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Creating Successful Neutral Designs In Your Home

Monday, July 18th, 2016

The Hooker Furniture Bedroom Rhapsody King Tufted Bed is nested in a neutral background. Its wooden frame pops from this sea of neutrals.

The Hooker Furniture Bedroom Rhapsody King Tufted Bed is nested in a neutral background. Its wooden frame pops from this sea of neutrals.

Muted tones are the go-to colors when you want to be safe with your interior design; yet, at times, you would think what you have created is a masterpiece of muted tones only to end up with a bright, colorful mess.

Neutral tones only become effective in interiors if you know which elements to work with. You need to be subtle, to begin with, and creative enough to make the muted tones more interesting. Know the basics such as which paint color goes with which furniture and what rugs to use on certain areas. After you figure out the major elements, it is also your duty to come up with the pieces that will populate your home such as potted plants, books, artwork, and other things that would bring a personal touch to your place.

Always Within Bounds

The walls are your biggest challenge when it comes to choosing the right color. There is a wide array of shades that come from the same color family so it is wise to choose from within these. Whether you go from ligher to darker or the other way around, picking colors that come from the same color family will give your home a unified look.

Espoused Colors

A basic palette for any room is the tone-on-tone neutrals plus two accent hues. An example is having blue trim paired with an orange-red area rug.

Layer with Love

Homeowners always default to the creation of a purposeful interior. Layering is great for your interiors so long as you use colors in moderation. Again, just to be on the safe side, neutrals can make your life a whole lot easier.

A natural woven area rug will surely work well with in pulling together the rest of the décor. This is a piece that automatically adds texture and softness. In addition to this, pick artworks when you are out to coordinate or complement colors. Art pieces should be in proportion with the room. A few large artworks render a better visual effect than a group of smaller ones. This is – if – you are aiming for the classic look.

1586-50011-SLV2 Alchemist Bar Cabinet

1586-50011-SLV2 Alchemist Bar Cabinet

Balance In All Things

As you work with neutrals in your contemporary kitchen, keep glossy cabinets and pieces with sharp edges grounded by having organic elements brought in. Wooden finishes have the power to amplify the beauty of streamlined looks; so bring softness inside the kitchen by having wooden countertop.

Infuse Lively Colors

Don’t think that life in colors is limited only to the bright hues. You can still use neutral colors but still achieve the beauty of a lively interior. Neutrals provide the usual serenity and cleanliness but there is also no denying that they can enhance the mood in any room.

Raspberry-colored pillows, for instance, that have the same prints as your neutral wallpaper would surely jive.

Don’t Forget the Frivolity

Most of the time, you are so engrossed on how the room would eventually look that you end up missing out on special elements that should be used. Lighten the mood with exciting accessories such as animal print pillows with neutral colors blending well with the rest of the design elements.

If you prefer neutral design with a little edge, then go ahead and combine gray or white walls with some industrical accent pieces. There are many industrial-themed pieces in the market now that will provide a convincing aged look for your home.

Being frivolous is simple if you add some natural elements such as potted plants into your home. Successful neutral design is all about popping the right elements against a muted background. Achieve this and you’re already an expert in your own right.

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Should You Dress Up the Sofa?

Saturday, July 16th, 2016

The Hooker Furniture Living Room Huntington Morrison Stationary Sofa is already awesome on its own.

The Hooker Furniture Living Room Huntington Morrison Stationary Sofa is already awesome on its own.

Good ol’ days those are, when your grandma used to knit covers for your tables and chairs at home. These seem to exude a homey charm that is just difficult to resist. You may deem these accents to be traditional but you would be surprised at how versatile each of them could get.

Getting to Know the Knit Fabric

A knitted fabric is different from woven ones because of their single continuous yarn that comes in loops and beautiful braid formations. These cute loops give the knitted fabrics their characteristic elasticity.

Classic cable-knit blankets are often draped over benches, sofas, beds and chairs for obvious reasons – to create a down-home look. Pretty much everyone also favors the off-white knitted fabric more than any other color. This might be because it offers a universally comforting look with its pure cotton yarn and all.

The Sofa Sweater

If sweaters can cover beds, then what’s stopping you from using them on your sofa, too? A canopy can shield soft fibers from harsh elements. This only proves that a knitted cover can also look and feel great even in warmer weathers.

Other Smart Sofa Covers

The classic sofa often comes with a neutral color. Though it often comes with a durable fabric, nothing should stop you from dressing it up. You have the leeway to use throws, pillows, and textiles. There are many other ways to dress up almost every aesthetic.

Say no to the sofa being a bore by injecting texture, pattern, and interesting colors. Even a single lumbar pillow on a simple linen sofa should be able to provide a bold statement because of its length and color. A simple way to add impact on any neutral furniture piece is to add a patterned pillow. This is great for those who prefer the minimalist appeal.

Sometimes, all it just takes is an exciting textile draped across the seat of a boring sofa. This should inject a huge dose of color and pattern but in a non-committal sort of way. For those who are bold enough to use a patterned sofa can drape a simple solid-colored fabric or blanket over it. This should protect the seating unit from sticky hands and stinky paws.

A bolster that reflects the same bold-colored accessories throughout the room is certainly going to be eye-catching.  This piece can tie with the colors of an artwork hanging on one of the living room walls while making a powerful statement of its own.

Decorative pillows on a cream sofa could have the same exciting color or they could contrast the solid or patterned look that the sofa offers. When you see a thing of beauty such as this sofa, wouldn’t you be enthused to cuddle up with your loved on at night?

A natural linen sofa can be everything but boring because it can have an exciting cover that comes in a variety of color, shape or texture. Pillows can either stand out or make the sofa fade in the background or it could blend with the background and make a superstar out of the sofa.

A mixture of pillow patterns and sizes will give the sofa a sophisticated look. Have them mirror-arranged, meaning, each piece should have a spouse.

If you ever want to try any of these in your home, then begin by picking accent pieces like slipseats or stools, natural eye-catchers, all of them. These will surely make the sofa’s dress a lot more interesting. This is also great when you want to achieve a more eclectic glow in the living room.

So, should you dress up your sofa?

Absolutely.

Fine Furniture Design Living Room Sofa With Wood Arm Panel 0810-01 shows how stripes and florals can actually work together.

Fine Furniture Design Living Room Sofa With Wood Arm Panel 0810-01 shows how stripes and florals can actually work together.

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The Illusion of Ample Room Height – How Do You Create One?

Saturday, July 16th, 2016

1586-90001-BLK2 The Poet Eight-Drawer Dresser: Ample lighting and minimal furnishing also does the trick when it comes to creating room height.

1586-90001-BLK2 The Poet Eight-Drawer Dresser: Ample lighting and minimal furnishing also does the trick when it comes to creating room height.

Every man is in love with height. People travel throughout the world just to take a glimpse of towers such as the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building. Monuments also elicit the same awe. This same feeling can be duplicated by high ceilings inside your own home. Though in a much smaller scale, they can produce a portion of the awe that one would feel when looking at towering monuments. If, however, you have a home that has a limited amount of height, then it’s time to create the illusion of a higher ceiling.

Begin with Shelving Units

Use tall, skinny bookshelves that can make the beholder look upwards. Always remember that drawing the eyes upward will always evoke the illusion of height.

After fixing the height of your living room shelves, it’s time to visit the kitchen. The cabinets should be as tall as possible but the width should be limited. The aesthetic effect might make reaching the top shelf a little more difficult but it’s going to be worth your effort.

Use Full-Height Doors

Another effective yet simple way that you can make your space feel taller and a bit more open is when you use a full-height door. Having taller passageways is also a must. Keep in mind that lower passageways tend to make the space feel and look more oppressive.

Ceiling-High Curtains

You might want to try hanging your curtains right from the ceiling. This will create that elusive illusion of height. If you want to further emphasize on the height that you just created, then use a curtain that has a ripple-fold detail. This vertical feature is sure to bring the eyes up, height up into the ceiling.

The Grand Fireplace

Use the fireplace instead of just having it sit there, useless, for years. Emphasize the room height by, first, creating a great-looking focal point out of this fireplace. Put the finish on the fireplace but this time, bring it all the way up into the ceiling. This will not just create an illusion of height but also something grand.

FFDM Boulevard Collection features this vertical bookshelf.

FFDM Boulevard Collection features this vertical bookshelf.

Monochrome Painting

When you paint your walls, ceilings and baseboards, make sure that you use the same color. This is so you get to blur the lines where the ceiling and the walls meet. If the wall color is just too dark for your ceiling then be sure to dilute it with 50% white. That’s the color that you can then try on your ceiling.

The Age-Old Mirrors

Make use of a full-length mirror to create the illusion of a higher ceiling. This is almost an ancient trick that every magician seems to know. Mirrors are basically tools of illusion to begin with.

The Clear Chandelier

When you want to use a chandelier on a low ceiling, then choose one that you can actually see through instead of the usual dense types. Hang this piece at no less than 36 inches from the dining table. This will give the lighting piece a seemingly far appearance.

Buy Low Furniture

When you pick low-profile furniture pieces, you inevitably create the illusion of a much higher ceiling. Of course, a low-hung ceiling just has to have a low-lying furniture. This kind of furnishing can even produce dramatic effects for your home.

Feature Walls

If you have to have a feature wall on a low-ceiling apartment, then be sure to orient this wall vertically. Be bold when designing a low ceiling. Just remember not to emphasize the lowness of the ceiling during the process.

Declutter

Cluttered rooms or ones that are too stuffed just won’t work with a low-ceiling home. Every item that is not needful but remains in the room will add to the look and feeling of the room being boxed in. Make good use of storage methods to keep your home tidy.

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Dressing Up the Small Dining Room

Friday, July 15th, 2016

 1586-75203A-BRN1 Horizon Line Round Dining Table is great for small dining areas because it occupies less space than square tables.

1586-75203A-BRN1 Horizon Line Round Dining Table is great for small dining areas because it occupies less space than square tables.

Any size of dining space is often dressed up in a formal manner. This becomes more so if that space is rarely used. If the dining room should become your remodeling project, then you have to design with care. You will be making an inviting and warm place where you could gather friends and relatives so make it showcase your personal style.

Revelry in Neutrality

Neutral colors can be used with some interesting textures if you are setting up a dining nook. Use wicker chairs to contrast any smooth and sleek table. A corner banquette should have ample seating for everyone. If drawers can be made available at the bottom, then this is an additional storage to the dining nook.

The Wondrous Duo

You just gotta make the most out of a small dining room. See how you can make the seats double as a storage unit.

You can also take the dualism up a notch by dressing up the small dining room with anything two tone. Dark colors can also have a room inside smaller spaces so long as you pair them with the right neutrals.

Go Deep

Small dining rooms are generally nooks that have been carved out of bigger spaces. It is your role to unify the area with the adjacent spaces. Employ like design characteristics in order to achieve harmony. Imagine this, just a foot or two away from the kitchen, you could have a nook that models the black and white theme. This same color should be available in an adjacent room but there has to be distinguishing accents (e.g. plum).

A square table can be effectively contrasted by a round lighting fixture. Silver-lined cabinets would add a modern touch so go ahead and them all together.

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Chablis Backless Barstool also occupies less space than regular dining chairs.

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Chablis Backless Barstool also occupies less space than regular dining chairs.

Warmth and Coziness

Another rule to remember is for you to follow the banquette bench lines. This is for optimal seating concerns. This quite useful in a narrow nook; that rounded bench plus an oval-shaped table can fill the limited space nicely. These round corners make movements or getting in and out of the dining area a lot easier.

Use curtains that will cover just half of the windows so that natural light will still be allowed to pour in. Since it’s covering the other half of your window, then you still get the privacy that you need.

Pop Some Color

Use bright colors to give some life to your petite dining room. Use hues of orange and pink to bring excitement and energy in the room. Corner banquette can save you some space while making your dining room appear cozy.

Bold print on the throw pillows and window shades could make the room appear contemporary.

A Relaxation Nook

Another design that would work in a small dining room is having a dining booth. A white bench with striped cushions will also contribute to the light-heartedness and comfort in the small room. Use a pedestal table minus the legs on the corner. This should make it easy for you to get in and out of your dining booth.

Learn to Blend

The white corner banquette can easily blend in with any white décor and the equally white walls. Cream cushions go well with printed pillows. This combination will make the banquette pop up. To complete the look, add texture and color to the corner.

Dark table can contrast a white color scheme and this is the simplest that you could go. Lamp sconces on your wall would also provide the subtle lighting needed. Framed canvas and artwork can also add more character as well as color to the small space.

With quarters that are tight, are you ready to apply what you have just learned?

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Going French: How to Do It By the Book

Thursday, July 14th, 2016

The Hooker Furniture Living Room Sanctuary Four-Drawer Thin Console may appear distressed but it also offers a bluish hint. This makes it unique.

The Hooker Furniture Living Room Sanctuary Four-Drawer Thin Console may appear distressed but it also offers a bluish hint. This makes it unique.

Many designers have been approached by clients and asked if they can create a French style for their house. This may not be the correct term to use but if you ask enough, you would then learn that what clients mean are whitewashed furniture, candleholders, lanterns, chandeliers, white lace and linen towels. Silver trays work, too.

Apparently, French style actually means French provincial or shabby chic. Some can even see elements of this style inside French homes. So, what makes a home essentially French?

A Little Geography Lesson

Each region in France comes with its own identity and style. There are also different decorative materials and building structures. These give the regions their own distinctiveness along with a unique regional culture that is too hard to ignore.

Don’t think of Versailles as the capital of everything that’s French. This could prove to be true if you were living in the time of King Louis XIV. His was an era of royal debauchery and the excesses the monarchs had unsurprisingly led to their downfall.

If you’re thinking of going French then you have to learn to do things in moderation. Being excessive like Louis XV is not going French. In fact, moderation is the very concept of French style. Use deliberate designs but not in such a way that they are no longer discreet. The features must look effortless.

Even children’s bedrooms that are done in French style should be minimalist. The color palette should be simple and the rest of the space, clean.

Aim for Harmony, Not Luxury

Almost all French people don’t like vulgarity and garishness. To them, what’s elegant and beautiful are those that have zero glitz, shine, travertine, gold brocade, polished mahogany or fine silk. The lesson here is, for as long as the design elements feel right to you, then they’re just that – they’re right for you.

Materials that are good for French style are wood, terra cotta, stone, plaster, iron and steel. You should consider using prewashed linen because it is soft but has creases, it’s never perfect but it feels just right.

All’s Not White

French people don’t live in an all-white home. While many people believe that white is the fundamental color of anything French, this isn’t the case at all. French people actually feel that this color is too impersonal.

If you want to do it the authentic way, then you’d have to settle for neutrals. The French palette is all about being subtle so use a lot of gray, beige, light blue, black, taupe, brown, or sage. The patterns have to be discreet just like the rest of the design elements.

Orient Express Furniture Bar and Game Room Harper Barstool - Stone Wash Bisque French Linen 6415-BSUP.SW BIS

Orient Express Furniture Bar and Game Room Harper Barstool – Stone Wash Bisque French Linen 6415-BSUP.SW BIS

French Can Be Colorful, Too

When you have to use color, then you’ll have to embrace the vibrant hues that tend to make a statement. Make sure that you keep it simple, though. Use no more than dual colors since having too many colors in a room is just wrong.

Since French homes tend to be small, they use color in order to maximize space or to define zones. A one-room apartment, for instance, would do well to reduce its clutter and to have small cabinetry and accent colors in lime green, peacock blue, terracotta orange, red, hot pink or mustard yellow.

French Is Eclectic

If you’re also thinking that going French also means being traditional, then you’re wrong again. Instead, you’d have to embrace eclecticism. This is because the French have undergone evolving civilizations; hence, there isn’t a single French identity. So go ahead and mix styles and eras and you don’t even need to apologize for that.

The French has a complex history so if you try to sum it all up in one box, then you’re going the wrong way. While you can use whitewashed furnishings, you are also welcome to use anything rustic.

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Decorating The Man Cave

Wednesday, July 13th, 2016

Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Bedroom Twin Peak King Sleigh Bed 1586-90566-BLK1

Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Bedroom Twin Peak King Sleigh Bed 1586-90566-BLK1

The dilemma out there in the world is that women are difficult to understand because it seems no one seems to know what they want. But have you ever wondered what men want? Given ample time, man also wants to understand himself. They often state this need by saying – I need space. This respect for the man’s maleness should be the driving factor in the creation of the perfect man cave.

Talk of Man Space

When talking about man spaces, this isn’t the usual garage filled with cars. A man cave is a lot more than this, after all, man cave is just one letter away from being a man cage so you had better do it right.

According to men, man space should be a place where he could ponder about life. It should be a room or a pad that shows his personality and individuality.

Not every man cave is created equal especially when you have to work with limited square footage. You have to consider where to place the entertainment center with your surround sound and its accompanying 72-inch plasma TV.

All these concerns should not stop you from breaking ground, though. You just have to define what you want.

Draw the Specs

A major home improvement project such as this one requires a lot of planning. You must also have a keen eye for details.

Begin by taking a precise measurement of every wall in the room that you intend to make into a man cave. Sketch the rough layout on graphing paper so that you will visualize your ideas and be able to erase mistakes before the major physical activities.

Men with smaller spaces have to reach into their creative minds. Just be sure to take into account the huge obstacles such as the pipe that is running from ceiling down to the floor. The obstacle might also be that immovable furnace built deep into the wall.

Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Bedroom Twin Peak King Sleigh Bed 1586-90566-BLK1

Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Bedroom Twin Peak King Sleigh Bed 1586-90566-BLK1

Set Out With the Right Tools

Every guy should have the standard hammer, wrench, screwdriver and cordless drill but if you are to cut through a drywall, then you will need more than these. Get an oscillating multi-tool which will be able to make you reach those hard-to-reach spaces.

For cutting, use a circular saw.

Have the TV Properly Installed

Most guys fall in love with the HD flatscreen. Their motto is – the bigger, the better.

You need to correctly set up this huge piece of appliance. Decide whether you want a swivel, flat-mount, or an articulating arm. The TV can also be built into the wall, again, your choice.

The Comfy Couch

The man has to relax his backside and where he does this has to be a functional furniture piece. Leather couches are a great choice. They are also easy to maintain. If you are concerned about the effects of weather on the couch, then have cloth upholstery. This will be more resilient to everyday usage.

If you don’t own a couch yet, then take time in choosing this one piece. Keep comfort and style in mind.

If you believe in Feng Shui, then that’s fine, just don’t go overboard.

Stock-Up on Drinks

It’s time to set up your own bar. Find a counter with smooth marble or granite countertop. After having this installed, go ahead and buy bottles of liquor (everything that you want), mixing tools, and a rack that would house them.

Add the Final Touches

This project won’t end without you deciding on the perfect bed. This should have a manly color and style. Are you a huge NY Giants fan? Then fill the room up with their memorabilia. Remember that you don’t have to be a DIY expert just to make your room stand out. The coolest accents aren’t always expensive, you just have to keep an open mind and an open eye.

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Mix and Match: Carpet, Hardwood Floor, Area Rugs

Tuesday, July 12th, 2016

FFDM's Protege Collection: This geometric carpet pairs well with the hardwood flooring that it's on.

FFDM’s Protege Collection: This geometric carpet pairs well with the hardwood flooring that it’s on.

One of the most difficult things to decide on when you become a homeowner is what kind of flooring you would have installed in your home. If you’re one of those who are clueless on where to begin, there are tips that can help you, not just in choosing your flooring material but also the carpeting that would go well with it –

Mix and Match

When deciding around flooring, it’s alright to mix up quite a bit. There is no need to stick to just a single texture. Smart mixes of various floorings can be an effective move.

High traffic areas such as the kitchen, hallways, and family rooms need hard products like laminates. Luxury areas have a different requirement. Bedrooms, lounge rooms and other such areas need carpeting.

Find floors that will complement each other. This is the key to making a functional and lovely living space. Find a tone that is suitable for your home and your preference. There are certain rules to follow, though, such as using warmer tones when your home has high ceilings.

Remember that warmer hues do not automatically mean darker tones. Balance the hard floor and carpet mixture by using the right pairings of hues. The tone and color of every floor should come from like color families. Never go into visual jarring.

Wooden floors and carpeting are never an either/or choice. A comfortable home needs a mixture of both. The floor should be able to withstand high traffic while showcasing your personality.

The designers of today prefer to use wood and carpet for utmost visual impact. None can offer a more striking look. Wood floor is an effective element that can tie different rooms together. It is beautiful, easy to clean, durable and elegant. It is also visually warm so it is easy to make your home feel more comfortable when you install it.

Get the most out of hardwood floors by knowing when to use light and dark colored wood. Lighter colors should be able to open up cramped spaces. Darker woods can create an intimate space out of an expansive area.

Be sure to pair hardwood flooring with unique area rugs or carpet.

FFDM's Summer Home Collection: The lovely beige carpet pairs with the darker hue of the wood flooring in this bedroom.

FFDM’s Summer Home Collection: The lovely beige carpet pairs with the darker hue of the wood flooring in this bedroom.

Some Hardwood Floor No-No’s

  • Never match the colors of your wood floors with the wood cabinets.
  • Don’t use wood in high-traffic rooms.

Say Yes to Carpets

Carpets have a lot of benefits to offer. First, they are able to mute noise and are even able to keep your feet warm. Choose the right color and material so that you won’t have to clean and deodorize all the time.

Carpets are great to use inside bedrooms and living spaces. These are areas where warmth and comfort are most needed, hence, you can use ample carpeting there.

If you want to anchor furniture groupings, then use area rug and carpet duos. Be sure to highlight analogous textures and neutral hues.

Carpets are unwelcome in rooms where food is often prepared. They shouldn’t also be matched with other carpets in separate rooms so that there is a clear division of space and functionality.

How About Area Rugs?

Area rugs are more versatile than carpeting and hardwood flooring. These pair beautifully with tiles, carpet or wood, and just about any material that you could think of; they can also define spaces while enhancing the décor all around.

Area rugs can also protect the floor from wear, tear and dirt. Make sure that you choose the right size of rugs. Majority of rooms, including the bedroom, dining room and living room need no less than 8×10 foot rug. Breakfast nooks can make do with a 5×7.

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Creating Calm Spaces in Your Home

Monday, July 11th, 2016

Contrast the starkness of white and this 1586-10458-GRY1 Note-To-Self Writing Desk 1586-75410D-GLD6 Swanson Upholstered Metal Side Chair with gold accents, the wooden desk and a vase of colorful roses.

Contrast the starkness of white and this 1586-10458-GRY1 Note-To-Self Writing Desk 1586-75410D-GLD6 Swanson Upholstered Metal Side Chair with gold accents, the wooden desk and a vase of colorful roses.

The world that we now live in is a fast-paced one; because of this, it’s crucial that people slow down, take the time to relax, and unwind. People who are constantly on the go as they attend to their jobs, do grocery shopping and go about with mundane things are the very people that need a place of refuge. The great news is that they don’t have to travel far in order to get their much-needed rest. If all would only know how to set it up, their home could actually be a place of relaxation.

Boosting the Mood in Your Home

Upping the positivity in your home is as easy as choosing the right paint colors. There are just three primary colors to begin with but there are literally millions of mixtures to choose from. Yet if you know which color to look for, it would be easy to find the right texture that should go with it.

The creation of a sanctuary in your home begins with the obvious places – the bedroom and the bathroom. You begin and end your day in these rooms so, before you set out to have them painted in relaxing colors, make sure that you take away the clutter first.

After decluttering, you’re now free to choose from the soothing hues of bedroom palettes. Think of sea-glass green or celestial blue. Any of the two could work as the main color of your walls. If you want something different, mix in a pleasing hue and watch your experiment unfold.

White linens are classic and clean yet colorful pillows would make the bedroom much more interesting. Remember to keep the room clutter-free so that stress relief would be a breeze.

It might come as a challenge to come up with a painting project when it comes to the bathroom that has one tiny window or has none at all. Should this be the case in your home, be sure to look for colors that will lighten the mood up. Choose two to three shades of your favorite hues then use the darkest shade sparingly. The darkest colors should always go at the bottom part of the room then as you work your way up, be sure to have a lighter color. Doing so should open up the room, making it appear expansive and seemingly filled with light.

Take out the stress of choosing paint colors for the bathroom by taking hues from your tiles. You can use the same shade on your cabinet door. Navy blue paired with a lot of white will look highly dashing.

Calm Also Means Homey

If the cool color palettes discussed above don’t seem appealing to you, then it’s time to look into the warmer palette. This set of colors possesses the earthiness and sincerity that you need to achieve a relaxed vibe.

Make the headboard as the focal point in your bedroom by covering it with a textured material or an interesting color.

Make sure to contrast warm hues with a soothing color such as light gray. Use the light color on the three walls accompanying the accent wall or headboard.

Take relaxation to the max with the Hooker Furniture Living Room Milestone Wheat Recliner

Take relaxation to the max with the Hooker Furniture Living Room Milestone Wheat Recliner

Standard Calm Colors

Soothing colors needn’t be limited to wispy hues. Just be extra careful in using bolder hues, though. Use those that are on the cooler side of your color wheel. This means sticking to the ever reliable shades of greens, purples and blues. Pink is also another color that can help bring peace and calm in a room. Feng Shui practitioners use this hue to soothe the energy inside a room.

Of course, you can always hype the palette by adding a small accent of any warm hue such as a dash of yellow green accessory, art or accent area.

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Chi and Interior Design: Why They’re Best Friends

Saturday, July 9th, 2016

Daylight is also a huge factor in creating positive flow in homes. This 1586-80117A-BRN1 Horizon Line Square Accent Table is small enough to put beside a lovely sofa.

Daylight is also a huge factor in creating positive flow in homes. This 1586-80117A-BRN1 Horizon Line Square Accent Table is small enough to put beside a lovely sofa.

A well-designed space, according to someone, is much like wearing a good pair of shoes – you won’t even feel that you’re wearing them. A bad pair, on the other hand, will make you notice every with every step. Interior design and chi work pretty much in the same manner.

If you still haven’t given the circulation of space that much thought, then this is the time to reconsider. You have probably bumped onto the edge of a kitchen island or have stubbed your foot on your hardwood bed, so it’s high time to do something about it. These situations are easy to solve. Here are ways that you can improve the flow around the furniture pieces that you own –

Space Around the Dining Room

Ample circulation space is necessary so that only positive energy will flow throughout your home. The dining room is an oft used room so it is best to begin there. Allow no less than 36 inches between the walls and the dining chairs. Have about 48 inches between the dining table and the entrance so that people can freely enter and exit.

If the space in your dining room does not allow a huge table to be placed there, then have an extendable table placed there. This is an awesome choice if you squeeze in only every now and then.

The Accessories Uttermost Maurizio Stone Plant Stand 24624 holds this potted green plant. Plants can also up the level of positive chi in your home.

The Accessories Uttermost Maurizio Stone Plant Stand 24624 holds this potted green plant. Plants can also up the level of positive chi in your home.

Space in the Bedroom

It is important to leave enough room for you to walk around the bed. Keep in mind that you will eventually get in or out of bed in the dark so be sure to have no less than 30 inches of space all around the bed.

Move other furniture pieces that could cause obstruction especially those that are leading to the hallway or the bathroom.

Space in the Living Room

Use a round coffee table only. This is an effective way to fit your stuff inside a tight living room. Remember that a round shape occupies less space than a square or rectangular one so find only those with round edges.

Avoid furniture that comes with sharp corners. You can also scale down the furniture or have smaller solutions bought (e.g. a stool instead of a large ottoman).

The Spacious Bathroom

A good way to add space to your tight bathroom is to have a pocket door instead of a swing door. The pocket door allows you to move freely because there is no need to navigate around the door as you walk in or out of the bathroom.

Space in Your Kitchen

There are many things that you need to consider when thinking about kitchen flow. Make sure there is plenty of clearance from the kitchen island to the counter. The distance should be no less than 42 inches.

Space in the Home Office

Many homeowners do not want to dedicate a separate room for their home office. If this is also the case with you, then you might want to use a nook as your work station. Even when you have limited space, it is crucial that you leave ample room behind the desk so you can push the chair out when you’re done. Working with anything less than this would make you feel crowded or cramped.

The All Positive Flow

You might have read through everything and realized that you were just taught to leave enough distance between furniture pieces and your home’s structures. Yet chi is a lot more than having zero clutter in your home. This also means you should not confront barriers each day.

Check the flow of energy in your home. Be mindful of this flow when you are redecorating or remodeling. Consider this also when repositioning the furniture pieces in your dwelling.

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Personalizing Your New Home

Wednesday, July 6th, 2016

Accessories Uttermost Galvin Iron Photo Collage S3 04041 has iron construct. It can hold 12 pieces of 5x 7 photographs.

Accessories Uttermost Galvin Iron Photo Collage S3 04041 has iron construct. It can hold 12 pieces of 5x 7 photographs.06

Do you remember your first thoughts when you took your first step into your new home? It is but natural that you would want to put a personal stamp in this new space, more so if this is your dream home. If this house was pre-loved, then the walls, finishes and fixtures were probably chosen by the previous owner. So where should you begin when you want to personalize your new home?

Personalize by Painting the Door

Painting the front door is non-committal task compared to painting the exterior right away. While you’re picking a new paint color, see also if you would like to update the structure as well. This might not change the outer appearance but it could up other factors such as safety in the case of changed locks.

Changing the faucets and showerheads will also help. Most of these have probably seen better days so it is best to swap them for sleeker ones.

Personalize by Painting a Wall or Two

Beginning by painting the entire house can be a daunting decision to make. So, if you’re still uncertain, just paint a wall or two. Again, this is not a commitment. Painting a single wall will bring you with a beautiful accent wall. Paint this accent wall with your favorite color so the house would feel more like you.

Personalize by Hanging Photos

Get some of your favorite photos and hang them on the wall. This is the easiest way that you could make a new house feel like home. If you aren’t sure about drilling holes into the walls just yet, then use some removable strips instead of nails.

Personalize by Bringing Nature In

Do you love nature? Then go ahead and bring in a bouquet of fresh flowers. Whether this came from your own backyard or the grocery, it has the power to instantly alter the room and make it look friendlier. Have the same flower species arranged in different bud vases then have them displayed throughout the house.

If you’re allergic to pollen, then you could also bring in some potted green plant. It would have the same effect as the flowers in vases.

Personalize with Wallpaper

Begin this wallpaper project with the powder room. A statement wallpaper will be able to put a stamp on the bath or the powder room. These are spaces that have less foot traffic so they are the perfect experiment space for bolder patterns and colors.

A word of caution: Make sure that you use wallpaper that can withstand humidity inside the bathroom.

FFDM American Cherry: Use this side table to display your metal or glass collections.

FFDM American Cherry: Use this side table to display your metal or glass collections.

Personalize with a Rug

Even when you think bare floor is the best choice, have at least a single space decorated with a lovely rug. This should make the house feel a little more comfortable and lived-in. if you’re not a huge fan of cleaning up rugs, then put them away from heavy foot traffic areas.

Personalize by Decluttering

Use the power of scent to personalize your home. There are many great-smelling products which you can clean your home with. This scent should be a familiar scent to you so that the place would feel more like home.

Personalize with Lighting

You can swap the boring and outdated lighting fixture for a more stylish and updated one. Find places that could use some overhead fixtures then have a professional electrician install them. Don’t live with inconveniences, you have to fix ‘em. Remember that the expense you might shell out now will pay dividends in the years that you won’t have to worry about lighting repairs.

Now that you’ve moved into your new home, try these simple remodeling projects and you’d soon feel that the place is a lot more familiar.

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