6 Ways to Refresh Any Room in the House

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.

5 Best Wood Species For Furniture

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.

5 Ways to Blend Different Colors

Brown or taupe? Or maybe white and gray? One thing these hues all have in common is that they are neutral based. Do you find yourself feeling confined to neutrals out of fear of experimenting with color? While a neutral palette will always be a design favorite some of us crave a bit of bold color. How can you implement such vibrant hues in your decor without going overboard? We’re going to show you how to effortlessly blend colors.

Tone on Tone
One way you can experiment with color is to use tone on tone hues. What does that mean? It involves using the same color but variations of the hue throughout the space. A tone on tone scheme will make you feel like you’re using a lot of color although you’re sticking with the same hue. A great tone on tone color you can play with is blue. Consider combining soft baby blue, chilly blue and dark navy for a tone on tone look. You can accent with violet or red.

What are some other colors to use in a tone on tone scheme? Warm colors work best. Some warm colors include, red, purple and orange.

Break Up Color with Neutrals
Use neutral elements to break up color on color when you feel it’s becoming a bit much. For example, a room with yellow walls and other variations of this hue throughout the space, leaving the trim on the walls white can add a sense of balance while emphasizing this neutral element. Introduce as many neutrals as you want to tame the look to your liking.

Wood
Another great way to diffuse a colorful design scheme that is getting out of hand is to incorporate some wood elements. Just imagine adding a wood coffee table, chairs or even exposing your wood floors can add loads of natural warmth while creating a balance.

Don’t Forget Texture
When working with different colors you can’t forget to enhance the design by using texture. Rough or rich textured such as lacquered furniture, a brick wall or even unfinished flooring can add interest.

Using Multiple Different Colors
When using various colors within a single space you’ll want to use something that can tie in all the different hues. For instance, a colorful piece of artwork or accessory can help harmonize all the colors being used.

Adding Vibrant Color To A Kids Room

When designing a kid’s room, you may be tempted to drench the walls in a bold and vibrant color to give the room some personality. After all, a kid’s room is supposed to be fun and energetic. Before you begin obnoxiously adding color to the walls according to the experts you can still create a vibrant look and keep the walls a neutral based color.

Accent colors are one of the many ways you can add a sense of playfulness to your child’s room. When picking out accent colors to implement in the design scheme use your kid’s favorite color as inspiration. Here are a few ways you can add bold and vibrant colors without changing the wall colors:

Removable Wallpaper
Stick and peel wallpaper are available in a variety of colors and designs. They’re even manufactured in designs such as camouflage, animal prints and other types of patterns. Removable wallpaper easily adds some whimsy to the space but it also looks mature enough to stay on the walls as your child gets older.

Furniture and Accessories
Make a big statement with the furnishing and accessories you pick out for your child’s room. For instance, a floral bed set, or a bright red headboard will add lots of style to the room. You can use colorful picture frames on the walls. Try doing some creative like painting the dresser they’re favorite color or let the child put their own personal touch on it by putting their handprint on it. Bold colored accessories will stand out against the gray or white walls.

Wall Decals
Create a custom design on the wall with wall stickers or decals that can be easily removed. Wall decals can feature your kid’s favorite cartoon character, confetti inspired designs are also trendy. You can let your child decorate the walls as they desire with the wall stickers and you don’t have to worry about fixing it later.

Accent Rug
Add a hint of color with an accent area rug. Whether it’s pink or a bold pattern an accent rug can add some vibrancy to the room and pulls in the whole design scheme together.

Tips for a More Visually Appealing Room

Have you ever entered a space and got captivated by its beauty? It is no secret that every homeowner wants a visually-appealing space. If you are looking to master this art, you came to the right place. We have ten tips for creating a more visually-appealing room. Let’s get started! 

 

Tips for a More Visually Appealing Room

  1. It’s a Material World.

A visually appealing room indulgences the senses. Of course, sight could be considered the most important in a design, but an intriguing texture can also dominate the senses. With texturized materials, you can captivate both sight and touch. Just by incorporating a woven rug or stitched pillow, you can begin to create a more visually appealing room. The textures will play off of the room’s overall design and add a special touch to your space. 

  1. On The Down-Low

Large, bulky furniture can make a room feel cramped and unwelcoming. To help create a more free-flowing space, we recommend buying pieces that are closer to the ground. Low-furniture can make your room look bigger which in essence, is more visually appealing. 

  1. Simply Put.

While shopping for furniture, we recommend keeping it as simple as possible. Decor trends come and go so quickly that you cannot guarantee a piece will survive the passing of a fad. To keep your furniture in style longer, opt for classic colors and builds in your furniture. A good, cozy sofa may not be your trendy dream, but it could outlast your current place. 

  1. Your Reflection.

Mirrors dominate the design industry. The wonders that a small reflective piece of glass can do is unreal. Mirrors can help accentuate your room to make it look bigger and more open. With light reflecting properties, mirrors are the ultimate room “wing-man.” 

  1. Looking Outwards

Sometimes, homeowners will make the mistake of having their furniture face into the room. Instead, we recommend facing your couch towards the window. This gives a more appealing site for people using the couch as well as a more visually appealing set-up. 

  1. High Roller

If you are interested in creating a high-ceiling-illusion, you can install curtain rods about two inches above your window frame. This will help to make your room feel taller. 

  1. Sleek Shelving

Sleek shelves can create clean, sharp lines in your space. These sharp lines will help make your room more appealing to the eyes. 

  1. Cornered.

If you are looking for a cozy-feel, you can angle your furniture into your corners to help play off of the angles.  

  1. Let There Be Light(s)

Lighting is key when designing the ultimate room. In order to have the best room possible, you need to be able to see it. We recommend installing extra lighting wherever need and a dimmer to set the mood. 

  1. Cut Out the Stuff

A visually-appealing room starts and ends with clutter. If you have a jam-packed room, it can take away from the overall beauty of the space. Be sure to cut back on clutter and keep surfaces clear. This will help guests to take in the entire experience. 


Color Ideas for Your Home

Are you interested in exploring the color realm, but you are not exactly sure where to start? Look no further! With our top color ideas, you can master the color wheel in your space. Let’s get started! 

 

Color Hacks for Your Home:

  1. Trending

Each year Pantone releases a color of the year, this can be a great way for you to keep up to date on current color styles and trends. If you have the budget, you can incorporate the color of the year into your home’s design. Typically, we recommend using items that can be easily swapped out the next year. This simple hack will make sure that your home is always on trend. 

  1. Go Bold or Go Home

If you are using color in your home, you may as well go bold with it. We suggest trying to add at least bold choice to each room. This could be as simple as a bright green decor piece or as daring as a black wall. 

  1. Balanced Out

With colors, it is important to always balance out everything. Adding neutrals can help create symmetry and a more balanced room. If you are new to designing, it may be easier to start off with a neutral base and build from there. 

  1. Embrace a Monochromatic Scheme

All one color? You may already be hesitant. But, monochromatic color schemes are actually quite visually-appealing. With monochromatic color schemes, your design really speaks for itself. Plus, keep in mind that you use a plethora of different shades and values to create this monochromatic masterpiece. The different values and shades help to add definition to your space. 

  1. More Than the Walls

Color is so much more than just your walls. Color can be found anywhere in a room. From the crown-molding to your dresser handles, there is an opportunity for color in each nook and cranny. While exploring colors, try and embrace the room in its entirety. Explore all the different areas of your room that can incorporate color. 

  1. Experience Neutrals

When you think of a neutral wall, your mind probably goes straight towards a tan or beige wall. A lot of homeowners do not realize that neutrals go far beyond the color tan. In fact, your apprehensions towards neutral tones may arise from the fact that they are considered boring, bland, and dull. But, neutrals can carry a lot of attitude in one color. Before you kick them to the side, acquire a few samples of unique neutrals. This could help get the ball rolling and spark ideas that you did not know you had. 

  1. Time for Change

You may be comfortable with your current design, but that does not mean it is not the time for a change. If you ever curious about redesigning your room, we encourage you to take the leap! 

Create the Ultimate Homeschool Workroom

Whether you homeschool your children or they attend school outside the home, creating an organized and inspirational place for them to do homework has benefits for all! The space needs to be a place in the home that promotes creativity, critical thinking and makes it fun to learn! We have listed some easy tips below for creating the ultimate school workroom at home:

  1. If you are like most of us, your space may be limited, so organization and using the proper furniture is critical in the overall design of the room. If your home has a basement or upstairs play area then you have the perfect spot!
  2. First, we recommend painting the room white or a light gray with white trim. We are going to add pops of bold color in floor pillows, area rugs/pads, artwork and furniture. For an outside natural feeling, paint the ceiling a light sky blue. This will make you smile every time you look up by invoking nature outside!
  3. For flooring, we recommend a solid surface like hardwood, luxury vinyl tile or laminate.
    You can add color with floor pillows in red, blue, green or yellow. Also, depending on your children’s age you can use colorful graphic area rugs, or tiled puzzled mats made out of rubber/silicone. Keep in mind standing on a hard surface can be hard on your back and legs. Rubber padded mats and rugs are a great option for eliminating aches and pains – and of course carpet with the right pad can also soften the space.
  4. In most cases you will need to maximize space for storage by installing vertical shelving. Purchase inexpensive shelving in big box stores, online, yard/garage sales and second hand/nonprofit charity stores. If purchasing used shelving, you can easily paint with spray paint or rolling on with a small roller. If the surface is a laminate, we recommend taking a fine to medium sandpaper and hitting the surface to ensure the paint adheres to the surface. Priming before painting is recommended.
  5. Create a space for a reading nook and quiet time depending on the children’s age. Also, purchase an inexpensive water feature for relaxing an enhancing their creativity!

We hope you enjoy and have fun creating this special place for your children and by all means please let us know your creative ideas for the project!

Affordable Living Room Decor Ideas

Are you looking to add quality without spending quantity? We have seven genius and affordable decor ideas for you to use in your living room this spring. Let’s take a look! 

 

Affordable Living Room Decor Ideas

  1. Rearrange

If you feel stuck in the same, underwhelming design, an easy fix is to rearrange your living room furniture. By rearranging, you can transform your space into something completely new while spending zero dollars. When rearranging, you want to keep these aspects in mind: 

1. The room’s flow/traffic pattern.

2. The furniture’s function.

3. The focal point of the space. 

  1. Repaint

You may be surprised by what a gallon of paint can do for your living room. If your current color scheme is feeling dull, you can freshen it up with a new wall color. You can even repaint some of your furniture to make them feel brand new. 

  1. Redesign. 

While redecorating, you may decide that you want a completely new design. You can redesign your space into something completely new. Leaving the same base of your room will help stay on budget. The base will be items like your furniture, but items like your pillows, curtains, blankets, and decor pieces can be swapped out to match your new design. 

  1. Reimagine

Before you get rid of older items, try and reimagine their use. For example, a stack of old books can be used as a decor piece on a coffee table. The best way to save money in your design is to use things that you already own. You can go through your home and find items that are not being used then incorporate them into your living room’s design.

  1. Refocus

Depending on your space, you may have the opportunity to switch focus to a new point in the room. A different area may be able to become your new “focal point.” For example, if your furniture has always faced the windows, you may want to try something new. Try adjusting your furniture’s focus to point in a new direction. Maybe you have a gorgeous fireplace that you want to show. Now is your time to redirect the focus to that specific area. 

  1. Renew

Antique and thrift shops are the perfect places to find old, well-kept furniture for an affordable price. While shopping, you want to get creative and try to see items with all of their possibilities. An old dresser may look unappealing now, but with a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware; it could look brand new! 

  1. Repurpose

If you are on a tight budget, buying all new furniture may not be realistic. Instead, you will want to try to repurpose some items that you currently own. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you can accomplish with your own items. 

 

We would love to hear your decorating ideas!  Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

 

8 Decor Ideas for Your Bathroom

If you are in a design rut, we have eight decorating ideas to help get your creative juices flowing. Let’s take a look at eight decor ideas for your home’s bathroom. 

 

Eight Decor Ideas for Your Bathroom

  1. Pictures.

One of the most commonly-used decor pieces is pictures. Whether it is from your personal collection or bought from a store, pictures can add style and set the tone in any room.

  1. Plants.

Plants can make everything better. They are extremely beautiful and have the ability to put a smile on your face after a long day. If you have the budget for fresh flowers, they can be a stylish detail to add to your countertops. Succulents can be placed on your bathroom’s windowsill or above your toilet. You even have the option of purchasing a hanging plant for the corners of your bathroom. The options are truly endless! Try and get creative by using different types of plants.

  1. Containers + Jars.

Hold all of your essential bathroom items inside of small containers and jars. They are beautiful decor pieces as well as being extremely functional. You can add them to your countertops to store smaller items like q-tips, cotton swabs, and toothpicks. 

  1. Baskets.

What better way to decorate than with a piece of storage? The trick of using baskets as decor pieces has been a design trick for decades. All you need to do is find the perfect collection of baskets and work them into your bathroom’s design. The baskets will give you extra storage and a classic finish to the room. 

  1. Tray.

Trays are a perfect organizational solution for bathroom counters. You can place a decorative tray on top of your countertop and add a decorative arrangement inside of it. Things like candles, lotion, and hand soap are simple ideas that you can add to your decorative tray. 

  1. Candles.

Not only do candles smell amazing, but they are also a beautiful decor piece. The best part is that they come in an array of sizes, shapes, and smells to meet your personal preferences. If you are looking to create a calming oasis, we recommend placing tea lights around your bathtub to create a relaxing bath. 

  1. Artwork

If you are a lover of art, the bathroom can be an incredible place to showcase it. Everyone goes to the bathroom and odds are that your guests will use yours at one point throughout the evening. Your bathroom’s artwork can spark an interest and even create a conversation after they return. 

  1. Mirrors

Mirrors are one of the most incredible decor pieces for any room. They can help open up an entire space by reflecting natural light which ultimately makes the room look bigger. Amongst being beautiful, they are one of the interior designer’s best-kept secrets. If you have the opportunity to add a mirror to your decor, go for it! You can even purchase several small mirrors and make an interesting design out of them on the wall. 

 

How do you decorate your bathroom? We would love to hear your thoughts and comments in the section below! 

 

Incorporating Neutrals into Your Design

Working solely with neutral colors is easier than you may think. A lot of homeowners will opt for this timeless trend because it creates a clean and well-put-together look. The only issue with having a neutral color palette is that you have the possibility for a “boring” space. To help you get the best look for your buck, we have created a simple guide on how to incorporate neutrals into your design. Let’s take a look! 

 

How to Incorporate Neutrals into Your Design

  1. Understand The Undertone

A neutral color can be characterized as a color that has equal parts of the three primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) with each primary color being at an extremely low saturation. This low saturation can make for a beautiful, soft color that will compliment all other colors in your design. Next, you will notice that there are two types of neutral undertones: warm and cool toned. 

    • Undertone Examples
      • Warm-Toned Colors: Red, Peach, Orange, Copper, Rust, Amber, Gold,  Yellow, Violet-Red, Burgundy, Tan, Beige, Cream, Brown, etc. 
      • Cool-Toned Colors: Blue, Navy, Blue-Green, Sea-foam Green, Emerald, Plum, Purple, Pink, Gray, Charcoal, Black, etc. 
  1. Backdrop

Since neutrals are versatile and compliment everything, they make for the perfect backdrop. When working specifically with neutrals, you can get creative with textures and materials. Backsplashes help to add interest and design into your space without taking away from the overall look. 

  1. Keep it in The Family

After discussing the difference between undertones, we want to encourage you to choose either a cool-toned or warm-toned design for your room. All cool-tone neutrals will work well with one another and vice versa for warm-toned neutrals. The base of these neutrals are the same and they will help to create a seamless design. 

  1. Texturize

Our best advice to you while decorating with neutrals is to add texture. This texture will help spice up your space. From an exotic wallpaper to a detailed rug, you can have a beautifully textured piece that does not distract from the rest of the room’s design. 

  1. Light to Dark

Lastly, you want to be sure that you are incorporating an array of different shades of neutrals throughout your room. Designers recommend beginning the room with 30%-50% in the lightest color then building from there. The rest of your room can be matched with medium and deep shades to compliment the different values.