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New Container Store Custom Closets Make Your Closet A Showpiece Quickly And Affordably

March 26, 2019 by admin

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The Container Store is expanding their Container Store Custom Closets series. As of March 20, creating a stunning closet will be easier, more stylish and totally affordable.

You’ll be able to redo the tiniest or largest closet space, turning it into a custom-looking showpiece by choosing from the Elfa Classic, Elfa Décor, Avera and Laren (previously known as TCS Closets) lines.

Here’s a breakdown of the new Container Store Custom Closets available:

Avera

Avera offers customers the option of a modern and minimalist custom closet look. All images courtesy of The Container Store.

avera container store custom closets options

Wood grain and back wall panels add a high-end custom cabinet look to the series.

Avera is the Container Store Custom Closets’ newest addition. The design is sleeker and more contemporary for a high-end look.

The line includes four wood grain finishes, soft close drawers, coordinating back wall panels and optional built-in LED lighting.

Elfa Classic

The Elfa Classic made its way stateside from Sweden 40 years ago, but it still looks modern today.

container store custom closets and home offices

A bright and well-organized office space featuring Elfa Classic closet hardware and accessories.

Elfa is the original and most popular custom drawer and shelving system. The Container Store has sold the Swedish brand since 1978.

The unique wall-hanging system is strong and versatile so you can add shelves or drawers over time as you need. It’s perfect for closets, home offices, craft rooms, pantries and garages.

Elfa Décor

The Elfa Décor line features Scandinavian wood finishes and higher-end hardware options that kick the Elfa Classic collection up a notch.

the container store custom closets and pantry

A custom pantry that’s organized and attractive enough to be left open while still maximizing space.

Elfa Décor takes the classic collection to the next level by adding three different wood finish options and solid drawer faces.

If you’re detail-oriented, you’ll appreciate the quality additions like gliding shoe shelves, the jewelry and accessory system and a variety of drawer pulls.

Laren

This custom closet featuring the Laren series was designed for fashionista Kelly Golightly.

This walk-in closet looks custom-built thanks to rich dark woods and floor-to-ceiling built-ins.

Laren is the new name of the TCS Closets collection. It’s the most luxurious of the custom closet collections and includes durable 1″-thick construction, eight exclusive finishes, optional islands, glass-front cabinets and LED lighting.

Laren is the perfect collection for a walk-in closet design when you’re looking for a custom built-in style.

Now that you can pick up a new custom closet design through the Container Store website or by visiting your local store, there’s no reason not to transform your closet space or create a new one.

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The Beginner’s Guide to Removable Wallpaper

March 22, 2019 by admin

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You may have heard about the removable wallpaper trend and be curious about it. What is it? How does it work? Is it a good fit for my home? These are all common questions that we hear about this product. To that end, we created the beginner’s guide to removable wallpaper. Read on to learn more about this product and how to tell if it’s a good fit for you.

These days, removable wallpaper is also known as wall decals. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

What is removable wallpaper?

Removable wallpaper is a growing trend in the world of interior design. Renters no longer have to worry about losing their security deposit because they customized the unit to their personal tastes. Nor do homeowners have to worry about keeping up with changing trends. Removable wallpaper is the temporary decorating option that allows you to bring a touch of personality to your walls without making any permanent commitments.

As the name suggests, removable wallpaper is a piece of decor that adheres to your wall, Yet you can also easily remove it when you’re done with it. You may know this product under another name: wall decals. However, today’s company’s are working hard to ensure that their designs look as modern as possible and fit in with today’s trends.

Removable wallpaper simply sticks onto the wall. Image: Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock

How removable wallpaper works

The easiest way to describe how removable wallpaper works is to compare it to a sticker. Most companies use a low-tack adhesive paired with a sheet of backing that allows you to use the peel-and-stick method for installation. You can adhere removable wallpaper to the walls of your home in much the same way you would a sticker or any other kind of adhesive material.

One thing that’s important to note here is the condition of your walls will play a big role in how your end product looks. If your walls have holes in them or are otherwise pock-marked — think popcorn ceilings — those imperfections are visible underneath the wallpaper. Your best bet is to use this product on smoothly painted surfaces.

There are a few things to consider when using this material. Image: Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock

Removable wallpaper considerations

Now that you know a little more about removable wallpaper and how it works, it’s important to focus on using it the right way. Here are a few crucial considerations to keep in mind as you shop for wallpaper to install in your home.

Don’t skimp on aesthetics

With removable wallpaper, aesthetics are a priority. In addition to choosing a print you love, you should also double-check to make sure that the size of the print fits with the size of the room. Also, check that the colors used in the print match your color scheme as a whole.

There’s also the quality of the paper itself to consider. Ideally, you want to choose a product that is textured so it looks and feels like real wallpaper. Since most removable wallpaper companies are online and it can be hard to get a sense of texture through a computer screen, we recommend asking for a sample of the paper to be sent to you before you buy.

Take measurements twice

Like traditional wallpaper, removable wallpaper is often sold in panels. You will need to know both the measurements of the room and the panels themselves in order to know how much paper you’ll need for your project. Tread carefully when taking your measurements and do them twice so you can be sure that you’ve gotten the right result.

As always, we suggest ordering slightly more than you think you’ll need to account for any mistakes during the installation process.

Have a second pair of hands (and eyes) for the install

Yes, the peel-and-stick method seems easy. However, the reality is that removable wallpaper is much bigger than a traditional sticker and is also much more unwieldy. It can be helpful to have more than one person on hand during the installation process. We suggest having one person place the panel on its spot on the wall while the other pulls the end of the panel taut and smooths down.

In addition to providing an extra pair of hands, a second person will also be helpful in verifying that the panels line up correctly with one and other. If you’re ever unsure of how your final product will end up looking, take a step back and take in the project from afar. Sometimes all you need is a little distance to give you perspective.

Carefully make adjustments if needed

Nobody’s perfect, so it’s safe to assume that a mistake will occur at some point during the installation process. The advantage of removable wallpaper is that it makes these issues easy to fix. Often, all it takes to correct a mistake is to carefully peel the decal away from the wall. From there, you can either replace the panel or shift it into the correct position.

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Rethink Your Space: How to Love Where You Live Now

March 21, 2019 by admin

Feeling a little envious after that HGTV marathon? Wishing your home was different after checking out your friend’s new digs? It happens to the best of us. The caveat to paging through idea books online or binge-watching home shows is that it can make your space feel less than. The truth is that no home is perfect. Chances are the homeowners living in your so-called dream home wish they could make some changes, too.

The thing is, you don’t need to renovate or rebuild your dream home. By rethinking the way you use your space, you can love your place now. Your home’s pain points might actually be solved with clever organization and thinking outside the box.

Rethink your space and you won’t have to wish your home away. Your dream home might be right underneath your nose — or at least under that old area rug. Here are a few ways to rethink your space and fall in love with your home all over again.

Edit your stuff

Displaying your stuff in a thoughtful way helps you love your space. Image: Beyond Time/Shutterstock

What feels like a cramped living situation might just be a case of too much stuff. Taking the time to edit your stuff can free up square footage and help you better streamline the rest of your home. Feeling overwhelmed? Start with the most doable space: your linen closet. Crack it open, dejunk it and assess how you use it. Is it really best utilized for pillowcases or could it serve a better purpose? What is now an underutilized linen closet could make a great pantry or craft space instead.

Once you’ve tackled that, move onto bigger and better things. Get rid of the stuff you don’t use and keep the things that serve a true purpose. Stuff that is outdated, useless or in the way? Pass it on to someone who can give it some love.

Repurpose your rooms

Repurpose rooms for the way you live. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

You might not hate your home’s layout; maybe you just hate the way your home is being used. Just because typical homes have a formal dining room doesn’t mean that’s how you have to use it. If you’re only using your dining room for two big dinners a year, yet your kids’ toys are all over the house, is your home really being utilized properly?

Think beyond the usual in how you purpose your rooms. A dining room might make more sense as a study. An unused craft room could be a great laundry space. That empty guest room? It could be better utilized as a playroom.

Stop thinking resale

Open concept rustic living room and kitchen

Don’t worry about resale value if you’re sticking around. Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Resale value is definitely important, especially if you see your home as an investment. If you know you’ll be staying in your home for the long haul, however, it’s okay to stop making decisions based on resale value. Another homeowner might not love changes you make, but if it works for you and your family, do what makes sense. If you do decide to sell your home down the road, chances are you can reverse the changes or stage rooms differently. Trying to please everyone when you’re the one living in your home can make you crazy. Style, rethink, design and organize your home for the way you live today.

Carve the space

Create zones for an open layout home. Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Open concept homes are the biggest thing in home design, but they can make some things a challenge. Trying to entice a teen to finish homework in a noisy kitchen or trying to watch the game with a busy toddler can make open concept layouts feel hectic. If you feel like you have too many rooms doing too many things, try carving up the space.

Using things like bookshelves, furniture and even screens can help you divide up space in a non-permanent way. Then, you can assess and rearrange as needed to make sure your home is a place you love. A dedicated television watching space, a clear delineation between kitchen and living rooms — these small changes can help you relieve some of those pain points in a less-than-ideal layout.

Utilize every nook

Use up every inch of your home. Image: mavo/Shutterstock

Lusting after laundry rooms and romanticizing a reading nook in other homes can make your space feel like it’s all work and no play. What makes custom and luxury homes feel special aren’t always the main living spaces, but the little extras. By having room for specific activities, custom homes give families the most customized vibe.

But you don’t need to start demolition to get the spaces you want. Just rethink your nooks and crannies. You can have dedicated — albeit small — custom spaces in almost any home. That walk-in closet can become a crafter’s paradise. A mudroom can become your kids’ command center. Even a stair landing can become a comfortable reading nook with a chair and lamp. You might not be able to dedicate entire spaces to your family’s hobbies and lifestyle, but odds are you can find corners and crannies that work just as well.

Sure, watch your favorite home show for inspiration, but don’t let it get you down. You might dream of a two-story fireplace and shiplap everything in your future home, but you can still love where you live today. Rethink your space, get creative and add touches that make your house perfect for you and your family and you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the home you’ve made.

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Visual Weight 101: How to Balance Any Room

March 21, 2019 by admin

Why does this room feel so balanced? The visually heavy concrete wall is balanced by airy chairs and lightweight, interestingly arranged art. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Think about the spaces you love. Whether’s it a room in your own home or apartment, or something you fawned over on Pinterest, the room probably has a sense of balance. When your eye scans it, you can follow a natural flow. You pick out pieces that are anchoring the space and others that give it a feeling of openness.

Now think about spaces you hate, like the waiting room at the doctor’s office or the DMV. Sure, the poor lighting and stark decor don’t do these spaces any favors. But they also feel heavy and, put simply, blah.

You want to create a space that wows and isn’t at all reminiscent of the DMV. Fortunately, visual weight can help. Let’s take a look at this interior design tool.

When you want to open up a space, choose visually lightweight pieces, like those elevated on slender legs. Image: ParvinMaharramov/Shutterstock

What is visual weight, exactly?

Visual weight relates to the way an object attracts and interacts with our eye. In short, visual weight is how much your eye thinks a piece weighs. In most cases, this is pretty well tied to its actual weight. Solid wood items look visually heavy and are, in fact, heavy themselves. But visual weight and actual weight don’t always go hand in hand. Take, for example, a couch. If you put it on low, block legs or no legs at all, it will look very visually heavy. If, however, you mount it on taller hairpin legs, you can significantly reduce its visual weight.

This is a big part of why furniture is so important in a room. As some of the largest – if not the largest – pieces in a room, furniture is going to define the visual weight of the space. Too many sturdy, heavy pieces will make the room feel weighed down. Too many lightweight pieces that allow the eye through (like pieces in acrylic or with thin wire framing) and can make the space feel unestablished.

What gives an item its visual weight?

You might be wondering how to determine the visual weight of an item. Here are a few factors that affect visual weight:

Size: The larger an item is, the more visually heavy it will appear.
Shape: Shapes we’re used to, like squares and rectangles, usually appear heavier than irregular shapes with curves or unexpected angles.
Proximity: A large, heavy-looking item can be made to appear lighter by surrounding it with other objects. When standing alone, its visual weight will be more apparent.
Color: Lighter items generally appear less heavy than darker ones of the same size and shape.
Texture/Depth: Texture that adds a lot of shadow can make an object seem visually heavier. Similarly, items with more depth look heavier. For example, a deep bookshelf will carry more visual weight than a shallow one of the same size and shape.
Grounding: Items that are close to the ground appear heavier than those that are elevated and allow some light underneath them, like furniture on legs.

The heavy visual weight of the black cabinet is balanced by dining chairs on slender legs and a table in light-colored wood. Image: Iphann/Twenty20

Why is visual weight important?

We’re not just teaching you about visual weight so you can impress your friends at your next dinner party. Visual weight is key because it’s a huge part of achieving visual balance. Let’s go back to the rooms you thought about earlier, some you loved and some you hated. A big part of the reason we hate waiting rooms is because they’re filled with low, stocky chairs. There is usually very little to balance out that room (kudos to the people who at least put a potted plant in the corner). The result is a space that feels heavy and tired, where spending time makes you feel heavy and tired.

Now think about the rooms you love. They most likely have a good balance of visually heavy and visually light pieces, with plenty of space to let the eye travel between them. Interior designers think about visual weight when putting rooms together so the eye can scan the space comfortably, easily finding anchor pieces while getting relief from items with less visual weight.

In a wide, low room, the sizable lighting fixture, couch and fireplace serve as visual anchors. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

How do I use visual weight in my interior design?

As with so much of interior design, using visual weight to your advantage is all about finding balance. Basically, being aware of an individual object’s perceived weight can help you steer clear of issues like stocking a room with too much heavy furniture, making it feel cramped or forgetting to add a visual anchor.

When adding pieces to your room or rearranging the space, take into account the visual weight. Imagine your room is on a fulcrum. You don’t want to crowd all your visually heavy items to one side. Distribute them throughout the room and break them up with visually light items and open space. Balancing your room is the key to creating a space with good design. If you’d like to take a deeper dive into this concept, check out our article on how best to achieve balance in interior design.

Even if you’ve never heard the term “visual weight” before today, you probably already had a sense that it was important. Did this guide help you? Will you make any changes to your home now that you’ve learned more? Let us know in the comments!

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10 Small Corner Desks That Transform A Corner Into A Functional Small Home Office

March 19, 2019 by admin

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Productivity is possible, even in the smallest of spaces. And if you’re space-challenged, there’s no better place to set up your small home office than in an awkward, unused corner. Check out these 10 small corner desks — and how they’ve been styled — for great ideas to transform a corner into a functional small home office.

1. Harper Blvd. Kemble Metal/Glass Corner Desk at Amazon, click for price

For a sleek and contemporary look, choose a glass top to lighten up the corner. If you don’t have a window to look out, hang a mirror or wall canvas on the wall.

2. Fynn Wall Mount Corner Desk at Amazon, click for price

This floating desk is wall-mounted to allow space for a chair to tuck in. The cubbies are perfect for holding files and other items.

3. Ellen Corner Desk at Target, $130

This furniture-like small corner desk can also work as a small TV cabinet.

4. Friedman Corner Desk with Hutch at Wayfair, $183

Make maximum use of a corner by adding a hutch that takes advantage of the wall space over the desk.

5. Fold-Out Convertible Desk at Amazon, click for price

This well-designed wall desk has cubbies and a cork board to keep you organized. The actual desk surface area drops down, with the door becoming the supporting leg. To clear the area when done, put everything back in the cubbies and fold the unit back up to close.

6. Ameriwood Home Parsons Corner Desk at Amazon, click for price

The shallow lower shelf of this small corner desk can hold additional items like books or a small printer while still allowing space for your legs.

7. Willingham Wall Mount Folding Laptop Desk at Amazon, click for price

If all you need to create a home office is a spot for your laptop, this wall-mounted small desk may be the solution. Hang it on one of the walls of your corner for a mini work station.

8. Tangkula Corner Desk at Amazon, click for price

Some small corner desks have very limited surface area and storage. But this unit features a pullout keyboard tray and shelving large enough to hold a desktop computer tower.

9. Moorton Corner Computer Desk at Wayfair, $286

This transitional small corner desk can work in many home styles. Use a cube or square ottoman as a desk chair if your corner area space is limited.

10. Calgary L-Shaped Desk at Wayfair, $223

The L-shape of this desk fits well into a corner, with an integrated bookcase serving as one of the supporting legs.

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9 Small Space Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes

March 19, 2019 by admin

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When it comes to designing and decorating small spaces, most people know the cardinal rules. Keep things light; make sure the furniture matches the scale. But while trying to make sure you’re getting the most out of every inch of a small space, you could be doing the total opposite. When designing around a less-than-robust space, think beyond the usual suspects. Avoid these small space mistakes by taking the big picture into account. Follow our guide to avoid some of the most common gaffes.

Only have the storage you actually need. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Too much storage

When you’re dealing with a small space, all storage feels like good storage. You need a place to keep your stuff uncluttered and organized, right? But going too crazy with storage solutions like boxes and baskets can ultimately trip up your design and make a room feel smaller. Stick with the storage solutions you need and stash them away under furniture so they aren’t under foot.

Small scale pieces

It’s important to choose furniture that fits the scale of the room. An overstuffed couch in a tiny study can make it feel cramped. But too much small furniture can have the same effect. In some cases, one large piece feels more spacious than several smaller pieces, such as rugs. Opt for large anchor pieces and pepper in to-scale furniture to make a room feel roomy.

Use lighting to illuminate every inch. Image: Artazum/Shutterstock

Skimping on light

Lighting is another area where people make small space mistakes. No one wants to trip over cords and plugs in a small room, so some homeowners opt to skip accent lighting. After all, shouldn’t overhead lights be enough? Unfortunately, dark corners can make a room feel smaller than it already is, so use accent lighting to illuminate every inch of a small space for big impact.

Being total wallflowers

Pushing all the furniture against the walls of a small room might be a clever stager’s trick, but it doesn’t always work. It can make for strange layouts and limited design. Consider moving couches away from walls to allow for narrow tables or a layout better for socializing. The center of the room might feel a little smaller, but you’ll gain big design points.

Choose texture over bold colors. Image: JR-Stock/Shutterstock

Relying on color only

You’ve probably heard that light colors make a room feel large and dark colors can make a room feel tiny. But the way a small space feels is probably less about color and more about texture. Color alone can be choppy and disjointed, especially when viewed with the rest of the home. Instead, keep colors monochrome in your home and utilize texture as your main design strategy. Woodwork and textiles bring character to a small room without boxing it in.

Stopping with the walls

A small space needs all the help it can get, so don’t stop painting once the walls are done. By extending the same color onto the ceiling, it creates an unbroken line. This can make a room feel much more spacious than it really is.

Breaking up the space

In your efforts to make a room feel bigger, you could be doing the total opposite. Breaking up a small space with small furniture, bold accent colors or fussy textiles and drapes automatically causes the eye to see a room in fits and starts. Instead, keep your eye line as fluid as possible. Consider the room in conjunction with the rest of your home and avoid furniture and accents that break up the space.

White bedroom with blue accents small space mistakes

Minimal decor keeps a small space bright and airy. Image: Jodie Johnson/Shutterstock

Too much decor

It’s a common mistake in interior design in general: there can definitely be too much of a good thing. Don’t feel pressure to “design” every inch of a small space. Leaving some tables bare or a couch without pillows and throws might not be the most interesting choice, but it gives the eye a break. That break can offer the illusion of extra space. This is an easy solution to one of the most common small space mistakes.

Not seeing potential

It’s one of the saddest small space mistakes of all. Small rooms and spaces are often relegated to unused rooms or corners of the home. But with the right design, every area in your home can be functional–if not palatial. Consider the potential in small spaces. What you consider small might be a cozy place to read or a great place to enjoy your morning coffee. See past size and put your smaller spaces to work by thinking outside the square foot.

Hey, we can’t all have homes big enough for a football game. But every nook and cranny can be thoughtfully designed to have a purpose. Embrace the tiny life by avoiding the small space mistakes that make your home feel more compact than it is and you’ll find that size doesn’t matter.

Do you have any additional small space mistakes that we should avoid? Let us know in the comments.

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When Selling Your Home, Are Neutral Colors like Builder Beige Too Boring?

March 19, 2019 by admin

Although black is the most stylish color of every year, it’s conventional wisdom to use neutral colors like builder beige, gray and taupe when putting your home on the market. However, some people (myself included) actually like these colors apart from resale factors. We believe that these neutral color palettes have gotten a bad rap. Is builder beige really boring? And is gray really too gloomy? What do realtors really think about these color choices when putting your home on the market?

Below are examples of these color palettes that might change your mind regarding neutral colors – along with advice from a handful of experts.

Today’s beige isn’t boring

A neutral background allows the crisp white hues to stand out. Image: Svet_Feo/Shutterstock

Perhaps the issue with builder beige is related to the color choices of the past. “Today’s more taupe-based beiges have a wonderful quality of warmth but don’t have a yellowish cast,” according to Carol Marcotte, lead designer at Form & Function in Raleigh, NC. “For example, WhiteTail by Sherwin Williams provides a warm backdrop for just about anything, and it’s definitely not boring,” she says.

These light colors don’t compete with the view. Image: Erik Isakson/Getty Images

She also likes Benjamin Moore’s Maritime White, especially in the foyer. “It is beige-esque, but has a lovely reflective quality and allows the artwork and other elements to standout.”

As another alternative to the usual builder beige, Marcotte says she also likes Creamy by Sherwin Williams. It is a more flesh-based white. “Again, it has the warmth of a beige but with a decidedly different cast, and in strong light, it pairs down the flesh or potential peachiness.”

When your home is on the market

This sophisticated color scheme is sure to appeal to buyers. Image: Esin tellioglu/Shutterstock

So, is the builder beige adage still true when selling your home? “Beige is certainly a good color choice for the majority of a home’s rooms when it’s on the market – although I personally prefer white,” says Sandra Miller, principal broker and licensed partner at Engel & Völkers in Santa Monica, CA.

“Regardless of the neutral shade you choose, I have also found that having subtle walls of color can be effective in driving a faster sale,” she says. But Miller says it’s important to know which color palettes are in style at any given moment. “Right now, these trendy colors include any shade of gray, and mossy light green or blue,” Miller explains. “Subtle color can help potential home buyers connect to a home on an emotional level, resulting in a faster sale.”

Beige or gray can serve a purpose

This elegant room is warm and inviting. Image: phototropic/Getty Images

According to John Manning, manager broker at RE/MAX On Market in Seattle, WA, whether you love or hate builder beige and similar colors, they’re used for a reason. “These colors create a neutral backdrop that allows prospective buyers to envision their own furniture, design and color scheme,” Manning says.

The neutral colors add to the formality of this dining room. Image: dit26978/Getty Image

“Color preferences are highly individualistic — one buyer may feel strongly about monochromatic grey, while another plans on using every jewel tone of the rainbow.” Manning says he wouldn’t advise a homeowner to paint their home beige to get an advantage – and if you do, learn how to paint over bold colors using fewer coats. “However, if you have the choice, keep the beige and dress up the home’s best features with bright and interesting staging,” he advises.

Another elegant color palette. Image: dit26978/Getty Images

This sentiment is echoed by Rick Gehrke, a real estate agent with RE/MAX Executives in Boise, ID. “I think that for the most part builder beige is the way to go because it appeals to a broader range of buyers.”

However, he’s noticing that trends can vary. “Baby boomers are still very much attracted to muted colors and beige really is the safe way to go.” However, Gehrke says millennials tend to like statement walls with bright colors. Location can also make a difference. “In a suburban area, I recommend beige, but if you are in an upcoming and urban environment, a pop of color can be a selling point.”

Adding color accents can help your home sell

Dark wood elements complement these light paint colors. Image: David Henderson85/Shutterstock

Some realtors are noticing a trend away from builder beige and other neutral colors throughout the home. “Last spring, I had a listing in which every room was a different color: the living-room was crimson, the kitchen was black and white, and the four bed-rooms were all different colors — gold, green, brown and yellow,” explains Angela Williams, a Birmingham, AL, based realtor at Extreme Agent Realty. She says she wanted to suggest that the homeowner paint over these colors, but refrained from making that suggestion. Williams was surprised that this home ended up being the hottest listing that she has marketed in a long time.

Some buyers prefer more vivid colors. Image: Alexey Kashin/Shutterstock

“We set at least ten appointments a week — and I thought we would have to replace the door hinges,” she jokes. The eventual buyer loved the color scheme and said she had no plans to change it. “We learn something new every day,” Williams says. “Trends are so much more fluid and diverse these days, and I believe that it is OK to let your personality shine through because there’s probably a buyer out there who shares the same taste.”

Matt Van Winkle, founder and CEO of RE/MAX Northwest, shares her theory. He flatly declares that building beige is boring. “Consumers don’t want things that are boring,” he says. “Now that doesn’t mean to go too bold, but some well curated, professionally selected colors will go a long way to make the home more appealing.”

What are your thoughts on builder beige and other neutral colors? Let us know in the comments!

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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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Walmart MoDRN Offers Scandinavian, Industrial And Retro Glam Styles

March 12, 2019 by admin

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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.

Shop the look:

Walmart MoDRN Refined Industrial

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

Shop the look:

Walmart MoDRN Retro Glam

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

Shop the look:

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!

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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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