Blog - Page 7

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

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

Here are a few ideas.

In the Dining Room:

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

In the Kitchen:

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

In a Shared Bedroom:

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

In a Home Office:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Before You Shop

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

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

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

Types of Curio Cabinets

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

Standard Curios

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

Wall-Mounted Curios

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

Corner Curios

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

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

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

Update Your Table

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

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

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

Update Your Seating

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

Update Your Lighting

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

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

Show Off Your Style

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

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

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

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

Bedroom Sets

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

Accent Furniture

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

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

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

Sitting Area

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

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

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

Whether it’s a tiny dining room, small living room, or limited space in the bedroom, space is an important factor in design. Limited space can present unique challenges for furniture and storage. But there are a few tried and true methods to maximize your space. Here are a few tips on designing for small spaces. 

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. Something like the Tuscan Dining Set is perfect for limited space. A table with folding leaves is also a great option.

Daybeds can also be a major space saver in the bedroom. It’s great for a young adult just striking out on her own. A daybed in a studio apartment serves as sofa and bed, saving money and space. Also, it works well in a bedroom with limited space. Adding a daybed can double floor space in an instant!

If you have a small living space that serves as your kitchen, dining room, and living room all in one, create zones for each use. Use rugs of different textures and shapes to define your living area and dining areas. Make sure your kitchen storage stays in the kitchen area. There is no need to have the zones bleed over into one another. 

Not only do ottomans serve as a place to put your feet up and add extra seating, but some also act as storage. Ottomans can be tucked out of the way when not in use and pulled up to the TV for football games. Look for ottomans that can serve as storage as well. These typically open from the top and offer ample place to store blankets, games, and toys. 

Want the best of both worlds? Enjoy laying on a sofa and putting your feet up on a recliner? A reclining sofa is the perfect compromise for a small space. The Legacy Reclining Sofa only takes up the space of a typical sofa but adds the versatility of two recliners. 

It may seem odd, but a few large pieces of furniture can actually make a space look bigger than a lot of small pieces. A great place to try this design technique is in the bedroom. A bed like the Amarillo King Bed will fill your space without adding clutter. Pair it with small side tables! 

Utilize the space above your eyeline. Go up with tall storage options. A vertical bookcase, like the one from Grove, is tall and thin. It won’t take up much floor space but will utilize the space near the ceiling. Pieces like this also bring the eyes up, making smaller dimensions look more spacious. 

It may take a bit of creativity, but you can make your small spaces feel special and cozy. Just look for furniture pieces with a minimal footprint and maximum potential!          

Having small children in the house doesn’t mean you are sentenced to years of ugly cushion stains and slipcovers. Your space has to work for every member of your family. Trying to maintain a “magazine quality” home with two toddlers is virtually impossible. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a lovely space. The trick lies in your furniture choices.

In the Kitchen

Kids, big or small, spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s important to make choices that will let them feel comfortable and safe. Small tables are perfect for eat-in kitchens and toddlers. Save your dining room from the big messes! A round table is great for minimizing bumps and bruises on corners. Also, bench seating is perfect for kids to pile together at meal time.

If you have a high counter top or an island, you may also want to consider the types of stools you choose. A sturdy barstool, that doesn’t swivel or have a fabric seat is your best choice. It makes clean up a breeze, and kids can climb on and off easily.

In the Living Room

Almost every parent has had the experience of watching their toddler fall on, or near-miss, the corner of a coffee table. It’s not the best idea to have sharp edges or pointed objects scattered throughout your living room.

In order to create a safer environment for small children, consider using a round option. That way your little ones can run around without the corners catching their heads. You can also opt for an upholstered ottoman that serves as an extra seat and one less hard surface.

Kids have a way of creating messes out of thin air. Your living room furniture will have to pull double duty, serving as stylish elements while also working as storage. Ottomans typically open from the top and offer ample space to store blankets, games, and toys. If you have the space, get a few of them and add lots of extra seating and storage. You can also look for a Coffee Table that offers extra space inside. Some slide open while others offer cabinet style doors. These tables can offer a convenient place to stow all sorts of items that may pile up in the living room.

The Kids’ Bedroom

Once your children move from the crib to a “big kid” bed, the options are endless. If you have kids sharing a room, bunkbeds are a natural choice. They are wonderful for added storage and for a room shared by kids with an age gap. If your child has their own room, consider a full bed that will grow with them. A daybed is also a great option for sleepovers and overnight guests. Daybeds can also be a real space saver if your child’s room is on the small side. Plus, you don’t have to worry about an adventurous toddler jumping from the top bunk.

Make choices in every room that will let your child relax and be rambunctious while still maintaining the overall look and feel of your home. It might take a little more forethought, but a happy home is worth it!

However, there’s more to recliners than just kicking your feet up. What’s the best type of material? Oversized or Sleek? Power? Glider? Swivel? There are many options to consider. Here’s what you need to know before making the purchase.

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, and 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 patterns and color options.

Traditional, Rocker or Push-back

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

Size

Depending on the size of your living room and the size of the person who will be using the recliner the most, there are multiple size options available. The majority of people are looking for a single-person recliner, but sofa and love seat recliners are also 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.

Nice Touches

Many recliners are available with extra features including built-in cup holders, power lift, storage, and much more.

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 lots of amazing options in between those price points. Do your research, test a few out, then make your decision.

Most families struggle to make time for one another. Kids have countless activities ranging from sports to school to parties. Parents often work long hours in an office, then they have to keep the household running after hours. Finding time together as a family is difficult, but family night doesn’t have to be a scheduled evening. Just coming together to watch a movie or eat dinner can help the family unit stay together. Your furniture choices can go a long way in helping to spark family discussions, fun gaming, and family hang-out sessions.

Living Room Arrangement

Think about how your living room is structured. Is your standard 3-cushion sofa facing the TV or is it facing the other seating? Is your sectional sofa the only seating in the room? Put some thought into the arrangement. Try to arrange your furniture to inspire conversation first and a good view of the TV second. For example, look at how the Traemore Living Room set is arranged in the display picture. Notice how the sofa faces the oversized chair and how every piece allows for multiple people to sit together. This is perfect for a family looking to reacquaint themselves.

Large sectional sofas like the Dellare Sectional with a Chaise naturally mimic this arrangement and they let an entire family effortlessly gather around the TV or table for a night spent together.

Try to choose an ottoman or coffee table for the center that will allow for board game nights! Choose a large surface area that can hold a board or game pieces securely, and don’t forget about video game night. On most gaming consoles, families can play together, so choose an entertainment center that houses your games and movies without sacrificing style.

Dining Room

If it’s hard to get your family together in the living room for hours at a time, consider the dining room. Everyone has to eat, right? Choose a table that seats all of your family members comfortably, without having to drag out an extra stool.

For larger families, go with something like the Madison County Set. It seats 6 and has storage underneath for game night. Smaller families may appreciate the intimacy and versatility of a round table and families with small children could really benefit from bench seating. That way the little ones can all pile on together!

Game Room

Not all homeowners are lucky enough to have an extra room dedicated to games, but if you are, it’s perfect for family time! The best bet in this room is a sectional sofa for seating and a pub style dining room set for eating and board games. Keep the atmosphere more casual in the game room than in the rest of your home. Try to have multiple pillows or ottomans for more seating and arrange the furniture so that the gaming surface is the center of attention. This should naturally place your family facing each other for fierce faceoffs!

Use the space you have to encourage your family to interact. Talk to one another, share a meal, and enjoy your time together.

Break out the scarves and pumpkin spice lattes, fall is here! Well, maybe it’s still a bit warm out, but you can still enjoy the coziness of the season by getting your living room in the mood. Dial up the warmth and coziness factor in your living room and spark some movie nights and conversation for those chilly evenings ahead.


Trade Tables for Ottomans
A soft, plush ottoman is a perfect way to make your living room feel cozy and warm. They’re great to rest your feet on, and with the addition of a tray, can serve perfectly as a coffee table as well. Ottomans can also serve as extra seating! Keep an eye out for one (or two, depending on the size of your room) with storage options.
You can also opt for an ottoman in a warmer color to help add a cozy touch to your space. Look to browns, reds, and oranges.


Sofa Tables
Sofa tables are versatile pieces of accent furniture. They can be pushed against a wall or against a sofa. They act as easy barriers to separate different areas of an open-concept living area or to separate seating arrangements. This really adds warmth in a large space or one with high ceilings. A simple wooden sofa table provides storage and helps create zones in a large space. Moving furniture away from the walls creates a much more intimate seating area, and a sofa table can help create the space.


Sectional Sofa
If you have a large space that feels a little cavernous, maybe a game room or a garage that has been converted to a living space, a sectional sofa can help bring the room together. Sectionals take up more space than a living room set and promote close seating that adds to the warm atmosphere. They feel less formal than a typical sofa and invite guests to stretch out!


Add Throw Pillows and Blankets
A throw blanket here and there adds texture, color, and yes, warmth. Having a blanket or pillow nearby instantly makes your guests feel more at home. Added bonus: you can curl up on a chilly evening. Plus, the pillows and blankets can serve as pops of warm color and can easily be changed out or stowed away when the cooler weather is gone. Choose fall colors to really create a festive and charming atmosphere.


Create Groupings
If you have an open concept home or a home that is separated by archways, consider multiple seating areas. It could be as simple as a sofa and two accent chairs in one area, then a sofa, love seat and coffee table in another area. Use rugs and sofa tables to help designate the zones. One area could have the TV as the focus and the other could be a center for conversation.

Creating groupings of furniture is more cost effective than you think. This could be as easy as adding two accent chairs to a living room set. Use the sofa and the two accent chairs in one area, and the love seat and oversized chair in another.

You can also add a few touches here and there like tall potted plants, fall foliage in vases, and warm lighting to make your space more inviting.

• The Space

  Choose a space that gives you plenty of room to spread out. Maybe the other side of your home office? Or the spare bedroom? It’s easy to create a multi-use room if you have the right pieces of furniture. If you have a spare bedroom, consider adding a daybed to make the room appear more multi-functional without crowding floor space. Bedrooms are ideal for craft rooms because they come with closets for extra storage!

• Reimagine

  The key to choosing the right furniture pieces for your crafting space is to reimagine their use. Don’t go for plastic tables with flimsy bins. Choose sturdy furniture that will help your crafting space blend in with the rest of your home. Just because the Amarillo Door Chest is “meant” for the bedroom doesn’t mean it can’t store crafts! Choosing bedroom furniture is ideal because your craft room will most likely have to serve as a guestroom from time to time. Making smart choices will make your overnight guest feel more at home.

• The Table

  Don’t just look to work benches; your crafting space should have a nice, sturdy table with lots of storage. It should also be taller than the average table. If you are sharing your crafting space with another room, it doesn’t hurt to have a table that looks great as well. Here’s a tip: try dining room tables such as the Messina Pub Table. It’s tall, stylish, and has lots of storage. It won’t scream “crafts” like a table with plastic storage drawers. It’s perfect for a multi-use space!

• The 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.

  The Scrimshaw Accent Cabinet is great for hiding away unsightly plastic bins. It will help keep your craft space neat and tidy while keeping your bins at arm’s reach. Dresser or Chest of Drawers is great for smaller items like beads and fabric scraps.

Plus, these items look great in a guest bedroom! When your crafting space must serve another function, these items will look uncluttered and clean.

• In the Kitchen

  Don’t let mail and small appliances take up space on your counters. Look to storage pieces that can put your clutter neatly out of sight. The Madison County Dining Room Server would look great tucked away along your kitchen wall. Furniture pieces like this have drawers for documents and cabinets for larger appliances. No need to keep your pressure cooker on the counter when it can be neatly tucked away.

• In the Living Room

  Toys, blankets, books, and more can easily pile up on sofas and side tables. Look to multifunctional furniture to help you organize your living room. Not only do ottomans serve as a place to put your feet up and add extra seating, but some also act as storage, like the one by Bolton. These ottomans typically open from the top and offer ample place to store blankets, games, and toys.

  Coffee tables are also a great place to keep things out of the way. Some slide open while others offer cabinet-style doors. You may want one that actually lifts to reveal convenient storage. Side tables are also wonderful for hiding toys and books. The Ivy Chairside table offers a quaint drawer for your remote or phone chargers.

  Entertainment centers can be the ultimate stylish storage space. While many serve as the perfect place for your TV, other options offer a ton of extra space for all sorts of gadgets. The Vincente Entertainment Center has display shelves as well as barn-style doors to keep gaming consoles and DVDs out of sight.

• In the Bedroom

  Clothes and shoes have a way of piling up in the bedroom. Kids’ bedrooms offer unique storage challenges with sports equipment and toys thrown into the mix. For an adult’s bedroom, look to dressers, chests and even TV stands to accommodate your needs. Make use of the many drawers and cabinets to keep clothes and shoes off the bed or floor.

  In kids’ rooms, try under-bed-storage -  These drawers make use of normally empty space. Bunk beds can also come with options like drawers in the staircase. Wardrobes are a nice solution for bulkier items like backpacks and sports equipment.

Make sure the pieces of furniture you choose are more than just “pretty.” Functional furniture should be stylish and useful. Keeping your house clutter-free is essential to a relaxing atmosphere.

• Play with Scale

  Try pairing large and 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 that leaves a lasting impression. The Midland Sofa Table would look great with an oversized painting hanging above it. The table is narrow and stylish and would allow the artwork to be the star of the entryway.

• Textures Count

  You can create an expectation of the décor to come with a mix of textures in the entryway. Consider a dramatic faux fur rug paired with an understated table. If your rug makes enough of a statement, consider a smaller table or hooks to hang coats.

• A Sitting Place

  Not all entryways have to feature a table. Many can accommodate a quaint place to sit. A small accent chair with a chic round table looks welcoming and functional. Add a lamp and a small picture frame or two, and it can also serve as a nice reading area to watch the world go by from your front door.

• Functional

  The perfect entryway isn’t just a place to “walk in”. It’s also a place to store coats, shoes, umbrellas and more. It can be a mudroom as well as a beautiful glimpse into your home. The Kennedy Storage Bench is the perfect piece for any entryway. Pair it with a wall of paintings or family pictures for a cozy feel, or you can opt for something like the Nero Hall Tree. It features hooks for coats, a drawer or keys and mail, and shelves for shoes. It’s also minimal enough to accommodate a small accent chair and statement rug.

• A Long Walk

  If you have a spacious entryway, consider a full treatment of design. Go bold with your lighting, make your art pop, and add multiple pieces of furniture. A large entryway can shine with a seating area for two using understated accent chairs and a small table. Think about topping off the look with a bench. If the space you are working with seems oversized, make sure you make it feel cozy with lamps, rugs, and personal touches.

Consider the rest of your home when decorating your entryway. If your home is more traditional, stick to that theme. Don’t have a contemporary entryway flowing into a traditional living room. It’s all about setting the tone of your home for your guests.

It may take a bit of creativity, but you can make your small room feel spacious and cozy. Just look for furniture pieces with a minimal footprint and maximum potential!

The heart of your home is often the place you gather for mealtime. For many families, that could be a separate dining room or eat-in kitchen. Often times this space is overlooked and 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.

• The Table

  Let’s start with the most important feature of the room, the table. A dining room without a dining room table is, well, just a room. Make sure you choose a table that suits both your space and your needs. Opt for a table that fits comfortably within the room, meaning you’ll still have enough space to move chairs and walk around the table comfortably.

  If space is limited, a smaller, round table lets you fit the largest number of diners in the smallest amount of space. For larger spaces, a long, rectangular table with extending leaves works for both everyday use and for the holidays

• Lighting

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

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

• Display Your Style

  Make a style statement by displaying a favorite collection of dishes. Show off your wedding china or your grandmother’s tea set. Choose a Curio, console cabinet or two that help your displays make a statement. The right collection can add a personal and formal touch to any dining room.

• Eclectic Seating

  Mix and match your seating by using benches combined with chairs. Turn a nook into a cozy, casual dining area with banquette seating and even a wingback chair. Also consider accent chairs for the corners of the room that can be pulled up to the table for larger gatherings.

• Wine Storage

  Whether you have a large built-in storage unit or a small storage option, displaying your wine bottles gives your space a sophisticated flair. Some tables, like the Mystic Cay, offer wine storage within the dining table. Or you can opt for something more traditional like the Scrimshaw Accent Cabinet.

Don’t ignore your dining room; let it serve multiple functions within your home.

If you have a dedicated home office, consider yourself fortunate. Most people work the hours away in a spare bedroom with a desk or in a corner of the kitchen. In most cases, home offices must serve a dual purpose as a guest room, a craft room, toy room, or multiple offices for the adults in the home. There are many ways you can make a shared office space work for you. Here are 5 things to keep in mind when decorating.

Choose a stylish futon rather than a bed, or maybe 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.

Add a white board for tasks and visualizing, a shelf for books, and a coffee corner with a place to put snacks and drinks. You can easily fit all of this into your home office with the right furniture.

Make it cozy by adding special touches here and there. Add a rug that denotes your desk area as a work zone and add pillows to your futon or chair. The point is to make this section of the room a place you want to spend time in!

The point is to embrace your office space, even if it’s in a multipurpose room. Dedicate your corner of the house to getting things done!

When to Shop

The furniture industry tends to operate on a biannual schedule. New styles of furniture hit retail floors every spring and fall, so if you’re looking to get a deal, you’ll want to start shopping in the months immediately before the new styles reach stores.

That means you’ll want to shop toward the end of winter (January and February) or the end of summer (August and September). Retailers will be discounting their old stock during these months to make room for the new styles. Presidents Day and Labor Day weekends are especially good times for sales. This is by no means set in stone. Your local furniture store may have additional sales at different times throughout the year. But for general purposes, the sales outlined above are a good rule of thumb.

What to Buy

If what you are looking to buy is not on sale at the moment, there’s a good chance it may have a price cut in a few months. The trick is to be patient and wait for what you want.

Mattress and Beds

Buying a bed and a mattress often go hand in hand. You can easily drop thousands of dollars to complete a bedroom with a comfortable mattress. While it may be worth every penny, it’s still a big purchase. Waiting for bedroom sets and mattresses to go on sale is a great way to stay within budget. Many furniture store websites have a sale section on the menu. A quick glance could save you hundreds.

Living Room Sets

Clearance

Even if the furniture store of your choice isn’t offering a blowout sale, they will still have items on clearance. Most of the time, stores have an entire section of their website dedicated to clearance items. You can find deep discounts on everything from individual recliners to entire dining room sets. The clearance section is especially great if you are looking for that one piece to complete your room!

But before we go any further, it’s essential to style this new bedroom with your child. Make him a part of the process. Let him know the do’s and don’ts for the new space and set a budget. Remember, this room could be with him for a while. Be sure both of you are considering his needs in the future and not just his interests at the moment.

1. Storage Space

   This is important to any pre-teen or teenager’s room. Try to find storage solutions as you buy new furniture. A bed that also has drawers, a nightstand with storage underneath, and even an ottoman to house bedding are all great options. Think about multi-use furniture that will help maximize the space of your son’s bedroom.

2. Beds That Age Well

   One of the best places to add storage and find a focal point for the room is the bed. Your child probably has sports gear, clothes, school supplies and other items to stow. This Duncan Full Bed has room for two rows of drawers and is big enough to grow with a teenager’s body. It doesn’t overwhelm the room and will still look appropriate during the teen years.

3. Study Space

   Although your elementary schooler may claim they don’t need a study space, a time will come when they have to spread out. Create a creative space that can serve as an area for puzzles now and a study space in the years to come. This Flynnter Desk has a large surface area to accommodate drone building now and a laptop in the future. It will also add a bit of grown-up flair to the space.

4. Beds for Buddies

   Sleepovers are coming! Round-the-clock Fortnite sessions take up time and space! Consider a gaming space with a futon if you have the room. This adds two beds to a small area and eliminates the need for sleeping bags or blow up mattresses.

5. The Walls

   It may be tempting to cover the walls in bright blue and have a mural of dinosaurs, but those decisions may not age well as your son starts to mature. Consider a neutral beige or grey and showcase his favorite colors or characters in the bedding or easy-to-change curtains. There are also decals that leave your walls no-worse-for-wear if he has his heart set on certain elements.

6. Entertainment

   Likely, his TV, gaming center, and study notes are all on the same machine: a laptop computer. Make sure your child is able to keep their computer at arm’s length. Go for nightstands that have a large surface area, like the Dark Pine nightstand. It also has the added bonus of storage drawers. A nightstand or console cabinet can serve as a TV stand and gaming console as your child’s interests develop.

Just remember to make choices that age well and won’t need to be changed in a few years. Your son’s room should be a place he can be himself away from the stresses of the day. Make his needs the focus of the space.

First Grown Up Bedroom

No more roommates! No more studio or dorm room! This bedroom is for your first apartment or starter home. Chances are space is not on your side here, and that’s OK. A full or queen-sized bed is going to be perfect here, and you’ll want to find a bed with built-in storage. Maximize your space! The Emily Queen Bed offers so much drawer space you may be able to skip a chest.

If you need more storage, look for sleek dressers to hold your necessities. A contemporary style lends itself to furniture with a minimal footprint. Bedroom sets can really save you some time and effort in a small room like the Hunter Bedroom set. It offers tons of storage and will accommodate a smaller space.

Couple’s Space

Out of the small apartment and into a larger space for two! You have a bit more room, but now it has to accommodate two people. That means more drawers, storage, and a bigger bed! Chances are your new digs come with an actual master bedroom, but you want to keep a budget on your radar.

Go for a queen or king-sized bed. Put a little thought into the mattress and find something comfortable for co-sleeping. You can go a little more ornate on the bedframe and focus less on storage. The Raquel Queen bed features a very grown-up style!

You’ll need two nightstands with emphasis on storage, like the Champagne Nightstand. It will have to hold your phone, eReader, actual books, a laptop and more. Also, you can and should splurge a bit on a dresser and chest, like the one from Brashland. It can hold enough for two people without overwhelming a room.

A True Master Suite

It’s a big moment in everyone’s life when they finally settle into a master suite. You now may have a couple of kids or fur-babies crawling into bed with you every night. Your bedroom is a place to read, watch TV, and unwind.

Go with a king-size bed that has ample room for stretching out. The headboard by Westerly would look magnificent in a room with high ceilings. You may want to invest a bedroom set, like the Cheyenne set, that offers storage and style.

One of the great things about a true master suite is the sitting space you can create. Select cozy accent chairs like the Bellamy chair and TV stands with an added fireplace! You can make this room an oasis for the whole family! Choose what makes you happy and focus on the calm and uncluttered.

Can’t commit to just one style? Maybe traditional is a bit too formal, or farmhouse is too casual. Does contemporary style use too many “new” elements for your taste? Well, the great thing about finding your own style is that you don’t have to follow any hard and fast rules. You can mix and match certain elements in your home to create a comfy style that is all your own.

Typically, it’s easier to combine traditional and farmhouse than it is to mix in contemporary. The lines of contemporary and traditional are usually at odds with each other. That doesn’t mean they can’t work together; it’s just a bit harder to find a compromise.

Finding a Compromise

Traditional furniture really refers to any piece that resembles the styles of the 19th century or earlier. Furniture from this time period tends to be made of dark, heavy wood, and is often large. Traditional style is still used often, especially in homes and offices in historic buildings. Traditional rooms feel somewhat formal and furniture pieces are often reproductions or “new takes” on furniture from an earlier time.

Contemporary furniture refers to furniture styles that came about after the 19th century. These pieces tend to utilize lighter wood tones, brighter fabrics, and newer materials like plastic or metal. A contemporary styled home features a focus on clean, light, and functional furniture.

It's easy to see how the two styles could be at odds with each other. However, you can find a balance in your living room. The Mila Accent chair is a traditional wingback, but would look stunning alongside the Dante Living Room set, which is quite contemporary. The trick is finding a blend with the fabrics. The plain fabric on the living room set means that the accent chair will add a bit of color. The Breville Sleeper Sofa boasts traditional curves and would look great paired with the Augusta Blue Accent chair with its contemporary straight lines. It’s all about playing with color when it comes to mixing the two styles.

The Flexibility of Farmhouse

Farmhouse is a theme that actually plays well with others. This style describes a casual “lived in” home that mixes old and new. It’s usually created with a blend of new store-bought furniture and old pieces that have been repurposed or passed down. It pairs naturally with traditional style, as long as the traditional furniture is not too ornate. The Jasper queen bed actually mixes the curves of traditional furniture with the rustic wood of a farmhouse style. The clearly traditional Titian King Bed can easily be paired with the farmhouse style Chateau Door Bedroom Chest. When creating your own style, don’t be afraid to mix woods and textures.

Farmhouse style can also be mixed with contemporary furnishings. Take a look at this great example in the dining room: the Bolanburg Dining set makes use of contemporary lines that also find their way to the farmhouse style buffet from Madison County. The two pieces would complement each other in any dining room.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Just keep an eye on the contrasting colors and look for similar furniture lines to make the pairings easy. It’s OK to throw out the rule book when discovering a style all your own.