Clever Bedroom Storage Ideas

Finding a luxuriously large bedroom equipped with a walk-in closet isn’t easy. In fact, finding storage for all of your belongings can be a challenge in any size room. Fortunately, with a tiny-to-mid-sized bedroom there are clever ways you can create storage. Regardless of the size of your room, clutter can make the space unappealing, causing stress. These clever bedroom storage ideas will keep you clean and organized, no matter how big your bedroom is.

  • Buy a bed frame that doubles as storage space. Some bed have drawers and shelves built right into their frames. Depending on what you want to place in drawers, you may not even have to get a bureau or armoire to house the rest of your things. If your bed frame lacks drawers but has space between the floor and the box spring, use plastic containers to stow extra bedding.
  • Go vertical and hang shelves. Every inch counts when it comes to figuring out ways to create storage in small spaces. Use the entirety of your wall from top to bottom. Place a floor to ceiling unit next to the nightstand beside your bed to create an appealing visual. Hang shelves to get items up and off the ground. Consider over-the-door hanging storage for bulky items like shoes, scarves, and hats. This is also a great place to stow jewelry!
  • Make your own built-in storage unit. If a part of your wall juts out, this creates the perfect opportunity for more storage. Installing custom cabinetry into the wall allows more room for clothes or accessories. The experts at Birmingham painters can help you match the doors of your cabinets to your existing wall color to give off a secret passage vibe, or use glass paneling so you can see what you’re looking for before you even open the doors.
  • Mount a nightstand next to your bed. Traditionally, nightstand tables sit next to the bed, taking up valuable floor space. If you mount your nightstand to the wall, you can use the space under there for shoes or miscellaneous items that you don’t want laying around. If there isn’t space for a full on nightstand, a wide shelf mounted on the wall next to your bed can be a makeshift table top.
  • Create a display using a bookcase. Are you a shoe fanatic or a lover of handbags? If you consider these items a work of art, use a bookcase or staggered shelves to showcase them! Doing this can give off the vibes of an art installation right inside your bedroom and save valuable space in closets.
  • Don’t neglect the space above your headboard. Instead of hanging a painting or photo above your headboard, shelving or cabinet units can be a great installation above your headboard. Display a few of your favorite collectibles, but avoid cluttering the space, as this area will quickly collect dust.

Don’t feel discouraged by the amount of storage space in your bedroom. Using these tips can help expand the storage options in fun, clever ways. For more storage tips, reach out to St. Johns, NL interior decorator Robin Stairs.

7 Ways to Repurpose Old Furniture

You know it’s summertime when you drive by multiple yard sale signs. You might find a new table to use in your hallway, but have you ever thought about what you could turn that table, or anything else you might discover at a yard sale, into? With some creativity and a little elbow grease, you can turn almost any yard sale find into something one-of-a-kind.

  • Adorn old drawers with colorful wallpaper. If you find a chest with a set of drawers that are looking a bit worn, cover the exterior of the bottom drawer with wallpaper. To do so, start by cutting the desired covering to the length and width of the drawer. Then, glue it down with Mod Podge and let dry. For an added pop, glue wallpaper on the left and right sides of the drawer. The color will not be seen unless the drawer is pulled out, giving you a colorful surprise each time you open it!
  • Repurpose a vintage chest to use as a coffee table. Not only will it give your living room a unique piece of furniture, but it will also provides hidden storage space! Think of the blankets, remotes and magazines you can hide when you have company over. If you feel so inclined, you can strip the chest and re-stain it to a color that better matches your existing furnishings, or situate it as is for that old-world charm.
  • Turn an old chair into an outdoor swing. Do you have a large tree branch in your backyard that’s waiting to be used? If you find an old kitchen chair at a yard sale, you can turn it into a backyard swing. Simply remove the arms and legs of the chair, sand it, and apply a fresh coat of paint. Then, drill four holes into the chair and thread through heavy-duty poly rope and hang the rope securely over the tree branch. To ensure you do so safely, read the full instructions here!
  • Create a room divider with a bookshelf. If you have old books collecting dust in your basement that could fill a bookshelf, scour yard sales for one. Use this old find to serve as a storage unit and a room divider. Separate a large room to create two unique spaces with a repurposed bookshelf.
  • Use a dresser as an outdoor planter. Seek out a dresser with three drawers, as that will work best for this project. To transform it into a planter, open the bottom drawer completely, and then open the middle drawer about halfway so they resemble stairs. Fill the drawers with soil and plant the flowers and herbs of your choosing. To properly create this masterpiece, find the full instructions here.
  • Transform a wooden ladder into a blanket hanger. Create a rustic blanket hanger, which would normally cost a fortune in a furniture store, from a recycled wooden ladder. To prevent splintered wood from making its way into the fabric, sand the wood and apply a coat of stain. Once that dries, simply lean the ladder against a wall and hang folded blankets along the rungs. To further prevent damage to your walls or floors, purchase felt pads to place on the feet of the ladder.
  • Craft a window shutter into a mail holder. Paint a window shutter any color you please and install it in your kitchen. It can be used for holding important bills, invitations, or reminders. You can also add hooks at the bottom to hang your keys!

The sky is the limit with what you can create from yard sale finds – all you have to do is be resourceful! For more home décor and renovation ideas, check out Jarons Furniture on Pinterest.

Why You Shouldn’t Paint Your Kitchen Your Favorite Color

When it comes to interior design, there are no set rules that need to be obeyed, but there are suggestions that should be followed. This is especially true when it comes to kitchen design. The experts at CertaPro Painters of Mesa/Tempe say you should think twice before using your favorite color on your kitchen walls. Here’s why:

Design trends are constantly evolving. The media consistently tells us what’s hot and what’s not, and that includes home design. Think about it. Pantone and Sherwin Williams announce a new “Color of the Year” every year, and countless homeowners head to a home improvement store for painting supplies. Opt for a design that stands the test of time, like a monochromatic color scheme in a neutral color like white, beige, and gray. These shades are everlasting and are easily paired with pops of colorful accessories.

With neutrals, you’ll always have a clean slate. Your decorating possibilities are endless when you paint your kitchen a neutral color. By keeping your kitchen walls monochrome, you can confidently incorporate various colors and trends in your furniture and accessories. If you were to opt for a bold hue, you would have a much more difficult time accessorizing your kitchen.

You can create more space. Neutral shades do a wonderful job of giving the illusion that the kitchen is much larger than it actually is. Soft shades of white and cream help open a room and make it feel more spacious, while bold colors can overwhelm a space and shrink its appearance.

There’s more freedom in cabinet color choice. By no means does painting with a neutral hue mean that you are stuck with a dull and colorless kitchen. Painting your kitchen with a clean palette, you are able to accessorize with which ever colors and patterns your heart desires. Monochromatic wall colors mean you can choose dark or light cabinetry without having it clash with the walls.

Your kitchen will always appear fresh. A kitchen is one of the most utilized spaces in a home. You spend a lot of time in there, whether you’re preparing a meal or entertaining guests. Using a neutral color in the kitchen and playing with the accessories and decor will constantly make your kitchen feel new and refreshed without having to do an elaborate redesign.

While you may be tempted to be adventurous and paint your kitchen a bold color, keep in mind all of the benefits a neutral-colored kitchen provides. Use a color that is soft and clean for your kitchen, and play with bold colors on accent walls or in other rooms around your home.

 

Powder Room Design Tips

While a half bathroom might not seem like it requires much interior design thought, it is still a part of your home that allows you to make a statement! Typically, half bathrooms are utilized most by visitors. Many homeowners neglect their powder rooms, leaving guests with a less-than-impressive experience when they visit. Spruce your powder room up with these design ideas to leave your guests feeling welcomed and impressed when they stop by.

  • Use fresh paint colors. Not only is painting a fast and inexpensive way to update any part of your home, but it can instantly convert the look and feel of your entire powder room. Opt for a color that is light and bright, as dark hues tend to make a room look smaller and more cramped than it actually. To give the illusion of more space, powdery blues and light lavenders are great colors for small bathrooms.
  • Opt for open shelving. If your powder room lacks storage space, install shelving over the toilet or vanity mirror. There are plenty of options available specifically designed for these tight areas, so you won’t be losing much space in your powder room. Open shelving is a great way to store extra toiletries or washcloths and it provides a flattering and modern look.
  • Create a mirror wall. Instead of including a small mirror above the sink, install a large mirror that will cover up an entire wall in the bathroom. Since mirrors create depth and dimension, covering an entire wall with a mirror will create the illusion of a larger space.
  • Incorporate a pedestal sink. One easy way to create more space in a half bathroom is to ditch the large vanity basin sink and install a skinny pedestal one instead. Not only do pedestal sinks clear up more room, but they are versatile and can match virtually any theme or color scheme.
  • Install sconce lighting. If you are looking for a refined way to include more lighting into your powder room, sconce lighting is an optimal choice. They’re small and don’t take up too much space, and are also available in many different colors and design options.

Just because your powder room is small doesn’t mean that it deserves design neglect! Follow these tips and tricks to transform your half bathroom into a relaxing and inviting environment. For more design inspiration, contact the professionals at CertaPro Painters of Des Plaines.

Elegant Bedroom Ideas

As a homeowner, it’s safe to say that your master bedroom is your favorite part of your home. It’s your sanctuary, the space you rely on at the end of the day to just unwind and relax. Many times, people think a bedroom should be comfy, cozy, and inviting, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be elegant, too!  If you consider your style comfortable yet chic, these design tips are perfect for you!

  • Neutral color scheme. Neutral themes are anything but boring – they’re timeless and easy to match your décor and furnishings around. Experts suggest starting with fresh, neutral color like beige, gray or white as a base for your elegant bedroom design. From there, you have the freedom to incorporate pops of color in your décor. Working around a nude color palette allows you to play with furniture upholstery, wall decor, bedding and more.
  • Add a statement piece. To create an elegant bedroom, include one or two pieces that will stand out and capture the attention. Lay down a captivating throw rug or install a dramatic painting. By limiting your number of statement furnishings, you avoid creating a bedroom that feels busy. For a smaller bedroom, play with your bedspread design and make that the statement piece in your room.
  • Decorate your bed with pillows. Add some elegant drama to your room with lavish throw pillows. Avoid going overboard with decorative pillows. Instead, Mimi Wilson, a Gainesville interior decorator, recommends using the rule of odd numbers. Odd numbers are more visually appealing, so if you have two sleeping pillows, incorporate three accent pillows to create a balanced look.
  • Include extra seating. The main piece of furniture in a bedroom is a bed, but that doesn’t mean that you are restricted to just that. For instance, you might also want a space where you can sit and read. Small arm chairs like this Milan wood accent chair or a bench at the foot of your bed are perfect for creating such a space. By incorporating additional seating into your bedroom, you add dimension and create an upscale feel.
  • Install decorative lighting. The way a room is lit creates the ambiance, but a dramatic chandelier or lamp also adds style to a room. It’s important to consider the size of your bedroom before you settle on a light. For instance, if your bedroom has high ceilings, you can work a chandelier into the space. Work within the space to find a light fixture that creates a look of balanced elegance.

If your master bedroom isn’t already your favorite part of your home, or if you’re simply looking to upgrade, follow these easy tips and tricks for transforming your bedroom into a space of luxury and elegance.

5 Best Interior Design Projects for Winter

With the cold weather and early nights, you may be looking for a way to distract yourself from the winter blues. Giving your home a winter makeover could be just the pick-me-up you need. For some, organizing, updating and redecorating clears the mind and relieves stress. Here are some of the best interior design projects you can undergo this winter to keep yourself busy!

1. Pick a room and repaint it.

This may seem like a major undertaking, but it is actually quite simple and cost efficient.  Rich colors, jewel tones and grays are great colors for the winter months, according to the expert Portsmouth painters at CertaPro. The richer colors can make a room feel more warm and cozy, while the grays can put you in the winter wonderland mindset. You can also play up the winter whites in a gray room through your furniture and decor.

2. Revamp your lighting.

Soft lighting creates the perfect environment for cozying up with your loved ones during the cold winter nights. Replace your current lights with ones that have a dimming option or you could forget typical lamps altogether and use candles. Candlelight is very romantic and also comforting. If you use scented candles, you can bring in the smells of the season as well, like cinnamon, pine or Christmas cookies.

3. Add new textures, fabrics and accent pieces around the house.

Wool, faux fur and cashmere are just a few fabrics that exude a wintery feel. You can add throw blankets or pillows to your couch or layer some plush area rugs on hardwood floors. Place a festive table runner on your dining room table, mantle or buffet. According to Olathe, KS interior decorator Becky Lane, metallic, gold, silver and sparkly accent pieces, like vases or candlesticks, also bring in the winter vibes.

4. Spruce up the fireplace.

If you haven’t changed the look of your fireplace in decades, winter is a great time to do so. Modernize an old school fireplace or rework your current mantle with various votive candles or a festive holiday shag. If it’s a wooden mantle, you could re-stain it and add some seasonal decorations atop it. If you don’t have an actual chimney or fireplace, there are plenty of space heaters on the market that resemble fireplaces and work well in small spaces.

5. Update your window treatments.

If you live in a colder region, your windows may need to be insulated sooner rather than later, especially if they have been causing drafts since the fall. You want to accomplish this before the temperatures really begin to drop. You can replace your blinds with heavier window treatments that will help insulate your home during the cold winter nights, or hang new seasonal curtains for added decor. Heavy drapes protect the room from drafts and can add some winter flair.

‘Tis the season to deck the halls and get into the interior design spirit. Making your home just a little more cozy during the winter months can help boost your mood this time of year. Even the smallest of changes can make a big difference!

How to Pair Paint with Furniture

Spring Color Combinations

You’re ready to renovate a room in your house but what should you do first, choose your wall colors or pick out your furniture? If you want to save yourself some time and money, you should pick out your furniture first. Deciding to change the furniture you buy can be costly and a hassle, while you can change your wall colors with the swipe of a brush. Discover the ways you can pair your paint colors with your furniture.

  1. Choose an accent color. Do you have a multicolored couch or chair that is going to be in the room? Printed throw pillows? Choose a color from those prints to paint the walls. The walls will make the subtle colors in the furniture pop. You could also choose to pull one of those colors and paint an accent wall with it. To achieve an accent wall, paint three walls in a neutral or complementing color and the remaining wall whichever accent color you choose.
  2. Choose a complementary color. For every color on the color wheel, there is a color that complements it. If you are no color expert, you can find tools online or in the paint sections of home improvement stores that can help you find a color that will go best with your choice. According to Lake Mary House Painters, you should choose a color that compliments the main piece of furniture you are going to place in a room to complete your home design.
  3. Go monochromatic. To pull off a monochromatic style in a tasteful way, choose one color or variations of different finishes in the same color. You can go neutral or bold depending on your own personal style and the existing decor of your house. Once you’ve settled on a furniture piece, use it’s central color to dominate the room you are going to paint.

Picking the perfect color scheme from your walls to the furniture can seem like an easy enough task, but it may leave you with more questions and uncertainties than you thought. Pairing your furniture with your paint doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you need some help or guidance, the professionals at Rehoboth Beach painters are there to help you every step of the way. Give us a call at 302-650-2578 today to schedule a free consultation!

Paint Protection: Keeping Paint Off Of Furniture, Windows, and Hardware

There are many steps on the pre-painting checklist that you want to make sure are completed before you whip out the paint brush. Prepping the walls and covering the floors are a great start, but there are other aspects of a room many homeowners don’t consider that require protection from potential paint spills! The professional Danbury, CT painters at CertaPro have put together a guide to help you prepare your furniture, windows, and hardware before you begin a painting project.

  • Furniture: It can be a hassle to remove all the large furniture from a room. Some pieces may even be so large that they won’t fit through a doorway without disassembly. To save effort and time, you can simply cover your furniture and get the job done without worrying about paint damage. To protect furniture, you’re going to need large sheets of plastic covering and tape. These items can be found at any hardware store. The main idea is to cover each piece of furniture so that the possibility of paint spills and splatters is eliminated. To cover a sofa, take the plastic covering and lay it over the entire couch, making sure it reaches the bottom. To hold the plastic in place, tape around the perimeter of the couch. If it’s easier, you can tape the plastic to the floor for maximum protection.
  • Windows: Paint drips on your window can look messy, and scraping dried paint off with a razor blade can cause damage to your windows. By taking the necessary precautions, accidental paint drips become less of an issue. If you have trim or a frame around your windows, start by taping off the outer edges with painters tape. This will ensure that the edge that is to be painted will have crisp, clean lines. To protect the window itself from any possible paint splatter, it’s best to use the same plastic covering used for the furniture. Cut the covering to the approximate size of each window pane and tape it down, making sure there is no space for paint to potentially drip through.
  • Hardware: To protect the hardware around your home, including light switch plate covers, doorknobs, and vent grills, it’s best to remove them completely while you’re painting. During the painting process, be sure to paint as close as possible to each fixture, as painting around the approximate shape of each piece of hardware could leave you with unwanted paint gaps. If removing hardware pieces is something you would rather skip, the best thing to do is to tape around the edges of each piece with painters tape and paint very carefully!

Preparing your walls and floors for a painting project seems like the most common thing to do, but you don’t want to forget about the little details. Keep your painting project clean and organized with these paint protection tips!

Office Cleaning Guide

In order to maintain a clean office, there are some things that need to be taken care of daily. By completing these tasks, you’ll prevent a buildup of dirt, germs, and clutter and be able to enjoy a happy and healthy office space.

  • Wipe down the table and desk tops: At the end of each day, your desk and any tables around the office should be wiped down. If your office has a kitchen area, countertops should be wiped down as well. This quick action will prevent any food from getting caked onto surfaces, as well as stop the spread of bacteria. Remember to use cleaning solutions that are natural and safe to use. Light dusting done daily will help prevent the accumulation of unsightly dust all over your office. In the spring and summer months, dusting each day can also help prevent allergy flare-ups.
  • Give everything a place:  Your desktop should be clear to allow enough room to get work done without distraction. Pens should go into a pencil case or kept organized on your desktop. Extra paper, note pads, and folders should be kept in a desk drawer or in a storage closet. Keeping your desk and your belongings organized will help prevent clutter from forming, and make the daily wipe down at the end of each day easier.
  • De-clutter your workspace: Putting things away where they belong should ideally be done daily. Prior to leaving the office each day, take the time to organize piles of paper that may have accumulated on your desk. This will make dusting easier, with less to move around when you dust, and make coming into your office the next day less stressful. Invest in a filing cabinet or shelving unit to keep your books, binders, and other paperwork neat and organized.
  • Leave the big stuff to the professionals. Larger cleaning projects, like vacuuming and cleaning the bathroom facilities, should be left to expert janitorial services. Professional cleaners come in after office hours to give the place a deep clean, using the right chemicals, tools, and practices to make your workspace clean and safe to work in.

Having a clean office definitely help improves work morale. While daily cleaning helps maintain cleanliness, every office needs a good scrub down at least once a week to really get a deep clean. Tackle the small stuff daily, but leave the big stuff to the experts!

Home Decorating Do’s and Don’ts

Interior decorating is an art that requires some basic know-how’s in order to create a space that is inviting and well put together.  Whether you’re a new homeowner or you’re just looking for a change, these home decorating do’s and don’ts will help you take your home to the next level!

  • Don’t decorate large spaces with small items. When it comes to decorating large open wall spaces, try not to hang small pieces of art, as this will make a wall look bigger, like it is ready to engulf the entire picture. Try using multiple works that are on a slightly larger scale, or use one piece, like a large painting, to balance out the space.
  • Do buy the couch you want separately, and think outside the box when it comes to additional seating. For instance, pairing a solid colored couch with patterned armchairs can really give your living space a great look. Avoidbuy matching furniture sets, which normally include two or three identical seating options. This can make your space look too dull and uniform.
  • Don’t display too many décor pieces, such as picture frames or candles, as these can make your space seem cluttered and stuffy. Instead,incorporate a few decorative pieces into the room for a clean and well put together look.
  • Do add to a recessed light source by using table or floor lamps for a warm look. They make a great addition and can be used along with ceiling lights or just on their own. Don’trely solely on recessed lighting, as this can make a room seem uninviting. Although most homes already come with fixtures for recessed lighting, avoid using them as your only source of light.
  • Don’t push all of your furniture pieces up against walls. This will give your room a sharp, defined look which can make the space seem smaller and create awkward, open space in the center of a room. Instead,placecouches and chairs on a perimeter that is smaller than the room to give the appearance of a more evenly distributed open space.
  • Do use a large area rug. This will enable you to layer furniture on top of certain sections of the rug which creates a more cohesive space. Don’t use a small rug in a large space, as it can end up looking out of place or it can look like an item that has no purpose, especially when placed in between furniture.
  • Don’t choose your interior paint color based on the sample in the store. The light and layout of your room can affect the way the paint looks. To avoid any mishaps, ask to take a sample of paint home and test it out before you choose the final color. This will ensure that you are making the best choice!

Following these home decorating do’s and don’ts will help you transform your home, but if you’re not a DIY-er, you can trust Carbondale, IL interior decorators to guide you through the process with their unique expertise.