and feel the stress of the day melt away.

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!