How to Update Your Home Amidst COVID Delays
Over the last year and a half, home updates have risen in popularity due to more people spending time inside. This desire has created a huge demand for home furnishings. If you’re one of the people trying to update your home, chances are you’ve run into delays for a lot of furniture and home goods. Production shutdowns in other countries, ports that have no room to unload cargo, and worker shortages for ports and shipping companies have created these unprecedented delays. Often, the most considerable delays are with pieces that use wood or motorized parts.
But this doesn’t mean that you can’t update your home amidst these COVID delays. Instead, look for alternative options that can help you makeover your home in no time.
Here are seven tips for updating your home amidst COVID delays:
1. Buy Local
A Chagrin Falls, Ohio interior decorator says, “Seek out local craftsmen instead of traditional furniture stores. Local artisans can be a great source for side, coffee, dining, and kitchen tables. Some of these designers even have upholstered pieces such as chairs and loveseats.” When you shop locally, you’re supporting your community, and you may have less of a wait time since you might be able to buy pieces already in stock.
2. Go Vintage
Another option is to go vintage. Depending on your style, this could be mid-century, classic, retro, or traditional. Timeless pieces and styles retain their value, especially when they are high-quality pieces. You can search eBay, Etsy, 1stdibs, and other auction sites for vintage pieces. Just be sure to get lots of pictures from all angles before buying, so you know what you are getting.
3. Don’t Customize
Right now is not the time to splurge on custom-designed pieces. In some cases, it can take up to 40 weeks for a customized piece of furniture to arrive at your doorstep. So, if you really need new furniture and can’t wait, don’t customize your selections. Stick with fabrics and models that the retailer has in stock.
4. Refurbish
Another way you can refresh your home amid COVID is to save the new furniture purchases for a later date and update what you have. You can refurbish and reupholster old furniture, which can completely transform a piece and in less time. Who knows? Maybe with a fresh new look, you won’t even want that new furniture down the line.
5. Try Floor Samples
If you still must have new furniture, another option is to check with the retailer about purchasing floor samples. Since these pieces are already on-site, there’s virtually no wait time. And because these are floor samples, you may even be able to negotiate a discount, saving you some money.
6. Shop at a Thrift Store
Another option to avoid long wait times is to visit a thrift store. If you haven’t considered this in the past, it’s worth giving it a try now. With so many people updating their houses, there can be some good home furnishing finds at these places. Make sure to stop in your local thrift stores frequently since items don’t stick around long at these places.
7. Don’t Delay
And lastly, if you’re looking at new home furnishings and see something you like, don’t delay. Now is not the time to wait and see if the price will come down. It might be gone before you decide, and the website or store may not know when, if ever, they will get it back in stock again. So, if you see something you really want, be sure to buy it right away.
Refresh Your Home With No Delay
Long delays don’t mean you can’t update your home right now. Consider it an opportunity to explore some new places. That could be a local artisan, auction sites, or even shopping at a thrift store. If you must purchase new pieces, don’t customize. Instead, ask about floor samples, or buy what’s in stock. And lastly, don’t delay, as it could be gone for good if you wait.
How to Elevate Your Dorm Room Decor
For many people, the college dorm room presents the first opportunity to take the reins in decorating their own space for the first time. If you are headed to college and living in a dorm, decorating your space can feel overwhelming, especially if you have a roommate with whom to coordinate. Think of this exciting time as an opportunity to express yourself fully and create the space you have always wanted.
Read on to discover five ways you can elevate your dorm room decor.
Smarter Storage
Dorms are notoriously small, so storage is essential. First, if you can, don’t bring your out-of-season clothes with you, as they only take up much-needed space in your closet. An interior decorator in Northern Virginia recommends elevating your bed frame to create additional space for storage underneath. Bonus; what’s under there will also be out of sight. Hooks and temporary hangers are other terrific options, as they allow you to make use of empty wall space. Don’t forget your desk, either; look for desk organizers that keep your supplies in one place and allow you to focus on studying.
Lively Lighting
Lighting is crucial in any room, but dorm rooms often suffer from harsh, fluorescent lights. Fix this by bringing in your own lighting. Stringing up some twinkle lights might be a college stereotype, but that’s because it’s a fun and easy way to add light and decor to your dorm. Add a few floor lamps if your room is dim to prevent your space from looking drab and dreary. Improving your lighting will enhance the look of your entire space.
Cozier Conditions
Many dorms are functionally a slab of concrete and can feel physically and aesthetically cold. Adding some warmth back in will elevate your space and make it more cozy and comfortable. Putting a rug down can keep your feet from freezing and also add texture to your room. Utilize ample throw blankets and pillows for an extra cozy look that is sure to be difficult to part from for classes.
Beautiful Bedding
Your bed often acts as the focal point of your room, so give it the attention and thoughtfulness it deserves. When choosing your bedding, think about how you want to anchor your space. If you have a lot of colorful art or decor, try to keep your bedding neutral, so the art pops in contrast. If you have a more minimal style, a bright solid colored bedding will add visual interest and vibrancy without being too busy.
Delicate Decor
Arguably the most fun part of your dorm is decorating it how you please. Now is the time to really make your space your own. Consider finding art or prints that you like and create a gallery wall. Some online art shops even have curated collections of visually cohesive images, so it takes the guesswork out of creating a gallery wall. If you’re missing your family and friends from home, incorporate their photos in a photo gallery and hang them up above your bed or desk.
College is an exciting time filled with memories and new experiences. We hope the tips above help you create a dorm room that reflects your personality and makes you feel at home during this exciting time.
How to Keep Your Entryway Organized
At the end of a long day, nothing is more discouraging than opening your doorway to a mess. Your entryway often becomes the space where all your day-to-day belongings are tossed, rather than the welcoming space it’s meant to be. If you’re looking to upgrade and organize your entryway to create a more welcoming and pleasant entry experience, look no further for advice on how to get started.
Read on to discover tips on how to keep your entryway organized.
Eliminate clutter
If your entry space is a mess, it is best to start by removing any excess clutter. This is a great time to go through your entryway closet if you have one, as it can often become a hub for discarded items. If you are in warmer months, there is no need to keep your heavy winter coats at the ready. Stow away any out-of-season items to clear up space. If you are overwhelmed by shoes, put away the ones you don’t wear daily. Your entryway will feel much less chaotic with less clutter.
Hang hooks
Hanging hooks is a great way to keep things handy and organized, especially if you are short on space and often forget to grab items on your way out of the house. Consider installing a few small hooks for keys and umbrellas, so they are always ready to go when you are. You can use larger hooks to hang coats and scarves in colder months. If you live in a climate with frequent rain, consider adding a rug below your hook station to catch any running water off your coats and bags.
Store shoes
While it is good practice to take off shoes before entering the home, they can sometimes pile up without realizing it. If you have children or are simply a shoe fanatic, shoe storage is a must for an organized entryway. Cubbies and baskets are a great option, as they keep shoes out of sight. If you prefer a more aesthetically pleasing look, add a shoe rack so you can visually see the shoes at your door. A rack also provides a spot for shoes to dry off should they get wet.
Keep accessories handy
If you don’t prefer the look of hanging hooks, there are still ways to store your accessories. A Claremont, CA interior decorator recommends adding a piece of storage furniture to your entryway, such as a refurbished set of drawers. Not only can this look classy, but you can also store your scarves, keys, and other knick-knacks. Hang a mirror above the furniture and add a tray on top for catch-all items to create a more sophisticated entryway experience.
Prepare for seasons
We’ve all experienced a family member tracking in mud, dirt, and rainwater through the house. To avoid this, make sure your entryway is prepared for whatever weather the seasons may bring. In wetter months, be sure to have a rug out that can trap rain and mud before it gets into your house. Consider adding a heavy-duty tray to the front door area for dirty boots to dry away from clean floors.
If your entryway feels cluttered and chaotic, we hope the above tips will help you organize and restore order to your home’s entrance.
How to Shop for Outdoor Furniture
With summer in full swing, you’re probably ready to soak up the sun outdoors with friends. If your outdoor area lacks a proper setup, it might be time to purchase new furniture. Whether you plan on hosting outdoor dinner parties under the stars or just want a quiet spot to read in the sun, the proper setup can make all the difference.
Read on to discover tips on how to shop for outdoor furniture.
Plan accordingly
Before you look for any furniture, you need to figure out what you want to do with your outdoor space. If you plan to host dinner parties or want to eat outside, a dining table and chairs are necessary. But if you intend to stick to happy hours and casual lounging, you may just need a coffee table and a comfortable seating arrangement. You should also measure your space before you shop to have a rough idea of what dimensions your furniture should be. This way, you will avoid purchasing a dining set that’s too small or an oversized couch.
Know your weather
Most outdoor furniture is made to withstand certain weather conditions. Still, it’s essential that you understand the kind of weather you can generally expect in your area and what works best for your location. If your outdoor space gets a lot of sun, understand that your furniture may have fading issues. If you experience an abundance of rain, you may want to avoid wood furniture as the water can warp it.
Choose comfort
While functionality is important for your outdoor set, be sure to consider your comfort too. Try out your chairs and sofas before purchasing to ensure they won’t leave you and your guests with aches and discomfort. If the set comes with cushions, be sure they are weather resistant and can withstand being left outside occasionally. When you find a beautiful piece that lacks comfort, check to see if inserting cushions or pillows is possible. The more relaxed you and your guests are, the more you will enjoy your time outside.
Select with storage in mind
Most outdoor furniture may be weather resistant, but that doesn’t mean it should be left outside year-round. If you live in a climate with changing seasons, you will want to store your furniture during the colder months. With that in mind, be sure you choose furniture that you know can fit into proper storage. If you’re short on space, there are collapsible and easily disassembled sets that make it easier to put away when not in use.
Add decor
Once you’ve picked your outdoor furniture, you can get started decorating your space. If your outdoor furniture comes with cushions, try to choose patterns that complement your house color. A Mercer County interior decorator recommends coordinating your seat cushions to an outdoor area rug to tie your space together. For dinner parties, consider adding an outdoor bar cart for guests’ easy access. For those with a green thumb, consider hanging annual flowers that match your furniture set.
By following the tips above, you will be able to select the best outdoor furniture for your needs and on your way to an amazing summer!
Design Tips For Your Backyard Office
Many of us have gone from thinking we will only be working from home for a few weeks to being home indefinitely. If you have found yourself in a less than ideal work from home situation, you’re not alone. While some people have created office spaces in closets, others have gotten even more creative and set up a workspace outside. If that sounds like something you could get behind, read on to discover five design tips for your backyard office.
Greenhouse getaway
If you’re lucky enough to have a greenhouse on your property, consider utilizing it as an office space. Greenhouses not only protect you from the elements but provide a consistent and comfortable environment because they trap heat. They also have the additional benefit of being aesthetically pleasing and allow you to grow some live decor.
Adapt your screens
A screened-in porch is a perfect space to set up an outdoor workspace. Pesky bugs will be barred from entering, and rain will have no chance of ruining your laptop or papers. So it provides the same benefits as working indoors! If you live in a climate that experiences the seasons, you still have options for colder weather. You can cover your screens in vinyl for an easy fix or get a professionally made porch enclosing kit. For extra protection from the cold and wind, install weather-stripping along the edges of your screens.
Salvage your shed
Many a shed has been left to collect dust while housing a shovel or two. If your shed is underused and spacious enough, consider transforming it into your home office. Clear out any garden supplies, clean up the interior, and set up a desk. An interior decorator in Knoxville recommends painting the inside of the shed an office-appropriate color, such as a warm earth tone. A natural color palette will create the right atmosphere for your office space and really get you into the work from home mindset.
Productive patios
If you don’t have a screened-in porch or shed, don’t fret. A patio can serve as an excellent outdoor office space. Canopy tents can be found online or in-store and will provide cover for when it rains. Some even have the added benefit of mesh screening to prevent bugs from ruining your workday. They are easily assembled and can be taken down and put into storage if and when the weather gets too cold to work outside.
Utilize an umbrella
The easiest tip to create a backyard office is simply to get a table and umbrella and bring your work stuff outside. The umbrella will ensure you don’t suffer from the sun’s glare all day and prevents you from getting burned. Outdoor patio sets are sold at various retailers, such as Target, Amazon, and hardware stores, making it easy to select one that works for your needs. Besides the convenient use as an office space, it will provide an excellent gathering space for guests too.
In these uncertain times, we all have had to make adjustments and get creative. We hope that you can create a beautiful backyard office space to get your work done from home in style by following these tips.