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Pieces That Act as Storage Friday, August 10, 2018

Functional Furniture: Pieces That Act as Storage

 

You can fill your home with more than just pretty pieces of furniture. Your furniture can actually work for you. Keeping your living space decluttered is essential to a relaxing atmosphere. These furniture pieces can help by acting as the perfect and convenient storage places.

• Opening ottomans

Not only do ottomans serve as a place to put your feet up and add extra seating, some also act as storage. These ottomans typically open from the top and offer ample space to store blankets, games, and toys. If you have space, get a few of them and add lots of extra seating and storage.

• Coffee tables

Yes, they do a great job of holding drinks, plates, and the remote, but many also offer extra storage. 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. You can even get a few smaller tables instead of one large one. That way you can scatter them through the room or house.

• Entertainment centers

While many sport the perfect place for your TV and game console, some entertainment centers also offer a ton of extra space for all sorts of gadgets. Before long, you’ll find yourself using every inch of extra space! You may also want to get more than one entertainment center. If you have the space consider one for the game room or office.

• Side tables

Don’t just look to the top of your side table for a place to stack your books, look inside as well. Lots of side tables offer drawers and closable cupboards to store all sorts of knick-knacks that can pile up next to your lounger. Some sofas and chairs actually come with hidden compartments to store small items like remotes!

• Storage Benches

If you need extra storage in your bedroom, a storage bench at the foot of the bed is a great use of space. A storage adds seating for getting dressed and relaxing and a place to store linens, shoes, or even clothes.

• Chests and Dressers

Who says you have to use a chest or dresser in the bedroom? You can use these storage pieces throughout your home as shelves and a place to display pictures. Add one to your living room to store toys and place a mirror on the top with a few pictures and knick-knacks to cozy up your space.

When looking for furniture, always ask about the extra storage options. It’s a great way to declutter your life and enjoy your downtime. Also, try to remember that no piece has to be used the way it was displayed. Play with furniture uses, move pieces around, and have fun!

Watch the World Cup In World Class Style Thursday, August 9, 2018

Is your team still in it to win it? If so, you’ll need to turn your TV room into the place to be for the final game! Forget standing room only, make sure your guests are comfy as they scream "goooooooaaaallll" at your flat screen TV!

• Make every seat the best seat.
  

  Before the big game, test out your seating arrangements. Any dead spots that can’t quite catch the action? Consider temporarily rearranging your furniture. Maybe even bring in some seating from the rest of the house. Don’t just think chairs, think stools, benches, and pillows too!

• Replace those throw pillows and blankets with some team flare!
  

  Bring in the colors of your team! You don’t need logos to match the colors of your team flag. Bright pillows, blankets and even tablecloths in team colors can make all the difference.

• Wow your guests with a few extra touches.
  

  Break up your large sectional sofa with a minifridge of drinks! Use the storage in your ottoman as a place to store extra snacks! Use your sofa table as the perfect buffet! Nested tables are a great way to display snacks and get everyone into the spirit of the game.

• Use a High-Top Table
  

  Add a high-top table and some chairs to your living room or game room. This serves as a place for fans to eat without spilling nachos on the sofa. High-top tables typically come in the 4-seater variety and don’t take up too much space. They can easily be moved to a corner after game day is over.

• Theater Style Seating
  

  If you want to go all out, you can make an investment in theater seating. This is perfect for a game room or home theater. If you can’t spend that kind of money, look into game chairs, bean bags, and large pillows that will provide lower seating options in front of the sofa.

• Buffet Table
  

  A buffet table is perfect for sporting events or any events where you are hosting a crowd. Many can serve as display tables or sofa tables after the World Cup. You can even use a buffet table to section off a specific area if you don’t want snacks all over your living room.

• New TV
  

  It may be time for a new and bigger TV! There are many price options that offer a quick upgrade. For the World Cup or any sporting event, you may want to have a second TV for outdoors or one in the kitchen. That way no one will miss a second of the heart-stopping action.

• Go big this World Cup!
  

  Use your furniture in ways you never imagined (or secretly always wanted to). Create a cheering section or even a penalty box (hey… we know that’s hockey but it‘s still fun!)

Move things around, maybe even purchase a new piece or two to help tie things together. It’s only once every 4 years!

4 Dorm Room Furniture Tips for the Space Strapped Grad Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Moving day is fast approaching! It’s time to decide what comes along for the ride during your semester in the dorm. Space is limited, so you’ll have to be smart about your space and the furniture that occupies it. If you have a roommate, try to be mindful of the furniture you are bringing; keep things neutral and unobtrusive.

If you are lucky enough to have your own dorm room, the sky is the limit! Here are 4 tips that will help you save a bit of space while you enjoy dorm life.

1. Multiple Uses

   This is a must for small dorm rooms. Your big pieces of furniture should serve at least two functions. Consider a futon for sitting instead of a chair or loveseat. That way, over-night guests have a space of their own. Also, a desk that can also serve as a dining area is a great dual purpose item. Just look for a sleek design with open sides for multiple chairs or stools. Also, shelves that can serve as an entertainment center are another option. Look for sturdy shelves that can hold a good size TV.

2. Setup Zones

   Even though it may be a tight squeeze, try to separate your space into useful zones for studying, sleeping, and visiting. Consider creating a social nook with comfy pillows that can serve as chairs. Keep your desk area for work only, and try to get some actual sleep in your bed. Also, separating your areas with small rug can also help set up zones and add warmth to any room.

3. Add Lamps

   Make use of floor and desk lamps instead of fluorescent lighting. Overhead fluorescent lighting is an eyesore, plus it can actually make your eyes sore! It’s known to cause headaches. Try to make the best use of natural light during the daytime and use floor and desk lamps in the evening.

4. Make Use of Storage

   Floor space is severely limited in tiny dorm rooms often requiring creative storage solutions. You should absolutely invest in floor risers to maximize under-bed storage, that way you’ll have room for drawers underneath. You can also buy pieces like this Collins Bookcase that can serve as a place for the TV, books, and clothes or shoes that can remain hidden. If you have room for a nightstand, make sure it has storage space underneath.

Your dorm room has to function as your library, hangout space, dining room and bedroom all in one. Don’t neglect this space. You’ll be spending most of your time there throughout the semester. Take the time to find pieces that will make you feel at home and don’t add to the clutter of the small space.

5 Must Have Summer Accents Saturday, August 4, 2018 It’s time to bring the outdoors in! Summer means making your home cheerful, bright, and fun. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to make a few quick changes. With a little ingenuity, you can brighten up your home in no time!

1. Grassy Green
   

   Nothing says SUMMER like a bright green lawn! Try swapping out some of your colors with a bright green. Lampshades, vases, pictures, and pillows are a quick and easy way to add the perfect pop of summer color.

2. Use Fruits
   

   Yes. you read that right! Try using some of your summer fruits to decorate. A vase full of bright lemons, a bowl full of fresh peaches, or a beautiful hanging of lush grapes! You can graze and amaze at the same time!

3. Light Shelves
   

   Unique and light-colored shelving can brighten any corner of your room. Look for two-toned or even tricolor options.

4. Mirrors
   

   Mirrors will always brighten a space and reflect that inviting summer light. Consider a few mirrors in one room and try grouping them together.

5. Reading Nook
   

   Summer is the perfect time to relax with a good book! If you have an unused corner, consider a small reading nook. A new chair and small ottoman will work, or even a smattering of comfy throw pillows, and a reading lamp!

These accenting touches show off what makes summer the most freeing time of year! Embrace color, light, and relaxation!

Create a Home Office that Inspires Creativity Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Tolling away in a dark corner of the attic is no one’s idea of a good time. Your home office needs to provide form, function, and maybe a guest room? That’s right, most home offices have more than one use. Many people are tempted to put a desk in the corner of the guest room and try to get some work done. But that doesn’t exactly get the creative juices flowing for a little “at home” work.

 Here are 5 ways to create a home office that inspires creativity:

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 workspace, 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 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.

2. Lighting

Not every room in your house may be blessed with natural light. If your office is one of them, make sure to invest in some lamps. Overhead lights can add extra glare when looking over a computer monitor; lamps add ambient light and can brighten the mood. Think floor lamps that reflect light off the walls and ceiling.

3. More than a Desk

 A home office should be more than a desk and chair. You’ll need some space to stretch out and think. A small lounger or glider rocker can help provide a change of scenery without leaving the room!

Add a whiteboard for tasks and visualizing, a shelf for books, maybe even a coffee corner with a place to put snacks and drinks.

4. Keep it cool

Yes, keep the environment cool and pleasant, but also the colors. When decorating a home office go for blues, greens, and other cool colors. Why? Cools colors calm the mind and help you focus. Save the warmer colors for other rooms of the house. Your home office should be calm and serene.

5. Make it cozy

Don’t let your home office become the room you dread. Make it cozy by adding special touches here and there. Add a rug that ties it all together, put pictures and paintings on the wall, add pillows to your futon or chair, the point is to make it a room you want to spend time in!

The Great Lounging Debate: Sofa vs. Sectional Tuesday, July 31, 2018
 Making a house a home require space for just about everything. Cooking, playing, creating, and sitting around watching Netflix. That last one may be the most important piece of the cozy home puzzle! So how should you lounge? On a traditional sofa or a sectional? First, let’s look at the options.

Sectional Options:

• Chaise Sectionals: A chaise sectional usually has three cushions: with the third being elongated into a chaise.
• L-Shaped Sectionals: These sectionals usually have five cushions: two on one side of the L, two on the other side and then one connecting the L shape. Basically, adding a second sofa to your space.
• U-Shaped Sectionals: U-shaped sectionals typically have a center with two sections extending from either side. They provide the same sitting space as two sofas and a love seat.
• Pit Sectionals: These are less common, as they take a large room to work! These sectionals are more like giant beds with a sofa function. 

Sofa Options:

• Three-Seater: This is the type of sofa you imagine when you hear the word, “sofa.” It seats three people and is great for grabbing a catnap.
• Two-seater: These are typically referred to as loveseats but can fall into the sofa category. These are best when used in conjunction with other furniture and for when space is limited.
• Sleeper: These turn your living room into another bedroom. These are great for houseguests, studio apartments or movie night!

Space Matters

While a sectional may offer more seating options than a sofa, it also takes up more space. A sofa will blend effortlessly into your living room, while a sectional tends to dominate the space. There are ways to make both options work in the right area, but most spaces will lean towards either a sofa or a sectional.

It really depends on the needs of your family and the space of your room. If you need lots of seating and have a large enough space a sectional is a great option. However, if you have a small family or limited space, then a sofa will work quite nicely.

Before going with a sectional be sure to measure, measure, measure! They usually disassemble sectionals for delivery, however, the pieces can still be bulky and may not fit through a doorframe or a narrow staircase.

 

Personal Preference

This also should play a huge role in the great lounging debate. Which do you like best? Some people prefer the cozy look of a plush sectional, while others want a simple sofa to cuddle up with a good book. Another often overlooked option is getting two sofas instead of the sofa and loveseat combo. This can add the seating of a sectional for rooms that might not easily accommodate one. There’s no wrong choice! Just know your options.

The Perfect Pieces to Perk Up a Farmhouse Home Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Farmhouse homes never go out of style. Living simply and brightly is a theme that never strays from the hearts of hardworking homeowners. If finding the farmhouse in your home is where your senses are taking you, check out these perfect pieces of furniture to add to any room.

Mixed Wood
Rustic but not rough! Look for simple, unpainted wood to decorate your farmhouse. Maybe an oversized wooden coffee table, or simple wooden stools for your kitchen island. Use wooden plank shelves or even consider wooden counter tops!

Tips: A wooden entertainment center is perfect for a rustic look. Avoid anything too glossy, look for aged perfection. Also, consider a simple wooden table for your dining room. Again, keep an eye out for a simple design. Don’t be afraid to mix and match wooden finished and textures. Farmhouses tend to blend different elements.

Light colors for furniture
If you want to stay true to a relaxing and claiming farmhouse theme, stay away from bright paint and furniture colors. Instead, rely on throw pillows and curtains for you pops of color.

Tips: Choose light and simple chairs for sitting and a comfy couch for lounging that won’t overwhelm the room. Remember to embrace your farmhouse theme by keeping it simple. You can add pops of color here and there, remembering that the typical farmhouse style is light and airy.


Leather Recliners
Nothing says rustic farmhouse like a pair of leather recliners. Look for a comfortable leather with a slightly worn look, or a leather that will wear well over time. Nothing with a glossy finish.

Tips: Keep your lifestyle in mind when choosing your leather recliner. If you have cats, their claws can do a number on leather. Some leathers can also require special care, so be sure you fully understand the maintenance needs before making the purchase. Nothing says rustic farmhouse like a pair of leather recliners. Look for a comfortable leather with a slightly worn look, or a leather that will wear well over time. Nothing with a glossy finish.


Oversized Ottoman
A larger ottoman is the perfect complement to a farmhouse. It serves as seating, storage, and a place to put your feet up.

Tip: If you have a large space, consider two or more ottomans that can be huddled together as a group for movie night or spread around the room for relaxation.


Old World Touches
Embracing a farmhouse theme will give you the chance to display items that may have otherwise ended up in the “donation” box. Display your grandmother’s pore over coffee maker, show off your grandfather’s wooden gardening tools; these objects go perfectly with the theme and can be used as artful conversation pieces.

Tip: Not everything has to be framed or hung on the wall. Use your aunt’s old pickling jar as a vase or your father’s whiskey decanter as a bookend.

Farmhouse life is all about keeping it simple. However, simple does not have to mean sparse and plain. Don’t be afraid to mix varied textures, materials, and looks.  Hints of metal and pops of color add to the comfy feel of a farmhouse styled home. Just look to what makes you happy and comfortable, then let your furniture choices flow.

Fresh Ways to Decorate Your Camp Saturday, June 30, 2018

It can be tempting to just grab a few pieces of discarded furniture, haul them over to the camp, and call it a day. But, your camp is really your home away from home. Why not make it more inviting and relaxing? Just follow these quick and easy steps to make your next trip to the camp a comfy one.

1. Used is OK…BUT

Used furniture for your camp is perfectly fine BUT spend a little money on a few new pieces. If you use an old sofa, add a few new side tables. Or if your old lounger finds its way to the camp, buy new lamps. Mix a bit of the “well-loved” with “will be loved” furniture. You want to feel as comfortable in your camp as you would be in your home.

2. Mountings

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

3. Small Space?

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

4. Rugs

Nothing will tie a place together and make it a bit cozier like a few well-placed rugs. Add a rug to the living and sleeping space. If you have the room, place a few rugs in one room, it will help designate the living space, dining space and sleeping space of a smaller camp.

5. Use the Outdoors

Open things up a bit! If there’s a way to create an indoor/outdoor space, do it! Maybe your screened in porch can serve as the dining area? Make it the dining room by adding all the touches of an indoor dining room. Great lighting, shelves, greenery and more will help transform a simple porch into an inviting room of the camp!

6. Stone and Wood

Not everyone can afford a log cabin, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add rustic pieces here and there. Consider wooden rocking chairs, stone topped tables, or a rustic kitchen island to help a few of nature’s elements in your camp.

Treat a camp like what it is—a second home. Don’t just throw a few pieces in a room and put your feet up. Spend a little extra time adding touches that will make your time there memorable

Get Ruby Red Hot This July Thursday, June 14, 2018

For those of us lucky enough to be born in July, ruby red touches in the home seem extra special. Ruby is the birthstone of July and it’s the perfect color to make a statement in your house. Red is timeless and blends with a variety of styles and colors. Ruby red can complement farmhouse, French country, rustic, and modern tastes.

Here are a few ideas on how to incorporate ruby red into your home.

Go Bold with an Accent ChairAn accent chair that highlights ruby is a stunning addition to any living room or office. Your eye is instantly drawn to the color and style of the chair. It makes a statement all its own.

Red Bedding
How about plush red bedding for your bedroom? Red bedding can turn a plain jane bedroom into a stunning place to relax. You can turn down the red with more subdued gray accessories or turn the ruby up to 10 with bright marigold pillows!

Ruby Ottoman
How about a statement piece that also lets you relax? An ottoman that drips in ruby red can be the center of any room. (not ready to make that big of a splash with red…keep reading).

Throws and Pillows
Not fully committed to ruby? Try it out with red throw blankets and pillows. They are a great way to add color to a more traditional living space. Red goes great with yellow, cool blues, and worn leather browns. How about a ruby red throw on a nice gray ottoman?

Daring in the Dining Room
Want to make a statement in the dining room? Look for red dining chairs! Pair that with a dark wood dining room table and your guests will be “red with envy.”

Area Rugs
If you want to be really bold, an area rug that draws in ruby red is a perfect fit. Rugs can come in a variety of patterns and don’t necessarily have to be one solid block of color. A rug that offers hints of ruby red can play well with any style home. You can also add the rug to the living room, dining room, bedroom or even kitchen.

Vases and Frames
A ruby red place to showcase fresh cut flowers will certainly turn heads. You can also add some bright red frames and make an art wall with some of your family pictures. Scatter red through out your space with little touches here and there.

Ruby red is a stunning way to show a bit of personality in your space. It goes with almost every color on the spectrum and rarely clashes with décor. Whether you incorporate a little or a lot, red will pop out of the background.

Timeless Trappings: Classic Furniture Never Goes Out of Style Monday, April 30, 2018

Ever walk into a home and instantly know that sofa is from 1992, back when plaid and hunter green was all the fad? Yep, it’s best to update a home’s look every now and then and have a few staple elements that never go out of style.

 

Here are a few ideas for signature pieces that will stand the test of time.

Wingback Chair
These are classic and comfy chairs that will flow with any décor. They can grace farmhouse, modern, and vintage styles and never clash with the current decade. If properly maintained, these chairs become heirloom pieces that can be passed down through the decades.

Shaker Style Dresser 
Shaker furniture always seems to find it’s way back to the homes and hearts of rooms across the country. The simple design and limited ornamentation mean these deceptively plain pieces will never go out of fashion. Remember, they aren’t just for the bedroom. A shaker style dresser can compliment a living room, game room or bathroom.

Chaise LoungeWhether it’s a stand-alone chaise lounge or one that’s part of a sectional sofa, these beauties pair function, and fashion. They are 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 is timeless.

Bentwood Dining ChairsBentwood chairs are strong, lightweight, and have been used in homes since the 1850s. They complement any dining area from classic to contemporary. A bentwood chair also makes a nice accent chair or corner seating option.

Chesterfield Couch
This classic design has been in vogue since the 1700s. It’s comfortable, stylish, and comes in a variety of fabrics. This sofa style would be at home anywhere from a rustic cabin to an ornate living room or modern office. These are usually passed down through families and recovered to update the look of the upholstery.

Tulip Table
You may not recognize the name, but the style has been around for decades. A tulip table eliminates the legs of a table and balances the top on one single base. These tables are perfect for breakfast nooks, where chair space might be limited.

Tufted Headboard
These wonderful headboards never seem to age. They often come separate from the bed frame and can be used over and over again with various décor themes. They blend effortlessly from farmhouse to modern and can be passed down over the years.

When choosing your furniture, try to incorporate at least one classically designed piece that can be a mainstay for years to come. Keep your trendy touches to more easily changed aspects, like side tables, lamps, and rugs.