March, 2019 - SkirtingBoards.com®

These are the Top 5 Moving Mistakes to Avoid

March 15, 2019 by admin

Moving can be a long and difficult process. It’s no surprise that many people make missteps along the way. Luckily, we’re here to save you the pain and frustration that comes with making those mistakes. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common moving mistakes, as well as how to fix them. With these tips you should be able to get through your move without a hitch.

Don’t go into your move without a plan. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Not scheduling it out

The Mistake: One of the biggest moving mistakes we see is people who think they can just go with the flow when it comes to packing and moving. This leads to packing at the last minute, throwing things in boxes with little sense of organization and an overall unpleasant moving experience.

The Solution: Make a schedule. Before you start packing a single box, write out a schedule of when you will pack and move the items in your home. Start a few weeks out from your final moving day in order to give yourself plenty of time. Then, break the task out into organized chunks. Tackle storage areas first, as they’re often the trickiest things to pack. Then go room-by-room to keep the process organized.

Get all your questions answered before you hire a moving company. Image: JR-stock/Shutterstock

Not asking questions before hiring movers

The Mistake: Did you know that most moving companies will only insure items that they pack themselves? Important information like that often goes unsaid during the moving process, leaving homeowners in the lurch when something goes awry. Unfortunately, in the craziness of moving, sometimes you make assumptions about a moving company’s process without anyone stopping to check the facts.

The Solution: Ask questions before you hire a moving company – and keep asking them until you’re sure you know the full story. Ask how their process works, if they’re insured, what’s covered under their insurance and what’s not, what excess fees you could incur and what their procedure is in the event of a lost or broken item. Then, once you have a contract in hand, read it over in full so that you know what you’re agreeing to before you sign on the dotted line.

Ask for in-home estimates. Image: Latkn/Shutterstock

Forgoing the in-home estimates

The Mistake: The majority of moving companies will offer you an estimate. However, they usually do these over the over the phone and vary widely. If you forget to mention a large or difficult-to-move item in your initial consultation, your estimate could end up well over the figure that was originally quoted to you. This is one of the more expensive moving mistakes.

The Solution: Ask for an in-home estimate. That way, someone from the moving company can see exactly how much stuff needs to be moved. They’ll also know if any particular items require special consideration. Armed with that information, they should be able to give you an accurate quote. To make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, aim to get estimates from at least three different companies in your area.

Make sure your boxes aren’t too heavy to lift. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Packing boxes too heavily

The Mistake: We understand the impulse to load boxes until they’re chalk-full. After all, fewer boxes means fewer trips to and from the moving van. However, overloading boxes is one of the moving mistakes that isn’t good for you or your belongings. On one hand, it could be an injury risk. On the other, the weight of your items could cause the box to break.

The Solution: Conventional wisdom states that, for your safety and the safety of your items, moving boxes should never exceed 50 pounds. Keep that figure in mind as you pack up your home. Additionally, pack heavier items – especially things like books – in smaller boxes. That way, you’ll have a built-in stop gap.

Check and double-check your inventory sheet before signing off. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Not checking your inventory sheet

The Mistake: At the end of a long moving day, it’s only natural to want to send the movers away as fast as possible so that you can get started on the unpacking process. This impulse often leads to people signing off on their final inventory sheet – a list of everything that the movers moved into your new home – without checking to see that all their items are accounted for.

The Solution: Check and double-check to make sure all of your belongings have arrived safely before signing off on your inventory sheet. If something is missing, make sure that it’s found before signing anything. Your signature releases the moving company of responsibility for lost or damaged items so make sure you have everything you need first.

Do you know of any other moving mistakes to avoid? Let us know in the comments.

The post These are the Top 5 Moving Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on Freshome.com.

An Unusual House that Expands Your Life Span is for Sale in New York

March 15, 2019 by admin

The Bioscleave House in East Hampton, New York, can expand more than your indoor living space, or your shoe closet. In a totally different twist, the colorful home promises to add years to your life span. All for $1.49 million.

The colorful home is the first U.S. project designed to improve life span. All images courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens.

Listing agency Brown Harris Stevens calls it the “life span-extending villa.” But how, exactly, does this 3,400 square foot, 4-bedroom, 2 1/2 bath house do that? The avant-garde creators, Arakawa and Madeline Gins, partners in the Reversible Destiny Foundation, explain.

Uneven floors improve immune system function

A sunken living room with strategically placed bars to help dwellers steady themselves.

According to the duo, “Heightened body awareness and the challenging of senses can allow the body to constantly reconfigure itself and, with time, become a means to strengthen the immune system.”

Vibrant color defines space and provides stimulation

The open main bath also features an ergonomic bathtub.

Floors stimulate the body’s organs through acupressure points

Minimal furnishings do not compete with the colorful walls.

According to the listing agency, “There are many ‘metaphysical’ small slopes, hills, nooks and crannies made of Japanese rammed earth country floor to stimulate the feet.”

Here are some other interior and exterior images of the unusual home.

Set on over an acre of woodland

The home consists of two connected houses finished in geometric block colors.

Trees surround the home while simple, minimalist landscaping allows the colors to stand out.

No interior doors

An open floor plan includes colorful walls to close off bedrooms and create smaller, intimate spaces.

Built around a central atrium, the main home leads to the sunken living room. Although walls add privacy to each space, there are no doors in the interior.

The concept may seem hard to grasp, but the modern use of 52 colors throughout the Bioscleave House does add a vibrant and cheerful effect to the home.

The post An Unusual House that Expands Your Life Span is for Sale in New York appeared first on Freshome.com.

4 Considerations To Keep In Mind When Planning A Kitchen Remodel

March 14, 2019 by admin

Planning a kitchen remodel can be stressful right from the get-go. After all, this undertaking is fairly expensive and there are an innumerable amount of decisions to be made. However, with a little forethought and planning, the process can begin to feel a lot more straightforward. To that end, we’ve brought you four considerations for your kitchen remodel. Keep them in mind to help keep your project as organized as possible.

Start by envisioning your end product. Image: 2M media/Shutterstock

Have a vision in mind

Though it may seem a little counterintuitive, one of the best ways to get great results from your remodel is to start with the end in mind. That way, you’ll have an end vision that can serve as a framework as you work your way through the remodeling process. It can help make decision-making much easier as choices crop up.

To create your vision, your first step should be to search for some design inspiration. Make full use of websites like Freshome in your search. No matter what your personal style may be, you should be able to find some kitchen designs that speak to you and can serve as the inspiration behind your remodel.

But don’t just stop there. Be sure to put your own spin on the designs, as well. Use them as a jumping off point from which you can make changes in order to make your new kitchen as functional and aesthetically pleasing as possible for yourself.

Plan out your budget first and foremost. Image: LEKSTOCK 3D/Shutterstock

Set the budget

Once you have your ideal kitchen in mind, the next step is to figure out how you can get as close as possible to that end product without breaking the bank. To do that, you must set a budget and do your best to stick to it throughout the entire remodeling process.

First, start by taking a long, hard look at how much you can realistically spend on this home improvement project. If you have money saved up, how much can you spend without leaving yourself hanging financially? If you’re planning on financing your kitchen remodel, look into what size monthly payment you can reasonably afford and how much money that will give you, in total.

Then, do your research. Look into which products seem to most closely match both your aesthetic and your budget. Conventional wisdom states that the more extensively you research the components of your remodel, the less likely you are to make spur-of-the-moment decisions that will drive up the cost.

Always research contractors before you hire them. Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Hire the right people

Once you have your ideal products in place, it’s time to take care of the other piece of the remodeling puzzle: labor. While it may be tempting to go fully DIY on this part of the job in order to save money, now is the time to be honest with yourself about your skills and abilities. Think carefully about what you’re able to do versus where it might be better to bring in the professionals.

Whenever you decide to hire labor, that means it’s time to do more research. Start by asking friends and family if they’ve worked with anyone in the past who they’d be willing to refer to you. Then, go online. Thoroughly vet any potential contractors by reading reviews and checking for complaints with the Better Business Bureau.

Once you have a few potential contractors in mind, it’s time to get estimates. As a rule of thumb, you want to get at least three estimates for each big home improvement project that you undertake. Be sure to talk honestly with each contractor about your plans for the remodel, as well as how much you have to spend.

Make sure to include contingencies. Image: Ilija Erceg/Shutterstock

Expect the unexpected

Our last tip is a bit different from the rest, but it’s no less important. Unfortunately, no matter how much planning you do beforehand, kitchen remodeling projects have a way of taking on a direction of their own, usually when you least expect it. The only thing you can do is put contingencies in place to prepare for unexpected roadblocks and go with the flow.

When we say “contingencies,” for the most part, we mean monetary ones. In general, it’s a good idea to increase your budget by at least 10 to 15 percent to account for any unexpected costs that may crop up. It’s also a good idea to pad your project schedule in the same manner. That way, you’re prepared if the timeline gets off track.

The post 4 Considerations To Keep In Mind When Planning A Kitchen Remodel appeared first on Freshome.com.

Helpful Hints for Small Room Arrangements

March 14, 2019 by admin

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Small spaces can be tricky to decorate. You can spend hours scrolling through Pinterest, gathering your inspiration for your compact quarters, only to find that in practice you feel extremely limited. Whether you’re in a full-blown tiny home, a small apartment or just have a room in your home that’s short on square footage, we can help. We asked our Freshome team for their top tips on small room arrangements. Here are 12 helpful hints you’ll actually be able to use in your small space.

Floating shelves and high-hung window coverings draw the eye up, making the space feel larger. Image: ThreeDiCube/Shutterstock

Think lofty

When you don’t have a lot of space along the x-axis of a room, think about the y-axis. Using your walls well can transform your room.

Float some shelves

In a small space, it can be hard to find a balance between overcrowding the room with furniture and it looking sparse. If you’re streamlining your furniture but still want the space to feel structured and designed, floating shelves are ideal. The Walnut Floating Shelves from The Container Store are perfect for displaying your favorite art and decor pieces while keeping table surfaces clear.

Get large-scale art

Again, just because you don’t want to crowd the room with stuff doesn’t mean you want it to look spartan. You can dress up even the simplest room with large wall art. If your room is especially small, swap a bold, graphic art piece for a large mirror. It will bounce light around the room, helping it feel bigger.

Elevate your window coverings

Help your room feel larger by drawing the eye up to your ceilings. When you hang your window coverings, hang the rod near the top of the wall. The long line of drapery helps the room feel more expansive.

A single large piece of furniture can anchor your small space. Image: Ruben Ramos/Getty Images

Think big

It’s a small room, so you should only put small items in it, right? Au contraire. Thinking big can help you transform your small space.

Add one large furniture piece

Confusing, we know. Why would you add something that’s going to take up a lot of your precious square footage? The answer lies in the feel of the room. Too many small-scale pieces can make the room feel cluttered and unanchored. Adding one large focal piece – whether that’s a comfortable sofa or a centering entertainment center – makes the room feel established.

Throw down a big rug

A light-colored, softly patterned rug can help brighten and soften your space, while also helping you delineate sections. Set a rug like West Elm’s Foil Diamonds Distressed Rug under the dining table or coffee table to create a sense of purpose for the space. Voilà! The rug delineates the area, clarifying its use.

Take a step back

When you’re designing a small room, it’s easy to get caught up in the details. But thinking big ensures you end up with a room in which you’ll actually want to spend time. Look at the room as a whole. If it’s still feeling small and cramped, make changes that will have a big impact, like lightening the wall color or adding more lighting to each corner.

A multitasking ladder serves as wall art and blanket storage. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Think utilitarian

In a small space, each item needs to pull its own weight. This is a time to think smart and get sneaky.

Hide storage

A small space needs storage. When your space is compact, the last thing you want is to have unwanted items sitting out, right in your eye line. While bigger spaces might be more forgiving, little rooms keep everything in plain sight. That is, unless you get creative. Look for furniture with hidden storage. West Elm has a Stacked Disk Coffee Table with a hidden compartment inside, while Pottery Barn has a Tamsen Storage Bench where you can tuck items away.

Multitask

Choose pieces that can be used for multiple purposes. A padded ottoman could be an ideal place to put up your feet or, with the addition of a tray on top, a place to serve drinks and snacks. West Elm’s wheeled Mid-Century Bar Cart can be pulled front and center when in use or tucked away conveniently. Multifunctional furniture can help you extend the use of your small room without cluttering it.

Get organized

If you do plan to leave items out in your small space, make sure to organize them. Grouping like with like can help your space look tidier. And don’t be afraid to turn to baskets to keep things readily available without forcing your guests to look at them the whole time they’re in the room.

A ceiling-mounted lamp adds light and height to the space without taking up any precious square footage. A small coffee table adds functionality without cramping the room. Image: Westend61/Getty Images

Think thin

We talked about leveraging the elevation in your room to make it feel larger. Similarly, height can be a huge help when buying furniture for the space.

Stack it up

If you’ve got books, decor items or blankets you want to display in your small room, get a narrow bookcase. It’s a perfect display opportunity that minimizes square foot usage. Target’s Carson Narrow Bookcase is a tall, skinny bookcase that gives you five shelves of storage but is just 18 inches wide.

Add tiny tables

Small accent tables can make your compact room significantly more useful without making it feel cramped. Tuck a table at the end of the couch, side of the bed or in an unused corner. You’ll be amazed how much more pleasant it is to enjoy the room when you can easily put down your drink or book.

Choose skinny or mounted lamps

Whether you’re picking floor or table lamps, look for thin or wall-mount options. In a space where square footage is precious, these lamps can be powerful. They enable you to add more light – which makes the space feel larger – without sacrificing the flow of the room.

A small space can be a design challenge, but with these 12 actionable tips, you’re ready to tackle it. When you try them out, let us know which one was most helpful in the comments!

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Beachfront Home in Mexico Offers a Tropical Escape

March 13, 2019 by admin

Studio MAIN OFFICE designed Casa LT, a modern beachfront home in Mexico. It stands on the beachfront of the idyllic village of Sayulita, an area known for surfing getaways and mountain biking.

“Carefully integrating architecture and the tranquil tropical landscape, CASA LT has been imagined around the living palm and almond trees, plantains and ferns that join the site’s topography in playing a key role in ensuring a clear view to the waterfront from all its spaces, both internal and external,” the architects said. The residence blends smoothly into the steep topography and also offers mesmerizing views over the Pacific Ocean.The project actually restores an existing residential complex on the site. “Composed of three small houses situated on the top of the hill, the original complex built in the 50’s was in poor condition due to humidity problems and lack of maintenance,” explain the designers.

“MAIN OFFICE initially focused on the renovation and preservation of the original essence, and then on the design of a new main building and a guest house facing the beach on the lower part of the property,” they also add.

The single-family house features a kitchen with large floor-to-ceiling windows. An open living and dining area connects to the infinity pool. An en-suite bedroom also includes a beautiful terrace with ocean views. Photos and information courtesy of MAIN OFFICE architecture studio.

Explore the dazzling design of this Mexican beachfront home

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HGTV Star Leanne Ford Is Disrupting The Design World By Offering Accessible Style

March 13, 2019 by admin

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She’s the co-star of the HGTV hit show “Restored By The Fords.” Her transformations always look a lot more high-end and expensive than what she actually spent. And, now, Leanne Ford brings us her high style at accessible prices in two collaborations.

Ford has created a stunning line of laminate finishes for the brand Formica, managing to make laminate surfaces cool again. According to Formica, her collection of 10 finishes were “hand selected surfaces inspired by natural elements and neutral colors.”

Besides the laminate collection, she also has a lighting line for Target. It’s no secret she’s a big fan of Target’s modern furniture collection, Project 62. And she’s created a lighting capsule to work with the collection.

A look at some of the Leanne Ford Project 62 lighting available at Target. All images courtesy of Target.

In a press release, Leanne explained, “Lighting is everything. It’s one of the most important elements in a space, if not the most important,” she said. “And if you pick the right piece, it doubles as a work of art.”

Here are 10 of our favorite pieces from the Leanne Ford Project 62 lighting collection:

You’ll find more than 30 classic and affordable pieces in the Leanne Ford Project 62 collection, starting at $30. And they all have more value than you’d expect from the inexpensive price tag: fabric-covered cords and the required lightbulb are included.

Want to see more of Leanne? “Restored By The Fords” has been picked up for another season, premiering in March.

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These Are The Home Improvements With The Best ROI In 2019

March 12, 2019 by admin

Every year, Remodeling Magazine releases their Cost vs. Value Report, an in-depth look at the return on investment (ROI) that common remodeling projects get across the county. This year was no different. When the 2019 Cost vs. Value Report came out, we knew that we had to share it with you. Below are the remodeling projects that topped this year’s report with the best ROI, as well as some of our tips on how to best design these spaces. Read them over to see which projects will be at the top of your list this year.

In 2019, backyard patios have the best ROI. Image: Artazum/Shutterstock

1. Backyard patio

Even though it’s still wintertime, that didn’t stop outdoor additions from topping Remodeling’s list — and we can see why. After all, who wouldn’t want a backyard oasis, somewhere they can go to totally escape from the pressures of day-to-day life? If you take the time to invest in your backyard patio, it will do all that for you and more.

Creating the perfect patio is all about infusing a sense of intimacy and relaxation into the space. You can do that by making sure to include a central focal point, much like the firepit shown above. If firepits aren’t your thing, consider using an outdoor area rug to ground the space. Then, be sure to include lots of comfy seating to round it out.

Adding a bathroom will add value to your home. Image: Artazum/Shutterstock

2. Bathroom addition

If you’ve been thinking of adding an extra bathroom for a while, now may be the time to take the plunge. According to this year’s Cost vs. Value Report, a whopping 60.6 percent of the total project cost of adding a bathroom was recouped in the increase to the home’s value.

When you’re adding another bathroom into the mix, your biggest consideration should be the layout. Since you’re building this room from scratch, you should have more freedom to design it as you see fit. Make sure you plan the layout around the number of people who will be using the bathroom on a daily basis and allow enough room for safe movement.

You can also freshen up your bathroom with a remodel. Image: ImageFlow/Shutterstock

3. Bathroom remodel

However, you don’t have to spend the cash to add an entirely new bathroom to see some benefit to freshening up your lavatories. A simpler bathroom remodel came in just behind the bathroom addition, recouping either 67.2 or 60.2 percent of the cost, depending on whether it was a mid-range or upscale remodel.

When you’re focusing on a bathroom remodel, the vanity should be your first point of action. A modernized vanity can bring a whole new look to the space. Beyond that, replacing fixtures is also a fast fix, as is replacing and refreshing your accessories, such as wall art, bath mats or hand towels.

If you’ve been thinking of adding a deck, now may be the time to do it. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

4. Deck addition

Similar to the backyard patio that took first place, deck additions are experiencing a surge in popularity this year. Decks made of composite materials, in particular, have piqued homeowners’ interests. Decks made of wood are not far behind, though, taking up the following spot on the list.

Surprisingly, these days, setting up a deck is a lot like setting up an open concept living and dining space. You want to provide plenty of seating for people to gather. Don’t forget the accessories, either. The combination of outdoor rugs, outdoor throw pillows and plants is enough to create a cozy space where everyone will want to hang out.

Warm up the entry to your home with a new front door. Image: David Papazian/Shutterstock

5. Entry door replacement

Though it may seem like almost an afterthought, your front door makes a statement. Breathe some new life into your entry and front yard by replacing your door with a new one. Alternatively, if that’s too big of an expense, consider giving your old door a fresh look with a new coat of paint.

When decorating your entryway, all the standard rules of curb appeal apply. Complement your front door by adding a new welcome mat, some fresh house numbers and some plants. If you need inspiration, check out this post on eye-catching front doors to help you start thinking about what type of door might look good with your home.

The post These Are The Home Improvements With The Best ROI In 2019 appeared first on Freshome.com.

18 Times Exposed Ceiling Beams Made the Room

March 12, 2019 by admin

If you’re looking for a way to make an interior design splash in 2019, look up. Only focusing on your four walls is missing a major design opportunity. The fifth wall – your ceiling – sets the tone for the entire space. Wallpapered and painted ceilings, interesting molding and even 3D ceilings are helping homeowners reclaim this long-forgotten territory. But if you really want to make an architectural impact, you might want even more depth and texture. Exposed ceiling beams can give you exactly that.

Exposed ceiling beams can take an ordinary room and make it remarkable. They draw the eye up, making the space feel larger, and make a big design splash without taking up any square footage. Here are some great examples of exposed ceiling beams transforming a room.

Exposed ceiling beams in the living room

In a room where horizontal lines are a theme, stained wood beams help establish the space while maintaining the room’s openness. Image: Bezikus/Shutterstock

In an artsy loft, exposed ceiling beams are a must. If you can weave your lighting between them, all the better. Image: Vicnt/Getty Images

Massive windows and concrete could make a room feel cold. But adding ceiling beams in warm-toned wood gives the space a cozy, inviting feel. Image: Hemul75/Getty Images

In a room filled with diverse types of furniture, ceiling beams serve as a common element that gives the space a foundation. Image: Laughingmango/Getty Images

In a space with beautifully high ceilings, beams that highlight them are a no-brainer. Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

In an otherwise plain living room, wooden ceiling beams draw the eye up and add character. Image: Pics721/Shutterstock

Leaving your beams unpainted adds visual interest and provides a great design opportunity. Matching the wood to furniture in the room (like these chairs) helps tie the entire space together. Image: KUPRYNENKO ANDRII/Shutterstock

Who says your living room needs to be indoors? Ceiling beams create a sense of space for this outdoor seating area. Image: Sirtravelalot/Shutterstock

Exposed ceiling beams in the kitchen and dining room

White ceiling beams make this kitchen feel extra bright and open. Image: Hoxton/Astronaut Images/Getty Images

Mounting eye-catching lighting fixtures from the ceiling beams gives this kitchen a bright and airy feel. Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Mirroring the wood from the ceiling beams in the island and dining table creates visual cohesion in this kitchen. Image: TerryJ/Getty Images

Light-colored ceiling beams attract the eye, encouraging it to look out the sloping window. Image: Rade Kovac/Shutterstock

This dining area feels extra expansive thanks to exposed beams that draw the eye up. Image: Rrrainbow/Getty Images

Placing a dining table directly under the point where the ceiling beams meet cements it in a uniquely shaped dining room. Image: Imging/Shutterstock

Exposed ceiling beams in the bedroom

The beams in this dreamy bedroom draw the eye up and out to the surrounding natural beauty without obstructing the view. Image: Hoxton/Tom Merton/Getty Images

A narrow bedroom could feel claustrophobic, but beams that angle upward open up the room. Image: Tom Merton/Getty Images

Dark beams play off the metallic accents in this bedroom, giving it some extra flair. Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

In a traditional bedroom, painted ceiling beams add some architectural interest while letting the mellow vibe of the room prevail. Image: Hoxton/Martin Barraud/Getty Images

Do you like exposed beams? Would you be willing to remodel to bring yours out, or would you opt for a different ceiling trend? Tell us what you think in the comments.

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Open Layout? Why Broken Plans Are Your Best Bet

March 12, 2019 by admin

If you asked architects about the biggest change to design trends over the last decade, chances are they’d tell you “open floorplans.” While architecture used to lean towards “the more the merrier” when it came to the number of rooms, today’s families live differently. Instead of lots of small spaces, home design now revolves around large community spaces.

Of course, while offering plenty of space for families, open floorplans also have a few drawbacks. Wide open spaces don’t exactly lend themselves to privacy. What’s more, open layouts can pose interior design issues. A lack of delineation between spaces can be frustrating. Where does the dining room end and the living room begin?

Enter broken plans. A way to define spaces without losing the wide open feel of your home, broken plan components can either be permanent or temporary. If you’re struggling with decorating your open layout home or you’re designing one from scratch, broken plans might be the happy medium you’ve been wanting. Here’s how to score the look in your home.

The half wall

A half wall breaks up space without changing sight lines. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Half walls have always been used as a way to break up rooms without affecting sight lines and light. They’re making a comeback in the age of open layouts, but modern half walls aren’t the dated component you might remember. Instead of blank walls, they can become major statement pieces. A half wall covered in brick or shiplap, for example, can add some much-needed texture. Half walls can also be made into shelving, adding more storage for books, blankets and even toys in a playroom.

The glass wall

Glass walls offer a little more privacy. Image: Zastolskiy Victor/Shutterstock

Looking for more privacy but loving the light in your open layout home? Glass walls provide broken plans with clear definition while keeping your home bright and spacious. Glass walls can be frosted or etched for even more privacy, which makes them perfect for bathrooms and bedrooms. Or try using a glass wall to partition off your stairs instead of drywall or a heavy railing.

The sunken room

Sunken rooms help give each area a purpose. Image: sirtravelalot/Shutterstock

Sometimes known as “conversation pits,” sunken rooms have their advantages. They can help break up plans and designate specific areas, even without walls. Usually dug a couple feet lower than other living spaces, sunken rooms are an interesting addition to an open layout. A sunken living area, “library” or toy area helps keep space separate without walling off a room. This helps light flow freely and makes any space feel bigger and more open.

The decorative pillar

Decorative pillars give you some definition in your home. Image: Fusionstudio/Shutterstock

Most of the load-bearing posts and pillars in homes are hidden behind walls. But decorative pillars — that is, posts that are for show and not necessarily strength — can be a low-key way to break up an open layout. Posts can be placed to create the suggestion of a different room without having to resort to doors and walls. Use them to delineate between the living room and kitchen, or as a way to add architectural interest to an open-plan basement. You can choose from a variety of finishes, from warm, rich wood to modern metal.

The temporary solution

Use furniture to break up space without major changes. Image: LI CHAOSHU/Shutterstock

Not sure if you want to permanently break up your open floorplan home? Use temporary elements to test the trend or give yourself some definition that can be changed when necessary. Low bookcases, for example, are a great way to see if a broken plan works for you. Use them to test out different layouts and simulate permanent features. You could also try using screens or even different area rugs to break up your space and decide if you want a more permanent solution to your open plan problem.

If you want to have your cake — er, open layout — and eat it, too, broken plans are your best bet. When you’re designing your own home, work with your architect to choose the right places to define each space. And if you currently live in an open concept home, try a few temporary elements to see if you like the way a broken plan looks and functions. With the right design elements, you’ll score the best of both worlds.

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Walmart MoDRN Offers Scandinavian, Industrial And Retro Glam Styles

March 12, 2019 by admin

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

In an unexpected yet welcome move, Walmart has rolled out an impressively chic line of furniture called Walmart MoDRN. The items are organized into three collections: Retro Glam, Refined Industrial and Scandinavian Minimal. Each collection includes accents and accessories that make it easy, as well as affordable, to create a complete and well-polished room in a snap.

A Refined Industrial setting featuring table top accessories in addition to wall art and furniture. All images courtesy of Walmart

High-end finishes like velvet and leather upholstery pieces, brass accents and real Carrara marble surfaces are standard, and also all at affordable prices.

Beds – $599 to $649
Sofas – $700 to $899
Indoor/outdoor dining sets – $199 to $699

Here’s a look at the 3 collections:

Walmart MoDRN Scandinavian Minimal

Scandinavian Minimal features easy, understated pieces in smaller scale for space-challenged homes.

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Walmart MoDRN Refined Industrial

The Refined Industrial collection features cool neutrals like greys and beiges as well as plenty of texture.

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Walmart MoDRN Retro Glam

The Retro Glam collection features luxurious velvets and brass finishes, as well as on-trend pink and berry color tones.

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Mix and match all three collections to create a custom look that fits your personality and lifestyle best. Which pieces from the three collections are your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

The post Walmart MoDRN Offers Scandinavian, Industrial And Retro Glam Styles appeared first on Freshome.com.