How to Decorate Guest Room
Guest rooms are often overlooked and relegated to acting as a dumping ground for excess stuff and unfinished projects. If you often feel a bit embarrassed by your guest room when friends and family come to visit, it may be time to undertake a makeover. Read on to discover tips and inspiration for decorating your guest room.
Clear out your clutter
Many of us are guilty of using our guest room as a convenient storage unit. An excellent first step when redoing your guest room is to get rid of accumulated clutter. If you still have items remaining after clearing out excess belongings, you can utilize many clever storage hacks. For example, consider putting your bed on risers to maximize space underneath for storage. Or, you could purchase a bed frame that includes storage drawers. Finally, be sure to remove any temporary clutter from the room before your guests’ arrival, such as laundry baskets.
Consider the quality of your linens
Just because it’s your spare bedroom doesn’t mean you have to give guests spare towels and sheets. When redecorating your guest room, it is a good idea to invest in separate, high-quality linens, bedspreads, and towels. Keep in theme with the colors and patterns of the room to create a cohesive look. Not only will your guests feel comfortable and taken care of, but you can rest easier knowing that your guests are happy.
Lighten things up
Lighting is critical in any room and often overlooked in underused spaces such as a guest room. If your overhead lighting isn’t cutting it, consider adding lamps at different places throughout the room to create a well-lit atmosphere. A bedside lamp is especially beneficial for late-night readers. If your room lacks natural lighting, an interior decorator in Richmond, VA, recommends the addition of a mirror. Not only will your guests appreciate the inclusion of a mirror, but it will reflect precious light and make your space feel larger and airier.
Furnish with purpose
Guest rooms are traditionally the smallest room in your home, which can make furnishing them extra challenging. If your place can fit a dresser, consider moving it beside the bed to act as a bedside table. Are dressers and nightstands too bulky? Installing a small shelf beside the bed is a great way to include a tabletop surface without taking up extra space. If you use your guest room as an office, a desk is a great addition. Not only will it provide space for you to do work, but it offers guests a spot to place their belongings and get ready for the day.
Add color and personality
A guest room doesn’t have to be white walls coupled with a white bedspread. If you tend towards neutrals in your home, a guest room could be a fun place to play with color. Paint all the walls (or an accent wall) in a bright color. Add patterned wallpaper. Decorate the walls with the artwork you have been meaning to hang. Include plants or fake flowers to add in color where necessary. Whatever your personality is, try to inject it into the room.
Guest rooms are often an overlooked place for artful decor. By following the tips above, you can create a space both you and your guests love.
How to Design A Kid-Friendly Kitchen
With online learning in full swing and social playdates at a minimum, kids are spending a great deal of time at home. If you have come to realize your house, especially your kitchen, is not as safe or accessible as you would like, you’re not alone. The kitchen is a hot spot for congregating, as well as injury from sharp objects and hot surfaces. Read on to discover design tips for a kid-friendly kitchen so you can minimize worry and maximize fun.
Invest in spill-proof materials
There are few things as horrifying as watching a child spill something on a hard to clean surface. If spills are a common occurrence in your house, you will want to invest in countertops and flooring that are easy to clean. An interior designer in Montgomery, TX, recommends looking for non-porous materials, such as quartz or laminate, for your countertops. If you have a lot of wood surfaces, refinish them with a durable coating that prevents stains and scratches.
Foster cooking curiosity
Kids are naturally curious, especially when it comes to the kitchen. A great way to keep an eye on them while you cook is by including them in the process. A step up stool allows your child to watch what you are doing and makes it easier for them to help and learn. Plus, you avoid a potential accident caused by them trying to jump up and watch you in action. Step stools come in a variety of styles that can fit any kitchen.
Find storage for sharp objects
A common worry for parents is that young children will get into their knives and other sharp objects. To avoid this, consider adding a magnetic strip along the backsplash of your kitchen. This way, you can place your knives away from tiny, grabbing hands. Not only that, but you can also hang spice jars out of reach of curious youngsters who may want to dump out their contents. If you don’t have the space for such a solution, child-proof latches are a good option for your cabinets and drawers.
Use smarter storage
If your child is older and more independent, you may be familiar with the constant flow of questions asking where something is. To avoid messes brought on by a search for cookies and other snacks:
- Switch up how you store pantry items.
- Keep frequently sought after snacks on lower shelves.
- Be consistent with where certain things go to avoid confusion.
- Consider using clear storage containers to cut down on rummaging.
Change your view
Kids can get into some crazy shenanigans while your back is turned. If your cooking space faces away from the action, an island is a practical addition to your kitchen. Not only will you be able to see your kids while you cook, but you have the added benefit of extra storage. You don’t need to remodel your kitchen to include a built-in island; there are many portable options available that you can repurpose once your children get older and no longer require constant supervision.
Your kitchen doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety while your kids spend time at home. We hope that the tips above improve your kitchen design and peace of mind.
How to Turn a Closet into a Workspace
With many people continuing to work from home through the autumn and kids starting back up with online learning, you may find yourself running out of space to get your work done. If everyone working from the kitchen table is not conducive to productivity, consider repurposing a closet into a workspace. Read on to discover tips on how to convert a closet into a workspace.
Measure the space
The first step in almost any home project is to measure the space you are working with. A particularly important measurement in this case is depth; you want to know how big your desk space can be. While it is entirely possible to fit a full desk inside a walk-in closet, you may want to consider making a custom desk if you have less room. One way to do this is to install a shelf and use that as your desktop. This way, you save space and can be confident the desk will fit perfectly in your closet space.
Allow for electricity
Most of us don’t have the luxury of having outlets in our closet. If you are transforming your closet space into a workspace, you will probably need to add wiring and an outlet to hook up a computer or laptop charger. It is best to contact an electrician to do this for you, as rewiring can be tricky and is apt to go wrong if you are unsure of what you are doing. Be sure the outlet’s location allows you to plug in all your necessary equipment, and the wires won’t interfere with your space. If this seems extreme and you have an outlet nearby, an extension cord and power strip should get the job done. However, the addition of electricity enables you to add a lamp or other lighting, which is undoubtedly necessary for a closet workspace.
Install shelving
Given that you probably have a limited amount of space, shelving is crucial for storage in your workspace. Shelving can be used to store any files, binders, or work supplies you need to have on hand. It also eliminates the need for drawers, which can take up precious space. Whatever you plan on storing, be sure to correctly measure from the ceiling to know that it will fit on the shelf.
Do without doors
If your closet space is small or your doors are on sliding frames, you may want to consider removing them. A doorless closet allows for more space, as your actual workspace can spill out a little beyond the door frame. If you would still like to be able to close off your area and keep your work-life somewhat separate from your home life, curtains are a great alternative and only require the addition of a curtain rod.
Make it your own
Your closet office workspace does not have to feel like a storage room. To keep the workspace from appearing like a broom closet under the stairs, a Louisville, KY, interior decorator recommends decorating your space like you would any other room. Paint or add wallpaper to the backdrop of your desk. If possible, hang small artwork or display decor on shelves, such as plants. Adding decor not only makes your space more aesthetically pleasing, but it can motivate you to get your work done, too!
Many of us are looking to create a dedicated work from home space given that some of us don’t know when we’ll be able to return to the office. Whether it’s for you or a child learning from home, we hope the above tips help you to transform an unlikely space into a workspace for productivity.
Smart Storage Ideas for Any Sized Home
With all of this extra time spent at home, has your house started to feel cluttered and messy? While decluttering is always an option, sometimes you just want to store your stuff in a more orderly fashion. No matter what size space you live in, the following smart storage ideas can help you organize your home and free up some mental and physical space.
Revamp your resting place
Your bed can be used for more than just sleeping. There are headboards on the market with built-in shelving units and bed frames with drawers built into the base. If purchasing a new bed frame isn’t in the cards, consider placing your bed on bed risers. Risers provide a few inches of extra space under your bed for additional storage. Use flat plastic or cloth bins to store sheets, towels, and other goods out of sight.
Clean up your cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are notorious for housing a mess of pots, pans, and lids. If you avoid opening your cabinets for fear of being bombarded with a mess of Tupperware, consider getting cabinet shelving units. They typically come in sets with shelves for larger items, such as pots and pans, and slots for lids. If your cabinets are too small to store your kitchenware, hanging your pots and pans might be a good alternative. Hang them above your oven or sink and they’ll double as industrial-inspired decor.
Find functional furniture
Investing in multifunctional furniture is a great way to store excess household items, says a Springfield interior decorator. If your living room feels cluttered, consider using ottomans or stools with storage space hidden beneath the cushion. You can store extra blankets or toys in this space. Another great option is a coffee table with a shelving unit at the bottom where you can put magazines, coasters, board games, and other knick-knacks.
Stack it up
If you have limited floor space for storage, consider stacking shelves. Many commercial shelving units come with wall mounts and can easily be placed on top of one another. Books and other decor items can be put on display while not taking up an excessive amount of space. If you are planning on storing clothes, invest in stackable cubes. Not only does stacking shelves free up extra space, but doing so can turn them into a focal point for your room and be a beautiful piece of decor.
Go high
Are your walls full of artwork and photos, leaving no room for shelving units or bookcases? Work around these obstacles and mount shelves close to your ceiling around the perimeter of your room. Not only does this look beautiful, but it also serves as an excellent storage space for items you may not use often but still want to put on display.
Life is chaotic enough right now. That’s why we should take extra care in keeping our homes in order. Free up space and clear clutter by following these clever home storage solutions.
Must-Have Decor for a New Home
Spring and summer are peak moving seasons, as millions of people find themselves taking advantage of the warmer months to move into their new apartment or home. If you are one of those people, decorating your new space may seem like an intimidating task, especially when it’s on top of the arduous moving process. If you don’t know where to start with decorating, read on to discover seven must-have decor items for a new home.
Wall art
Artwork truly speaks to your tastes and preferences and makes for excellent decor. You may choose to create a gallery wall with your framed art or decide to make one painting or photo the centerpiece of a room. Don’t shy away from statement pieces or different textures, such as a woven piece or metalwork. These types of art add dimension and visual interest to your space.
Mirrors
Mirrors are an excellent decor choice if you don’t have any wall art or cannot find any that fit your style or budget. They brighten up dreary spaces by reflecting light and can make small spaces appear larger than they are. You don’t even have to hang a mirror for it to make a statement; mirrors propped up against a wall look just as stylish. Depending on the frame, a mirror can fit into an assortment of different styles, such as modern, vintage, or eclectic.
Window treatments
Most people would agree that a room seems cold and incomplete without window treatments. Drapes and curtains are a vital addition to any room and can really tie a space together. You can be bold with your window treatments and choose bright colors or patterns, or keep it neutral and let the room speak for itself. Be sure to consider lighting when choosing window treatments, as thicker drapes will not let in as much light as thinner curtains.
Rugs
Rugs can cover any floor you’re not crazy about and add style to boot. If you choose a colorful rug, the tones can provide inspiration for the rest of the room’s color palette. When all of your colors complement each other, your space will feel cohesive and put together. Rugs can also make your home feel cozier, especially if your flooring is stone or tile.
Throw pillows and blankets
Throw pillow and blankets instantly make a room feel more welcoming and intimate. Blankets add texture to your space, while pillows can add color and visual interest. A Prospect, KY, interior decorator recommends purchasing different covers for your pillows so your decor never remains stagnant and can be switched out depending on the season and your preferences.
Light fixtures
Good lighting is critical for any living space. You don’t have to match every light source in every room completely; choosing complementary styles and finishes works beautifully. When choosing light fixtures, try to vary between floor lamps, table lamps, and overhead lighting. Lighting at various levels and locations throughout the room will help create an evenly lit space that looks cohesive and well designed.
Trays and baskets
Trays and baskets are a must-have for creating an organized and beautiful space. Trays can be placed on any table to hold items. Think at the front door for keys or on top of a coffee table for magazines and books. Baskets provide space for bulkier items, such as blankets and board games. With less clutter, your home will feel more spacious and visually pleasing.
Decorating can seem overwhelming, especially when moving into a new space. Use these must-have items as a guide, and your home will be well on its way to looking its best.