Showing posts with label home decorating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home decorating. Show all posts

Sunday, February 11, 2018

How to Create Color Flow Through Your Home Using a Colorful Palette

If you're partial to a colorful palette when decorating your home, but unsure of how to tackle it, the first rule is to think in terms of 'color families'.

For this article, we'll examine the colors blue, orange and white in combination.

Step 1 - Take a Look at Your Home and Notice Which Areas Can be Seen From Each Room

Start with your foyer.

What rooms can you see from your front foyer when you're standing in it? Whatever rooms you can view from the foyer, you'll want to include in the color family you choose.

As an example, using the chosen color palette orange, blue and white, you could plan the bolder choices in the rooms seen from the foyer, and use the same tones softened for the hallway.

Mix patterns in your décor to break harsh solids, and if you're into a major re-do, add lovely half or quarter wall wainscoting to the foyer, living or dining rooms.

If you're brave, of course you can work the opposite way around; put the brave bold blue, orange and white in the hallway, and use softer hues in the main rooms.

Here's an example of Living Room Design Choices - A Chair, Sofa, Rug and Coffee Table you could put together with a Blue, Orange and White/Black theme.

Step 2 - To Continue the Palette in Other Rooms in the Home Use Various Shades of the three Colors You Selected to be in Your Color Family

Flow is probably one of the most difficult things to achieve in a home. We tend to have ideas for the living room, ideas for the family, ideas for the kitchen yet many times these ideas don't naturally flow into each other. So out of color fear, we fall back to neutrals.

If you want to keep the adjoining rooms neutral, just bring in various shades of your chosen color family into the room using accessories: Pillows, throw blankets, wall art or add a punch of color with bright end tables.

Examples of color variants for orange are, corals, tangerine and grapefruit. Variants of blue can include cobalt, turquoise, delft, and navy.

Here are examples of some Blue, Orange and White Accessories to Use with Other Major Furniture Pieces being neutral (tan, white, beige):

Step 3 - When You're Decorating Rooms Not Directly Connected to the Main Area, Such as the Master Suite - Keep it Calmer by Using More Pattern than Bold Color

You can still focus on the color family you've selected for your home, and include some in the bedroom, however, do it by using more patterned pieces combined with neutral solids.

As an example, you could keep the bedding mostly white, the wall soft coral or soft blue, the bedframe a darker shade, and the drapes and chairs similar or matching in simple patterns.

Here are crisp but muted pieces for in the blue-family for a Master Suite:

Remember, once you decide upon your color family, decorating your entire home simply means introducing shades and versions of your color-family throughout your home.

By the way, you can still decorate other rooms that don't flow off an open area pretty much any color you want. However, if you're going to go completely off of your color palette in that room, be sure it can't be seen from any hallways or open areas.

Shop by Color - Have Fun!


Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, February 4, 2018

Where to Use Yellow in My Home to Promote an Uplifting and Sociable Atmosphere

More Yellow Home Décor Here
In Feng Shui, Yellow is considered a Fire Element.

If you're wondering what the meaning of 'Fire Element' is, it's pretty much what 'Fire' itself evokes; renewal, transformation, expansion and purification.

With the power to destroy, the result of fire is conversely true, the destruction generates an opportunity for re-birth and renewal. Of course Yellow isn't about destruction, it represents uplifting change and in Feng Shui finds it's predominance in the Reputation/Fame and Good Fortune parts of the home.

So How Does a Fire Element Color Like Yellow Uplift a Space?

If you're familiar with Feng Shui basics and the Feng Shui Western Bagua Map used for home decorating, you already know where yellow is predominately suggested to be used. Below you'll notice that red is indicated in the Reputation/Fame quadrant, but since yellow, red and orange are considered fire elements, they can piggy back off each other in their respective areas: Reputation/Fame, Love/Relationships, and Good Fortune. Also notice that 'Gold' is in the Prosperity/Wealth quadrant as well, so go ahead and feature yellow tones in that quadrant of your home.

If you're confused by what the quadrants are and what they include, see the Western Bagua Map below. To learn the basics on how to use the map, you can read more about it here.

Western Bagua Map for Feng Shui by Funkthishouse

Where to Feature Yellow in Your Home

If you're following the principles of Feng Shui, and map your house out using Western Bagua, choose the colors for each room by how the rooms are positioned on the map. By the way, you don't have to go hog-wild with the suggested color; if you're a less-is-more type, simply feature the color in selected pieces and accessories.

As an example, according to this map, if I wanted to feature yellow in my own home, I could choose it as a main color or add it in the form of accessories to our kitchen, family room or foyer.

However, the most powerful use of yellow would be to include it in our Good Fortune area, which happens to be the foyer. Prosperity/Wealth, Reputation/Fame and Love/Relationships lands in our kitchen and family room, so a bit of yellow in these rooms would also work.

So does that mean I shouldn't decorate our family room and kitchen in colors other than fire colors? No of course not. Feng Shui is simply a guideline of how to maximize the power of energy in the form of color, décor and placement. The bottom line is the power of your own energy, your own mood, and what you do to promote positivity in the home and with your family.

Yellow is an Uplifting and Sociable Color

Yellow is a good energy color that stands for clarity, optimism, joy, freshness and intellect. These attributes are key to encouraging conversation and an uplifting environment. So naturally, it makes sense to add yellow in the home to help to achieve these mood goals.

As an example if you would like to enhance communication with your significant other, go ahead and decorate your Master Suite with yellow, or just add a bit of yellow to the room. When he starts unexpectedly becoming chatty, you can smile and blame it on the yellow.

If you're looking for Yellow Home Décor pieces, click each of the boxes below and various furnishings in that category will drop down right on the page: Oh HAPPY DAY:




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, January 28, 2018

Decorating Your Living Room With Pink and Purple

It takes a certain amount of bravery to decorate a room with such powerful yet soft colors. Not a lot of people are up to it.

Think about how many people you know who have taken the plunge and painted their foyer or main rooms Lavender. I'll take a wild guess and say, very few.

Of course bedrooms and bathrooms often see pink or purple on the wall, but it truly takes a free spirit to turn a living or dining room into a pink/purple haven.

A Pink and Purple Living Room Design Can Be Done

The first step before any decorating begins, is to determine the mood you want to create for that space when it's completed.

How do you want the room to feel to those who enter? If the answer to your question is, relaxed, calm, and serene, mixed with a touch of royalty and class, then hang on to your decorator's hat .... you're a candidate for a purple and pink living room. Yikes you say?

The Basic Template for the Room

The basic template for you space is what goes on the walls, ceiling and floor. After deciding on the mood, you must next decide these items.

However, you should have the couch, chair and rug colors established at the same time so that you can match one of the colors from those pieces with the wall and/or ceiling paint. And yes, you can paint your ceilings dark colors.

Wall Treatments - Will You Have Any?

If you're planning purple for the wall, and your budget permits it, add Wainscoting to the living room. Put the Wainscotting all the way around the walls or just on one wall - you decide. Quite frankly, all the way around is a fantastic look, especially when a great deal of color is about to be introduced to the space.

Wainscotting painted a light soft blush, versus, the standard stark white, would look incredible with dark purple walls that match a shade of purple in the area rug. This Pinterest Board features various wainscoting styles and designs. Take a look to get an idea of the choices available. There are plenty.

The Furniture and Accessories

There are an abundance of options to choose from. However, if you need the choices narrowed down, check out these pre-selected purple and pink furniture items featured here. The design choice was centered on softness and grace.
  • The Sofa: Soft Pink/Blush
  • The Rug: Darker Purple
  • The Sideboard: Dark Wood with Purple Tones
  • The Pictures: Flowered with Purple and Pink Tones
  • The Floor Poufs: Faux Fir White
  • The Coffee & End Tables: Rose Gold and Glass
  • The Chairs: Soft Pink Striped
  • The Drapes: Graceful Soft Linen Light Pink
  • The Accessories: Pink, Purple, White - Plants, Flowers and Candles
  • The Lamps: Dark purple base with light colored lamp shade (white or pastels)



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, January 21, 2018

Decorate with Purple in 2018 - Why? Because Ultra Violet is Pantone's Color of the Year

That's Right, Ultra Violet (Shade 18-3838) is Pantone's Color of the Year for 2018: Although not the exact shade, choose any Shade of Purple to Decorate With and You'll be Fitting In with 2018's Trend 

If you're not familiar with how Pantone's Color of the Year is selected, in summary, it's chosen as a reflection of society and it's current cultural expressions and often by it's needs.
“The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today.” – Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute"
Individuality, unconventionality and artistic brilliance are some of the words Pantone uses to describe the reasons Ultra-Violet was chosen for 2018.

Spirituality is often associated with Purple. As an example, if you're a church goer you've seen the spiritual connection with purple during Lent when a Catholic Priest wears his purple robe. With Lent being a time of empathy for suffering and penance, purple is the chosen color for this time. It's not meant as a negative, but rather to give something of ourselves as a way of acknowledging Jesus' suffering for us.

If you're not a believer in traditional religions, purple is still referenced as an associated color for mindfulness. Whether it's for Yoga, Meditation or InspiringButterfly Lilac Bedding Duvet SetButterfly Lilac Bedding Duvet Set Gatherings, purple lighting, purple scents and purple art, are often used to compliment and reflect the calming intention of a group.

In home décor you'll find that purple is used to enhance a design that is bravely unique to the point that a home owner has no qualms about creating an environment that boldly stands out for all who enter. Call it, 'a little shock and awe in home decorating'.

Where the conservative decorator tends toward neutrals, purple is often for the individualists among us. It's not so much about being fearless, but more about recognizing self within our environment. Of course, if you're not a fan of purple it doesn't matter how much of an individualist you are, you simply won't decorate with the color!

In Business Marketing, purple is often used to represent trends, services or products that are higher in quality or sophistication. If your business reflects a higher level of quality, purple may be a color to include in your branding.

In short, decorate the way you want to decorate! No matter the trends, your home is your personal space and should reflect who you are and what you love. But if you happen to love Purple, you're in luck for 2018!




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, January 14, 2018

3 Ways to Add Color to Your Wall Without Painting

Three Ways to Add Colors to Your 
Walls Without Painting
Photo by: Funkthishouse.com
Colorful décor comes in many funky ways, simple but true.

If painting the walls just isn't in the cards, but adding color is, you can do it by including wall and furniture items that hold colorful, necessary home accessories.

Use Your Nail Polish as a Colorful Wall Art Display - Featured Below

Instead of having a drawer filled with a collection of colorful and expensive nail polish, display them in a stylish metal rack on the wall. 

The functional dual purpose of a nail polish wall rack makes it an original accessory for a washroom, dressing room, vanity desk area, or the bedroom.

The racks themselves are fairly reasonable in price so acquiring a couple to fill a large nail polish collection won't break the bank. Best of all, with two metal wall racks you have double the wall art. 

Don't hesitate to give a nail polish wall rack as a gift. These items tend to be labelled 'perks' that most people won't bother treating themselves to, so receiving one would be a treat. If there's someone in your life who's known for their massive collection of nail polish, this item could be a hit!

Wall Unit Plant Stand for Multi-Colored Plants - Featured Below

Plants add energy, freshness and style to a room. Often times we want to add plants, but after looking around the room, come to the conclusion there's no place for them.

If you use a wall to feature a Ladder Plant Stand, you're able to locate that stand in one appropriate place in the room to display multiple plants.

Most importantly, you've added color to the room without painting the walls by using multi-colored flowers and plants. How nice is that ... instead of toxic paint, you have lovely air freshening plants.

A Spice Rack: Use a Decorative Rack in the Kitchen- Featured Below

New kitchen's normally have spice drawers, and older kitchen's tend to have spice cupboards. Who says you have to use either. 

If you're not one of the fortunate who have a modern pull-out spice cupboard located along side of the oven, then you're free to take all your colorful spices and feature them on the wall by using a Spice Wall Rack.

The metal spice racks are particularly stylish. They fit with virtually any décor style; modern, rustic, country, contemporary, and traditional. Place it for all to see, as you would any piece of wall art.

And there you have it, three easy-peasy ways to add color to the walls without painting.




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, December 17, 2017

3 Home Decor Items that Will Add Sunshine to Your Space

Yellow Sunflower Clock Here
No need to frown when the sun isn't shining, simply add a few items to your home that bring the sunshine indoors. 

Your home is more than just an assembly of pieces, it's a reflection of who you are.

There's nothing carved in stone that says you have to limit your home decoration pieces to standard, traditional accessories and furnishings. 

Décor items that encourage positive feelings can help to create a positive mood and environment.

Here are three creative ways to add sunshine to a room using funky decorating pieces:

Sunshine, Sunflower Wall Clock

Add this 3D Yellow Leaves Sunshine Clock to the kitchen or hallway. The clock measures approximately twelve inches around and comes in three different colors.

The clocks come in pink, yellow and white making them ideal on a colorful wall as indicated in the photo. Add one to a den or outdoor patio area, or better yet, use it in a flower themed bedroom.

Add an Outstanding 3D Printed Ceiling Mural
Amazing Leaves & Sunshine Ceiling Mural Here

This is certainly unlike anything most of us have seen. Ceiling murals are fast becoming the latest craze.

The three dimensional scenery designs bring the outdoors in. Fabulous and different, that's what you get with one of this on your ceiling!

If you're not ready to add one to a main room, try it in a bedroom first. They look incredible where mouldings have been installed around the ceiling so that the mural appears inset. But if you don't have any trim to frame the mural, not worry, simply put it on the entire ceiling. 

The mural comes in seven size options and is made of a durable, waterproof, self-adhesive PVC material.

Sunshine and Trees 5pc Canvas Art
Golden Sunshine and Trees Canvas Art will add Crisp Freshness

If you're more on the traditional side when it comes to home décor, this funky yet standard canvas art piece makes an excellent choice.

Spread sunshine and a forest feel throughout the room when you feature this outstanding canvas art in the living room, den, office, or bedroom.

They also make an excellent housewarming or birthday gift. The person receiving this will certainly be thrilled ... who wouldn't be. You'll notice that this piece is quite affordable as it's non-framed. That means you have to add the canvas art to your own frame. However, you can easily find numerous pieces of already framed canvas art here.

It's five pieces are non-glare and moisture resistant. They're easy to clean as well; simply wipe them down with a slightly damp cloth. 



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, November 26, 2017

3 Kooky Affordable Rugs You Can Give as a Gift

3 Kooky Affordable Rugs You Can Give as a Gift


Original gifts come in all shapes and sizes. If you've been looking for a creative gift idea, rugs make an excellent choice.

An area rug can be used in any part of the home or office and are generally something people look upon as a perk or something they never get around to buying for themselves.

Accessories complete a room's look, and rugs contribute considerably.


In reviewing area rugs, the first crucial consideration is determining if they blend into the décor of the room. If it's a gift, you'll want to be sure there's an appropriate space for it and also have a sense of whether the colors blend with the recipient's home décor.

Give a hopscotch rug to a child as a gift. It will add to their room's décor and provide physical fun at the same time. 


Does someone in your life enjoy quips, jokes, or one-liners? Consider this cheeky quote rug if they do. People who like to wear t-shirts with 'words' on them may appreciate this functional home décor accessory that doubles as a conversation piece.

Few people would consider giving this goofy but pretty rug as a gift, thus making you the original sort they always thought you were.

If you're certain a quote rug would be well received, they also make a funny and useful Housewarming Gift. Best of all, the quote rug featured here is quite affordable, with a price under fifty dollars at the time of writing.



You'll probably generate a belly laugh from the recipient of this kooky gift. It's different but ideal for several areas in the home: the porch, a sunroom, a citrus themed space, a child's room, a playroom, and, of course, the kitchen.

Get three or four lemon lime rugs and position them all over the room. Put them under end tables, a coffee table, or in front of chairs.

When the theme of your space screams bright, open, airy, and crisp, a citrus rug is ideal.





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, November 12, 2017

Three Funky Tatami Floor Seats - Check these Out

More Info on the Lazy Mouse Tatami Sofa Seat Here
Tatami floor seats are a type of Floor Mat used in Japanese style rooms.

Of course today's Tatami seats aren't like the traditional ones made of rice straw or wood chips.

These funky seating choices have expanded into artsy designs and styles and are mostly made of foam materials.

If you're looking to for a unique gift, Tatami floor seats can be quite affordable. The smaller funky seats are lower in price than the featured  soft cute lazy mouse bed.

When you click the link below the photos you'll get additional product detail including the price.

Lazy Mouse Tatami Sofa Seat

This comfy squeezable bed is made of foam and velvet. It's the perfect spot to read a book with the kids or to snuggle up and watch a family movie.

Put one in the family room for the kids and have it available as an alternative sleeping spot for company. Use it as an extra bed when the kids have party sleepovers.

The Tatami sofa seat is more expensive than a chair floor seat so it makes for an elaborate but very useable gift.
Tatami Chair Seat Found Here - Multiple Color Choices

Soft Handrail Tatami Chair Seat

If price and space are equally an issue, be sure to check out the price of this funky Tatami chair. It comes in six color choices and at the time of typing this, is under fifty dollars.

For a girls room or in a games room, these floor chairs are ideal for reading or gaming. If a full-blown gaming chair isn't in the cards, then these make a practical substitute.

You can also use them on a chair as a chair pad. Their dual purpose makes them a practical home décor accessory.

Tatami Funky Toast Chair - More Info Here
Funky Tatami Toast Seat

You're reading that correctly - It's a Tatami seat that looks like two pieces of toast.

When a regular gift just won't cut it, but something usable and practical is needed, this funky chair works.

These fun seats make an excellent addition to a media room. When regular extra seating is just too expensive, include a few of these on the floor and you'll have your problem affordably solved.

Best of all, they're portable. Move them from room to room as you need too and always have an extra comfy seat to offer company.

The cover of this seat is polyester, removable and washable so don't hesitate to use it whenever needed. Again, it makes an excellent gaming seat or just let the little ones watch their cartoons as they relax on a piece of toast.

Happy funky decorating!




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, October 22, 2017

3 Ways to Increase Sleeping Space when You Have Company

Full Over Full Bunk Beds to Maximize Space
With the holiday season approaching, making room for company can sometimes be a challenge.

If you're looking for practical ways to either increase sleeping space or provide privacy in open areas, here are three product reviews to solve that problem.

Double Bed Bunk Beds

That's right, there is such a thing as full sized beds as bunk beds. Full sized bunk beds provide double the space for kids. They're great for couples with kids, or just as a place for all the children to bunk together.

Two double beds stacked on top of each solve major space issues. With limited space you can provide sleeping arrangements for four people. Again, if you have a young family visiting, sleeping is solved with approximately six feet by seven feet of floor area for the bed itself.

Join Two Single Beds Together to Make a King Sized Bed
Use a Twin Bed Connector to Convert to a King


If all you have are twin beds in a spare room, there's a way to turn two twin beds into a king size bed.

Pushing the twin beds together is not enough: The dip in the middle makes two mattresses abutted against each other difficult to sleep in. That's where a twin-bed-connector comes into play.

With a connector you can remove that dip in the middle as well as secure the mattresses so they don't slip. You can read more about how to do this here.
Find Canopy Tents Here

Put a Canopy Tent Over a Single Bed in an Open Area

If you have an open area in the home with several twin beds (like a dorm room) you can add a Canopy Tent over each of them to give people their own private area without the need for dividers or walls.

They're easy to put up and of course just as easy to remove.

They're also ideal for kids who share a room. It provides privacy without having to go to the expense of redecorating or giving each child their separate room.

Of course, these items work all year around. Plan ahead, and you'll be all set for the holidays.





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, September 17, 2017

5 Tips to Consider when Creating a Pink Themed Room in the Home

Photo via Pixabay
With the exception of a little girl's room, pink can be a tricky color to choose as a theme.

The problem with using pink in a room is doing it in a way that doesn't make it seem childlike (when that's not your intention).

Unless you're trying to recreate Barbie's Dream-House, review these five tips before adding pink to a room:

1. The Easiest Way to Include Pink is to add Accent Pieces in Pink

If you don't have your brave pants fully on, then try the leap into pink by adding pink pieces to compliment the space. Use things like throw pillows, blankets, lamps, side-tables, bean-bag chairs, flowers, ornaments and more to carry the pink-load.

2. Choose the Shade of Pink Based on the Mood you want for the Room

Blush (soft pink) makes a lovely neutral choice. It can work as a base just as light tans, whites, and greys do. Simply use a very soft shade of pink (even skin toned pink) on the walls, floors or ceiling. Use complimentary colors for the furniture, drapes, and other accessories. If you're going for a bold, aggressive or sexy look, then richer pinks are your choice. You'll see numerous examples of soft pink and deep pink rooms in the Pinterest Board below.

3. Pink Walls in a Main Room
Photo via Pixabay


Rich pink walls can also work in a Dining Room. Pink is actually an upbeat, calming and festive color so it makes sense to include it in a room where people gather. You can use hot pink or lighter shades, both work. Try bronze accents to create a balance and spread the visual load. If you choose a deep rich pink color, try softer grey tones for furniture and/or accessories to soften the impact. The trick is to create balance. With a softer pink on the walls, black dining room furniture works. Pink and black can look outstanding together.

4. Use Black, White, Leopard or Floral as Contrasts

Patterns look lovely against a pink backdrop. The challenge is mixing and matching them. For example, a pink tree branches wall decal can work in combination with black and white patterned items in the room. The trick is to mix pattern sizes. If the pattern on the wall is tight, and smaller in it's look, then a bold wider, less busy pattern is the better choice for the black/white mix. The sharpness of black again helps to distribute the visual load in the room.

5. Use Pink as a Backdrop on a Wall Unit

Whether it's a wall unit or a large shoe cabinet, paint the back of it in your choice shade of pink and choose a contrasting color to match the space for the rest of the furniture.




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, September 3, 2017

7 Creative Ways to Utilize the Space Under Your Staircase

Photo by Pixabay
When we're doing a re-design or trying to figure out how to add another useable space to our home, rarely do we think to use the open space under our staircase.

So long as there's a floor and wall area under your stairs and you're willing to tackle a re-do, you're only limited by your imagination.

Let's Review Seven Creative Ways to Use Your Staircase Space:

1.  A Pantry - What a Cool Idea

If you've always wanted a kitchen pantry but lacked the space to put one in, your staircase (upper or lower) can serve as the perfect place to store your kitchen goods. Be sure to scroll through the Pinterest board below to check out exactly what it could look like. Have the exterior match your walls, include a door, lighting and put multiple shelves around the space. Include a rolling tray for portability.

2. An Indoor Dog House - Check out the Gorgeous Design Ideas Below

Cut-out a doggy door to create a full fun dog house under the stairs. Finish the space off any way your heart desires. Add a large soft comfy bed for your fur baby, add lighting and decorate the outside wall with your doggy's name and other personal doggie decorating details. Leave it open for Fido or add a mini-doggie-barn-door as featured in one of the doggie stair case rooms below!

3. An Extra Sleeping Area - When Space is at a Max, Make more Space

When guests come to visit, a sleeping station under the staircase can serve as an alternative area for the kids to use when their room is being used by company. The kids will love to cozy-up in the cubbie under the stairs. Add lighting, book shelves, leave it open to the room or add a barn door to close the space off. Be sure to check out the artistic examples featured below in the Pinterest Board.

4. A Desk Working Area or Homework Station - Perfect for Under Lower Level Staircases

Of course you can create a desk station under an upstairs staircase as well. Depending upon the space you're working with, add a smaller desk with shelves above and below, or add a wrap around desk that includes a few chairs so that more than one person can use the space at the same time. Below you'll see several desk-stair design ideas.

5.  A Washroom - When Space is a Premium

When you need an extra washroom but have no idea how to fit it into your limited space, then be sure to assess whether it can be added under the stairs. Assuming plumbing isn't an issue, add a toilet, sink, flooring, trim, a door and décor and you now have another washroom. You'll see an example of washrooms under staircases below as well.

6. A Reading Nook - A Place to Quietly Read and Write

Include a comfy built-in couch with soft cushions, a throw blanket, shelves stacked with your favorite books, adjustable lighting and you're all set! You'll see several examples of just how cozy these areas can be featured in the Pinterest Board below.

7. Storage - There are Many Design Ideas for Extra Storage

Below you'll notice a number of different storage ideas for under the stairs. You can build just shelves, partial shelve or both shelves and drawers. You can finish the look with elegant trim, add doors, or make the storage drawers and shelves pull out for easier access.




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, August 27, 2017

Create a Tech Free Sanctuary in Your Home

Create a Tech Free Sanctuary in Your Home

Are You Digitally Exhausted?

Information overload may be the understatement of this century. We are an overwhelmed society, from the internet to social media to 24-7 texts, news flashes, and emails on our phones.

As we approach the end of this decade, people face this fact and look for viable solutions that enable them to disconnect for a time.

Only some people can take an off-the-grid holiday, and that's where controlling our own environment holds the power.

We can't change the outside world, but we CAN change our inside world.

This Fall Season, Go for More than Warm and Cozy in Your Home Décor - Create a Space that's Absolutely Disconnected and Tech Free

It's not easy to disconnect. According to Business Insider, as of 2016, 72% of the United States population uses a Smartphone. Globally, that number continues to grow.

With artificial intelligence soon to become the new norm and augmented reality already in use, there are few opportunities to disconnect at work and in our daily life activities.

For this reason, a dedicated 'calming space' in the home is more essential than it's ever been. The world won't stop just because we want it to, and the oft-repeated cliché, 'the only thing we can control is ourselves,' means more than ever.

The control we do have is in how we design our homes. Digital free spaces, or calming disconnected rooms, are becoming a design inclusion that more people are factoring into their décor.

Let's Review 5 Ways to Create a Calming Space:

1. Create a playroom that only offers free toys of any digital technology - Add books, popular retro games, play rugs featuring games and learning, dolls, astronomy, space, science, puzzles, wooden toys, and more. Decorate the space to reflect another time and give the room a theme like 'The Way Back When Room,'' Yesterday's Space,' or 'Back to the Future.' Make it fun and colorful so the kids can't wait to enter.

2. If you can't successfully turn a kid's room into a technology-free space, how about including a bed tent or enclosed canopy where the rule is only non-digital items are allowed. Tell the kids the space is for storytelling, fractured fairy-tale fun, and catching up on their day. To add interest, give it a name as well.

3. The most obvious room to convert into a calming space is the master suite. If you're disciplined enough to do this, enhance your design with soft, airy drapes, rugs, and bedding, use calming tones and color combinations, and don't forget the soothing scented candles.

If you can't make your master suite a tech-free space, use an extra bedroom if you have one. In fact, don't even include a clock in the designated tech-free room. Think of it as the 'timeless bedroom' - a time-free zone.

4. Create a sitting room or library that only allows soft music and reading. However, permit only vinyl records. No other devices are allowed. Put a fun bucket at the door that says people can only enter the space if they put their phone in it first. Make a sign that gives rules for entering this tech-free room.

5. Let the dinner table be the technology-free zone. Use fun games to ensure no phones are brought to the table. Make a rule; if someone sneaks a phone to the table, that person has to clear the table and do the dishes. If another person breaks the rule, they help. For every ten successful dinners without devices, create a family reward like a movie night or other prizes the family may enjoy.




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, August 20, 2017

How to Decorate a Long Narrow Living Room

Long Narrow Rooms
Photo via Pixabay




We see photos online of beautifully decorated long, narrow living rooms and think, 'Oh, that's easy to do,' until we're actually face to face with our own blank space to fill.

Long, narrow living rooms provide several challenges.

Here's a list of the Do's and Don'ts when it comes to planning the furniture layout for your skinny space:

Don't:  Don't jam all the furniture against the walls.

You're not alone in thinking that placing furniture against a wall will make a room seem larger. However, it's the opposite ... furniture jammed against the wall all around a long, narrow space will merely add to the 'bowling ball feel.'

DO: Pull furniture away from the wall on at least one side. For example, do you have a loveseat or couch that can be pulled away from the wall?

If your room's shape permits it, pull the sofa away from the wall by about a foot (or whatever distance your room allows) and place a long, narrow table behind it featuring tall lamps and a photo collage that goes to the ceiling. Pulling the furniture away from the wall and adding the decorative table can create a cozier, inviting sitting area.

If the room doesn't allow for any furniture to be pulled away from the wall, then place a rug in front of the couch and position the complimentary chairs perpendicular to the couch. That way, you still get the effect of a cozy sitting area.

******


Don't: Don't fill the room without thinking about the walkway through the space.

How will people get from one area to another? Without a clear flow, the room will appear balanced and clear.

DO: No matter how you position the furniture in your space, keep a clear path for people to walk from one part of the space to the other.

If you're wondering what a clear path means, design your layout so people don't have to zig and zag around things to get through the space.
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Don't: Don't restrict yourself to using long regular sofas.

It's harder to create cozy seating arrangements when you do this. It's not impossible; it's more challenging as the sofa will take up more room.

DO: Perpendicular designs are a practical layout for long, narrow living rooms, so try two love seats facing each other.

Again, use an area rug as their foundation and create a cozy seating area. If you add a wall unit or cabinet to the wall perpendicular to the sofas, you'll achieve a tighter, more comfortable feel.

Another tip: in tiny spaces, use smaller-sized furniture with legs. The open bottoms help the room to feel that much more available.
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Don't: Don't use just square boxy furniture and tables. This makes the space too linear.

DO: Add some round or oval accessories.

A round ottoman coffee table or round wooden table will help to break up that back alley look. Use round and oval shapes in other accessories, such as lampshades and vases.
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Don't: Don't just think of space usage horizontally.

Keeping everything at average height on the walls can make a long, narrow living room feel closed in.

DO: Go vertical with your design.

What does that mean? Position draperies where the wall meets the ceiling and have them drape down to the floor.

Or add a tall wall unit that reaches the ceiling or gets close to it.

Or try a lovely wall photo collage that goes up to the ceiling.

A narrow room always looks best when the person entering has their eyes drawn upward. So don't be afraid of patterned, vertically striped drapes.
******


Most Important Tip:
Jennifer Taylor Home Lewis Collection Modern Bolster Hand Tufted Upholstered Accent Entryway Bench With 2 Detachable Bolster Pillows, NavyJennifer Taylor Home Lewis Collection Modern Bolster Hand Tufted Upholstered Accent Entryway Bench With 2 Detachable Bolster Pillows, Navy

Divide the space into two or three areas. Think about what your home needs and design your divided areas accordingly.

Do you need an office area? If so, put the seating area at one end and the office area at the other. You can divide the space in several ways, using area rugs or a small open-two-sided bookcase (that is manageable).

If an office or a dining area isn't possible, create two sitting areas using area rugs to define them.

If there aren't a lot of windows or natural light in the room, it's best to keep the two rugs the same, very close to the same ... or in the same color family, or complementary.

One very cool trick when creating two sitting areas in an open space is to position a chaise or bench chaise so that it's accessible to both sides. Because the piece opens on both sides, it allows for people sitting on the bench to face either seating area.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words. Below, You'll find a Growing Collection of Pins that Feature Long Narrow Living Room Designs, as well as Long Narrow Designs for Other Rooms in the Home:





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, August 13, 2017

How to Paint an Open Concept Room with High Ceilings

How to Paint An Open Concept Room With High Ceilings
 Photo Via Pixabay

Although high ceilings and open concept décor are what most people want today in a home, these spaces can be challenging to decorate.

Before adding color and scale to a space, open floor plans can make a room feel cold and cavernous.

Although it seems contrary to the point of the room, making the space cozy and comfy means scaling down its vastness.

Using Two Colors to Scale Down Tall Ceilings

Two colors on a tall wall create a natural break in height, allowing you to define the space around the color choice on the bottom. The top color can be used as an accent tone for additional pieces in the room.

The example in the above photo shows the two-color concept in action. The bottom section is a deep, rich sea blue color, with the top of the wall painted white. Although white seems like a non-color, it's used to contrast the white cabinet and other accessories, making it part of the intended feel.

But don't stop at two colors; add a third.
One Large Feature Wall Using Two Colors
Featuring a White Fireplace
Photo Via Pixabay

One of the general decorating rules is to work with three shades in the same color family as your base colors. The photo shows how stark just two colors can be. Introducing a third color automatically softens a space.

An Open Concept Wall that Spans Two Rooms

If you have a completely open space that spans two rooms, such as a living room into a dining room where the wall flows from one to the other, it's best to use one color for the entire wall.

The exception would be if you could divide the space using a textured wall feature between the two, like a brick or wood wall divider.

A Concept Room with One Tall Feature Wall

If you have one wall in your space that spans two storeys or is very tall and is visible from other areas, you can paint that entire wall a darker shade while painting another wall that abuts it a lighter shade in the same color family. Thus, the darker wall becomes your feature wall.

If you have windows or a fireplace on that wall with white trim, that's even better, as the darker color will pop even more. In fact, walls with windows and other light-colored architectural trim are ideal for darker-colored paint.

Other Decorating Tricks to Deal with Tall Walls Featured Below in the Collection of Photos:





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, July 30, 2017

How to Decorate a Room with Purple

Photo Via Pixabay
Last week we covered how to include the color Orange in home décor, so let's talk Purple this week

While orange in home décor is the most misunderstood, purple may be the most feared.

However, there's no need to be shaking in those boots.

Since there's various shades of purple ranging from very soft to royal bold, you can choose what works best for you. Also, don't think purple is just for bedrooms either, you'll be surprised just what you can do with a living room decked out in purple.

Still have doubts? Then, scroll to the bottom of this page to see the collection of rooms decorated in different shades of purple.

Before Decorating with Purple Make One of These Three Decisions:

1. You only want to add a little purple to your space
2. You want a more sophisticated look in your purple room
3. You want the room to have a deep rich look of purple

Let's Discuss How to Use Purple Based Upon Points 1,2, and 3

Just a Little Purple in Your Living Room:

Start by adding a touch of soft yellow. Why soft yellow? Because yellow is a complimentary color to purple and will help the small amounts of purple you add, to pop.

Add the yellow to a feature wall. Then add a lightly pattern neutral drape that contains both the yellow and purple. Keep your couch a neutral color, like white, then add two accent chairs in a medium toned purple (slightly darker).

Finish the space off by adding multiple pillows in a combination of the purples and yellow featured in the space. Mix the pillows up with solids and patterns.

A More Sophisticated Look Using Purple:
Photo Via Pixabay


Start by painting a feature wall in a lighter purple-grey shade.

You can paint more than one wall. If you're color-brave go ahead and paint the whole room in that color.

Next choose a couch in a solid charcoal grey color, and choose accent chairs that are closer to the lighter grey-purple you've painted the walls.

For your drapes, bring in a third neutral color like a light tan or beige.

Finally, end the look with pillow accessories but use darker shades of purple on a few solid color cushions and then choose patterns for the others that have both a mix of light purple-grey and tans.

A Deep Rich Braver Attack of Purple in Your Living Room:

So you're gutsy and ready to go all out purple. First choose a deep rich violet purple for a large feature wall. Or better yet, on a fireplace wall.

Next go with the same or similar rich purple that you chose for the wall for the couch. For the drapes continue with the bold theme by using a deep pink-purple.

For the accent chairs, you'll need a neutral tone, and believe it or not, a lovely burnt orange will work. Lastly, bring all the shades you've included in the room into various plain and patterned pillows.

Check Out This Collection of Rooms Decorated in Purple as Well as Purple Accessories



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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