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Hearts’ Day Decorating Guidelines

Thursday, February 14th, 2019

The perfect decor: Maitland-Smith Accessories Set of Two Heart Shaped Boxes 8115-11

Valentine’s Day is often depicted as a day for boxed chocolates and red, cutout hearts but there is a lot more to it than these things. Hearts’ Day can also be a great day to redecorate your home for your loved one.

 

Now let’s focus on your senses. See how you can enhance your visual, tactile, and even your olfactory sense. Here’s how to decorate your home especially for Valentine’s Day –

 

Good to Touch

 

The most romantic interior designs satiate the tactile sense. Anything that’s smooth and soft to the touch creates sensuality. Imagine going to the spa where you are pampered. Soaking in a tub is an ideal thing complete with scented soap, votives and candle pillars to light the room.

 

Cotton and silk are great on the bed, a high pile rug is awesome to go underfoot, marino wool is perfect for your comfy couch, and other soft furnishings would surely make the bedroom more romantic.

 

Faux fur accents are also a great addition because they are beautiful to look at and soft to touch. Place it on an ottoman and you’ve instantly increased the level of comfort in the room.

 

Some Mood Lighting

 

Lighting is an effective mood-enhancing element. Even the most amazing floral arrangements won’t matter if you have poor lighting.

 

The ambiance is created by the way the light glows and is distributed throughout the space. So go ahead and manipulate the lights by having dimmers and low wattage bulbs especially for this occasion.

 

The dimmers, more importantly, are the best mood setters whether in the bedroom, dining room or just about any room in a home. Combine these with candlelight or a lovely table lamp and you have set up the perfect subdued ambiance.

 

You can also use fire to create the most intimate settings. For centuries, man has been dependent on fire for illumination and even cooking. Now, it can be utilized to inspire romance in a room.

 

For a more intimate room, you can turn off the lights and use candles instead. Use candelabra to set up the candles. These will also help create a formal setting. Shop for soy-based clean candles because they come from renewable energy sources and they even have terrific aromatic smells.

 

The fireplace must also be ablaze the moment that you decide to increase the level of romance in your home. Whether this is located in the middle of the living room or in the large bedroom, be sure to gather ample firewood.

 

Your wall lighting can also be optimized during this day. It can help create a cozy tone.

 

Go Natural

 

Whether it’s a single-stemmed or a dozen red roses, these flowers are, without a doubt, a Valentine’s Day favorite. The tradition of offering roses dates all the way back to the later part of 17th century.

 

Sweden’s King Charles II once took a trip to Persia and was soon exposed to the floral expressionism. Europeans gave meanings to each flower and their definitions were widely circulated.

 

The rose was one of these flowers. Greek mythology tells of Aphrodite’s tears and Adonis’ blood giving birth to rose bushes.

 

Add flower décor so that you make your place look and smell more romantic.

 

Choose Valentine’s Hues

 

Be mindful of color psychology. Pick specific colors that will help you set up the romantic mood in the room. Red is an awfully intense color but it is timely for the upcoming V-Day because it represents desire, energy, and passion.

 

If you cannot fully commit to an all-red room, then go for accents. Pair it with black to create a more dramatic ambiance.

All things red are welcome: Maitland-Smith Bar and Game Room Bar Cabinet, Telephone Booth 8136-51

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From Neophyte to Recycling Pro

Wednesday, February 13th, 2019

Tommy Bahama Home Living Room Flamingo Octagonal End Table 593-951: Buy furnishings that come from sustainable materials.

More and more people seem to be joining the zero waste movement throughout the world. With videos popping everyday to remind us that we can actually concoct our own deodorants and that used toilet paper can still be recycled to turn into something else entirely.

 

But what does zero waste mean exactly?

 

It could mean caring enough so that no stuff that you throw ever goes to the landfill. It could also mean saying no to using plastic.

 

There are now a lot of influencers who talk you into catching on with sustainable living and letting go of their garbage-filled lives. If you’re ready to live as they do, then here are a few tips that could jump-start your new lifestyle –

 

No Shopping Bags Please

 

Instead of having your newly bought items stashed inside a plastic bag, you can just bring a reusable bag with you. The lightweight kind of market bags is light enough to bring with you at all times.

 

Always be prepared with a reusable bag because you’ll never know when you’ll feel like shopping.

 

Do Bulk Purchases

 

Divide your shopping time between the grocery stores and the farmers’ market. Fresh produce can be gotten at the latter but they are often selling in retail. If you want to do some bulk purchase, then zero in on the supermarket. This is the place that could give you the veggies in bulk.

 

And as you shop, be sure to bring your reusable bags yet again. If you have to bring containers for your liquid purchases, then do so.

 

Buying in bulk might be more expensive at first but it could actually save you money as you keep at it. Plus you don’t have to worry about the stack of plastic bags that eventually turns into a mountain under the kitchen sink.

 

Use Rags and Dish Towels, Not Paper Towels

 

This is one of the easiest transitions that you could do. Sure, it’s convenient to just wipe and throw but you can commit to a better solution. If you’re not used to washing rags, then slowly wean yourself from the paper towels.

 

You can begin by hiding the paper towels and then getting some unused shirts that you could begin using as a rag.

 

Cloth napkins can also be used for everyday cleanups.

 

Store Food in Metal or Glass Containers

 

There are many reasons why you should pick a glass container instead of a plastic one. Glass is safer, it is better able to hold heat in, and it is transparent and a lot prettier than plastic.

 

Glass is also a lot cleaner compared to plastic containers.

 

Practice the FIFO Method

 

The FIFO or first-in-first-out food storage method is efficient because it ensures that no food goes to waste. Older products, which were bought earlier, are used or consumed prior to the newer ones.

 

There are just five simple steps to follow for this method –

 

  • Find the products that have the soonest use-by or best before dates.
  • Throw stuff that are already damaged or are past these dates.
  • The stuff with the soonest dates must be kept in front of the fridge or the cabinets.
  • The newer items must be stocked at the back.
  • Sell or use the oldest items first.

 

Make Your Own Stuff

 

This might not be that easy. You could begin with some kitchen beauty remedies such as honey or ice cubes instead of the usual facial cream. Look for DIY soaps, shampoos, and cleaners.

 

Cut Down on Your Trash

 

Take a careful look inside the garbage bags and analyze how you could cut down on the contents. If the bin is already brimming with cartons and plastics, then you know what to do.

 

Vow to say no to plastic the next day and recycle the things that you could.

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Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home – Why Not?

Tuesday, February 12th, 2019

Hearts’ Day is all about having a special day to celebrate with your loved one. Many prefer to go out to wine and dine but what if – for a change – you decide to stay at home instead? Believe it or not, it could become a great way to connect with your spouse.

                                             Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Akiro Modern Nickel Candelabra 20002

A romantic dinner right in your own home might not be your first idea to celebrate during this special day but, believe it or not, it is also something that you could make exciting.

 

Here are some awesome tips that you can set up a romantic dinner for you and your sweetheart –

 

Dress Up

 

Staying at home doesn’t mean that you should forget about dressing up for the event. Make this occasion special even when you won’t have to deal with a huge crowd or waiters in tux.

 

Allow your personality to still shine through but not to the point that you end up overwhelming your date. So go ahead and bring out those silks, skirts, and high heels. For the guys, this occasion merits a tie so be sure to wear one.

 

Set Up a Romantic Table

 

Be sure to cover the dining table with a cream-colored linen cloth. Have the silverware wrapped in nothing but the best (cloth napkins). Be sure to tie them with a ribbon (preferably red because of its significance to the occasion).

 

The table display must be kept low so that you can look beyond the flower vases. Don’t forget to bring in some taper candles for your romantic, candlelit dinner. Should you feel the need to add more light, then you can just set up other candles near or around the table.

 

Be sure to use unscented candles only so that they will not affect the flavors of the foods that will be prepared.

 

Use only the fanciest tableware. You can also create a centerpiece of floating tea lights or fresh flowers. Before serving anything, warm the plates in your oven.

 

Play Some Mood Music

 

Be sure to prepare a romantic music playlist for that special evening. Choose from classical or jazz music, whichever you both like, this should be an awesome evening so choose the pieces that will play softly in the dreamy background.

 

Serve a Scrumptious Dinner

 

Just as you prepped the dining area as well as the music that will be playing, you also need to make a plan for the delicious meal. Make sure that the dishes you prepare are those that you both enjoy.

 

Ideas include scalloped oysters, filet mignon, roasted duck or lamb chops. If you’re feeling experimental, then you can go ahead and try other recipes for your special dinner. If you can, you can also prepare the meal together, making the foods served even more special.

 

Keep the food portions small so that you can have the leisure of sampling everything. This is not a night to overstuff yourself even with the most delicious foods.

 

And what’s a dinner without a sweet dessert?

 

Choose a decadent dessert that you will share with your beloved. You can have molten Choco cake, cheesecake, cream puff or any sweet pastry.

 

 

Pick the Best Wine

 

Since it’s a celebration of your love, what could be more apt than champagne? Keep the tradition going by drinking champagne. Be like European royalty who view this sparkling beverage as a status symbol.

 

Get champagne plus a few more bottles of choice wines that would go with the kind of food that you would serve. White wine is typically paired with chicken or fish while the darker wines such as Merlot are eaten with duck, red meat, grilled foods, and pasta.

Imagine the delectable dinner displayed on this Fine Furniture Design Dining Room Marlborough Dining Table, it’s a sublime picture, isn’t it?

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Is It the Correct Pendant Light?

Friday, February 8th, 2019

Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Arborea Glass Mini Pendant 22006

Pendant lamps – the animal fat in clay pot with wick types – date all the way back to Ancient Greece. There are a lot of changes since then and in this modern era, starting from the middle of the century, industrial type fixtures have started to appear.

 

Pendant fixtures are now a popular option for lighting many different rooms. You can make them work to your advantage if you learn a few guidelines.

 

Pendant Over a Table

 

The minimum height for the pendant light to dangle beautifully above a table is at 28-32 inches. You can adjust according to your preference but be mindful of the size of the fixture and the height of your ceiling.

 

It’s up to you to assign the role for your pendant light whether it’s going to be ambient or task light.

 

A big drum pendant lighting hanging over the table is able to anchor a vignette. With dimmers, it can also provide brighter lighting for day tasks such as finishing an assignment.

 

You can also hang multiple pendants above your rectangular table so the entire surface can be illuminated and also for aesthetics purpose.

 

Pendant in the Hallway

 

You can also hang pendants on the hallway or in the entryway. These lighting fixtures add drama and charm to those spaces. They cast interesting shadows while also providing illumination.

 

Where you need to light tall ceilings, be sure to hang the pendants at the right height. Hanging them high up could only lead to a confusing room. For lower ceilings, just use flush-mount lighting.

 

As for the hall, you have the choice to hang a series of like fixtures. This is a classic lighting technique that will provide a traditional look to your home. Keep the height at 8 feet so that there is ample clearance from the ceiling down to the floor.

 

Note also the doors and how they are opened. Make sure that there is ample clearance.

 

Pendants on the Stairwell

 

Pendant lights can also be hung in your stairwell. These will serve as a sculptural element in that area while providing the needed illumination.

 

Remember to hang the pendant light at a height that provides sufficient clearance for when you walk up or down the stairs. There must be no less than 18 to 24 inches of clearance. If there are tall family members, then make sure to adjust accordingly.

 

Pendant Above the Island

 

When you’re considering installing pendant light in the kitchen, then the best spot to put it is right above your beautiful kitchen island. This is an awesome way to provide ample task light while also enhancing your kitchen’s style.

 

The typical height for pendants is at 28 to 34 inches right above the countertop. Coming from the floor, there should be 72 inches, at the very least.

 

Yet another tip in hanging pendants above the peninsula or island is to hang them high enough so that you won’t be staring at lights when you’re standing.

 

Pendants at the Center and the Side

 

Pendant lighting is also beautiful when placed in the middle of a room such as in the case of the light above the coffee table. This will create drama while also being functional. Make sure that people won’t have to stoop just to walk under the pendant light.

 

Pendant lights can also be used by the side of a bed; instead of the usual bedside lamps, try these for a change. This is an effective way to illuminate the area especially in a room where there’s limited lighting.

 

Pendant in the Bathroom

 

The pendant light can also be used inside this room where it can replace the traditional sconces. Remember the basic rule which is to keep the lighting high enough so that you won’t hit it when you’re standing.

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Greenery-Happy in Your Charming Home

Thursday, February 7th, 2019

Uttermost Accessories Moth Orchid Planter

Indoor plants are a hot thing nowadays because of their inclusion in interior design. They are not only luxurious to look at but are also known to give a lot of benefits. Here are some ways that your green home décor can help you –

 

Improved Air

 

The body takes in oxygen each time it breathes. And as it exhales, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. This has been the eternal pattern which is why plants, animals, and humans have been partners for a long time.

 

Adding greeneries to your indoor space will improve the oxygen levels there. At night, you just have to bring them out since plants tend to respire like humans during that time.

 

Some plants such as succulents, orchids, and epiphytic bromeliads don’t do this so you can place them inside the bedroom even at night.

 

Increase in Humidity

 

A part of the plants’ respiratory and photosynthetic processes is the vapor release which can help increase the humidity in a room. This water release is approximately 97% of the total water intake of the plant. Bring in several plants indoors and you will definitely increase the humidity in a room.

 

Purified Air

 

Plants are also known to remove the toxins from the air. You can look forward to about 87% of VOCs or volatile organic compounds being removed from the air that you breathe. This data is according to NASA research.

 

Of course, you wouldn’t want VOCs to be present in your home. These are substances that are present in vinyl, rugs, grocery bags, and cigarette smoke. Trichloroethylene and benzene, on the other hand, are found in paint, inks, and solvents.

 

Living in a climate-controlled home increases the risk of trapping VOCs indoors so it is best to bring in plants so that these contaminants will become food for your plant instead.

 

Better Health

 

It’s been proven that hospital rooms that are decorated with potted plants tend to have patients that recover faster. Compared to the patients who do not have plants in their rooms, the patients who have plants in their rooms require less pain medications and they also suffer less anxiety and fatigue.

 

A Norwegian university even declared that the sickness rate in offices fell by more than 60% where there are plants brought in.

 

A Colorful Interior Décor

 

So, how many potted plants should you bring in?

 

The reduction of stress and fatigue requires at least one huge plant that’s about 8” in diameter. The bigger the pot, the better.

 

Classroom and office settings require more. If you want to purify the air, use 6-8 inch diameter pots for every 1,800 square meters.

 

Remember that the key to a colorful and fresh interior is to decorate with the most colorful plants. You could choose from the following –

 

  • Spider plant
  • Dracaena
  • Devil’s ivy
  • Fig
  • Lady palm
  • Aloe vera
  • Ficus
  • Succulents
  • Snake plant and
  • Peace lily.

 

Just about any room can have a lovely corner beautified by any of these plants. Optimize the use of every nook and cranny in your space by adding corner shelves where you can put your choice of potted plants. You can then complete the look by adding your book collection and accessories.

 

A wide coffee table that’s sitting undecorated in the middle of the living room would do well to have some plant life on it. a table made of wood can be polished or painted then decorated with plant life. You can also make use of planters to bring in even more plants.

 

The bathroom could use a bit of freshness as well. Have an accent wall made of wood or natural stone then have it decorated with fresh plants. Even the kitchen would also look great with small planters decorating the window sill.

The Uttermost Outdoor/Patio Niya Oversized Planters can help beautify the corners of your home.

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Iconic and Spanish

Wednesday, February 6th, 2019

Maitland-Smith Living Room Ant Spanish Mahogany Occ Table 8136-30

There are certain things that are unique to a country or region. Spain is one country that’s so unique that it’s easy to tell when a design element comes from there. Just think of their cuisine, architecture, music, and art and you’ve only tapped a third of their uniqueness.

 

Of course you’ve heard of the siesta, right? This is that 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon that’s practice by farmers so that they do not labor during the hottest hours in the afternoon. Modern Spain has abandoned this practice, though.

 

When it comes to dance, who hasn’t heard of the Flamenco? This originates from the Eastern European gypsy music. It is a unique to Extremadura, Andalucia, and Murcia where guitar, singing, hand clapping and dancing are forged into one.

 

If you’re a lover of Spanish art, then you wouldn’t wanna miss on a Pablo Picasso piece. Picasso was an influential artist who hand-painted, made sculptures, and shaped ceramics.

 

Cubism came from his artistic mind and he even co-invented the collage.

 

All these beautiful things about Spain make it an amazing style resource.

 

Spanish Style Fundamentals

 

Spanish interior design has many common elements with the Mediterranean styles. Just look at the architecture and crafts in Morocco, Greece and France, and you’ll sense a deep influence from these equally unique styles.

 

So what are the basics of Spanish design?

 

Since its influences come from its neighboring Mediterranean region, Spanish style showcases a color palette that highlights the coastline colors of green, blue, browns, and whites.

 

Terracotta reds and shades of oranges give the needed warmth to the chiefly cool palette. Just take a look at the Spanish roofs and floors and you’ll commonly see terracotta tiles.

 

Stone and ceramic elements are also quite common as are wrought-iron pieces, pottery, iron pieces, carved wooden panel, and candelabra. It is also common to see copper accents as a part of the design.

 

Spanish style wall finishes come with heavy textures of plaster or stucco. It’s easy to establish visual depth with these features. Used in conjunction with these walls are the soft neutral glazes. Together, they create color and more definition.

 

The wall décor for Spanish homes include wrought-iron grilles, woven tapestries and others that add an elegant, rustic touch. Keep the accessories to a bare minimum but make sure that the highlighted items such as vases, urns, pots, and planters are big enough to catch people’s attention.

 

Spanish Colonial

 

Spanish colonial and Native American cultures merged in the Spanish Colonial style. Also referred to as the Mission style, it got its name from the mission churches that were built within the region.

 

The architecture for this style is emphasized by tile rooftops, courtyards, stucco walls, and arches. The landscape in the surrounding southwestern region shows the influence of deep yellows, beige, purple, red, white, and pink.

 

Furniture and accessories in this style are rustically down-to-earth. It is common to find solid woods like oak. Very little ornamentation is seen. Other features include freestanding cabinets; corner, bell-shaped fireplaces; and wall benches. The earthy ceramic, stone or rock floors make these features even more striking.

 

Spanish Revival

 

The 1920’s was the era of Spanish Revival homes in California. These were built to satiate the demand for Spanish architectural styles. It is a hybrid style that showcases Spanish elements of stucco walls, wooden beams, adobe bricks, terracotta roofing, and carved entryways. The gates are almost always wrought-iron as are the window grilles, railings, and banisters.

 

Modern Spanish

 

You can get inspiration from these Spanish styles. Don’t forget the textured walls with faux finishes in apricot, off white, gold and burnt sienna. Be sure to use solid wood banisters or have metal versions installed. The stairs must also feature tiles and natural woodwork.

 

Other essentials are exposed beams bare floors, and terracotta accents.

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Are You Daring Enough for Bold Interiors?

Tuesday, February 5th, 2019

The Uttermost Living Room Royal Cobalt Blue Accent Chair pops from the neutral and dark fusion on its background.

There are many different parameters that help shape design. If one would look at each one’s design, everyone has a preference or taste that’s distinct. Even the relationships that each person goes into are indicative of his or her qualities and perspectives in life. At the bottom of it all is each one’s personality.

 

Each individual’s personality is the catalyst to an environment, emotions, even the ups and downs of his or her life. This is the same force that repels or attracts other people. Personality almost always dictates ever aspect of a human’s life.

 

Color is the best way to add unique touches in anyone’s home. It is known to have a profound effect on people’s emotions and moods. Putting bright colors in your interior design can help create a jovial atmosphere.

 

If you’re willing to go way beyond happy, then you can be playful. Neon shades are the boldest. You can also make use of a feature wall or splashes of hues that are strategically situated. Practically any room can have neon hues or any vibrant colors, it’s all a matter of knowing how to use them.

 

Lately, modern interiors have been showing a lot of bold colors. The key here is to have restraint no matter how the colors might excite you. Too much of any color isn’t going to look right. Sometimes, all it takes is a hint or two on the furnishings or textiles and you will achieve the ideal.

 

Here are more ways that you can use bold colors in your home –

 

Be Familiar with the Color Wheel

 

If you’re going to use bold colors, then be familiar with the color wheel. This tool can help you pick the right colors for your interior design. The 12 shades have been arranged and divided into cool and warm hues.

 

The cool colors include shades of blue, turquoise and violets. The warm shades are the red shades and oranges.

 

Analogous colors, which are placed right beside each other on a color wheel, tend to work well when they are fused. These are the best colors to harmoniously blend everything else in the space.

 

Consider also the tone and saturation of the colors that you pick. The saturated shades tend to be more vibrant while the less saturated hues are the muted versions of a basic color.

 

Apply the 80:20 Rule

 

This rule is crucial when you’re designing. This basically means that 80-percent of the room should be kept neutral while the rest, at 20% must be bright-colored. This is the technique in creating a statement in a way that’s just enough so that the look isn’t ruined.

 

An example of this is when muted gray and yellows are used on the walls as the sofa is a bright lemon hue. This is an interesting contemporary statement.

 

If you’re a bit cautious in spending your hard-earned money on colorful pieces of furniture which you may end up regretting, then it’s okay to begin with less of a commitment.

 

You can always go with a neutral couch that’s highlighted by bright-colored throws. These pieces will give you the same boldness without committing too much. Should you decide to push through with the furnishing investment in the future, at least, you saw and felt how it was to have bold colors in your home in a non-pricey way.

 

Light and Shade

 

If you have a home that’s filled with daylight, then all you have to worry about is to look for dramatic tones that will serve as accents. Whichever colors you end up choosing, strive to design the space in an inviting manner and never shocking.

 

 

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Retro Interiors Made Trendy

Monday, February 4th, 2019

The American Leather Living Room Ainsley-Sectional may not feature the bold retro colors but its sleek legs and slim look are retro necessities.

The American Leather Living Room Ainsley-Sectional may not feature the bold retro colors but its sleek legs and slim look are retro necessities.

Retro style covers many design decades. This term was used in the past as a means to describe styles and trends that were in. If this were to be the basis, then every style eventually becomes retro. At this time, styles that are from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s are considered vintage, therefore, retro.

 

If you’re willing to cross over to any of these interior designs, then it’s time to go retro. Always think of bright hues, bold designs, and an awesome flair. You have to be daring because retro requires a certain set of personalities. It is far from laidback or casual; it’s busy, even bordering funky.

 

Retro Hues

 

To be truly retro means you have to pick retro colors. Don’t worry, this is not difficult to do.

 

Begin with avocado green. This is the retro hue of choice followed closely by mustard and fusions of black, brown, red, and white. Hot pink and purple are also amazing additions to your retro style home.

 

You can place a little of everything and mixes of green, blue, indigo, orange (the bright type), and sunshiny yellow. Checkered patterns are also welcome as are tie-dyed fabrics and paisleys.

 

Retro Textures

 

Texture is an element that you must never ignore when it comes to retro designing. Here, in fact, it’s okay to go overboard. Use soft vinyl, shag carpets and crushed velvet. Keep in mind that you have to be bold about everything so go ahead and use a lot of textures.

 

Retro Accent and Flooring

 

Here’s another easy thing about retro – you don’t have to limit your use of accessories and accents. Retro pieces include door beads, rugs, lava lamps, stools, and skate tables. Sculptures and art are often unique and bold, could also be abstract.

 

As for the flooring, your options are these three – shag carpeting, tiles patterned like checkerboard, and natural wood.

 

Retro Lighting

 

Every retro style home must have its floor or desk lamps. You can also opt for a multi-colored chandelier.

 

Retro Furniture

 

Now this is one design element that we have to focus on when it comes to retro style. The pieces that you choose are crucial in creating the retro feel in your home. Get the wrong furniture and you’re looking at a totally different or awkward era.

 

Broad and long sofas are a must. These must also be decorated with different-colored pillows for the needed burst of color. Chrome barstools are also a wonderful addition (especially the ones that have a red seat) to the kitchen or the bar. Puzzle piece ottomans offer a unique seating option for your guests.

 

It’s no surprise that retro furniture is still much wanted nowadays because its simple base constructions and wooden structures with metal feet are difficult to ignore.

 

If you’ve seen the Bauhaus style, then you’d know where retro style gets its influence. With this style, quality is a must for each furniture piece while still not steeply priced. Add in the element of comfort and you’ve arrived, style-wise.

 

Just imagine the milling techniques back in the 1960s till the 1970s and you know that you should include a bit of the perforated hole design and the metal fronts. Filigree legs provided the light and comfortable look that’s a recipe for the perfect retro home.

 

Going further on your furniture choices, use tables and side tables with a metal or solid wood construction. A gilding of metal is also a great addition. For the cloth covers, use sea green, musty yellow, brown or beige. Muted orange also appeared during the ’50 till the ‘60s so that’s also an option.

 

Don’t be afraid to mix different materials so you can say that you’ve truly jumped into the retro bandwagon.

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Must-Know Decluttering and Storage Systems

Saturday, February 2nd, 2019

The Thomasville Home Office File Storage Cabinet can make organization look stylish.

When it comes to organization and decluttering, it would seem that people tend to look for solutions and probable systems to use when things have gotten completely out of hand. There are ways to make your decluttering efforts easier, here are eight techniques –

 

Put on Labels

 

You have probably seen a lot of DIY labeling tips online but most of these aren’t actually necessary. There are moments, though, when it can make things easier for you. An example is when you have to store different spices on a rack or a drawer. Putting labels on the lids will help you in easily taking the right spice off the rack.

 

No need to hunt for jars of different spices anymore. A Sharpie and a roll of masking tape should make do as your labeling materials. You can also put dates on your labels so that you’ll know which leftovers to take first.

 

Buy Sorters

 

‘Know all those small stuff such as medications, spare light bulbs and craft items? These are the pieces that tend to clutter spaces. But every household has its own share of tiny stuff but it’s up to you to organize these little things so that they don’t cause chaotic drawers and closets.

 

Find boxes to house and categorize these tiny things. Or find sorters in craft shops to finally organize the growing clutter.

 

Organize Your Drawers

 

The drawer is yet another place that causes a lot of clutter problems in a home. You can begin by creating drawer organizers where the small items are being stored. So go ahead and organize your junk drawers, kitchen drawers, entryway and desk drawers.

 

If you’re just about to purchase organizers, don’t forget to measure the units so that you will take home the right piece.

 

Establish A Landing Zone

 

Do you notice how things easily get cluttered on the entryway? It’s because, this is the spot where you seem to stash your stuff when you arrive home. Here, you will see shoes, coats, bags, and even paper bills so roll up those sleeves and be ready to organize them.

 

A shelf and a bench would do wonders in this area. Add some trays also where you can put extra coins, keys, and other small stuff.

 

Have a Giveaway Box or Bag

 

‘Know all those things that you stored, and when you finally got to them, you realized that you’ve held on to them for no reason at all? These are the things that you can give away for charity.

 

Have a big box or a bag become the dedicated spot where you can put the stuff that you would be willing to give away. Check also all of your storage units because there could be other stuff there that you think you still need but no longer do.

 

Create a Filing System

 

Opt to enroll in an electronic billing system. And as you sign up for paperless bills on all your accounts, you can also begin to file those that do not offer this system.

 

Some labeled folders are a step up when it comes to categorizing and eventually organizing your paper clutter. Tax papers go together; as for the home repair papers and car payment records, they, too, should be properly filed.

 

If you’re thinking that you don’t have a lot of paper clutter to merit buying a filing cabinet, then you can just invest in some file boxes in the meantime.

 

Use Wall Mounts

 

Wall mounting saves you a lot of floor space. Just imagine all the things that you can vertically store (or display) – from your TV to garage tools, and even wall art.

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Furniture Shopping Advice for Newly Weds

Friday, February 1st, 2019

The Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Platform Bed, Queen is sublime for newly married couples. It is heavenly, soft, and comfortable, there’s nothing more that you could ask for.

 

Have you recently married? Well you’re off to a new life and you are surely happy at this time. After all, those wedding festivities certainly upped your happy hormones plus those gifts waiting to be opened; the world is certainly a great place to be in right now.

 

But wait, have you thought about how you would furnish your home? Furniture shopping could take some time but when you already have the time to shop with your spouse, this is one of those things that you should prioritize.

 

Plus furniture shopping is surely fun so make it a point to do it together. This is one enjoyable experience that you need to go through as a married couple. Of course, the challenges that come will also allow you to get to know your spouse some more.

 

So what do you think is the biggest challenge when it comes to newly weds’ furniture shopping?

 

Fusing both of your styles is the first obstacle that you need to overcome. While opposites attract, this could be the challenge that would keep you from shopping with ease. Remember these – compromise, comfort, and happiness are the keys to choosing the right pieces.

 

Argue If You Have To

 

Furniture shopping does not have to equate to bickering and showing your bad side. This is an experience that you should enjoy as a couple. If you already share the same tastes in furniture, then congratulations, you won’t have as much trouble.

 

But what if you like rustic pieces and your spouse leans towards the more contemporary furnishings?

 

It’s okay to argue. If you don’t like French provincial style, then don’t say yes. If modern pieces don’t make your heart skip, then be honest about it. Perhaps you can compromise with transitional pieces until you finally decide which style to go with.

 

Don’t worry about the arguments. They may seem heated at the moment but you’ll soon laugh about them in the near future.

 

Bare Essentials

 

You might have heard an older couple tell you that they only owned a bed in their first few years of marriage. While the bed may be all that a couple needs in the first few months, eventually, they get to realize that other pieces of furniture are a necessity, too.

 

Other than the bed, bare essentials include any seating unit such as a loveseat (for now), futon, a sofa or a davenport. Nightstands may be mere accessories but they are also pretty useful. These pieces can hold a lot of stuff for you.

 

Buy two nightstands so that both of you have something to put your stuff on. Buy only one and you risk having to quarrel for storage space.

 

Go for Double Function

 

You could consider investing in a futon that can turn into a bed at night. This is especially useful if you have limited space. As a married couple that is just starting on their new life, you should opt for furnishings that offer double (if not triple) functions.

 

Apart from the practicality of turning the couch into a bed at night, see if you can have nesting tables become your dining table or a desk for your home office. After use, they can be stacked again so that they won’t take up too much space.

 

A Word of Caution

 

Know that all marriages begin with the honeymoon phase where everything is rosy and cute and filled with rainbows. All these will eventually wane but don’t let something as trivial as furniture shopping get in the way of your relationship.

 

Furnish your home together, learn to compromise without becoming a doormat, and everything should turn out well.

 

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