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.
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.