Still haven’t figured out what to hang in the empty space over the sofa? Well, it’s time to stop deliberating. Filling this space with something chic can transform the look of your living room. You can use this space to create a focal point in the room. There are several ways you can accent your couch by spicing up the blank slate above and we have a few ideas.

1. Use Personal Artwork
   Don’t be afraid to showcase your skills. You can fill this space with your own artwork. Or perhaps you have a little artist in the making? You can let the kids get creative on a large canvas and use a floating frame to give it a finished look. Using personal artwork is a great way to add personality to your home.

2. Basket Collection
   Looking for a unique way to use the space? Consider displaying a collection of baskets by hanging them on the wall over the couch. To pull this look off, stick with one basket color scheme and use a variety of sizes. You can use clear thread to make a hanging look.

3. Large Canvas
   Oversized artwork can really make a space look chic. Especially when it depicts an unique or bold image. However, oversized artwork can be expensive so it’s time to exercise those creative chops. You can try taking a shower curtain with a intricate design and stretching it over a large, blank canvas to simulate the look of something professional.

4. Wall Tapestry
   You can use large, expansive textiles to dress up the area behind the sofa. Wall tapestry add a flair of elegance that’s hard to achieve with anything else. Don’t be afraid to select textiles with a bold pattern and a lustrous texture. You can suspend a wall tapestry using a rod with interesting hardware.

5. Family Photos
   Of course, pictures of the family is a great way to make use of the empty space. Let’s take a different spin on the concept. Instead of traditional photos you can have a silhouette painted of each member of the family and hang it above the sofa.

Are you thinking of adding character to your home by adding some antique pieces? Yes, the world of antiques is vast, but it has so much to offer. Many people think that you have to have access to exclusive places in order to get some really nice pieces. However, antiques are more accessible than you think. If you are curious and don’t know where to start, don’t worry we are here to guide you.

An antique is an item that is at least a hundred years old. Goods are considered to be vintage if they are at least two decades old. Collectible are also can be chic in the home. Collectibles can be items that are either vintage or antique.

Why Invest in Antiques?
Antiques can really add tons of warmth and style to your home. Here are some key reasons why antiques can be the touch that your home needs:

• Most new furniture that you’ll find in stores like Ikea decrease in value over time. However, antiques hold they’re value and, in some instances, can increase over the years.
• Most antique furniture and items are made from high quality and durable materials than mass produced items. You can expect it to last for several more years to come.
• Even more important a beautiful antique item can add lots of character to a space especially if there is history behind it.

Learning More About Antiques
If you have an interest in antiques but don’t know where to start you should begin teaching yourself about different styles and what periods they come from. You can visit antique shops, auctions and fairs to see what kind of pieces are out there. Most dealers love to share they’re knowledge.

Shopping Online or Instore
You can shop for antiques online and in store. However, shopping for antiques in person is always much better especially when you are just starting out. Vendors will sell at fairs, flea markets and estate sales.

Happy Shopping!

From casual breakfast nooks to elegant formal dining spaces, dining rooms come in all shapes, sizes and styles. Everyone knows that one of the most important elements of a dining room are the dining chairs. From traditional dining sets to mix-matched dining sets, the design possibilities are numerous. Before you invest in dining chairs, it’s important to consider these important factors:

• Are they the right height for your dining table?
• Are they fabric durable and easy to clean?
• Are they comfortable enough for the type of entertaining you like to do?

Here’s a guide for choosing the best dining chairs for your dining space.

Design
While it has become trendy to pair contemporary with traditional chairs and vice versa, focus on finding pieces that share a common design element. For example, if you have opted for a square shaped dining table then you’ll want to make sure the chairs feature the same shape. Or if the table has an intricate design on the legs, then you should consider purchasing chairs with a similar design on the legs.

Dimension
The standard size of a dining chair is approximately 18 inches in height while the average dining table sits at 30 inches. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want at least 12 inches between the top of the seat and the bottom of the table. Also, the chairs should match the scale of the table. If you have a grand dining table than you’ll likely want to invest in bigger chairs.

Avoid purchasing chairs that are less than 17 inches wide. Why? Narrow seating won’t provide adequate support for your guests and will likely be uncomfortable. To create the ultimate comfortable experience look into obtaining chairs that are 20-24 inches deep.

Upholster or Not?
Deciding whether to invest in a upholstered chair or select something with a natural, easy to clean surface can be difficult. With upholstered chairs you can expect someone to spill something on it sooner or later. Therefore, the question is how much are you willing to care about it? If you want that upholstered feel but low maintenance, consider leather (or imitation leather) chairs.

Whether you’re working with a small or large layout it’s important for your living room to be a comfortable space. After all, the living room area serves many different functions. It’s where you entertain your guests, spend time with the family and watch all your favorite flicks.

Here are some tips to turn any sized living room and style into a cozy space.

1. Trade your bland coffee tables for stuffed oversized ottomans. Yes, plush ottomans will instantly add a sense of comfort to your living room. In addition, ottomans can serve multiple functions. An ottoman can serve as a coffee table, you can store extra items inside them and let’s not forget they are great for resting your feet on.

2. If you’re working with a large space, then consider filling in the space with a large sectional. Sectionals are super inviting and it creates a sense of warmth. The best part of having a sectional sofa is that you’ll have sufficient seating options which allows the family and your guests to sit comfortably.

3. Lighting is often overlooked when designing a room to be comfortable. Lighting drastically affects the mood of the room. A living room that is dark and doesn’t use sufficient lighting can feel depressing. Therefore, be sure to leave your drapes open so that natural lighting can flow in the room. If necessary, consider increasing the wattage of light bulbs or adding in extra light fixtures.

4. Don’t forget the throw blankets. Who doesn’t like to curl up in a plush blanket on a chilly night? Throw blankets don’t have to be tacky. To stylishly pull off this look use a blanket that is rich in color and texture. A throw blanket will make your living room feel more comfortable while also adding a bit of style to the area.

5. Throwing a soft area rug in the mix is another great way to add some comfort to the living room. An area rug will add some warmth to your contemporary tile or wood floors. FYI, super plush, furry area rugs are on trend this year!

Want to attract love in your life and more money in your bank account? Well, according to Feng Shui principles, your home’s decor can very well affect such principles. Feng Shui is based on an ancient art form that works to balance energies within a space. Try these Feng Shui principles right now in your house to attract money and love.

Feng Shui Tips for Attracting Love:

According to Feng Shui experts you should avoid putting your furniture against the walls. In fact, forget that the walls even exist. You’ll want to arrange your furnishing in a manner that supports good communication. Instead of arranging the furniture around the rug, try allowing the front legs to rest on it. This will allow people to just sit on the sofa and enjoy good conversation.

Tired of being single? Than stop surrounding yourself with single imagery. Try doubling up things within a room. Instead of a single chair in the corner, you can double it up and add another chair in the space. Also, avoid hanging single artwork or photographs on the wall. Add another nightstand to the side of your bed. It’s important to ensure that you create an energy of partnership by avoiding singularity in your design. Be sure to surround yourself in pairs.

If you’re working to improve your marriage you should hang up happy photos of your family. Yes, display couple photos and family photos of everyone smiling and having a good time. Be sure to put them on display in the hallways, living room, kitchen and other high traffic areas. Seeing these images daily will no doubt put a smile on your face.

Feng Shui Tips for Attracting Money:

Color has a huge impact on our mood and can both motivate and inspire. You can attract more money into your life by decorating with green, red or purple. Both green and purple are hues that attract prosperity. Red is often associated with power. When decorating with these colors you can add them in sparingly or go big by purchasing a statement piece furniture in that hue.

What many homeowners don’t know is that the kitchen is an area that attracts money. So keep the kitchen clean. The refrigerator and pantry should be organized and all clutter should be removed from the table and countertops. You can further create a healthy and vibrant home by riding your entire home of clutter and bring in plants to bring in positive energy.

Whether it’s the living room or the bedroom if you’re interested in giving the space a new look you don’t have to have a big budget to do so. Consider launching small, speedy projects that will allow you to freshen up the look. Simply switching things around a bit and dabbling in a bit of DIY can satisfy that need for change without launching a full out makeover.

1. Put down an area rug in the kitchen
   If you’ve been flirting with the idea of laying an area rug down in the kitchen, consider borrowing one from another room just to take the idea for a test run. If you don’t have one lying around somewhere or it doesn’t match the color scheme in the living room, you can always purchase a cheap one from your nearest outlet.

2. Create An Accent Wall
   Make a statement in a bland powder room or even the hallway by adding a strip of wallpaper featuring a standout pattern or color. A bathroom or a narrow hallway is an ideal place to experiment.

3. Paint the Door
   Add an unexpected pop of color to a door. Start off by rubbing the door down with sandpaper to create a smooth surface and apply a bold pop of color with a coat of paint. Paint and supplies don’t cost much and imagine the surprise such an unexpected color will be to your guests.

4. Create A Headboard with Paint
   Does your bed lack a headboard? Why not create a panel behind your bed to mimic the look of a headboard? Get the perfect square panel by professional grade painter’s tape to outline the area. The tape will prevent the color from bleeding and it helps you paint a sharp edge.

5. Rearrange Furnishing
   It’s easy to get tired of the look of a room especially if you’ve lived in the space for a while. Switch things up by rearranging the furniture in the room. You can swap furniture from different rooms and add in pieces.

6. Display A Collection
   Consider taking your knickknacks and creating a display of it. Install hooks on the wall to show off a collection. Photographs, framed paintings and other items can take a whole new life when you elevate them.

Wood furniture is a prized possession in any home. It instantly adds texture, comfort and style to your home’s decor. As an natural product you can expect wood to have differences in texture, color and grain. Such variations are what make wood furniture pieces beautiful and unique. Have you ever wondered what wood species make for the best furnishing? Check out these five popular wood species that are commonly used in furniture.

1.Beech
Beech is a type of hardwood that is heavy and strong. Beech usually has a tight grain with a smooth and even texture. It has a natural light color. This type of wood is often used to make furniture that requires a bit of flexibility or bending like chairs. Beech wood furniture provides a natural, organic look and it has a solid density. Like most wood furniture, beech wood can age gracefully if it’s properly maintained.

1. Walnut
   It’s beautiful, dark brown hue makes walnut a very popular choice for furniture. With it’s distinctive grain, walnut is known for its hardness, durability and shock resistance. Authentic walnut furniture is generally more expensive than most types of wood furniture because walnut trees don’t grow as often. Walnut is commonly found in furnishing that features dark stained finishes. As walnut furniture ages you’ll find that it gets a lighter and can turn into a rich honey hue.

2. Maple
   Maple is another type of hardwood that is dense yet durable. This wood species is often used in cabinetry and furniture. Maple’s straight grain contributes to it’s uniform texture. Maple wood has different variations in color including; reddish brown, white and lighter brown. Maple’s grain takes paint color well which is why it’s used in painted wood furniture.

3. Cherry
   Natural cherry is pricey and it’s a trendy choice for furniture and cabinetry. It’s ultra durable and it has a distinct yet attractive grain. Cherry has medium brown color with pink undertones and can age into a reddish brown.

4. Mahogany
   Mahogany is a tropical wood species with medium hardness. The great thing about this grain is that it is resistant to moisture which means that it less likely to warp or shrink. Mahogany has special grain patterns that can take on swirls and other types of shapes. It’s used to make finer furniture pieces. This species has a light pinkish hue that quickly transforms into a reddish brown color.