Category Archives: Design Inspiration

Five Tips for Timeless Window Treatments

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When you enter any well-designed room, your eyes will likely be drawn to the windows. In fact, your window treatments are inevitably a focal point of the room. Therefore, when shopping for window treatments, you do not want to purchase blindly. Since window dressings are an investment, you want to purchase something that is timeless.

Pick Current Colors

Do you want your window treatments to look stylish years from now? Then you should make sure to use colors that are fresh and current. Choose fabrics that embrace a Contemporary tone. Shades of green, neutral tones, and golds are timeless. You can also use cotton fabric prints just as long as they embrace a neutral color palette.

Warm vs. Cool Tones

In order for your window dressing to stay vibrant for years to come, they should complement the space. Smaller spaces should use drapes with cool colors to make the space appear bigger while warmer hued drapes should be used in oversized spaces to create an intimate feeling.

Neutrals Will Always Be in Style

Whites, taupes, grays, and blacks will always be trendy. In fact, neutral-based window treatments are timeless because even when you change up your furniture, wall color, and accessories, these window treatments will seamlessly blend into the design.

Natural Lighting

Whether it is the living room or the bedroom, natural light is everything. Whatever type of window treatment you choose should allow for some natural lighting to flow into the room. Pleated shades are also timeless because they offer privacy, and they let in natural lighting.

Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters are a classic window treatment that can be a bit expensive but worth every cent. They bring elegance to a home that is hard to achieve with any other type of window dressing. We suggest wood crafted shutters because they will match your furnishing.

Less Is Always Best

Minimal will always be best when you are going for a timeless look. While heavy draperies are stylish, try stripping away the bulky window coverings and replacing them with simple shades or blinds. You can add . subtle interest by using upholstered cornice or flap valances. In addition, try selecting simple shades that have some sort of texture, such as bamboo or rattan.

We hope you found these six tips helpful, and be sure to subscribe for more expert advice weekly!

How to Create a Gallery Wall

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Designing your space is a great way to tailor your home to your personal style. While designs are typically created for functionality and aesthetics in mind, designing is also an outlet for creativity. Since your walls are blank canvases, you can use them to express yourself. While paint can dramatically change your room, a picture is worth a thousand words. So what better way to tell a story than creating a gallery wall. If you are unfamiliar with the term, a gallery wall is made with pictures of all different kinds and sizes to illustrate a story. To help you better understand, here is how you can properly create a gallery wall:

Choose Your Theme

The pictures you choose can collaborate together to help tell a story. This aspect is one of the many reasons why gallery walls are so popular today. If you are someone who constantly changes the wallpaper on your phone or desktop, this is a great option for you. One picture can get old; however, multiple photos can all work together to create something extraordinary. Just be sure to find a common theme in which you would like your gallery wall to express. You can choose personal photographs of you and your loved ones, nature, shapes and designs, animals, and so many more photographs. Typically, a gallery wall should have at least nine pictures; however, fewer photographs can never hurt if your design calls for it.

Make a Template

Get your measurements of the wall you have chosen to decorate. If your wall is nine feet tall, chances are you will not be using the whole height to hang pictures. Map out the dimensions from width to height of the wall you have selected. Make this template on the floor and lay your pictures in it. You can have a simple 3×3 uniform size picture layout or get creative with dimensions, angles, picture sizes, and even wall décor. These are just several techniques to make your gallery wall even more tailored to your style.

Mark Your Hook’s Placement and Hang

Lastly, make sure you account for where the hangers or hooks are on your pictures before adding hanging devices or nails to the walls. Some pictures can have hooks or strings, while others may call for several different ways of hanging them. Be sure to mark where each hook is set before putting up your pictures.

What do you think of gallery walls? Would you put one in your home? Let us know what kind of gallery walls you like below in the comment section, and for more great ideas on home improvement and DIY projects, make sure to subscribe!

What to Do with Your Spare Room

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As we get older, our needs and lifestyle change. Maybe the home that you have been in for ten years now has a spare room available. Whether you are a new empty-nester or you have additional bedrooms from the get-go, there are plenty of ways to tailor this space to your needs. In fact, your spare room is a blanket canvas ready to be molded into whatever you desire. However, not every spare room will serve the same purpose for every homeowner. To help you narrow down the decision, here are some great ideas for modifying your spare room:

Guest Room

If you know that you will be hosting guests, you can make your spare room into a guest room. Simply add a bed and some nightstands to furnish the room. You can also add some of your favorite décor pieces to help spruce the space up and help it feel homey for your company.

Office or Study

A home office or study is another perfect idea. In fact, you can make this the quiet room of your home. Simply load this space up with a desk, computer, printer, and internet access. You can use this room to slip away to read, study, do homework, or get work done. This option is a great renovation for scholars and book lovers.

Home Gym

Getting time to go to the gym can be quite a hassle. However, you can eliminate the commute to the local gym by creating your own home gym. Simply add some rubber flooring and the exercise equipment that you use the most. For instance, you may want to look into buying a universal home gym that can allow you to accomplish multiple and full-body workouts in the comfort of your own home.

Studio

Do you like videography, singing, playing an instrument, or even painting? Make your own tailor-made studio for your creative passions. This idea can be a great outlet for getting away from everyday distractions and gives you time for the hobby you love.

Man/Woman Cave

Another great personal option is creating your very own man or woman cave. Create a getaway with whatever your personal passions are with a room dedicated to you. Just remember it is your cave = your rules.

Kids’ Playroom

Children can make a mess with their toys scattered around your home. Confine their play area to a playroom. Have cubby-hole to tuck away their belongings and toys in order to help give structure to the room. Plus, playrooms can be a great and fun room in the home that your kids will love!

Home Theater

Lastly, a home theater is a fantastic home luxury that you can create in your spare room. Simply invest in dark wall paint, a projector, seating, and surround sound. You can quickly turn a boring, mundane room to the most entertaining room in your home.

These are just some fun ideas to consider in your own home. We recommend customizing your spare room to your home’s desires and needs. What do you want to do with your spare room in your house? Stop letting that room be wasted square footage. Try renovating your extra room to become your new favorite room in your home.

Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops

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There are many great countertop options to choose from on the market today. Granite is the number one desired countertop solution. It is highly durable and versatile. While this counter is excellent, it is not flawless. Understanding how this countertop system works and functions can help you decide if it is the right fit for your home.

Pro – Durability

Granite is extremely durable. Although not recommended, you can directly cut with a knife on the surface without damaging it. Additionally, you can also set hot pans right on it without hurting the material. This makes it perfect for the kitchen and bathroom! That being said, you should be cautious about hot materials and not using a cutting board.

Con – Cost

Granite is extremely desirable in many households, and it can increase its market value. However, it is not the most affordable countertop solution out there on the market. That being said, these countertops are made to last, so they may be better in the long run.

Pro – Easy to Clean and Disinfect

Granite is very easy to wipe down and disinfect. This feature can prevent bacterial contamination in your kitchen and keep your home a cleaner place.

Con – Heavy

Granite is, by no surprise, very heavy. This characteristic means you may need to have support installed on your countertops. You can also break your counters if you stand on them near a ledge or a weak area.

Pro – Aesthetics

It is no secret that granite is beautiful. In fact, granite has a lot of character and looks great in any home. Its spectacle look can adapt to various design styles, making it a versatile material.

Con – Maintenance

Granite needs annual maintenance. The material is porous and is vulnerable to staining. This is why it is imperative to have your countertops sealed. Your sealant will wear over time and will need to be refinished once or twice every year for the life of the product.

All in all, granite is beautiful and can help increase your home’s market value. Homeowners believe its many pros outweigh its minor cons. Plus, it will work great in your bathroom or kitchen and is extremely versatile. Understanding it can help you better decide if it is right for your home.

Tips & Tricks for Decorating Your Coffee Table

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Most living rooms are traditionally set up with seating, some end tables, and your coffee table. However, how you decorate your coffee table can say a lot about your style. If you are looking to spruce up your living room, it can be the perfect place to start. Here are some general rules to consider when decorating your coffee table:

Less Is More

Your coffee table is very exposed, and this makes clutter on your table more noticeable. If your coffee table is already home to your remotes or magazines, you may want to consider finding these belongings a new home. Less is more when it comes to decorating your coffee table. You want to add just enough to make a statement without adding clutter.

Complement Color Palette

Your décor may not be the highlight point of the room, but it can enhance your design. Choose décor that complements your overall design, and try to keep your color ratio to the room in check with your décor.

Rule of Threes

When decorating your coffee table, consider the rule of threes. It can be visually-appealing to have three pieces of décor. These should be offset to make a triangle shape. Additionally, you should have a variety of sizes for your décor. Consider having a large, medium, and small element for your design to look complete.

Coffee Tray

Coffee trays and coffee tables go together like salt and pepper. Find a stylish coffee tray to help the aesthetics of your table. While being stylish, they should also provide a functional aspect to the room and can be very convenient to access.

Seasonal Change

Help keep your home fresh and up-to-date by adding seasonal décor. You will want to try to make your décor complementary to the season. In fact, the coffee table is the perfect spot in your living room to swap out with seasonal décor regularly. From Christmas to Easter and everything in between, your coffee table is the ideal place to showcase your décor.

Your coffee table provides a realm of possibilities to help spruce up your design, so make sure you are facilitating this useful piece of furniture in your home. We hope that these tricks will bring your coffee table to the next level. Let us know some of your favorite décor pieces in the comments below, and make sure to subscribe.

Five Ways You Can Bring the Outdoors Inside

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You can bring nature inside by decorating with natural elements. In doing so, you will bring a hint of the outdoors into your home. So if you are nature-starved, what are some easy ways you can implement nature into your home’s decor? We are glad you asked! Here are five ways you can incorporate nature into your home design:

Faux Fireplace

Love looking at a campfire? Well, you can get the same look anytime you desire by purchasing a faux fireplace. Faux indoor fireplaces look so realistic, and they even sound similar to the crackling sound of a campfire. Plus, they are perfect for homes that do not already have a fireplace. They give everyone the opportunity to have a fireplace in their design.

Decorate with Greenery

Of course, the most obvious way to bring nature indoors is to bring in some plants. Plants can brighten any space. That being said, when incorporating greenery into your design scheme, look for ways to steer clear of the traditional flowers in a vase. Mix it up by using a variety of pots in your plant area. You can even opt-out of using flower pots, and instead of having them against the wall, try using plant hangers.

Natural Wood Furnishing

Decorating with natural wood furnishing is a great way to create a rustic feel. Wood furniture is super durable, and with exceptional craftsmanship, it can be formed into all kinds of beautiful designs. You can add wood furniture as sparingly as you want. For example, perhaps a wood-finished rocking chair in the living room or a wooden coffee table would set the scene; whereas, a sleek, wood-finished headboard adds a bit of outdoors to your bedroom.

Buy a Grass Rug

You can easily purchase an artificial rug that simulates the look of grass from popular furniture companies. It can serve as a focal point for your living room or the man cave. Plus, the grass can withstand foot traffic, and it is available in a variety of sizes.

Constellation Projection Lamp

Do you enjoy staring up at the stars at night? Well, you can do so right from the comfort of your bed. A constellation projector lamp allows you to project the beautiful heavens on your walls and ceilings.

Be imaginative when searching for ways that you can make your home reflect your love for nature. Use different colors, textures, and patterns that are inspired by nature to energize a space.

Do-It-Yourself Headboard Solutions

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It is easy for your bed to become the focal point in your bedroom. While your pillows, duvets, and covers all can help create your design, nothing can be as impactful as your bed’s headboard. You can purchase a headboard with any bed, or you can custom-make your own to match your style. Any do-it-yourself project can help save money and give features more personal value to your home. Here are three excellent ideas to consider for making your own headboard in your home:

Stained Wood Headboard

This simple headboard can be completed over the weekend. Start by measuring the size you would like to create your headboard. Consider that your headboard can be however big you would please. For example, it can go all the way to your ceiling, or it can go wall-to-wall. Playing with these dimensions can create an illusion of a higher ceiling or a longer wall. Once you decide the dimensions you want, go to your local lumber store. Purchase the amount of wood that you will need to create your headboard. Also, purchase a stain and sandpaper to give your wood headboard a clean, nice finish. For a more unique look, you can pick several different stains and stain several boards in different colors. Use a stud finder to mount your boards. Depending on the size of your headboard, you may want to assemble it directly to your wall.

Textile-Upholstered Headboard

Create a headboard frame using wood or purchasing a frame that you can upholster yourself. When upholstering your own headboard, you will be able to match fabrics perfectly with other textiles in your room. You can use remaining upholstery to create curtains or pillowcases to help create a uniformed look throughout your space. Using this technique will make your space feel very well balanced and aesthetically pleasing.

Curtain Backdrop Headboard

One of your simplest options is a curtain backdrop headboard. These are great for any space, but especially rental properties. Whether you are renting an apartment, home, or own your home, curtain backdrop headboards are very elegant and can help create your room’s theme. Simply mount a curtain rod behind your bed and install a curtain of your choice. You can be creative and invest in a curve rod to give a more three-dimensional look to your curtain as well.

Creating your own headboard gives you the freedom to tailor it to your likings. There are hundreds of creative, unique do-it-yourself headboard techniques to explore. Find one that works best with your own space or try one of these tricks. For more insight on home improvement and design, make sure to subscribe.

How to Decorate for Fall

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Fall is a very festive season with some significant holiday décor. With Halloween being finished, it is time to start decorating for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a very welcoming holiday with décor that will work great the rest of the way through autumn. With its warm, earthy tones and welcoming scents, make people love having Thanksgiving décor in their homes. Here are some simple ways to prepare your house for the season and add some fun Thanksgiving décor:

Halloween

Halloween is a very festive time of the year. Halloween décor has surpassed even Christmas’ sales over the last couple of years. With this holiday quickly growing in popularity, it is not unusual to see some of this décor stay around even into November. While you may not be trying to keep up fake spider webs, a grim reaper statue, and fake tombstones in your yard, it is not uncommon for pumpkins, scarecrows, and hay barrels to remain up for the season.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday based on giving thanks. The traditional and iconic views of the first Thanksgiving dinner involve Pilgrims and Indians feasting together. You can find many Thanksgiving decoration ideas with pilgrims, Indians, and turkeys. These fun trinkets can be spread throughout your house with throw pillows, welcome mats, table cloths, and other pieces of décor. Have fun this autumn, and keep it festive by including some Thanksgiving pride.

Fall

Autumn is usually referred to as the change of the season. It is a very colorful time of the year as the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. The trees begin to shed their leaves, and the world begins to take a much more earthy tone in preparation for winter. Likewise, we can use some of these natural tones in our own décor. Consider some earthy tones and plaid textiles involving some fun warm colors like red and yellow.

Fall is time for friends and family, so get your home ready for hosting guests. This can mean fall décor can go from the exterior to the interior of your home. Adding a variety of fall flavor to your home can always be fun. What are some of your favorite fall décor? Let us know below in the comment section!

Using Animal Prints to Spice up Your Interior

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We often place emphasis on using different color variations to liven up the interiors of our home. However, animal print is a palette that often gets neglected. In fact, using animal prints in your decor will take your design scheme from bland to exciting. From accessories, furnishing, and textiles, animal prints can be used in many ways to liven up your decor. Today, we are going to take a look at five ideas for incorporating animal print. Let’s take a look!

Mixing and Matching Prints

Can you not choose between leopard print and stripes? Who says you cannot use them both? You can mix and match animal prints with other types of patterns. The best way you can achieve a mixed print and pattern look is to unite them with color. In addition, when pairing print variations, you should keep the animal print small so that it does not clash. If you are not ready to start mixing and matching prints, you can purchase pieces over time until you warm up to the idea of space full of different prints.

Use Artwork to Balance Prints

Are you afraid that you will create a space that looks like it should be in the middle of a Safari or jungle? If so, you can use artwork to balance out the prints you use in a space by incorporating sculptures, animal paintings, or artwork that uses some of the same colors of the prints you are featuring. Seek out different types of artwork from online vendors or your favorite home decor outlets for optimal results.

Pairing Solids with Animal Prints

Using your favorite animal print against solid surfaces and furnishing makes for a great accent. Cheetah, leopard, and giraffe prints stick out from neutral tones. Using animal prints with natural colors like brown, white, and even dark green can help balance the prints with the rest of the space.

Forms of Animal Prints

There are numerous possibilities for animal prints. You can purchase them in upholstery, fabrics, and textiles. However, you are not limited to textiles and upholstery. You can use animal prints as embellishments on your furniture, picture frames, and lamps. Also, you can see such prints in other accessories like wastebaskets.

Do Not Overdo It

While there are a variety of ways to implement your favorite animal prints, be careful not to overdo it. Be selective with your prints so that you do not create a space that looks unflattering or even tacky. It is all about finding balance.

What are your thoughts on animal print? Do you feel more open to incorporating it into your design after reading these tips? Let us know your thoughts below in the comment section.

The Best Large Trees for Interiors

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We have some incredible back-to-nature ideas to help liven up your space and make your home look larger! In fact, you can simply introduce a couple of large tree houseplants to the decor. Just make sure you buy young plants so they can adapt to the surroundings of your home. Also, make sure your ceilings are tall enough to support some trees that will grow quite tall. Live house plants help with removing toxins from the air, bringing nature inside, and are amazing topics of conversations! We hope our following list will help you jump on the bandwagon. Remember, it all starts with just one tree house plant!

Parlour Palm

Let us start with the oh-so-familiar, Parlour Palm. We recommend it because they are inexpensive and will grow tall indoors. The palm has long tropical palms like sprouts coming off the center stalk. To be happy, the palm needs low light with lots of water.

Dragon Tree

Dragon trees can grow well over ten feet. They will grow tall, but the height will not be exactly straight. The tree will have various sprouts from the stalk. Dragon trees need a medium amount to a lot of indirect light and water approximately once a week. A tip is that if the leaves are falling off the plant, it is not getting enough sunlight.

Rubber Tree

Rubber trees have large dark green, glossy leaves and will grow to five or six feet in height. Make sure for maintenance purposes that you wipe the leaves off weekly to keep them beautiful and healthy. Rubber trees need medium indirect light and water approximately once a week or when soil is dry.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

These broadleaf trees are a little high maintenance, but they are gorgeous and can grow to over ten feet tall. They need bright indirect sunlight, water a couple of times per week. Also, they like being left where they are thriving, so do not move around, or their leaves will drop!

Triangle Ficus Tree

This ficus tree has triangular leaves and grows in an open, airy way, so make sure you have plenty of diameter for the tree. It is a very hardy and easy to grow plant compared to the Fiddle Leaf Fig tree. It needs bright light, humidity, and do not let it dry out.

We would love to hear which tree or trees you chose in the comment section. Happy planting!