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How To Decorate Your Hallway

Hallways and staircases are one of the most utilized, and yet underappreciated, areas of a home. Too often, homeowners leave their halls and stairs barren of any interior design. Don’t be one of those homeowners! Learn to appreciate the space that is your hallways – discover ways to liven it up.

Color: A hallway or staircase is the pathway to several rooms in your home. For this reason, the professionals at CertaPro Painters of Lexington/Concord, MA recommend that you paint with a neutral color. Hallways also often lack a source of natural light, so utilizing neutral colored paints will help brighten the space.

Flooring: Hallways and staircases are high traffic areas, making hardwood flooring a viable option for homeowners. Hardwood floors can withstand much more wear and tear than traditional carpeting and are an easy clean. Spruce up the look of your hardwood flooring with a decorative area rug.

Interest: If you’re looking for a way to add some structure to your hallway without the bulk of a table or shelving, try wainscoting. Traditionally, wainscoting is comprised of pieces of interlocking wood that can be easily painted or stained any color. This covering is placed over the lower portion of a wall and creates an elegant look. To add interest to a staircase, try painting the banisters with a bright color. The subtle pop will give your staircase a sophisticated, modern look.

Personality: Use your hallways to showcase your personality. Hang family photos, wall decals, or even decorative mirrors on your hallway walls. Arrange them in a gallery style for an added sense of elegance. The same can be done along the walls of a staircase.

Functionality: Your home may have a hallway located right at the entrance of your home. If this is the case, you’ll need to include functional design elements that will make the space easier to utilize. Hang a coat rack for the family to place hats, jackets, purses, and bags on when they come home. Line rubber mats against the wall for muddy shoes to go. For added organization, line a shelf with bins for family members to store miscellaneous items in, including keys and mail. You can also utilize small bin storage on the lower steps of your staircase.

Lighting: Whether you opt for a modern style cage light or a simple vintage lamp, the lighting in your hallway should be decorative and functional. When the light is on, the entire length of the hallway should be visible. If you find that your hallway or staircase is extra long, install as much light as necessary.

Furniture: While the hallway is a method of travel in a home, that doesn’t mean that it cannot house furniture. Use a narrow table to house a decorative lamp, photos, or a landline telephone. If you have room, incorporate a bench with cushions into your hallway design for a contemporary chic look.

Don’t let your hallway fall to the wayside. After all, it’s one of the most utilized spaces in your home! Spruce up your hallways appearance with these interior design tips.

Decorating On A Tight Budget

Decorating a space can seem extremely challenging – decorating a space on a tight budget can seem impossible. With the help of some interior design experts, at Jarons have put together the most important things to remember when you’re designing on a budget.

Invest in the right things. No matter what, you’re going to have to spend some money to update the look of a room. If you prioritize and budget, you can spend money where it counts, like quality furniture. If your feeling extra thrift, scour local outlets, or garage sales for old-but-sturdy furniture staples. Use these pieces to anchor the room, then start decorating with accessories.
Splurge on paint color. When you break down the cost of paint, it costs just pennies on the dollar. Plus, if you use the right technique, you can really get the most out of your investment. Choose a color that suits your tastes and the space you’re decorating. The expert Waldorf painters recommend following the 60-30-10 rule – 60% of the space you’re decorating should be in a neutral shade (in most cases, this means the walls), 30% should be in your accent color (whether this is an accent wall or accents in furniture and other decor), and 10% should be in your boldest color choice (candle sconces, throw pillows, etc.).
Re-purpose what you have. These days in the world of design, you can pretty much DIY anything, and sometimes old is the best kind of new. If you’re looking to update your home, try giving new life to some of your existing decor. Hang a small collection of your favorite photos is a quick fix to any dull wall in your home. Display vacation memorabilia on shelving units or unused surfaces around the room. With the right attitude and a design in mind, you can change the look and feel of a space with a simple coat of paint. By updating a few smaller items in a room with a more modern look, you’ll save time and money, which can be used to splurge on a new decor item elsewhere in the house. If you aren’t so handy, contract the help of family or friends.
Keep it simple. If you play to your interests and keep your design ideas minimal, you’ll avoid overspending or over-cluttering a space with too many design elements. Accessories should be tasteful and not overbearing; lighting should be plentiful and unobtrusive; furniture should be comfortable and purposeful. Overall, the space should be functional, livable, and true to you.

With these budget design tips in mind, you can update the look of a space in no time, and at little cost. At the end of the day, if you’re happy with the space you have created, you’ve done your job well! For more budget-friendly decorating tips, contact Kimberly Paulus, a Sienna Plantation, TX interior decorator.

Farmhouse Decor Inspriation

Embracing the farmhouse design style doesn’t mean you have to live in the country, on a farm, or anything of the sort! This increasingly popular style often referred to as “Farmhouse Chic” incorporates rustic design concepts in a variety of ways to create a space full of country charm. Check out these design tips to help you achieve this style in your home!

Light Walls and Flooring Options. If you are completely revamping an entire room, opt for wood flooring, which embodies the best of country chic. Pair this flooring with light-colored walls, such as ivory or cream. Build onto this simple paint color with easygoing patterns, but avoid dark colors, as this will take away from the open feeling of the room. Light colors make a room feel larger than it actually is, and the combination of these colors with wood floors will establish an inviting mood within your space.

Open Storage Options. Country style is all about open, livable spaces, which shelving will become your new best friend! Accessories throughout the room are great, but when it comes to storage, shelves reduce clutter on the floor and provide plenty of space for both accessorizing and simple displays. Closed storage may be used to hide items you don’t want to be seen on a regular basis, but build and utilize shelves on your walls for unique displays of interesting items that go well with the farmhouse design style. Old books, rustic looking picture frames and other pieces will dress up your room without creating a clutter throughout the space.

Vintage Is In. Outside of shelving, you will need to accessorize in other ways to create your ideal atmosphere. From tabletops to wall pieces and furniture additions, look for farmhouse style decor that brings a vintage vibe. Mason jars are a fun and easy accessory, as they can be painted different colors or used in a multitude of ways! For an eye-catching side table accessory, fill a mason jar with flowers and lightly coat the outside in various shades of gold for a classic touch. Quilts and blankets can be folded on top of couches or chairs, but look for ones that match your theme. Linen, burlap, and cotton are your best possible material choices, so get creative and accessorize!

A Touch Of Family. One of the best ways to build on this design style is to bring your own personal touch. Family heirlooms or family-inspired signs and wall decor add a unique sense of comfort that builds on the traditions of you and your family. Inspiring and loving messages hung on the wall encourage positivity, and you will love the memories that come with the inclusion of family treasures.

No matter how you take on this design style, farmhouse chic incorporates rustic pieces and open concepts to create a breathtaking space. Light walls, wood floors, vintage accessories and personal touches come together to give your home a charming touch!

Designing A Space For Your Pet

Are you a pet-friendly household? When it comes to our pets, they are an important part of the family! Whether you are a new pet owner or have had your loving companion for years, your furry friend deserves a unique space within your home for them to call their own. This doesn’t mean you have to build an entirely new section to accommodate them. Instead, check out these design tips for how to turn any space into a pet-friendly dwelling.

Choose Your Space. When beginning your design, the first step is determining how much space you will need. Some parts of your home may be more pet-friendly than others, and it’s your decision where you’d like to create the sanctuary. Ideally, the spot you choose will be close to gathering spaces (think family and living rooms), but far enough away to give your pet some privacy if they need it. You don’t want to have their area directly within rooms that are highly populated, as this may be overwhelming when they are looking to escape the hectic times of the day. Choose a space that will make your pet feel safe and secure, even when they’re away from you.
Accessorize to Meet Your Pet’s Needs. From crate trained to free-roaming animals, we all have pets with different needs. If your pet has been trained to sleep in a crate, find some fun and cozy accessories to include inside. Soft blankets, a food and water bowls, and multiple toys are great things to make a create feel more like home. If your pet has passed the crate stage, accessorize in other ways throughout the room! Wall decorations will add a creative touch, and play toys can be organized in a toy chest or other colorful storage bin. Shelves also help you keep many items off the floor and allow you to maximize the space you are using.
Color and Design Choices. One of the most important things to think about when designing a space for your pet is how your choices will impact their well-being. The expert Bothell, WA painters recommend bright, stimulating colors may encourage more playful activities, but at night when everyone is heading to bed, this isn’t the best time for play. Instead, find a way to incorporate fun colors in small aspects of the room, such as in play toys, wall decor or other accessories. If you are dedicating an entire room to your pet, opt for a softer, cool wall color, such as light blues, soft purples, or classic beiges and whites. Light versions of other colors, including yellows and greens, are also great choices, as long as the hues are not too harsh or bright.

Your pet is another member of your family and deserves a space designed to meet their needs. From full rooms to small nooks, there are many places within your home that you can turn into their very own getaway. Design aspects like color choices should encourage calm feelings, but accessories throughout the space may bring out the playful emotions. Have fun with your design and create something your pet is sure to love!

Summer Decorating Trends

Summer is just around the corner, which means many homeowners are gearing up to let the warm weather in. From vibrant colors to pleasant weather and plenty of sunshine, summer is a wonderful time of year that presents plenty of home decorating inspiration. Discover the best ways to incorporate the bright, welcoming feeling summer brings into your home décor.

Fun Foliage. No matter where you live, the trees, shrubs, and flowers on your property have surely started to bloom. Bring the warm hues of these botanicals into your interior decor. Incorporate a vibrant flower arrangement into your dining room by creating a centerpiece with freshly cut flowers from your garden. If you don’t want to have to replace the flowers, invest in a faux arrangement instead. You can find a variety of faux flower arrangements, wreaths, and swags to bring the vibrant colors of summer into your home.
Glowing Gold. Picture the sun setting over the bay at your favorite shore point. You can capture that gorgeous glow by incorporating gold accents into your home décor! Gold can bring a warm, inviting feeling to any room in your home. Be mindful that overusing gold can quickly become gaudy, so use it in moderation. Think gold accents in a room with seafoam green or navy blue elements for a subtle, nautical feel.
Lovely Lilac. While Millennial Pink is still being celebrated throughout interior design, Millennial Lilac is all the rage this summer! We can thank Pantone’s Color of the Year, Ultraviolet, for this boost in purple popularity. Lilac can help add depth and create visual interest in spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms, according to the professional Huntington County painters.
Tantalizing Tropical. Draw on the inspiration of vintage tropical prints and use them throughout your home decor. These groovy vibes work well in small elements like lamp shades, throw pillows, and table runners. If you’re not a huge fan of tropical prints, you can still incorporate tropical elements, like citrus fruits or birds of paradise, throughout your home.

Welcome the summer season with these inspired decorating ideas! For more summer decorating trends, contact Jennifer Pysnack, a Syracuse, NY interior decorator.

Transitioning Your Teen Room to an Adult Bedroom

If you’re an adult still living at home (or an adult that’s had to move back home for one reason or another), returning to your childhood bedroom can be a bit haunting. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips and tricks you can use to make the once tired space your own. Here are a few tips on how to update your teenage bedroom for your adult lifestyle.

Choose the right color scheme: Change up the bright color on the walls with a neutral option like beige, cream, gray, or even a soft black. Think about whether you prefer a space that is light and airy, or dark and cozy. Choose an unconventional neutral like Sherwin Williams colors, Window Pane (SW 6210) and Anjou Pear (SW 6381), or make a statement with Black Magic (SW 6991). The color of your bedroom, like the colors you love to wear, can make you feel a range of emotions: happy, excited, inspired or even serene. Keep in mind that a bedroom is a place of rest and relaxation so pick something that works for you and the kind of space you want to create.

Incorporate accents – they’re everything: Match your desired color scheme with a printed rug, chrome lamp, or funky bedspread. Mixing things up with a bold print or color will bring out the inner-child in you and give the room a fresh look. Another great way to make the room look bigger is creating an accent wall with a unique color behind the headboard. For a less traditional accent wall, try wallpaper with stripes, geometric shapes, or small patterns. Inject your grown-up personality into space further by adding artwork to the empty the walls. Whether it’s paintings of flowers or a scenic view, anything that reflects what you love will work. If you’re more of a minimalist, repurpose old frames by painting them a solid color, like black or white, and hang them all over the walls.

Creating a space of your own takes a bit of drive and creativity. Visualize your new space and go from there. It will take some time, but in the end, it will all be worth it to make the space yours. Nervous about taking the plunge? Contact the experts at CertaPro Painters of King of Prussia today.

Choosing Decor For A Custom Home

You’ve hand-picked everything else in terms of the layout and design of your home – deciding on decor should be no different! Deanna Kovach, a Dover, DE interior decorator, shares some tips and tricks for choosing decor for your custom home.

Go bold with color. Paint is one of the most affordable tools in your design toolbox. Color can do so much for a space, whether that’s making it feel ten times larger, brighter, or simply more alive. To choose the color scheme that’s right, think about what the room will be used for. Is it a bedroom where you’ll be relaxing? Opt for calming colors in cool hues like lavender, eucalyptus, or sapphire. Is the space a dining room or basement that will be primarily used for entertaining? Warm, inviting tones, like clay or soft gold, will create a welcoming, homey atmosphere.
Choose unique furnishings. Furniture is one of the most important components in any home. It’s where you’ll rest, spend time with loved ones, and of course, snooze! With so many options to choose from, finding the furniture that’s right for your custom home is easy. Start by thinking about the room you’re furnishing. In a bedroom, you’ll want practical but comfortable pieces that make the room feel functional and cozy. In living areas like dens, basements, or sitting rooms, you’ll want plenty of comfortable seating, tabletops, and cabinet storage for odds and ends like books, movies, and games. Once you’ve considered the type of furniture each room will need, you can start to consider the way these pieces will look. Whether it’s an eclectic pattern on the upholstery or a unique shape, choose furniture that speaks to you!
Give every room a focal point. Each room in your home should feature an element that serves as a visual exclamation point. Something that will make friends and family stop and take notice. From a bold accent wall to a statement rug, there are many ways you can give each room its own flair. In a dining or living room, create a focal point with a large, elegant mirror. The frame can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. In the kitchen, let vibrant floral centerpieces or modern works of art steal the show. It all comes down to your personal tastes. If you love farmhouse decor, let that shine through the ways in which you dress up each space in your home.
Decide on the right floor accents. If you’ve chosen hardwood floors, dress them up with a decorative Persian rug. Opt for tile flooring? A plush throw rug can help to warm the space up a bit. Have you lined a room with wall-to-wall carpeting? You can use a decorative throw rug on top of it! Choose a pattern that features a color that compliments your carpeting. This helps add texture and dimension to a room.

You’ve invested a lot of time and money into your space – decorate it as such!

This post brought to you by Triumph Building Group, Montgomery County home builders.

Spring Home Decor

Spring is a time when the weather gets warmer, the flowers start to bloom, and we bring back the bright colors to decorate with in our home! There are tons of wonderful ways you can spruce up your home for the season, and bright colors are just the beginning. From storage solutions to wall decor and room accents, the possibilities are endless when it comes to spring home decor. Check out these fun ideas you can use in your home this spring.

Spring Colors: A fresh pop of color is an easy way to bring a sense of joy into your home, right in time for spring! The expert painters in Greenville, SC recommend sticking to the lighter side of the color spectrum. Hues like blush pinks and pastels are a great choice and will blend well with neutral colors you have in your home like beiges and whites. Whether you paint an accent wall in one of these color options or simply include them in your decorative pieces, like cushions and throw blankets, adding pastel colors to your home will create a welcoming feel for any family or guests you entertain this spring.
Patterned Window Accents: Floral prints are a great way to add cheery vibes to any room in your home. Start with your drapery. Look for curtains in fun floral patterns to encourage positive, festive vibes throughout the room. The bright colors and busy patterns will bring a bit of the outdoors in, helping the room to feel more light and airy. If floral accents are too busy for you, consider less busy patterns that still feature exciting colors. You don’t have to go too bright with your choices, but you want to select a color or pattern that will elicit the happy feelings that come with the changes in weather and seasons, as well as dress up your space for spring.
Bring Nature Inside: The best parts of spring are the natural aspects, like blooming plants and flowers and plenty of sunlight. Embrace the season and bring these aspects indoors! Potted plants and flowers make great tabletop accessories, and you can add to these pieces to create a beautiful Easter dinner centerpiece. Simple potted flowers, such as tulips or daisies, bring a freshness to any room. For a more crafty idea, take a small birdbath and fill it with plants that are easy to maintain, such as moss and daffodils, for a miniature indoor garden.

The most important thing to remember about spring decor is to incorporate bright colors that are indicative of the natural beauty that comes with the season. Whether you freshen a room with a coat of paint or add simple accents to rooms throughout your home, let the season inspire your creativity and your home decor. For more spring decorating tips, contact the Valley Design Team, a group of Chagrin Falls, OH interior decorators.

7 Quick & Easy Home Upgrades

Maintaining your home is one thing, but home improvement projects are important for retaining its value. Plus, upgrading your home helps to make it more aesthetically pleasing. While most of the time this is easier said than done, there are some quick fixes that you can work on to keep your home modern that won’t cost you a ton, brought to you by Amy Ahearn, a Williamsburg, VA interior decorator.

Freshen up your paint. Repainting the walls in your house is a simple way to make your house appear more modern and lively that won’t break the bank.
Pick up some new furniture. Simply getting rid of the old and incorporating new pieces into one or all of your rooms will make a huge difference in regards to how contemporary your home appears to be. Something as small as an ottoman can make all the difference.
Invest in a smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat makes dealing with fluctuating weather throughout the seasons much more tolerable. Smart thermostats let you program your preferences – for instance, you can set a temperature but have it rise or lower based on the time of the day. If you’re in the market to sell your home, this small addition to your home makes it much more attractive to potential buyers.
Add a backsplash to your kitchen. A backsplash can give your kitchen a more polished look. It also makes maintenance easier. If you spill anything on your walls while cooking or prepping food, cleanup on a tile backsplash will is a breeze when compared to trying to scrub down your bare walls.
Install a low-flow showerhead. Low-flow showerheads are beneficial not to just the environment, but to your water bill as well. The flow rate is slower than standard showerheads, thus cutting back on how much water you are actually using. This leads to savings on your water bill each month!
Create a landscape or garden. Whether you are looking to grow your own vegetables or just plant a few flowers, landscaping or gardening will help liven up your home’s outdoor appearance. In addition, gardening has proven to be great for relieving stress and clearing your head.
Choose new window treatments. Adding new window treatments in your home is an easy way to revive the appearance of any room. With blinds, drapes, curtains, and shades to choose from, it’s easy to achieve the look you are going for in no time.

Follow these suggestions for a quick and easy way to revive your home this year! For more home improvement suggestions, contact the experts at CertaPro Painters of Southern New Hampshire.

Creating An In-Home Yoga Studio

If you need a place to practice your sun salutations but can’t always find time to make it to the studio, you may want to consider creating a space for yoga in your very own home. What could be better than a multi-functioning room where you can practice yoga, meditate, or just relax whenever you please? It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a trained yogi – the room itself will exude peace and simplicity. Here’s how to create an in-home yoga studio.

Choose the room. In order to get the most out of your practice, set up shop in a room that’s free of distractions. An empty, open space will allow you to keep a zen mindset while you go through your Vinyasas. If you don’t have a spare room available, use an area in your home where you can shift furnishings around. Maybe you have a walk-in closet capable of fitting a yoga mat, or maybe you can move a few pieces around in your home office. No matter where you find space in your home, ensuring you’re comfortable is essential.
Set the atmosphere. Adjustable lighting is paramount in any home yoga studio, according to Jennifer Jones, an interior designer in Conroe, TX. If the room features a window, let the natural light pour into the space. Use double bracket curtain rods so that you can hang sheer and room darkening curtains to control the light as needed. If the room you’re using as your studio is windowless, install a light dimmer so you can adjust the lighting. Another variable you’ll want to be in control of is the temperature. Some people love a hot yoga session, while others may want a breeze blowing through the window. Consider this factor when choosing your in-home studio.
Acquire the equipment. You can’t have a functioning yoga studio without the proper equipment. For starters, you’ll need a mat. If the room you chose is carpeted, you can place a wood board underneath your mat for a firmer surface. Use a yoga towel so you don’t slip and slide on your mat once in your in the thick of that day’s practice. You may also want to invest in blocks and straps to help stay grounded and with flexibility. Lastly, place a portable speaker in the room so you can do your flow with a yoga-inspired playlist.
Pick out the décor. Though minimalism is best in a yoga studio, there are ways you can add décor without going overboard. Choose elements that are going to jive with your vibe. If your practice focuses on meditation, hang tapestries on the walls and incorporate various candles and incense into your decor. If you enjoy checking your form while you practice, line one wall with mirrors. Color is another important consideration for your at-home yoga space. Lehigh Valley painters recommend soothing colors in shades of lilac, cerulean, or a vibrant white. If neutral is more your style, various shades of gray can create a tranquil yoga space.

It doesn’t take a lot to create your own yoga oasis. You can push aside furniture or create an entire studio – when it comes to designing the space of your dreams, it truly comes down to your personal choices!

Interested in becoming a trained yoga therapist so you can help people right within your home (or their own)? Breathing Deeply offers yoga therapy classes to become a yoga therapist, where you can earn your certification to help those with chronic pain disorders, anxiety, depression, and more.