The Art of Upcycling: Giving New Life to Old Furniture
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and creativity, upcycling old furniture has emerged as both an environmentally responsible and artistically satisfying endeavor. For those who appreciate the value of unique, handcrafted pieces that tell a story, upcycling offers a fun way to transform tired, old furniture into functional works of art.
Learn more about upcycling and how it can breathe new life into your living spaces.
Minimize your carbon footprint with upcycling
Upcycling furniture aligns perfectly with the growing trend of sustainable living. By repurposing and rejuvenating old pieces, you reduce waste and minimize your carbon footprint. Plus, it’s immensely satisfying to know that you’re contributing to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Choose quality over quantity
It’s so easy to walk through a home furniture store and buy a set they have on display. However, these items aren’t always the best quality. If you’re someone that appreciates quality craftsmanship and unique aesthetics, upcycling allows you to invest in a few high-quality, older pieces rather than buying mass-produced, disposable furniture. These revitalized treasures become statement pieces in your home and will last a lot longer than most of your other options.
Pay attention to materials
The first step in upcycling is selecting the right furniture pieces. Look for solid wood furniture with good bones. Doing your due diligence when shopping will save you headaches down the line. Additionally, vintage pieces often have timeless designs that can be easily incorporated into various interior styles.
Get creative
When you’re working with second-hand furniture, you have an amazing opportunity to unleash your creativity. Don’t like the color of the piece as is? Experiment with different paint colors, textures, and finishes, says a metro Atlanta interior decorator. You could also consider hand-painting intricate designs, stencils, or even decoupage for a truly personalized touch.
Transform old pieces into something new
Upcycling isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality too. Repurpose an old dresser into a stylish bathroom vanity, turn a wooden door into a chic coffee table, or convert a vintage trunk into a storage bench. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll have one-of-a-kind decor you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Restore and reupholster
Sometimes, all a piece needs is a little love. For antique furniture lovers, restoring the original finish and hardware can be a rewarding endeavor. It’s like bringing a piece of history back to life. Where fabric is involved, don’t underestimate the impact of reupholstering. You can swap out tired, worn-out fabrics for fresh, stylish ones that match your home’s color scheme and personality. The result will be a piece that’s both functional and visually appealing.
The art of upcycling allows you to infuse your living spaces with character, sustainability, and a touch of artistic flair. By choosing to upcycle old furniture, you not only contribute to a greener planet but also surround yourself with unique, handcrafted pieces that reflect your personal style and appreciation for quality craftsmanship. So, whether you’re restoring a classic or painting a modern masterpiece, embrace the art of upcycling and discover the joy of giving new life to old furniture.
How to Warm Up a Gray Living Space
Gray is a versatile and popular color choice for living spaces. People selling their houses often use it to create a blank canvas for potential buyers. Though the color can look modern and sophisticated, it should be balanced with warm elements to make the space feel inviting and cozy rather than sterile. If you’re looking to warm up a gray living space, there are several things you can do that don’t involve repainting.
Read on for five tips on how to warm up a gray living space.
Introduce Warm Accent Colors
One effective way to warm up a gray living space is to introduce warm accent colors. You could add earthy browns, rich oranges, or deep navy blues through accessories, throw pillows, blankets, or curtains. These colors can create a sense of warmth and vibrancy against the gray backdrop. When making your accent selections, choose colors that complement your personal style and the overall aesthetic of the space.
Incorporate Natural Materials
The combination of gray and natural materials creates a harmonious and inviting ambiance in your living space. Consider incorporating wooden furniture, like a coffee table, side tables, or shelving unit, for a touch of nature and organic warmth. Go a step further and find pieces with visible grain patterns in the wood to add visual interest. Aside from the furniture, you can also bring natural fabrics into the space through rugs and curtains. Go for materials like linen, jute, and cotton for a cozy, earthy feel.
Layer with Textiles and Soft Furnishings
Layering textiles and soft furnishings can bring warmth to any space, especially one that’s gray from floor to ceiling. Start with a soft, cushioned sofa. Then, throw a blanket over its back or armrest and add another one on top. You can also place throw pillows in front of the blankets. If using more than one, choose an odd number. These elements provide physical warmth and add visual depth and texture to the space. Make sure you mix and match different patterns and textures to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere.
Embrace Natural Light
Maximizing natural light is essential to warming up a room. That’s because natural light creates a warm and welcoming environment, making the gray tones appear softer and more inviting. To do this, keep window treatments minimal, or use sheer curtains that allow light to pass through. Then, strategically place mirrors throughout the room to reflect the light and create an illusion of a larger space.
Add Warm Lighting Fixtures
If your living space lacks natural light, consider incorporating warm-toned artificial lighting, says a Summerville, SC, interior decorator. Opt for fixtures such as table lamps, floor lamps, or pendant lights with soft white or warm white bulbs. These warm lights can counterbalance the coolness of gray walls and add a cozy glow to the space. Use dimmers to adjust the lighting intensity based on the desired ambiance and time of day. Avoid harsh lighting, as it can make your gray room feel more sterile and hospital-like.
Don’t let a cool gray interior keep you from choosing warm-toned furnishings, fabrics, and decor. When you choose colors that complement the already established paint, you can transform your gray living space into a warm and cozy retreat.
Best Lighting for the Bedroom
While sleep and rest are the primary activities, they aren’t the only things we get up to in the bedroom. From reading to lounging and getting ready and winding down, everything we do in our bedrooms requires different lighting. Because of this, it can be challenging to determine which light source best suits our many needs.
Read on for tips on the best lighting for the bedroom.
Layer light effectively
Layering your lighting is essential in any room, but especially the bedroom. Start with a primary light source, like an overhead option, and then you can add additional lighting for the different tasks you do in the room. For example, if you tend to read at night, a bedside lamp or sconce is ideal. You won’t have to get up and can read by soft light. If you have a work desk in your bedroom, a desk lamp is crucial, so you don’t strain your eyes. For those of us that like to get ready in the comfort of our bedrooms, a light that allows you to apply your makeup or skincare is a must-have.
Focus on your focal lighting
The primary light source in your bedroom can serve as a statement or be an afterthought. Consider if you would prefer recessed lights or a chandelier. For the former, you must determine if you want flush or semi-flush fixtures. For the latter, you can have fun with your light fixture and choose an antique or vintage chandelier or a modern pendant light. You also want to consider whether you prefer having a ceiling fan, as that will change the type of light fixture you are looking for, says a Mandevilla, LA, interior decorator.
Figure out the right temperature
The temperature of your lighting might not seem so important, but it plays a key role in the bedroom. You don’t want to use cool lights, such as the traditional LED bulbs, as the blueish light will look too harsh and can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm. Instead, opt for bulbs that emit a warmer tone. They will give your room a cozy feeling rather than a clinical one. Your eyes and sleep schedule will thank you.
Experiment with fun
Lighting is a design choice as much as anything, meaning you can really make it your own. Experiment with different, playful lighting, such as LED strips or fairy lights. LED lights can be set up to change colors and can also sync with music played, making them a novelty addition to any room. Fairy lights wrapped around a backboard or strung up throughout the room offer a warm, ethereal glow and can spark some child-like joy for those feeling nostalgic.
Think of the small things
It’s easy to only focus on your main lighting and lamps, but don’t forget the details. Nightlights are one such detail and can come in handy when you wake up in the middle of the night. Dimmers are another detail, and they are especially beneficial when you don’t want full brightness or want to set a certain mood. If you have a partner with a different sleep schedule, portable reading lamps will be your best friend.
Consider how you use the space when deciding what type of lighting you want in your bedroom. Apply the tips above, and you’ll be on your way to a well-lit, very relaxing bedroom.
How to Use Benjamin Moore’s 2023 Color of the Year in Your Home
Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2023 is Raspberry Blush, described as a vivacious shade of coral tinged with pink. Not for the faint of heart, Raspberry Blush is a vivid and optimistic hue that is sure to stun in any space. If you want to bring playfulness and energy into your home, then Raspberry Blush is the color for you.
Read on to discover five ideas for using Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2023 in your home.
Powder room
Raspberry Blush is bold, so you can easily use it to make a statement in a small space such as a powder room. More importantly, powder rooms are having a moment in design and are no longer left to be a spare space; instead, they allow you to play with colors that make an impact. If you are hesitant to paint your entire room in this bright and energetic color, consider painting either the upper or lower half of your walls for a more subtle look that still packs a vibrant punch.
Kitchen backsplash
Colorful kitchens are currently all the rage, and Raspberry Blush is an excellent option for a pop of color in the space. If you want a significant impact while remaining subtle, paint your backsplash Raspberry Blush and keep your cabinets and countertop in a complementary neutral color. For a bolder look, transform your cabinets by painting them Raspberry Blush. Elevate it more by swapping your hardware for brass or gold accents, says a Cypress, TX, interior decorator.
Dining room
Dining rooms offer the option to be a bit more dramatic in your decor and design choices, and Raspberry Blush is the perfect shade to balance and embolden your space. Red dining rooms have been popular for a long time, but Raspberry Blush walls create the same air of sophistication in a more modern and chic way. When you pair the shade with dark wood and gold accents, your dining room will be the perfect spot to host any gathering.
Accent walls
Raspberry Blush is a show-stopping color, making it a fantastic option for an accent wall in a bedroom or living room. With its warmth and richness, it acts as a focal point for the eye and can anchor your space, negating the need for excess decor. See Benjamin Moore’s Color Trends for 2023 to discover more shades that pair perfectly with Raspberry Blush and can work beautifully as accompanying walls.
Subtle pops
If you balk at the idea of a vivid shade throughout your home, subtlety is the way to go. Raspberry Blush is an excellent accent color for decorating and can work well in any room. Pillows and throw blankets in this lively hue will add warmth to any living room. Other options for the living room include lamp bases and area rugs featuring Raspberry Blush and similar tones. In the bedroom, consider a Raspberry Blush-colored duvet.
Don’t be shy about adding color to your home in the new year! Use the tips above for inspiration on how you can add Benjamin Moore’s 2023 Color of the Year, Raspberry Blush, to your own home.
What Decor to Hang Above Your Bed
Certain spots throughout the home can seem incredibly difficult to decorate. Whether that’s because the area is large, a focal point, or oddly shaped, the perfect decor remains elusive. One such space is the area above the bed; it is typically a focal point of your bedroom, and it can be challenging to figure out exactly what to put above it. If you are having trouble decorating above your bed, look no further for guidance.
Read on to discover tips on what decor to hang above your bed.
Plants
Not only do plants look lovely in most areas of the home, but they also help purify the air and give you a sense of well-being. There’s no better place to cultivate a sense of well-being than your bedroom. If you have shelving above your bed, consider placing a few plants of different shapes and sizes. Think flowering cacti, vines, and succulents. Pots of different colors and patterns will act as additional decor beyond the greenery itself. If you can, consider hanging plants from the ceiling with hooks and baskets, though be sure you aren’t susceptible to hitting your head in the morning!
Wall art
Hanging art above your bed is a straightforward solution to solving the issue of a large blank space. However, it would be best if you chose the right pieces. If you have a favorite large art piece that you haven’t committed to hanging yet, consider placing it above your bed to act as the room’s focal point. Gallery walls are another great option, especially if you have different pieces that work well and tie your space together. If you find choosing art overwhelming, don’t fret! Photographs also work; a gallery wall of family or vacation photographs is an excellent option.
Shelves
Shelving above your bed not only provides extra storage for knick-knacks, but it also looks beautiful when done right. You can really curate what is on your shelves and make something that works aesthetically and functionally. If you read often, consider having your favorite (or current) books displayed on your shelves. A few framed photographs add a personal touch. Or, you can simply display knick-knacks that you love but can’t find a place for or swap it out based on the seasons.
Lighting
Hanging unique lighting above your bed is a fantastic option if you prefer a minimalist style. Chic wall sconces on either side of the bed are a no-brainer, especially if you lack the space for a side table and lamp, says a Morganville, NJ, interior decorator. Another option is to invest in a chandelier. Chandeliers are great because they come in such a variety of styles, from art deco sputnik pieces to antique brass ones. For added flair, hang mirrors behind your bed which can help reflect the light.
Headboard
Headboards are making a comeback and are a versatile option for any bedroom. A large and tall headboard can be the focal point of your entire room and tie together your bedding and color scheme. Headboards also have the added benefit of allowing for different fabric patterns and textures, meaning you can choose one uniquely suited to your taste and style.
Don’t let a large blank canvas deter you from decorating your bedroom. Use these design tips as inspiration, and pick out what decor you want to hang above your bed!