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How to Pick the Best Dining Room Table for Your Space

July 17, 2019 by admin

If you need a new dining table, choosing one can be fun. It allows you to define the style you want for your dining room. And there are many attractive options to sort through. Plus, who doesn’t like a stylish new piece of furniture? But choosing a dining room table has to be done carefully since the table’s such a large, room-defining piece. So below we’ll cover how to pick the right dining table for you and your home.

Shopping for a dining table can take a day or weeks, depending on how much time you have to devote to the project each day and how many options you choose to sort through. Sometimes you find just the right piece immediately, and sometimes it takes a while.

Dining tables also run all over the price range, depending on size, materials and style. A more simply designed table could cost in the mid $200 range, or you could be paying thousands of dollars or more. That’s why it literally pays to take the time to shop around. To that end, we’ve gathered some tips to help you decide on the type of dining room table you want. You can reduce your search time if you know what type of table will best suit your needs and your space.

Smaller, minimalistic tables fit well in open concept areas. Image: @cameronbraun/Twenty20

Take Stock of Your Room’s Size

The most defining feature of the dining room table is its size. Some are expansive. Some are small and minimalistic. Your dining room’s size is going to be a large factor in what size of table you get, of course. So start by measuring the space in which you plan to put the dining room table.

If you’d like more room to walk when you’re not entertaining, also remember to look at drop-leaf or extendable dining room table designs. That way, you can remove part of the table or fold part of it down when you want the extra floor space. This is especially useful for smaller dining rooms.

As a side note, many open concept designs in homes don’t have a set dining room space. Instead, you create an eating space wherever you put the table. Visual elements like a floor rug can create some organization in the space. Smaller and streamlined tables usually work in this style, as they don’t overpower or crowd the open space.

A dining room table can set the tone for a whole room, like with this highly rustic and textured design. Image: @statusdog/Twenty20

Choose a Style and Material for your Dining Room Table

Your next step is to choose the style you want in a dining room table. It might be easy to think, “Well, a wood one, I guess.” But all dining room tables have specific details in their materials and construction that make certain styles better for certain types of rooms. A few examples include:

Classic homes do well with rich wood textures like mahogany and dark espresso finishes.
Contemporary homes do well with minimal and modern styles.
Industrial styles do well with a dining room table that uses metal elements, like stainless steel table legs.
Artsy homes do well with funky styles, like table legs that angle outward or tabletops that are in unconventional, geometric shapes.
Country styles do well with rustic, textured wood pieces.

These are just a few dining room table ideas. Remember, when looking for a larger piece of furniture, often it’s an intuitive process. Sometimes the right piece will just “speak” to you. Keep your room’s style in mind and it can be easier to pinpoint that perfect piece.

The post How to Pick the Best Dining Room Table for Your Space appeared first on Freshome.com.

6 Great Deals You’ll Want to Nab During the Lumens 4th of July Sale

July 3, 2019 by admin

This article is sponsored by Lumens. The opinions and statements below are those of our writer’s experience. Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

If you care about having covetable lighting for your home, you’re probably familiar with Lumens. What you may not know is that they’re so much more than really, really great lighting. They’ve also got tons of furniture, accessories and even gifts.

And — more good news — they have a major 4th of July sale happening now so this is the perfect time to shop. We’re talking free gifts and up to 50% off select items. You won’t want to miss it.

But we know that the Independence Day holiday weekend can be a crazy busy time of year, pretty much smack dab in the middle of summer travels and festivities. So, to save you some time, we rounded up our six favorite items for you to check out during the Lumens 4th of July sale.

Trendy and free! Don’t miss your chance to score this Vintage String Light Kit. Image courtesy of Lumens.

#1: Vintage String Light Kit, $100 Free gift during the sale

Um, is there any better deal than free? We think not. And because market lights are ultra-trending right now, you’re definitely not going to want to miss this free gift during the Lumens 4th of July sale. It’s the perfect way to bathe your outdoor space in a glow of warm light.

With 15 antique-style bulbs and a whopping 48 feet of cord, you can really light up the night. Plus, this light kit is durable enough for commercial use so you don’t have to worry about the serious hassle of broken bulbs.

Dimmable and energy efficient, the Balthus LED Sconce can help you dress up your home’s exterior. Image courtesy of Lumens.

#2: Balthus LED Sconce, 10% off, $241-419 $217-$377

Adding outdoor lighting is a quick, easy way to increase your curb appeal and your home’s security. But you don’t want to settle for just any outdoor lighting. And with this deal, you definitely don’t have to. The Balthus Sconce is as stylish as it is versatile. The glass in this piece gives your lighting extra texture.

Form and function go hand in hand here. The Balthus Sconce is dimmable and has an integrated LED bulb, which means it helps you save on your utility bills.

Add visual interest and light with this color-changing Ballia LED Globe. Image courtesy of Lumens.

#3: Ballia LED Globe, 10% off, $230-$438 $207-$394

Have you been looking for that extra something to take your landscaping up a level? Well, friend, you need look no further. The Ballia LED Globe delivers that wow-factor you’ve been wanting. It doesn’t just help illuminate your space. Oh, no. It’s also color-changing and you can choose steady, scrolling, fade and candle effects. It even dims to help you set the mood. Color us impressed.

The Ballia LED Globe is cordless, rechargeable and waterproof. Float it in your pool to really make a statement.

It’s an ottoman, a table, and it’s versatile and ready to serve you. It’s the Drum Ottoman. Image courtesy of Lumens.

#4: Drum Ottoman, 20% off, $430-$540 $336-$432

Picking outdoor furniture to create your perfect patio is always a challenge. You want something stylish and eye-catching. But you need something durable (unless you have a relaxed budget and can afford to replace your outdoor setup each season). If you’ve ever felt caught in the middle, you’re not alone.

But you don’t have to choose one or the other. This Drum Ottoman comes in eight stunning finishes and its airy, architectural design adds a pop to any outdoor space. It’s visually lightweight but highly durable thanks to powder-coated, hot-dip galvanized iron. Use it as an ottoman, stool, coffee table or side table. Wherever you place it, it will wow.

The Acapulco Chair is lightweight, durable and available in a rainbow of colors. Image courtesy of Lumens.

#5: Acapulco Chair, 20% off, $435-$455 $348-$364

Keep the blend of form and function rolling in your yard by adding one, two or more of these Acapulco Chairs. With 18 solid colors and nine multi-colored options, many of which are globally inspired, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect hue for your outdoor space.

The chair’s design blends 50s chic with traditional Mayan hammock weaving techniques to bring you a statement piece that easily withstands the elements.

Capture the beauty of origami in a much more durable form with this Origami Planter. Image courtesy of Lumens.

#6: Origami Planter, 20% off, $209 – $369 $167-$295

What’s the deal with planters? We often choose them for the promise of being able to move around our plants whenever the mood strikes. But, more often than not, they’re so heavy lugging them around doesn’t seem worth the effort.

If you want a way to freshen up your yard — and keep it fresh thanks to easy portability — choose the lightweight polymer Origami Planter. With clean lines and eye-catching angles, this homage to the Japanese art of folding paper might just overshadow your plant itself. But we’ll forgive it. It’s not its fault that it’s so beautiful. Oh, and did we mention that it’s fade- and weather-resistant and crack-proof?

4th of July always brings a bounty of sweet sales, but the upcoming Lumens offers just might take the cake. With plenty of stylish, durable products that will help you transform your yard, it’s the perfect opportunity to upgrade your outdoor areas.

The post 6 Great Deals You’ll Want to Nab During the Lumens 4th of July Sale appeared first on Freshome.com.

20 Fab Hammocks and Hanging Chair Styles for a Summer Siesta

June 24, 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.

Hammocks are hot right now. It’s partially because the boho-chic trend is so popular (and a hammock chair is a great boho accessory). And what better time to enjoy some gentle swinging or a siesta in a hanging chair?

There are endless styles on the market so we’ll focus on ones that are comfortable and incredibly stylish. Here are our favorite hammocks right now:

Swing chair with stand styles

If you don’t have space to hang a hammock, a modern swing chair with a stand is a great option. Place it in a corner or near a window and add some pillows to make the swing chair inviting and comfortable.

Destiny Tear Drop Swing Chair with Stand at Wayfair, $487

Hammocks

The classic hammock is normally hung between two trees or posts. Or you can buy one that comes with a hammock stand. Many styles are lightweight and portable, making it possible to have a siesta nearly anywhere.

Manaus Majesty Hammock at Amazon, click for price

Modern hanging chair styles

Hanging basket chairs or hammock chairs are one of the most popular hammock styles because they work in small spaces.

swing chairs, hammocks and hanging chair styles

Crowell Rope Cotton Chair Hammock at Wayfair, $63

You can hang most of these hammocks and hanging chair styles indoors or outdoors. Find a favorite spot, set one up and enjoy the relaxing summer ahead!

The post 20 Fab Hammocks and Hanging Chair Styles for a Summer Siesta appeared first on Freshome.com.

Florals: How to Use This Classic Pattern in a Modern Way

June 12, 2019 by admin

Floral prints are a classy addition to any space. However, they have the reputation of being a type of pattern associated with older home styles. Country kitchens tend to use florals on wallpaper. Victorian styles have floral prints on everything. Even retro spaces sometimes go for funky and artsy floral prints. But if you want a modern space, you don’t have to give up on florals completely. You can incorporate florals into the most contemporary of spaces.

With a few tips, anyone can start working with florals. The trick is understanding how to work with them in terms of pattern, color, texture and scale. Then you’ll be able to purchase decor items like floral-patterned bedspreads, furniture, wallpaper and vases to place this pattern in your home with ease. And by learning how to strategically place the right items, this task should only take a few hours on average.

Realistic floral prints make amazing accent walls. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Focus on Pattern

At the core of the floral trend is the fact that it is one about patterns. And when it comes to floral prints, you have a wide variety of patterns from which to choose. Which is part of what makes decorating with florals such a daunting task. But when going for a more modern take on floral prints, you basically have two ways to go about it: big and bold for a statement look or smaller flowers for a more accented look.

If you go for a big and bold print, you’ll want to find a style that veers towards creating an accent wall using wallpaper. The print should have close-ups of big, detailed flowers. Use that print on one wall, while keeping the rest of the walls solid colors to not overpower the space. You can see an example in the photo above.

The other option is going for prints with smaller flowers. In order to keep it modern, however, try to find prints that are more abstract. Older country homes were known for smaller floral prints with a natural flower design. Going even slightly abstract will keep the look more modern. Smaller prints work well on accent items, like pillows and vases.

Bold floral colors can pair well with sleek textures like metallics. Image: 3523studio/Shutterstock

Pay Attention to Color with Florals

Like the point above, you can typically go two ways with floral color in a modern style: bold and sassy or neutral.

If you go for a bold color, use it as more of an accent item. For instance, you might do one wall with bold flowers while leaving the other walls neutral. Combining florals with neutral tones will also impart a more modern sensibility. You can also incorporate the colors from the floral print into the rest of the room as smaller accent pieces, like the flowers on the table in the photo above. Another option is to use bold flower prints in items like throw pillows, which will work as smaller accents themselves.

The other option is to go for neutral prints. These usually feature some type of gray or black flower print over a white background. That will give you the neutral color and stark geometry of more modern spaces.

Florals are a good way to add some visual texture to a wall. Image: OSORIOartist/Shutterstock

Think About Texture

Another key way to play around with floral prints is to incorporate them into the room’s natural texture. For instance, you might place florals on a tufted headboard, a throw pillow with a fringe around the edge or a geometric vase. Flower patterns already have plenty of visual texture to them, so they’re a natural fit for already textured items.

Another way to work with florals is to use them to create texture in a monochrome space, which is a popular color scheme in modern homes. For instance, you might use a neutral floral wallpaper to get some visual texture, like in the photo above. More high-contrast neutral spaces also do well with neutral-colored floral patterns for added visual texture.

If you choose florals for a large-scale item, like a bedspread, use mostly solid shades in the rest of the room to avoid clashing with the floral print. Image: stockfour/Shutterstock

Focus on Scale

Another key aspect to look at is the scale of the floral print you are using in terms of the room as a whole. For instance, if you are using wallpaper or a bedspread with a floral print, that means the print is on a larger scale. Or you might just have some small floral accents on the headboard, meaning they’re on a smaller scale.

If your floral print is of a larger scale, you’ll want to design the rest of the room to have a clean look using solid colors so that nothing clashes with the floral print. But smaller-scale floral prints can get away with being used across similar items throughout the room, like different pillows or vases in the chosen print.

And remember, half of picking a floral print is how it speaks to you. If you feel one has a more modern vibe but can’t quite explain why, it might just be the pattern for you.

The post Florals: How to Use This Classic Pattern in a Modern Way appeared first on Freshome.com.

The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Furniture

May 8, 2019 by admin

We’re seeing rapid growth in the sustainable furniture business. Why? Because more people know that making responsible choices about the products they put in their homes matters for the environment. But are all green furniture claims true? Not always, and there’s a term for that: greenwashing. So it’s important to know all the facts.

We’ve put together this eco furniture guide to help you make better-informed choices when shopping for eco-friendly furniture.

Green furniture is not just a color. It’s a lifestyle choice. Image: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

What is sustainable furniture?

Manufacturers create sustainable furniture using materials that have a minimal negative impact on the environment. Sustainable furniture uses:

Woods or other materials that come from renewable sources
Minimal chemicals that can pollute the environment
Local material and/or manufacturing to save on transportation

Natural materials and living plants protect the air quality in your home. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Why is green furniture a better choice?

Eco-friendly furniture causes less damage to the environment and makes your home environment safer. When you choose eco furniture made with minimal amounts of chemicals, you’ll get less harmful pollutants, like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), released into your home’s air.

Paints, fabrics, furniture, carpets and building materials can all release VOCs that cause allergies, migraines and asthma in people. According to a report by the European Respiratory Review, “The possible health effects of indoor VOC exposure are a cause for concern, given that people in general, and children in particular, now spend most of their time indoors.”

Bamboo is an earth-friendly alternative to exotic wood. Image: Beata Becla/Shutterstock

What to look for when shopping for eco furniture.

When shopping for green or sustainable furniture, think about the following:

Does the country where the piece was made use green building practices? How far did the piece have to travel?
Is the piece durable? Pieces that are cheap in price and materials don’t last as long and end up in landfills soon after purchase.
What materials and chemicals are used in the piece? Is the frame of the furniture piece solid wood or particle board, containing formaldehyde? Did the manufacturer spray the fabric with a chemical to resist stains? It’s better to choose a microfiber or leather material than one that needs to be sprayed for stain resistance.
What finishes add color or seal the item? Is the paint, stain or finish water-based? If not, it’s probably high in harmful VOCs.
Could a different material be a better idea? Although exotic woods are stunning, bamboo, stone or porcelain may be more durable, require less harmful finishes and not affect forests.

You can also check the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) website‘s database of furniture manufacturers committed to eco furniture practices.

Second-hand furniture and recycled furniture made of shipping pallets are a good way to reduce waste because they minimize the need to produce new materials. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

What are the best sustainable furniture choices?

The best sustainable furniture choices are created from recycled items like salvaged wood, recycled textiles and reused materials like wood pallets. Additionally, natural materials like bamboo, rattan and seagrasses are excellent materials for furniture and home decor.

Second-hand furniture and vintage pieces are also great green furniture choices. Pick vintage or antique pieces because they’re often handmade and built to last. Plus, their manufacturers often used fewer chemicals than modern manufacturers.

Look for these green furniture terms and certifications when you’re shopping for eco furniture:

Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE)

This partnership between industry and government increases carpet recycling and reuse to reduce the amount of old carpet going to landfills.

Cradle to Cradle (C2C)

C2C certified furniture can be dismantled to be repaired and recycled or so that parts can be replaced. This practice extends the life of the piece and makes a piece more sustainable because it keeps it out of a landfill.

Eco3Home

This hang tag certifies that the manufacturer was responsible in their sourcing and manufacturing and, additionally, that they can provide safety, health and environmental information for each registered product.

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certification

FSC-certified furniture uses woods that are responsibly harvested and meet the requirements of the Forest Stewardship Council.

Green Housekeeping Seal of Approval

This seal is available for many categories like cleaning and beauty products, building materials, paints and coatings and appliances. In order to award approval, scientists and engineers evaluate a product’s packaging, ingredients, logistics and manufacturing.

Green Label Plus

Look for this tag to ensure that the carpet you are purchasing emits the lowest amount of chemicals on the market.

GREENGUARD Certified

Use this certification to find indoor goods like building materials and furnishings with low chemical emissions. It serves you and the environment because GREENGUARD certified goods do not affect air quality.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified

LEED promotes and awards certification for a whole-building approach to sustainability. To certify a building, LEED checks five categories: water savings, energy efficiency, sustainable site development, sustainable materials and good indoor air quality.

Low VOC

Check a product’s label. Look for low VOC because it means the product or finish is water-based or does not contain chemicals that can off-gas, or release into the air.

Rediscovered Wood Certification, Rainforest Alliance

This certification confirms that a piece of furniture actually uses reclaimed wood.

SBD (Sustainable by Design)

SBD gears their program towards furniture manufacturers to sustainably source and manufacture home furnishings.

Zero Waste to Landfill

This award goes to companies that send less than 1 percent of their waste to a landfill.

A little research and consideration are all it takes to make a sound choice about the furniture and home decor you bring into your home. Your choice will benefit the environment and your family’s health in the long run.

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Tom Dixon’s IKEA Line is the Sleekest, Most Contemporary Collection Yet

May 6, 2019 by admin

British designer Tom Dixon is well known for his iconic S Chair and the interior of the stunning Mondrian Hotel in London. The Queen even formally appointed him to the Order of the British Empire (OBE). And, now, you can get his iconic pieces for a few hundred dollars or less at IKEA.

The new Tom Dixon IKEA DELAKTIG collection offers accessories that make it possible to customize the furniture pieces. All images courtesy of IKEA.

Dixon’s DELAKTIG collection consists of upholstered seating and a bed featuring a frame made of 50 percent recycled aluminum. You can customize the small selection of pieces by adding from the selection of accessories.

IKEA Creative Leader James Futcher says, “We called it an open platform for living, and Tom kept referring to it as a bed so, of course, we couldn’t stop after the first DELAKTIG launch. The bed is a key piece of furniture in any home — I mean, everyone needs a good night’s sleep. So we decided to go for a second launch: a bed frame that is designed to be personalized.”

Put two sofa bases together with a side table and lamp for a deeply relaxing lounge that can double as a guest bed.

Accessories like additional arms, side tables or removable fabric covers give your pieces a personalized look.

Here’s a look at the Tom Dixon IKEA pieces you can mix and match:

The 88″ sofa is shown here as a traditional 2-arm sofa, $770.

If you want to change up the traditional look of the sofa above you can move the backs and arms around. Get the modular sofa, including an attachable lamp, $854.

Customize the platform bed by adding and removing side tables and a headboard.

For more info, check out the rest of the collection here.

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How to Design a Small Space Open Floor Plan

May 2, 2019 by admin

Usually, when you see a photo of an open floor plan, it’s this spacious, modern design. The kitchen sits way off in the distance, large windows let in plenty of natural sunlight and there may even be space for multiple sitting areas. But just because you might have a smaller space, that doesn’t mean that an open floor plan is out of your reach. With some smart adjustments, you can create a small space open floor plan.

This might be one of the most involved home projects you could undertake. If you don’t live where you already have a small space open floor plan, you may have to work with a remodeler, move or even design your own dream home. However, if you already live with a small open floor plan, some of the design ideas below can help you make the most of the space you already have. As such, the cost of this project could range in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for a new build or it could be a free endeavor of just moving around furniture.

A single sofa or loveseat can work wonders in small space open apartments. Image: Jodie Johnson/Shutterstock

Go Minimalist with the Furniture

Whether you already have a small space open floor plan or you’re in the process of designing/finding one, a major feature in the space will be the furniture. If you are working with a smaller space, you’re not going to have as much room for multiple sitting areas. And you’re going to want to keep the space looking as open as possible.

The easiest way to work with furniture in a small space open floor plan is actually to go big. This is counterintuitive, but a single larger furniture piece along the wall keeps the space more open. Otherwise, you’re cluttering up the space with many smaller items like individual chairs. Depending on the layout of the room, you could use a long sofa, a sectional or even add a loveseat.

Boldly colored wall art can make a stunning focal point in an open space. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Create a Focal Point in your Small Space Open Floor Plan

If you’re working with a small space open floor plan, you might want to create a focal point to add visual interest to the room. One focal point item will add plenty of style to your space without cluttering up the smaller area the way designs with more working parts might. Examples of small space focal points can include a:

Small accent wall
Fireplace, either real or electric (smaller electric fireplaces fit well into small spaces)
Single piece of larger, bold furniture, like a brightly colored sofa
Television over a mantel or a display cabinet
Piece of large wall art

These ideas also create their own sense of organization, as you’ll often organize other items like furniture around the focal point.

Open railings can visually expand small floor plans. Image: Waclaw_EPI/Shutterstock

Think Open Balconies

If you’re in the process of finding a new place to live or designing that dream home, a key feature to keep in mind is an open loft design. That way, even if the space is on the smaller side, you have a whole second story that is visually open.

An open loft design leads to the illusion that the space is far bigger than it is. And it helps add to the small space open floor plan feeling by actually opening up the space. This is a design that is both illusion and literally more open.

Small Space Open Floor Plan Light Colors

Neutral and bright shades can stop a small space open floor plan from feeling closed in. Image: Dariusz Jarzabek/Shutterstock

Keep it Bright

You’ll also want to keep a close eye on the color scheme of the room. A common feature of open floor plans is that they tend to stay on the bright and neutral side of the design spectrum. A small space open floor plan is no exception. In fact, in smaller spaces, it’s even more important to keep the space light and neutral. Lighter colors help keep spaces feeling free and open.

Also, keeping the area well-lit will help it feel more open since darker spaces usually automatically feel closed off. You might consider elements like large windows or skylights. These will keep the natural light flowing into the space. If these are not an option, other lighting features like recessed lighting, pendant lighting and even casual chandelier designs can keep the space well-lit.

And remember, everything in this style is about keeping the space looking as open as possible. Your small space open floor plan goal is to make the space feel more expansive.

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Bed Bath & Beyond Launches Its First Home Line, Bee & Willow

April 4, 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.

Weathered vintage, farmhouse chic, updated traditional. Are these descriptions music to your ears? Bed Bath & Beyond just launched its very first home line, Bee & Willow, and it’s just for you.

According to the website, Bee & Willow is “an eclectic mix of rustic and modern styles, designed with character and charm and made to last.” And if you love the look, but don’t have Joanna Gaines’ natural flair for pulling a room together, Bed Bath & Beyond has you covered. The line of more than 300 pieces includes furniture and accessories for every room in your home, priced between $3 and $1,000.

Here’s a look at some of the best pieces from the new Bed Bath & Beyond Bee & Willow home line:

bed bath and beyond farmhouse bee & willow

Natural, earthy tones and textured fabrics add dimension to the collection’s accents. All images courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond.

Shop the look:

bed bath beyond farmhouse furniture bee & willow

A living room that’s classic, elegant and still warm and casual enough for the whole family to enjoy.

Shop the look:

A farmhouse-chic dining room setting in indigo blue.

Shop the look:

Rustic modern meets farmhouse for a clean, classic and inviting bedroom.

Shop the look:

Love what you see? It can all be yours for 20 percent off and free shipping when you become a Beyond+ Member.

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Take a Tour of the Season 3 Queer Eye Loft and Shop the Look

March 28, 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.

Season 3 of Queer Eye is out now and we’re taking you on a tour of the Fab Five’s fabulous Kansas City loft. You’ll see plenty of the modern-industrial space in the new season. The guys gather to do their makeovers and watch the final transformation at the end of the show in the Queer Eye loft. And the best part – you can shop the look at West Elm.

Rich, masculine neutrals and textured fabrics and finishes warm up the large, open loft space. All images courtesy of West Elm

Bobby Berk and West Elm worked together to pull the space together. Working with a large, open loft space has its challenges, but Bobby shares his secret: “Creating different vignettes throughout the room in a cohesive color palette allows me to define the different spaces without having them feel separate from each other,” he said.

Let’s check out the Queer Eye Loft:

The men gather on the cozy Andes sectional to watch the results of their makeover on TV.

Shop the look:

Step up a platform into the entertaining and styling area where the makeovers happen.

A vintage barber styling chair adds charm to the modern industrial loft design.

The loft features plenty of tropical plants that separate each area into an intimate space.

Shop the look:

The kitchen is a showstopper, with a large kitchen island for the Fab Five and guests to gather around.

A “living wall” along the large kitchen windows uses hanging potted plants on industrial poles.

Shop the look:

Check out more of the Queer Eye Loft Season 3 on Netflix!

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The Freshome Dream Living Room

March 24, 2019 by admin

Psst! Here’s the (not so) secret Freshome recipe for a dream living room. Image: Hero Images/Getty Images

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.

Sometimes we take for granted that the living room is, in fact, the place where we do most of our living. It’s a space that needs to serve multiple purposes and please multiple personalities. The living room is a place for parties and the location for movie nights. It’s a harbor where you can catch your breath after a long day, and the space where families can come together through the thick and thin and enjoy each other’s company. So it’s no surprise that the Freshome team has some opinions on what makes a good living room. Let’s take a quick look at what we think the dream living room needs to really shine.

When polled, we all agreed that there are a few key elements every living room simply must contain. There’s the couch, comfortable and large enough to seat everyone in the family. Then there’s the accent furniture that makes the space pop. And we can’t forget the TV that often serves as the hearth of the home in the digital age. But what sets one living room apart from another? It’s all about the personality and the pieces you gather in the space. We polled our Freshome team to find out which pieces are absolutely critical in a dream living room and which can make all the difference when it comes to your design.

Your accent sofa is the place to show off your personal design flair. The Drake Sofa in mustard yellow? Why not! Image: West Elm

#1: An accent color loveseat or sofa

One of the most fun pieces to shop for your dream living room is the accent loveseat or sofa. While you may want to go more traditional with your primary couch color (see below), this is a place to have some fun. With maximalism trending, who says you can’t get a jewel-toned sofa is a rich velvet? Or a bold, patterned upholstery? Really, this is your opportunity to dream something up in your head, then buy it for your home.

If you’re looking for a place to get started, we recommend one of our Freshome favorites: the Drake Sofa from West Elm, pictured above in Twill in Dark Horseradish. Some of our writers love the bright pop of yellow, while others prefer the more lush look of Distressed Velvet in Forest or Dusty Blush. All this to say, your accent furniture is a place to showcase your design preferences and pick a piece that will wow your friends.

A giant couch invites friends and family to gather – or gives you a place to stretch out by yourself. Image: CreativaStudio/Getty Images

#2: A giant couch

The right couch can be the centerpiece of any dream living room. When it comes to choosing your couch color, it’s tempting to want to go big and bold. After all, this is a piece that everyone’s going to be looking at – and sitting on. But don’t forget that this will be one of the biggest investments in your home (good couches aren’t cheap!) and you’re going to want to love it for years to come.

Neutral colors give you the flexibility to change the room without needing to buy a new couch. All you need are new throw pillows and you can make your couch work with virtually any theme. When it comes to the shape, try to strike a balance between interesting and classic so you choose a design that has staying power. We love a good, square sectional sofa or one that invites you to plop down, like the Hamilton Leather Sofa from West Elm. Still not sure which couch is right for you? Check out this guide on the different sofa styles for more clarity.

A living room gallery wall is the ideal place to showcase what you love. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

#3: Wall art

Your living room wall art is your opportunity to really let your personality shine and have some fun! Maybe you want a bright and open feel to your living room space. In that case, an oversized mirror is just the thing to place on one of the prominent walls. It reflects light, making the space feel brighter, and adds an interesting design element.

Or maybe you want to really add some personal flair. The living room is the perfect place for a gallery wall. When putting together a gallery wall, our Freshome team says you need:

Art you truly love, like photos with personal meaning or paintings your kids made in class.
Something thought-provoking, like a mounted sculptural element, an abstract art piece or black and white photos.
A large piece to anchor the layout. If there’s no single piece you want to spotlight, consider adding a floating ledge to serve as your anchor.

We’ve rounded up more gallery wall hacks to help you pull the whole thing together.

When looking for art for your living room, don’t settle just because you feel like you need to get something up on the walls. Wait until something really speaks to you. Remember, you’re working to create your dream living room! And being surrounded by art you really love makes your dream living room a truly enjoyable place to spend time.

Your living room can easily pull double-duty when it’s simple to tuck away your TV. The Cameo 2-Piece Entertainment Center makes that easy. Image: Crate & Barrel

#4: A space for entertaining and entertainment

While a number of us at Freshome would love to have a home theater, those of us who are still waiting to make our millions and buy our mansion settle for creating a theater-like space in our dream living room. A flatscreen TV is a must (here’s a VIZIO D-Series 24″ option from Target to get you started), but it doesn’t necessarily have to be the focal point of the room. We’ve highlighted a number of ways you can seamlessly integrate your TV into the room or cleverly hide it away. For example, you can tuck it away in a polished entertainment center, like the Cameo 2-Piece Entertainment Center from Crate & Barrel.

Integrating your TV is so important because your living room needs to pull double-duty. It can’t just be a space for entertainment, it also needs to be a space for entertaining. When choosing electronics, furniture, decor and lighting for your dream living room, picture the space full of people. Will it comfortably accommodate the groups you plan to host? Sectional furniture that can be moved around can help you carve out a better entertaining area. Hideaway TVs can make the space feel more intimate and dimmable lights can create ambiance. In short, when planning your dream living room, think through how it will function whether you’re curled up on the couch solo or you’re entertaining a large group.

Give yourself a space to relax by adding a comfortable chair to your living room. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

#5: A comfortable chair

Sure, a big couch is key in every living room. But what about when you want a little more space for yourself? A big, cozy chair is the ideal place to curl up and grab the aforementioned alone time. Plus, it’s a great addition to the living room of anyone who entertains. Not every guest wants to sit side-by-side with a complete stranger – or even a close friend. Add an accent pillow and a cozy throw and you’ve created an inviting addition to your dream living room.

When picking furniture, remember that an interesting coffee table (like the Yukon Natural Coffee Table) makes even the simplest living room pop. Image: Crate & Barrel

#6: A memorable coffee table

No living room would be complete without a coffee table where you can place decor, books and drinks. And in our dream living room, the coffee table itself serves as a piece of decor. Go beyond the basic and look for a coffee table that will add a level of interest to your room. Here are a few of our Freshome favorites:

Yukon Natural Coffee Table from Crate & Barrel
Ivy Bronx Reda Lift-Top Coffee Table at Wayfair
Stacked Disk Storage Coffee Table from West Elm

What would we find in your dream living room? We had a lot of fun thinking about it – and you might, too! Picture your ideal living room and tell us what sets it apart in the comments.

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