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6 Living Room Storage Tricks from Top Interior Design Pros

May 10, 2019 by admin

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If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of your living room storage, you’re not alone. Nearly every homeowner is on the hunt for ways to keep their most-used room functional while still keeping it aesthetically appealing. In light of that, we decided to ask the experts for their advice. We asked six interior design pros to share their best living room storage tricks.

Here’s what they had to say:

An ottoman can be a great option for storing odds and ends. Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Invest in a storage ottoman

“Storage ottomans are a great solution for living rooms because they serve a dual purpose. In addition to having a lovely place to rest your feet, they provide a good-sized space to tuck away items you don’t want all over the living room. This could be a good place for blankets or extra pillows, maybe even sheets if you have a pull-out sofa bed. Storage ottomans can tuck away DVDs and games, remote controls and those magazines that pile up in the living room. This functional piece of furniture is the perfect place to stash items before guests arrive.”

— Erika Bodine, Decorator, Interior Planner and Sales Manager, LuxeDecor

Create your own entryway with a few wall hooks. Image: New Africa/Shutterstock

Don’t overlook wall hooks

“Installing a couple of wall hooks is an effortless way to organize hats, coats and purses without cluttering drawers and counters. It’s important to find balance and spacing that works for the item you are hanging, as it will create visual appeal and also naturally function as wall decor.”

— Emilie Baltorinic, Interior Designer, Living Spaces

Use closed storage to your advantage. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Hide clutter in closed storage

“Some items, like books, can store really beautifully, while other items, like papers, children’s toys or small electronics, can be an eyesore. For these more difficult items, consider closed storage like a fabric cube or wicker basket. This strategy still makes all items accessible but makes it easier to also design a functional space with storage in mind!”

— Kayla Hein, Creative Director, Modern Castle

Go vertical with a wall storage unit. Image: Vadym Andrushchenko/Shutterstock

Think about using a wall storage unit

“Symmetry creates order out of dissimilar items. Storage wall units like the IKEA Kallax create a wall of squares that get items up and off the floor and other horizontal surfaces. They can also be used to create these little feature cubes where you can play with color, theme and texture.”

— Darla DeMorrow, Certified Professional Organizer and Owner, HeartWork Organizing

Use a sofa table to add storage that won’t take up much space. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Add a sofa table

“My favorite tip for increasing the storage space [in a living room] is to add a sofa table. In most cases, there is a little bit of space left between the couch and the wall. Take advantage of this space by placing a narrow table behind the couch. Pick a table with complementing color that’s the same length as the sofa. You can use it to store magazines, books, remotes, frames, decor or lamps. You can even install an outlet in the table to create a phone charging station.”

— Eva Bowker, Home Improvement Coordinator, Fantastic Handyman

Store larger items in the space under the stairs. Image: Jo Ann Snove/Shutterstock

Utilize the space under the stairs

“The space under the stairs can be used as a closet space with pull-out shelves or racks. A remodeling contractor can create this extra storage safely while maintaining the structural integrity of the stairs. This storage space can be used for many purposes like shoes, coats or a mini library.”

— Amira Johnson, Interior Designer, Emerald Doors

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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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Drew Barrymore’s New Flower Home Collection for Walmart is Adorably Quirky

May 5, 2019 by admin

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There’s something about Drew Barrymore that has captivated audiences for years. Her quirky personality and free-spirited nature have made her a one-of-a-kind figure in modern history. These days, she’s bringing that energy to the world of home decor.

The actress recently released a line of home products for Walmart. It’s an online-only offering that will be available through Walmart’s site, as well as two of the retail giant’s subsidiaries, Jet.com and Hayneedle.com.

The Drew Barrymore Flower Home line consists of over 130 home decor pieces.

Drew Barrymore’s new line is extensive and eclectic. Image: Business Wire

Like Barrymore herself, the collection is pretty eclectic in nature. It covers a range of home decor products, including furniture, lighting, wall art, dishware and even pet supplies.

In a press release for the launch, Barrymore had the following to say about her inspiration for this project:

I have always had a love for creating joyful spaces — places where unexpected prints and patterns, shapes and styles and colors and textures come together in the most delightful way. My new collection of furniture and home decor is inspired by this passion and I hope it inspires everyone to make themselves at home.

We’ve put together a list of our favorite pieces from the line for you. Check them out below:

Vintage Palm Barrel Accent Chair, $499

If you want to bring a relaxed, bohemian vibe to your home, look no further than this statement-worthy accent chair. Its clean lines and vintage pattern will bring those vacation home vibes to your design in just the right way.

Rattan Oval Wall Mirror, $69

If pieces like this are any indication, rattan is set to make a comeback in a big way. We love the way this mirror’s oval shape and interwoven loops give it a modern twist by providing a nod to the current geometric trend.

Zig Zag Table Lamp with Grecian Blue Velvet Shade, $75

Sometimes a lamp can be more than just a lighting fixture. It can be a statement piece in its own right. This zigzag table lamp proves it. We can’t get over how well the blue velvet shade pops against the monochromatic pattern on the base.

Vintage Marble 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $60

Who says dishware can’t be fun? This vintage marble 16-piece dishware set is enough to brighten up any meal. Plus, if you’re not a fan of pink and yellow, you’re in luck. This set comes in a variety of patterns, including a pink and red marble design and vintage floral pattern.

Black Cat Decorative Vase, $38

Cat and dog fans alike have to admit that this vase is beyond cute. There’s just something about the smiling creatures that adorn the base that will undoubtedly spark joy in your home. It’s the perfect vessel to help you put those fresh spring flowers on display.

Hand Woven Macrame 3-Piece Basket Set, $70

A basket set is just so useful to have at home. Whether you’re using the baskets to store extra throw blankets or to hide children’s toys from view, there’s no doubt that this set will come in handy. Plus, its neutral color scheme ensures that it will fit in with just about any aesthetic.

Vintage Sun Wood Frame Pet Bed, $199

Every pet lover knows that their pet deserves the best. This wood frame pet bed will make sure that Fluffy or Fido is sleeping in style. The pillow also comes in a pale blue pattern in case that’s more in line with your pet’s personal tastes.

Ceramic Ombre Side Table, $89

It looks like the ombre trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. This pink ceramic side table is a great way to add a fun pop of color to your design. Consider adding it to your teen’s bedroom to give her a place to store odds and ends or using it to make a statement in an eclectic living room.

Day Birds Champagne 33.37″x43.37″ Frame, $124

Not all wall art has to be complicated. This simple design is unobtrusive enough to go well in any room, yet the bold colors will inject a feeling of energy and vibrancy into the space.

Tufted Chaise Lounge, $799

There’s nothing like a chaise lounge to make you feel like royalty. The subdued shade and plush pillows on this one only serve to drive that feeling home. This piece would be the perfect addition to any bedroom seating area or formal living space.

Like what you see? You can view the full collection here.

Be sure to keep your eyes open for updates because Walmart — and Drew — intend to update their offerings seasonally.

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Arched Doorways Add Interest and Beauty

May 2, 2019 by admin

Straight lines versus curved lines. In a study published in PNAS, participants were more likely to label a room as “beautiful” when it had curves than when it only had straight lines. Straight lines certainly serve a purpose, but they can be formal and predictable. On the other hand, curves add a level of softness and interest. Arched doorways are one way to add soft curves and elegance to any space. Below, we’ve listed some of the ways to use arched doorways in your home.

Highlight entrances and corridors

Archways highlight entrance areas. Image: EricVega/Getty Images

“When you are refurbishing a historic property, arched doorways are a welcome change and distinguish more important and grand entrances and corridors from mere utilitarian corridors,” says Michael Schienke, Director and Chartered Architect at VORBILD Architecture in London. However, he doesn’t think this look would work in every type of design. “In new and modern properties, creating an arched doorway seems rather unnecessary,” Schienke explains.

“External double doors with arches in traditional properties enable more light to enter the building. Usually, you would have a fixed glazed panel there,” Schienke tells Freshome. And the type of repeating archway style shown above can help you create a grand entrance with your entryway.

Add a Mediterranean vibe

A light and airy San Francisco home. Image courtesy of John Lum Architecture.

“Once a staple in older homes, arched doorways can help achieve various architectural styles and are essential for implementing Mediterranean design styles including Spanish-Style Villas, Spanish Colonials, Italian Renaissance, and Renaissance Revivals,” says John Lum of John Lum Architecture in San Francisco. Lum is the architect for the photo above. “And if you don’t have a particular design style, arched doorways will add an element of play to your desired look,” he says.

Provide contrast

Archways can balance a room. Image: Fuse/Getty Images

Sometimes, arched doorways serve another design purpose. In the photo above, the curved archway serves to contrast the square design on the ceiling, columns, fireplace mantel and the room’s square furniture.

Create a pattern

These archways form a repeating pattern. Image: Mood Board/Getty Images

In the photo above, the arch in each doorway is repeated in the round chandelier and pendant lights, as well as the round barstools in the adjacent room and to the right.

Infuse elegance

Archways add architectural detail to formal rooms. Image: akurtz/Getty Images

If you have a formal dining room and/or a formal living room, arched doorways can add to the elegant look you’re trying to achieve. In the photo above, the magnificent arched doorway contributes to the grandeur of the room. The archway also complements the architectural details on the columns, walls and windows.

Making your own archway

Archways frame a room. Image: Fuse/Getty Images

“For the DIY-er who has moderate carpentry skills, changing from a rectangular door to an arched entryway is fairly straightforward,” Lum says. “Be aware that drawing out the arc takes some precision as you want the radius to be symmetrical throughout its span.”

However, once the archway is made, he says it’s simple to frame it out. “For homeowners working with a professional, be mindful of scale, proportion and function, as the arch may lower the entryway height by an inch or so,” Lum advises.

Converted doorways. Image courtesy of CurveMaker Arch Kits.

You can also convert a square doorway to an archway with products like CurveMakers Arch Kits. In the photo above, several square doorways were converted into archways. The kits typically include two columns and one top header (you can choose between round or elliptical headers). Depending on your budget, you can choose between paint-grade MDF or solid poplar wood. Homeowners can also add architectural details with these types of archways since the columns include a plinth block, column casing and capital. You’ll need to measure your opening to ensure that you order the right size.

The directions in a nutshell: if you have any existing trim, remove it from the doorway. Using the arch template, cut your arch shape. Finally, install the prefab arch kit.

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