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How to Style Your Coffee Table

Coffee tables are one of the unsung heroes in any living area. While immaculately decorated coffee tables are frequently pictured on our social media feeds, the reality is that they are often strewn with cups and forgotten magazines. Read on for tips on how to elevate your coffee table from simple to sophisticated.

Keep function in mind

When decorating your coffee table, it is essential to keep in mind how you use it. After all, a perfectly stylized coffee table is useless if you can’t utilize it in the way you want. Do you tend to set your drink on the coffee table? Do you sit at the table to do work? Do you actually flip through and read the books you have displayed? Do you enjoy using it as a surface to play games with friends and family? Keep all this in mind when styling your coffee table so that it remains usable.

Stacking knick-knacks

If you are caught between displaying books or knick-knacks on your coffee table, you need not choose between the two. Placing small decor items on top of two to four stacked books allows for a stylish way to show off both. Stacking also provides visual interest, especially if your coffee table setup was mostly flat. You can stack candles, vases, and other small items to complete the look.

Keep it organized

Coffee tables often feel like the focal point of clutter in living areas, but it doesn’t have to be that way. First, take stock of what is currently on your coffee table and get rid of any books you don’t want or magazines that are well past their relevant date. Once you’re left with the items you want to keep on display, a Pasadena, MD, interior decorator recommends using decorative trays to keep things organized. Depending on the tray’s size, you can place remotes, coasters, or books inside, minimizing the appearance of clutter.

Experiment with shape and size

While there is nothing wrong with a simple coffee table stacked with a book or two, it provides little visual interest. Consider decorating your coffee table with items of varying height, shape, texture, and size. This can look like a tall plant flanked by flat stacks of books or a ceramic bowl paired with potted plants. Varying the shape and size of the items on your coffee table will help your decor feel more dynamic and visually appealing.

Make it personal

Since people tend to gather around a coffee table, it presents the perfect opportunity for you to add a few conversation starters. Instead of displaying curated decor, consider using one of your own collections or personal items. Some examples include shells from a beach vacation or other trinkets from your travels. This way, your coffee table decor is one of a kind and perfectly unique.

Reclaim your coffee table! Long gone are the days where your coffee table serves as a catch-all for your cups, keys, and mail. If you follow the tips above, you can style a coffee table that reflects your interests and taste, while still leaving space for you to rest your coffee in the morning.

Ideas for Your Kid’s Playroom

If you’re stuck at home and find yourself at your wit’s end trying to entertain your child, you’re not alone. Millions of parents now find themselves juggling the roles of teacher, entertainer, and parent alongside their own work responsibilities. If you want to keep your child distracted for longer, consider revamping their playroom. Read on to discover the best ideas to improve your kid’s playroom.

Make storage a priority

If you are working with a small space, finding places to fit all of your child’s belongings might be a challenge. Vertical cubbies on the wall work well because they don’t take up too much room and allow your child to see the toys without rummaging through a storage bin. You can even add fitted containers or bins to your cubbies to make it look neater. An Ankeny, IA, interior decorator recommends utilizing furniture that doubles as storage space — such as seats or benches — to optimize your space.

Weigh your wall options

Bright colors are a great addition to any child’s playroom, especially when you don’t have to commit to repainting the walls. Decals provide an easy way to add individuality and fun to your child’s playroom. You can choose a single sticker of your kid’s favorite movie character or a pattern that serves as a wallpaper (think: crowns for a princess fan). If you have a child who is notorious for writing on the walls, consider painting one wall with chalkboard paint. This will allow your budding Picasso to draw on the wall while saving you hours of frustration and cleaning.

Reel in reading

A playroom can serve as your child’s space to have fun as well as a place to wind down. Encouraging your child to read in between all the fun gives them time to calm down and gives you a break from any potential noise. You can create a special corner just for reading. Consider adding new shelves to house all of their favorite stories. If that’s not possible, simply add a comfortable cushion in your reading nook and place a couple of books beside it.

Include your child in the design

Most children have artwork that they would love to see on display. An easy way to showcase their art is to use it as decor in the playroom. Frames are relatively cheap, and it is easy to change out the designs as your child grows and creates more. You can forego a frame altogether and opt to hang wire or string and clip up your child’s artwork for a budget-friendly option. Including your child’s artwork is a personal touch that will make your child feel that the room is their special place.

Cultivate craftiness

Most kids enjoy working on art projects filled with glitter, glue, macaroni, and the like. If you have a crafty kid on your hands, consider dedicating a space to their crafts. A low table provides an excellent spot for your child to work on any art project or puzzle. While there are special tables designed for children, a coffee table also works fine since it is low enough to the ground. Keep labeled containers of supplies so your crafty kid knows where things are and can work on their projects without asking for help. It’s a good idea to avoid rugs around your craft area, as glue and sparkles can get stuck and be difficult to remove.

We may be inside, but that doesn’t mean your kid cannot have fun. Follow the tips above, and you can create a playroom for your child that keeps them occupied and allows them to have a good time during their days inside.

How to Choose a Headboard Style

A headboard is often the focal point of a bedroom. Choosing a headboard depends on your style and needs. If you are looking to replace your headboard or perhaps add one in altogether, read on to discover tips on how to choose a headboard style.

Keep size in mind

It is tempting to choose the most visually appealing headboard you see, but some assessments need to happen first. Before you go shopping for a new headboard, whip out the measuring tape and take a close look at your bedroom. How high are the ceilings? How long is the wall against which your bed rests? You don’t want a long headboard on a short wall or a tall headboard with a low ceiling; otherwise, your room will look unbalanced. Keep these measurements in mind to choose the best headboard for your space.

Stay on trend

If comfort and style are important to you, you can’t go wrong with an upholstered headboard. Though they went out of fashion for a bit in favor of more minimalist styles, an interior designer in Plantation, FL, says they are back on-trend in 2020. Upholstered headboards are any headboard with soft padding covered in fabric, so you can really make it your own. You can find headboards upholstered in a variety of materials, such as velvet or leather. Whatever you decide, you can be sure you’ll be stylish and comfortable while you sit in bed.

Consider contrasting

When deciding what type of headboard you want, look around your room. Contrasting your headboard with the rest of your room is a good way to draw attention to it and create visual interest. If your furniture is mostly dark wood, consider choosing a softer, upholstered headboard. If your furniture is mostly cushioned, introduce contrast with a wooden headboard. Besides texture, you can also use contrasting colors. If you have a light-colored room, a dark headboard will act as a stunning contrast, and vice versa.

Refinish what you have

If you don’t feel like investing in a new headboard or you have an old piece that needs some TLC, consider refurbishing it. A headboard can look entirely new and reflect your current taste with a fresh coat of paint or stain. Be sure to clean your headboard properly and sand it if necessary. House painters in Dunwoody, GA, recommend applying multiple, thin coats of primer before going in with paint on wood. Once you’re done painting or staining, you will have a fresh headboard at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new one.

Get unique

A headboard doesn’t have to be traditional wood or metal. You can make a headboard out of anything, and your individuality and interests will shine through. If you have any reclaimed wood, you could potentially make a headboard out of it. Other ideas include old door panels, collages, latticed wood, or picture frames. Pinterest has plenty of ideas, so don’t feel confined by traditional headboards.

A headboard can elevate the style of your room while providing functionality as back support while lounging. By following the tips above, you can choose the best headboard for your style and needs.

Fresh Color Palettes for Spring

Spring brings more than just the promise of new life; spring is a time to restart, refresh, and prepare for the warmer months ahead. While pastels and florals are the first things that come to mind when we think of spring, there are many different color combos you can introduce to your home. Read on to discover tips on the best color combinations for spring.

Yellows and white

While it may be obvious, yellow and white is a beautiful combination for the springtime. Think a freshly hatched chick still in its egg. You can choose a bright canary yellow or a more mild tone, such as a lemon yellow. Accenting with green amps up the natural vibe. To implement this color combination, a Warrenton, VA interior decorator recommends accenting your white backgrounds with yellow. For example, you could add a bright yellow pillow to your white couch. Or, you can hang yellow dish towels in an all-white kitchen.

Greens and pinks

Green and pink is an extremely versatile color combination. The warmth of pink perfectly complements the cool, earthy vibe of green. For a spring twist, pair shamrock green with hot pink. If that is too bright for your tastes, consider combining mint with bubblegum pink. Whatever tone and shade you decide, you can be sure that your green and pink color combination will look lovely.

Greens and gold

Green is the color of the season, and pairs beautifully with many other colors. Gold pairs exceptionally well with deep, earthy greens. The metallic nature of gold perfectly balances and contrasts with the natural quality of the green. It also brightens up green tones, evoking a look of the sun shining on leaves. There are many ways to introduce this color palette into your home, from potting your plants in gold to framing green-toned artwork in gold frames.

Shades of blue

Blue is the color of the sky on a clear spring day, and maybe the next color of your living space. Since it is so versatile, blue is the perfect color to paint a large room, according to professional Ohio house painters. Pale blues pair beautifully with white countertops in your kitchen and silver or stainless steel appliances. Robin’s egg blue walls look wonderful paired with deeper blue furnishings, such as navy or indigo.

Blues and friends

Not only does blue work well with itself, but it also pairs well with others. Violet goes with a more subdued shade of blue, such as robin’s egg. Lavender and cerulean are another winning blue-purple combo. You can also pair blue with deeper shades of yellow, such as mustard or honey, or with green for a match made in spring heaven. Consider pairing a bright green with a greenish toned blue, such as aqua or turquoise.

Spring is a time for renewal. Whether you plan on completely refreshing your house with a new coat of paint or are looking to add some fresh decor, these tips will surely help you pick the color combination that suits your tastes best.

How to Design and Decorate Your Powder Room

A powder room does not have to be the forgotten extra bathroom that is only in use when your main bathroom is occupied. Since guests primarily use a powder room, it’s important to curate a space that is clean but also reflects your personal style. Read on to discover tips on how to upgrade your spare bathroom into the powder room of your dreams.

Design with a theme in mind

A small space such as a powder room is the perfect opportunity to get creative with your decor and design. Nautical themes are classic for bathrooms, but there are a ton of other options. If you want a subtle theme, an interior decorator in Sea Girt recommends focusing on a single color or aesthetic. Keeping a theme in mind will help you pick out other design details, such as towels and hardware, and will help you to create a cohesive look in the room.

Lighten up the place

Lighting plays a crucial role in a small space such as a powder room. Changing out your light fixtures is a relatively simple way to improve the design of your powder room. You can choose a more modern look by using industrial bulbs or shop for vintage fixtures if you want a more classical style. Adding mirrors is another option: mirrors reflect the light already present while also making your space feel bigger.

Revitalize with a repaint

Painting a powder room is a significantly easier task than painting a living room, and it can have just as big of an impact. House painters in Hillsborough Township, NJ, suggest knowing what kind of mood you want your powder room to have. You may want to choose a more vibrant color, which brightens up the space and makes it feel larger. However, if your powder room is smaller or located under the stairs, you can embrace the moodiness and go for darker colors.

Ditch the paint for something different

If plain painted walls aren’t your thing, don’t sweat it. Wallpaper allows you to introduce exciting patterns and color schemes to your powder room without doing the painting work. If you don’t want to commit to a full room of wallpaper, you can add trim to the middle of the wall and have a solid color on one half of the wall and a printed wallpaper on the other. Tiling the walls is also an option. With so many different tiles and patterns, you are sure to find a style that suits your design dreams.

Upgrade your vanity

In a small space with few design features, the vanity becomes the main focus of your room. You can upgrade your mirror by purchasing a new frame and fitting a mirror, or by painting the current frame a new color. If you are handier, consider repurposing an old piece of furniture as your vanity, such as a small side table. Finally, upgrading your sink hardware can make your vanity look entirely new.

Powder rooms can be so much more than a spare bathroom. By following the tips above, you can create a powder room you and your guests will love.

Modern Home Renovation Tips

I know what you’re thinking—home renovations are too much work. But, if your home feels outdated and boring, a quick makeover will be worth the time and effort. Say goodbye to trends of the past with a modern update. But, before kicking off your revamp, read these essential modern home renovation tips.

Embrace neutral paint colors.

When it comes to a home renovation, it is crucial to update your paint. Depending on when the last time you gave your home a makeover, your wall colors may be faded or chipped. The professional painters in the CSRA say the best colors for a modern home are black, white, gray, beige, and tan. Neutrals give you more leeway when decorating your home. If you want to incorporate color, you can do it through your decor and accessories. Think area rugs, throw pillows, artwork, or even an accent wall, in earth tones.

Hang new artwork.

If you want to make a statement in your home, hang up a new piece of artwork. Abstract paintings in vibrant colors are guaranteed conversation pieces. The bigger, the better!

Cut the clutter.

Modern homes are all about the idea that ‘less is more.’ Decluttering puts you on the pathway to minimalism. Consider storing items you can’t get rid of in cabinets or multifunctional ottomans—out of sight, out of mind. You’ll have easy access to these items when you need them, but they won’t overpower the room.

Use clean lines.

Similar to contemporary homes, modern homes feature clean and simple lines. Your furniture, decor, and the architectural elements of your own should be made up of horizontal and vertical lines.

Consider an open floor plan.

There is a sense of fluidity in modern homes. Open floor plans help to achieve a natural flow from one room to the other. Use the same flooring in your living room, dining room, and kitchen area so all of the spaces tie together.

Invest in large windows.

Another staple of a modern home is using outdoor elements and natural lighting. Whether you have floor to ceiling windows or a large bay window with a beautiful view, the more natural light that can flow in, the better. If your windows are on the smaller side, use sheer curtains or no curtains at all.

Update your cabinets.

Wood cabinets are right at home in modern kitchens. To give yours an update, refinish the wood cabinets you already have or paint them white or gray. Changing the color of your cabinets to white, gray, or black is a simple project that will make your kitchen feel brand new.

Modernize your furniture.

When choosing new furniture, remember simplicity is best. An interior decorator in Chester Springs, PA, says you should choose pieces with clean lines and natural fabrics. Wood tables, accents, and chair bases work perfectly in any modern-styled home.

If you’re eager to start a modern home renovation but not sure where to start, hire a professional interior decorator. They’ll be able to help you with everything from color palettes to hardware finishes.

Beat the Winter Blues with Cozy Home Decor

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, homeowners everywhere are starting to experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. Fortunately, there are a few simple updates you can make to your home to combat the SAD-ness! Making small adjustments to your home’s interior can instantly transform your mood, no matter what the weather looks like outside.

Let in the sunshine. Seasonal affective disorder’s primary cause is a lack of natural light. When we don’t get enough daylight, our brains release melatonin, which is what makes us sleepy and more sluggish during the winter. To combat this, add more lighting to your home decor. Use a mix of general, task, and accent lighting to increase the brightness in any space. If you don’t want to add new fixtures, you can always up the wattage of your lightbulbs to increase the light in a room.

Incorporate warm colors into your decor. The expert Salem, OR house painters recommend dressing up any space with the warm, cozy color tones that speak to you and your existing decor. Shades of pink, red, and orange can instantly make a space feel warmer and brighter. If those colors aren’t your favorite, use light, creamy shades of gray, blue, and white to warm up your house. There are plenty of neutral-like shades you can choose from in these color families.

Play with mirrors. Install mirrors so that they will reflect the natural light that pours into your windows during the day and the light from your light fixtures at night. When used correctly, mirrors can also help make a space feel bigger than it actually is, helping to prevent you from feeling like you’re cooped up in a cramped house all winter long.

Soften up furniture. Make your home feel extra cozy with plush cushions, throw rugs, blankets, and pillows. Consider using fabrics like velvet, wool, and faux fur. These additions to your furniture look great, but they also elevate your home’s overall comfort level, too. With enough cozy elements, you won’t mind staying inside!

Bring nature indoors. In the winter, we tend to miss the breath of fresh air we’re so used to receiving in the warmer months. So, bring the outdoors inside by incorporating natural elements into your decor. Find furnishings or decorative items that feature cotton, reclaimed wood, or winter foliage to capture the beauty of a natural winter landscape.

Light the hearth. Instantly increase your home’s cozy factor by lighting a fire in your fireplace. Doing so creates a beautiful, glowing ambiance that’s relaxing and comforting. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, consider investing in a free-standing space heater that mimics a fireplace. There are also wall-mounted space heaters available in various designs that you can easily match to your home decor. If none of these options work, you can see if your TV has a fireplace screen saver option and light a crackling candle to set the mood.

Don’t succumb to the winter blues. Keep your home cheerful and bright this winter with these decorating tips. For more home decor inspiration, contact Kimberly Paulus, a Sienna Plantation, TX interior decorator.

How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel

Figuring out how to decorate a fireplace mantel can be a deceptively tricky task, especially when you can scroll through Instagram or open a magazine and see tons of artfully decorated fireplaces without leaving your house. A mantel may often be the focal point of a room, which can add to the stress of deciding exactly how you want to decorate it. However, there are several different methods you can follow when planning your mantel décor. Whether you are aiming to make Martha Stewart proud or just looking to add some style to your living space, the following tips can help you tastefully decorate a fireplace mantel for any time of year.

Decorate with art

A classic and beautiful way to decorate a fireplace mantel is with pieces of art. Not only is this an excellent way to display the art that you own, but it also adds flair and character to a room. There are several ways you can display artwork on a mantel, including:

Layering the artwork to create a casual, gallery-like look. Use different size frames to play around with proportions.
Placing a single, bold piece of artwork on the mantel or hanging above it to serve as an additional centerpiece and focal point.
Choosing an art collection with similar themes and tones to create cohesion.

Decorate with curated items

Similar to decorating a mantel with a collection of art, choosing curated items creates a cohesive look atop your fireplace mantel and reduces the pressure to pick individual decorative pieces. Coordinate your items by color for simplicity and ease or by theme for a more laidback feel. Some potential ideas include flowers or natural elements. If you have any collections of sorts, this is the perfect opportunity to display them. Dust off your old baseball memorabilia, records, and vintage cameras and display them proudly.

Decorate for the holidays

Holidays present an opportunity to add festivity to your usual mantel decorations. You can choose to swap out your typical decorations for holiday-themed ones, or you can add the following items to your regular mantel for that seasonal touch:

Lay seasonal garland (ex. pine for Christmas, twine and Easter eggs for Easter, gourds, and vines for Thanksgiving, etc.) along the mantel.
Place ornaments in a vase or bowl or scatter them along the fireplace.
Hang a string of lights around the fireplace or draped across the mantel.

Decorating a fireplace mantel doesn’t have to be stressful. Following these tips and tricks can help you decorate your mantel and achieve your desired look and style. While we can’t guarantee Martha Stewart’s personal stamp of approval, we can bet your friends and family will be impressed by your new display. For more design inspiration, check out the interior designers in Mt. Pleasant, SC.

5 Ways to Incorporate the 2020 Color of the Year into Your Home

It’s that time of year again! Benjamin Moore released its 2020 Color of the Year, First Light (2102-70). The color is described as “a soft, airy pink that flatters any space and plays well with other colors.”

Adding First Light into your home is an absolute must since it can be used in a variety of ways and fits any design style. Here are five ways you can incorporate First Light into your home this upcoming year.

Paint the walls.

The most natural and most obvious way to add First Light into your home is by painting your walls. The professional painters in Hickory, NC, say that First Light is soft enough to act as a neutral and can brighten up whichever room you choose to paint. Complement the walls through furniture, accent pieces, and other decor in shades of browns, grays, white, and black.

Add throw pillows.

A fun and easy way to incorporate new color trends without spending a ton of money is by adding throw pillows. The light pink shade will stand out against darker colored couches and chairs and adds a feminine or romantic touch to generally darker rooms. To make more of a statement, find patterned throw pillows that incorporate the delicate hue.

Paint your front door.

Your front door is the first thing guests and passersby see when they arrive on your street. First Light is an inviting shade of pink, so it’s the perfect color to welcome anyone who stops by. This color will brighten your home from the first glance and enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Add a rug.

Since First Light complements browns so well, adding an area rug in the hue will work wonders on wood floors, says Naples, FL, interior decorator Claudia Leah. Not only do area rugs add a pop of color to a space, but they can bring another layer of texture as well. You can also layer area rugs on top of each other to create more interest in your room.

Repaint an end table.

Take your current end table and paint it First Light, or buy an end table in a light pink color! If you’re going the DIY-route, make sure you take the proper preparation steps, like sanding and priming, to ensure the color goes on smoothly and evenly. Once painted, you can place the end table in your bedroom, living area, or entryway.

Incorporating First Light into your home can be effortless when you follow these tips. Whether you decide to paint your child’s bedroom in the color of the year or use it in your accessories, your home will feel lighter and brighter almost instantly.

Preparing Your Yard for the Winter

With winter approaching, it is time to start prepping your yard for colder weather. You want to do all that you can now to ensure your lawn is protected from both seasonal storms and freezing temperatures in the future. Follow these tips on how to prepare your yard for winter and you’ll be in good condition come springtime.

Keep on mowing

A huge misconception is that as soon as the weather turns cold, you can stop mowing your yard. Depending on what type of grass you have, the blades may not stop growing until the ground freezes. The ideal length of grass in the winter is about 4 inches. This height protects the roots from being damaged and can help prevent bare spots in the spring. Not only does a well-maintained lawn keep up your curb appeal, but it will also make raking and other preparation tasks much more manageable.

Aerate your lawn

Aeration is a simple and vital step for preparing your yard for the winter. Creating holes in your yard breaks up dry, compacted soil, which allows water and nutrients to reach the roots and provides more room for oxygen. Aeration helps your grass grow and ensures a healthy yard for the spring says the Delaware Valley landscapers.

Place seeds in sparse areas

Place seeds in your yard’s bare spots as well as areas that are thinning. This helps prevent diseases and promotes growth for the spring. Don’t forget to water your seeds! The ground is more susceptible to moisture in the fall, so you’ll have the best chance at a lush lawn when you remember to water and protect your seeds.

Remove weeds

For those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, pulling weeds is essential to achieving a healthy and beautiful lawn. After a storm, the soil is loose, and weeds can easily be removed. If you prefer to leave your hands clean, use a dandelion tool or weed cutter. When your lawn enters into winter weed-free, you’ll have a less chance of weeds early on in the spring.

Rake the leaves

Though fall leaves are beautiful on the trees, they’re a nuisance once they’re on our lawns. Though raking can be a difficult chore, it’s best not to procrastinate. If you don’t remove the leaves in a timely fashion, your piles will only get bigger and bigger, and your lawn won’t be able to receive as much oxygen. Save yourself the labor and your grass from suffocation by staying on top of your raking.

Lay down mulch

Mulching around flowers, plants, and trees in your yard helps protect them from the freezing temperatures, discourages animals from ruining them, and keeps weeds under control. It also improves the appearance of your lawn. Fun fact! You can use fallen leaves as a mulch substitute.

Fertilize the grass

If you have a cool season grass, like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, or fine and tall fescue, then you should fertilize your lawn in the fall. This helps feed the roots nutrients and strengthens your turf for the winter. Additionally, fertilization encourages root growth for the spring. Make sure you use a winterizer fertilizer as there are different types of fertilizers for various purposes.

Taking proper care of your lawn in the fall will put you on the right track to having a lush and healthy lawn come spring. If you don’t know where to begin, contact a professional landscaper, and they’ll be able to come up with the best plan on how to prepare your yard for winter.