How to Convert Your Spare Room into a Home Gym

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Your New Year’s Resolution was to start going to the gym this year, but there is one problem: it is February, and you have yet to begin.  You cannot find the time or the energy to put in a workout after a long day of work.  When you get home, you just want to relax and unwind a little before you go out to the gym.  Before you know it, you now have successfully relaxed, and it does not make sense to leave anymore.  But remember, nothing changes if nothing changes.  So, maybe it is best to bring the gym to you.  You can convert that spare bedroom into your new and improved home gym and here is how:

Discover Your Training Style 

The worst thing you can do is invest in equipment you will never use.  Decide what training style is best suited for your goals.  You do not want to invest in a total body home gym if you plan on following a bodyweight fitness instructional video.  Likewise, do not buy a Pilates Reformer Machine if you want to use free weights and dumbbells solely.  Whatever your personal goals are, they should be reflected in your equipment.  Gym equipment can be expensive, so make sure you are investing in the correct places. 

Design Your Space 

A room’s atmosphere and design are essential.  You do not want to dread going into your home gym every time.  Create a fun, energetic environment by making sure there is an adequate amount of lighting, mirrors, and colors that will attract you back into the atmosphere.  Even as a home gym, this space should still incorporate a sense of design.  Make sure the room is never too dreary or uninviting, but be cognitive of creating to comfy of a room because you may not accomplish what you set out to achieve. 

Create Time and Build a Habit 

Once you create your space, you have to develop the habit. Decide a time, either before or after work.  Make sure you spend a minimum of fifteen minutes in the space.  The goal is to create a habit.  Results will follow.  You can up your time as the habit develops.  Do not get distraught if you miss a day.  The important factor is to make sure you return to your workouts the next day.  One day will not ruin your results, but do not let it ruin your habits. 

Creating your gym is the first step in conquering your goals.  Stay focused and do not let the task feel daunting.  Balance the workouts with proper nutrition, and be ready to set forth on a journey to chasing your new body.

Tips for Preparing for a Casual Dinner Party

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Are you planning a small, casual dinner party at your home? If so, we believe that having your close friends over for a homecooked meal and great conversation is the perfect idea of a good time. While some people find inviting guests over to be nerve-wracking, we believe with the right tips and tricks you can become host/hostess of the year. Let’s take a look!

Preparing Your Home 

Of course, the first thing you will want to do is prepare your home for guests.  You can easily impress visitors by having a home that is sparkling clean. While you do not have to launch a full out spring cleaning project, you should make sure the main areas are free of clutter and smudges. Here are some tips for effectively cleaning for your dinner party:

  •  Make sure the windows are clean and bright to allow natural light to flood your space
  • Tidy up the entryway for guests to store their shoes and coats
  • Deep clean the guest bathroom and stock up on extra toiletries for guests to access
  • You will also want to clean the kitchen area because let’s be honest; no one wants to eat food prepared in a dirty kitchen 
  • Lastly, you should tackle any areas that the guests may hang out or see (i.e., the living room, home office, dining room, etc.)

Food Preparation

First, you should inquire about food allergies ahead of time. Before you decide on what you are going to cook, it is in good taste to ask your guests if there are any allergies you should know. There is nothing worse than getting ready to serve your infamous pecan pie and find out that a guest has a severe nut allergy. Remember that the menu should include a variety of foods that everyone can enjoy. 

Secondly, cook dishes that you have successfully made at least twice. Preparing meals that you have yet to “master” may not go over too well with your guests. If you are set on wowing your friends with a new recipe, try making the dish at least a few weeks beforehand.

Lastly, keep it simple. When throwing a casual dinner party, you should cook smart by avoiding cooking foods that require constant stirring and flipping. Try a simple buffet style meal or a one-pot meal accompanied with a couple of simple side dishes for an easy but delicious meal.

What are your best dinner party tips? We would love for you to share your thoughts with other readers in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

Pillow Talk: How to Design Your Bed | Part Two

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When designing your space, functionality should always come first.  Finding areas in your home that are extremely important to our well-being is a great place to start in the house.  Sleep is vital for proper brain function, our moods, and energy levels.  What investments have you made for your trip to dreamland? With the right pillows, your slumber kingdom is about to get a whole lot comfier. 

Neck? 

Many common sleeping positions can put our spines in bad positions, creating back, spine, and joint pain. A supportive pillow can help prevent neck pains, posture, and even headaches.? Neck pillows are primarily filled with microbeads for sturdy support. The design is targeted to keep your neck and spine in a neutral position while you sleep to prevent cramps and irritations. 

Body 

Another excellent support pillow is a body pillow. Cuddling with these pillows can keep your legs and arms from being in an uncomfortable position while you sleep.? Try investing in these is you sleep on your side or if you are pregnant. 

Lumbar 

Your spine is extremely important to keep in a neutral position during your sleep.  Poor sleep habits on unsupported weak areas of the spine can lead to problems.  Avoid lower back pain and invest in a lumbar pillow.  Keeping your spine supported while you sleep is a great way to get rid posterior and anterior pelvic tilts.? Get a lumbar pillow to keep your spine in the optimal position during your slumber. 

Wedge 

A multifunction tool of comfort that you can add to your bed is a wedge pillow.? These triangular pillows are very supportive.? Use it to prop yourself up while you are reading, increase blood flow to your legs, and pinch between your knees while you sleep.? Adding this support pillow to your bed can have many beneficial uses. 

Stop waking up sore with a poor nights rest.  Invest in pillows that can help keep your joints healthy and provide you with a good night’s sleep.  Experiment and find what is best suited for your comfort.

 

Pillow Talk: How to Design Your Bed | Part One

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Pillow Types 

The master bedroom is your place of refuge and fortress of relaxation.  Creating this perfect oasis is an art and a science.  What may work for you, may not work for others.  With hundreds of pillows available on the market, having a general understanding of some of the most common types can help you find the best one suited for your space.  From decorative to comfortable, here are our top pillows to consider adding to your home:

Microbeads 

Usually made of tiny plastic particles, microbead pillows are becoming a more common pillow option.  If you are looking for a more supportive alternative,?consider microbead pillows.? ?These pillows are filled with thousands of tiny beads to support your head.? ?With not much give, you will find that they are great for support pillows or wedge pillows to use on your bed. 

Down 

“Light as a feather” comes to mind when thinking of a down pillow.  Down is a type of feathered pillow.? It is the undercoat to the feathery underbellies of birds.? While being incredibly soft, it provides a flexible comfort with its quality fluff.? It is not the most supportive pillow, but this luxurious pillow is unrivaled for soft comfort. 

Memory Foam 

Investing in a memory foam pillow can allow you to have comfort and support.? These pillows will adjust to your body when compressed.? After you get up,?the pillow will return to its natural plump state.? These may not be the softest pillows, but with support and comfort, they are definitely to be recognized as a top choice.

Before you can ultimately decide, you need to consider what you are looking for in a pillow. Do you need more support or comfort?? Once you understand your wants, you can make a more clear decision.

Be sure to check out part two for more insight on pillow choices.

 

Help! My Big, Blank Wall!

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Different elements come into play when designing your home.  You choose a theme or a color palette you would like in a room; then you master the furniture, the décor, and the lighting.  Yet for some reason, your walls still look blank.  The immediate fix is to hang a picture to help close the gap; however, a blank wall can present many more opportunities.  Here are our top four solutions to apply to your big blank wall:

Projector Screen

Before you go a throw a poster up on your wall, consider creating a projector wall.  Paint the size of the screen you want to achieve in bright white.  You can frame it in with wood trim and paint around the perimeter as well.  Either mount a projector or use a projector cart in which you can roll in and out of the room for movie nights.  You can quickly make a blank wall the hottest spot in your home with this trick.

Gallery Wall

If you are still considering putting up a picture, perhaps you should do a gallery wall.  It can be more expressive and allow you to decorate the wall with more pieces of art.  Adding pictures, paintings, and other décor pieces helps to create a fun wall in your atmosphere.

Bookshelf

Add a bookshelf or a display mantle to your wall.  It can dampen sounds from the surrounding rooms, hold décor, and be a beautiful home addition.  A bookshelf can hold much more than just books.  Try adding baskets, picture frames, boxes and more for intriguing decorations.  You can even layer your bookshelf to stop it from feeling one-dimensional.  Try scaling different objects to create variance in the aesthetics.  Even contrasting a complementary décor has a place to shine.

Focal Wall

Lastly, do not stress about the one wall being bare.  Instead, embrace the fact and paint it a different color.  You can make this blank wall a focal wall in your room.  Add a contrasting color, stripes, or texture, shiplap, or brick to create this unique wall and help it stand out amongst the rest.

However you chose to finish this wall, let it be express.  Decide what is best tailored to your own design and needs.  Remember that functionality is key, so if your room lacks something, consider the addition.  For more tricks and tips, subscribe to our email!

 

 

Deck Your Halls

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Stop neglecting your hallways.  Just because they are not “rooms,” does not mean they should not be decorated or expressive.  Your halls are utilized daily and the gateway between rooms. There are so many great ways to spruce up these narrow spaces without being obtrusive.  Check out below and see our top three best hallway hacks to use in your own home:

Art Gallery

Your hallways do not need to be bland.  Be expressive by adding in a gallery wall with various pictures and 3D artwork. With a collection of photos, your hallway can go from mundane to marvelous.  You can even incorporate different size frames and images to add a creative twist.

Stripes

Painting stripes on the wall can create an optical illusion.  By taking a long hallway and running lines horizontally, you can make the hall appear longer.  You can also go vertically to make the ceiling seem higher.  Plus, stripes can be used to help incorporate color to the corridor.  This timeless hallway remedy is perfect for enhancing your space.

Mirrors

If your hall seems small or tight, trying to add excessive color or decor can just clutter the space more.   Instead, add mirrors to open up the area.  The mirrors can allow light to travel more freely as well as eliminate visual boundaries.  Mirrors can really rejuvenate your corridors. Try adding them throughout or at each end for best results.

Runners

Adding a carpet runner is a great way to add texture to the space.  Texture is great for all areas of the home.  It can give your halls a more three-dimensional feel.  Long hallways can often feel cold and dark without proper lighting or the right flooring.   Investing in a runner is a great way to “cozy up” the area as well as add texture.   With many custom rugs available, you are guaranteed to find the perfect runner for your space.

Spruce up your halls this year by adding color, rugs, decor, mirrors, and more.  How will you enhance your hallways? Let us know your tricks below in the comment section.

How to Select The Right Artwork for Your Home

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When designing a room, the artwork you chose can become a strong focal point and guide the direction of the design.  Selecting artwork can be a bit challenging at first, but in the end, it is rewarding.  First, you need to determine what you are trying to express in the room through your design.  Picking a picture that feels forced or unneeded can hurt the atmosphere more than it can help it.  We put several rooms and suggestions to help guide you on your journey. Let’s take a look!

Master Bedroom

Your master bedroom is your domain to unwind and relax.  Selecting artwork that can tone down the space is a great start.  If possible, consider hanging artwork above the bed or directly across on the opposing wall.  It can create or reinforce the focal point in your room’s design.  If your bedroom has colors you have incorporated into its theme, find a picture that complements the theme and brings it full circle.

Living Room

Living rooms are areas designated more for hosting guests and having family time.  You can add more fun, upbeat artwork in these rooms.  You can apply many different strategies and even consider having a gallery wall.  The art you choose to express in this room can become the talk of the room and encapsulate the theme.  Since we typically spend the most time in our living rooms, it is essential to get it right.  Add life to the room with your artwork and use other pieces to accessorize and add to the décor.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and should never be ignored.  Try adding fun, food, and health provoking artwork.  Set the mood by selecting creative pictures to this space.  If you can find pieces to complement your cabinetry, backsplash, or other accents in the room, even better! Kitchens allow homeowners with the opportunity to add some flair and funk back into their design without seeming misplaced or misguided.

Do not be intimidated by adding art to a room.  It can be a way to guide and finish off a design.  A picture says a thousand words and can quickly create your room’s atmosphere.  Search online and pin ideas you would like to have in your own home.  Finding the perfect picture for your home can be challenging, but the result is fantastic.  For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our email!

How to Deep Clean Your Bedroom

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Deep cleaning any area in your home feels rejuvenating and gives you a great sense of pride in your home. Sometimes we have our weekly cleaning chores but do not have deeper cleaning plans than those. Deep cleaning will take you beyond your regular cleaning chores and help you accomplish more. We put together a basic checklist to follow to help you deep clean your bedroom. You can always do more, but these tips are a great place to start.

Wash Your Sheets and Comforter

A perfect place to start is by stripping the bed. Washing your duvet, comforter, sheets, and pillowcases can take some time, so this is a great place to start with the deep clean. While they wash and dry for the next couple of hours, you will have time to work on deep cleaning your room.

Dusting

Next, dust everything off in your room. Remove decor, television stands, lamps, or anything obtrusive from fully dusting every surface thoroughly. After everything is thoroughly dusting, go back with the appropriate cleaners for each surface areas and clean them. Do not forget to get baseboard, on top of the fan, and window sills. These areas are rarely dusted and can collect a plethora of allergens.

The Floors

After your dusting has been completed, it is time to clean the floors. For carpet, simply vacuum. For laminate, hardwood, or tile floor, you can start by shop-vacuuming the area. Get into corners thoroughly to make sure you remove all dirt and dust. After the floor has been swept, apply the appropriate floor clean to your floor. Not only will this deep clean your floors, but most cleaners will leave your room smelling fresh as well!

Drawers and Closets

A lot of drawers and closets go unattended for deep cleaning for long periods of time. You should try to create three separate piles or boxes when cleaning. Make a giveaway pile of clothing and items you no longer need in your life. The next pile should be items that do not necessarily belong back in the closet or drawers. Lastly, make the pile of clothing and items returning to the drawers and closet space. This can keep you organized during your cleaning process. Break walk-in closet or dressers into a smaller less overwhelming task.

Organize Everything

Make sure everything you put back has a sense of organization. You do not want to spend a day on a project to have it feeling unfinished when you are done. Take breaks and treat these tasks as a checklist to make it feel less overwhelming. Once you are done you will feel a huge sense of accomplishment in your space.

Four Reasons Why You Should Choose a Round Rug

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Are you shopping for the perfect rug for your living space? If so, you may want to think about opting for a circular rug as opposed to a traditional square rug. When shopping for an area rug, many people tend to overlook round rugs. Furniture typically has sharp right angles and edges which is why most steer towards a classic rectangle shape.

If you are anything like us, you like to be unique and embrace your creative style. These are just two of the many reasons why we love circular rugs. Not convinced yet? Check out our four reasons why you should have a circle rug:

Emphasize a Circular Element 

If you want to highlight a statement piece like a round dining table or elegant chandelier, you can do so with a round area rug. Using a traditional rectangular or circle shaped rug will completely underscore the accessory or furniture piece, but by opting for a round rug, you bring attention to the element and add harmony in the design.

Highlight an Architectural Feature 

Curved architectural features are unique, and you should take any opportunity you can to showcase them. You can embrace such a striking structural feature by pairing it what a beautiful round rug which makes it a more notable feature. Use colors and patterns with your rug choice to make it an echo of the curved structure.  

Layering an Existing Rug 

Tired of looking at the same, boring rug? You can layer your old rug with a round, new rug. It is also an ideal solution if you have been looking for a way to introduce colors or patterns to a neutral room. A round rug is an unexpected accent piece that can make a statement in a space.

Visually Increase The Size of a Room 

Want a small room to feel bigger? Using a round rug in a small room is a trick that designers use to make it appear larger than it actually is. The curve of the rug inspires the eye to move around the arc of the space.  Also, the furniture appears fanned around the room with this featured piece.

What do you think? Do you like the idea of a round rug? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

 

Investments to Help You Relax and Unwind at Home

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Your home is your refuge; your opportunity to get away from the everyday demands of the world. A place where you can have the chance to relax and unwind. However, you find that your relaxation time at home has been cut in half. Luckily, experts believe that designating a room or a certain area to relax and unwind can help you regain your “you” time. To help, we put some of our favorite home relaxation investments you should try adding to your space. Let’s take a look!

Electronics

While electronics like television and computers are great to help you unwind at the end of a long day, they are not necessarily the best forms of relaxations.  Try investing in a massage chair or a hydro bed for your relaxation time.  During your session, eliminate all distractions even your phone and the television.  Designating a time and place to relax is vital to allow yourself to unwind and recover from the busyness of your day.

Aromatherapy

There is also aromatherapy which you can use to help calm your mind.  Scents like lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and peppermint can all help you relax.   Different aromas can be used to stimulate the mind and put it at ease.  If you are new to the concept, you can purchase a diffuser or even receive benefits through burning candles with the previously mentioned scents. Aromatherapy is an easy yet effective way to relieve any stress you encounter throughout the day.

Colors

All colors can psychologically influence the mind.   Using cool tones like blue or violet can help make your environment feel more tranquil and relaxing.   Try to use these cool tones in areas of your home you want to make more relaxing. You can apply them as an accent color to not make the colors feel overwhelming in your space, or you can go bold and color the entire room with them. The options are endless, and you can help curate your design based off of your preferences.

Fire & Water

Both fire and water are powerful elements that can be very influential to an atmosphere.  While a wildfire can be very destructive, a fireplace or fire pit can be quite therapeutic.  You can also see the same with water.  Simply taking a bath or listening to the sound of running water can ease the mind and spirit.  Even investing in a Jacuzzi is a phenomenal relaxation tool.  These elements can be significant features to incorporate in during your relaxation time.

Designating a small segment of your day to relax and unwind is very beneficial.  As little as ten to twenty minute of unwind time or time just to meditate can significantly improve your well-being.  Try creating a time or a spot in your own home to relax, and you can use whatever method suits you best.

Thanks for reading!