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Tips On How To Manage Your Move To A Small Scale Apartment

1/30/2019

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Article provided by: Dianne Belencio-Abonita with Roadway Moving
The entire process of moving can be challenging. It’ll require a lot of things from you such as your time, energy and money. You’ll also have to make adjustments to your lifestyle and schedule just so you can successfully move from one location to another. You also have to look for an ideal moving company to hire, ask help from friends and family, and adjust in your new neighborhood. For sure, you’ll be bombarded with a lot of tasks the moment you decide. The stress you’ll feel can even heighten once you move to a small scale apartment. Aside from the
tasks associated in a move, you’ll also have to make the most of the space in your apartment.

Living in a small scale apartment can be tough especially if you’re accustomed to living in a spacious home. The space you’re in can impact your daily routines and productivity levels. If you don’t know how to cope up to this change, you might end up being unproductive for a long time. Steer away from this direction by learning how to manage your move to a small scale apartment with the following tips:

1.​Get ready to downsize.
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Expect that you won’t have the luxury of space once you move to a small scale apartment. How large your bedroom is in your current house might not be the same when you move to your new apartment. Because of this, you’ll have to sort out all of your valuables and determine which items need to go. You should assess all of your furniture, clothes and everything in between. For any item which you no longer wear or use, decide if you’re going to give or sell these. Keep in mind that you don’t want to bring anything which will only take up valuable space and collect dust in your apartment.


2. Think about your top three priorities.
Different people want different things in their own personal space. Some might want their apartment to become their private sanctuary while others want the area to inspire them to do more arts. Depending on your priorities, see to it that your apartment is designed and well-equipped for that purpose. For example, if you’re eyeing to write, relax and mingle in your small scale apartment, make sure that you have a desk and sofa in your apartment. Setting your priorities will make it easy for you to determine which items to bring and which ones to dispose.

3.​Take inventory of the things you’re going to bring.
Just because you’re bringing fewer items with you, doesn’t mean that you can memorize all of these. The same is especially true once moving day arrives. You can keep track of your valuables faster and easier when you have an inventory. This should contain a list of things you brought in your small scale apartment. If possible, include pictures, as well. When you know what you actually brought in the new space, you’ll know what to look for. It’ll be more convenient to check whether some of your valuables are missing or damaged especially when you’ve hired movers from NYC.

4.​Prepare a lot of storage options.
Creative storage ideas can do wonders when you move to a small scale apartment. With the right storage strategies, you’ll be able to bring a lot of things with you without compromising the aesthetics and space in your apartment. The internet can provide countless storage ideas so do your own homework and use ones which suit your preferences and needs. Most of these storage ideas are cheap and very easy to make.

5.​Always stay organized.
Organization should never be taken for granted when you move to a small scale apartment. Since you have limited space, you need to pay attention to the things which enter your space and how these are stored. If you’re unorganized, it won’t be long before your apartment will be cramped up and everyone won’t have enough space to move around. This is something which you don’t want to happen, right? From the moment you arrive in your apartment, organize all of your valuables and make sure that everyone in the family does the same. Organization should be maintained at all times so you can make out the best from your space.

Always Consider The Space
You can never disregard the tasks associated in a move. Regardless of where you’re from or where you’re heading, you’re expected to comply to de-clutter your home, work with credible movers, pack all of your valuables and rearrange these the moment you arrive in your new home. Aside from successfully accomplishing all of these tasks, also consider the space you’re moving into. This is one factor which you should be keen about as this can play a role in the success of your move.
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Trending: Black, White & Wood All Over

7/16/2015

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Do you ever tend to flock towards a certain type of style. Maybe you always fall in admiration with a long sleeve red dress, or those bright colored tennis shoes, or even the champaign colored cars. Well, for me it's wood in a home or office space. It looks clean, organic, it's easy to work with and walk on, and most importantly a timeless material for design. As an Interior Designer I am always on the lookout for the subtle changes in design trends, that may lead into something big and truly beautiful. Recently the look I've been seeing, more and more, is wood (on floors, with cabinets, as countertops, chairs...etc), with black and white pairs (used as furniture, decor, backsplashes...etc). So today I bring to you some images, that I love, of this classic trend.

Is this trend something you love, something that you could use, or maybe it's something that inspires your for your next DIY project? Always keep in mind, if you need help with your next black, white and wood DIY project be sure to contact me, I would love to help beautify your space!
 
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How To Prepare For Guests Under 30 Minutes

7/8/2015

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PictureFound on DomaineHome.com
At our house, my husband and I are consistently having guests over, because we love it! We love having people, that we love, in our home. The spirits are high, everyone gets a chance to get to know each other a little better, and you get to share a slice of what your home life may be on a regular day (no matter how crazy that may be). However, there is a major turn-off to having guests over, and that's preparing your house to look guest worthy, a.k.a. clean. 

Over the past two years, my husband and I have lived in a small 700 square foot apartment, one bedroom and one bath (luckily it's a mostly open floor plan). So, I have acquired some tools and furniture pieces that help me easily store, hide, and prepare slowly for my guests. Ideally, I have a mostly clean house over the week, and I just have to run around the house like a mad woman for about a half hour to find the little things I'd been putting off.

What you'll need ASAP (you may have most of these):
  • Extra Key (Depending on how long they stay, they may want to come or go as they please)
  • Extra Toiletries (because guests forget things)
  • Razors (or spare heads, to replace the used)
  • Enough Toilet Paper
  • Spare Towels
  • Spare Pillows (pick at least two)
  • Quilt or Blanket
  • Storage Bins/Baskets/Racks..etc (You need one for each category of item: Shampoo's, Shoes, Blankets, or anything else that is stored in the dark "junk drawer" or thrown on the floor)
  • Towel Rack
  • Spare, and freshly washed, sheets
  • Night light or lamp (in the same room your guests will sleep in-as to avoid accidents)
  • Quick or Easy to Find Munchies (For Breakfast, and snacks).
  • Broom or vacuum 
  • Mop 
  • Cleaner
  • Candle/Freshener/Incense/Essential Oils (something that smells fresh)
To prepare for your guests think EYES and FEET. You look with your eyes (obviously) and you walk with your feet...no brainer right? This is the key to "fooling" your guests into believing you always have an extremely clean home. Clean what you walk on, and clean what you first see (or what's at eye level). Use the bins to your advantage while doing this!

  1. FEET. 5-15 minutes. Start off by clearing the floor of any major objects, like children's toys, towels..etc. Then sweep your floor. (Depending on your house size this should only take you this long).
  2. FEET. 1-5 minutes. Move shoes into a bin, organize them into a corner, or store them in a closet.
  3. FEET. 1-5 minutes. Have a "designated" space for their shoes. If you don't your guests will have their stuff anywhere that looks natural to them. A shoe rack, or shoe bin where other shoes are clearly seen is a good indicator of where they need to put their stuff. If you don't already have a way to store shoes, IKEA has a great and contemporary way to arrange them.
  4. EYES. 5-10 minutes. Clear the countertops. Depending on how clean you normally are, this could take some time. I put books, notepads, pens and misc. papers into a bin, laptops on my desk, pans under the oven, and food in the cabinets. 
  5. EYES. 1-5 minutes. After the counter is clear, make sure it's clean. A Clorox wipe, or a spray and a small washcloth will do. Quickly run your hand over the countertop, and wha-lah! 
  6. EYES. 0-5 minutes. Sheets should already be on the bed, or displayed nicely on the bed, along with your spare pillows, and your spare house key. 
  7. YOU'RE READY!
  8. Once your guests arrive, explain where everything they may need to know is located (toiletries, towels, food...etc).
  9. Enjoy your time with your guests.
If you have a guest bedroom, you can take extra measures by checking off this checklist to ensure your visitors thrive in your home.

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Boost Your Homes Appeal for Less Than $100

4/25/2015

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Found On: Homedit.com
PictureFound On: MakingItLovely.com
Whether or not guests see your home on a regular basis, the idea of having a home that looks and feels great is a desirable one. Adding value to a property shouldn't just be for those that are planning to sell in the near future, for many small additions can add life to your home. So whether you're selling or staying put, consider these small improvements that can be for less than $100.

1. Accent Lighting
A few cleverly positioned floor and table lamps or even twinkly outdoor lights can make a difference to the atmosphere of a room. These items are relatively cheap, and you can find them almost anywhere so it's definitely worth shopping around. If you want to be specific about the type of mood- the warmer the bulb the more romantic and softer on skin is reflected, the whiter the bulb tends to bring a clean or natural feel to a room.

2. Mount/Prop a Mirror

The human brain can easily be tricked, and mirrors are great at creating the illusion of space and bouncing light around a room. For a chic look try looking for mirrors with  dark wood or metal crossing frames, and for a more contemporary/modern look try finding geometric shapes or placing an oversized mirror on the floor and propping it up against your wall. 

3. Paint It!
Everyone wants a new kitchen or bathroom, but there is no way to complete a remodel of such spaces under $100. However, you can freshen up those spaces with light pastels, or whites on the bathroom walls, cabinets or even your vanity. In these spaces having light is important for prep work (either on your face, or for your food). Because of this, you want to make sure to work with the light (hopefully natural) that you are given. Light bounces off lighter walls better and creates a clean effect in those spaces. For a pallet of pastels and whites to choose from click here.

4. Planting Indoors and Out
Whenever passing down a street full of "cute" homes you'll be sure to find that the outdoor landscaping is typically superb. What is great, is that you don't need to have a green thumb, or even know how to keep up with plants to boost your outdoor curb appeal. Trees, shrubs and ferns tend to need water about once to twice a week, and some even less. If this seems too difficult finding a colored mulch and placing solar lighting up your walkway is a sure way to add a more dramatic effect coming up to your front door.
If you want to take planting a step farther, any room can be improved with a fresh piece of greenery. Remember to keep it in proportion (or just think smaller is better), and plotted plants as opposed to cut flowers are generally preferable, as they are less likely to wilt.

5. Freshen Up Your Front Door
Painting your front door may seem terrifying at first, but don't let it be listed are four simple steps to become a door-painting-pro.
1. Remove the Door and Clean:
Use a slot screwdriver to remove the hinge pins and then remove the other half of the hinge from the door. The door will be heavy, so get help to lift it onto some sawhorses.
Remove all the hardware off the door, including the door knocker, peephole and doorknob.
Wash and allow the door to dry before painting.
2. Prep the Door:
Patch cracks in the door with a quick-drying wood filler. When it is dry sand the filler smooth so that it becomes flush with the door.
3. Apply Primer:
If the existing paint is in good condition, no primer is necessary. However, if you are using a dark color like red, it's advisable to use a primer first.
Prime all six sides of the door, including the inside, the outside, the left and right edges and the top and bottom. Any surfaces not primed will absorb moisture. Let dry completely.
If the door's surface still has cracks, fill them with caulk . Let the caulk dry and re-prime the spot.
Use a fine-grit sandpaper, such as 180 grit, to smooth the surface and remove any paint drips particularly in the crevices of the panels. Use an old paintbrush or a tack rag to brush off the dust from sanding.
4. Paint the Door:
Start painting with an angled sash brush, painting the corners of the panels first (raised or recessed). Work from the top panels down to the lowest. Don't use too much paint or let the paint puddle.
Use a roller to apply the paint to the raised panels, rolling with the grain of the wood. Then paint the muntins (top and then bottom), transoms (top, middle, bottom) and finish with the stiles.
Paint the door with several coats, continuing to use the angle brush first and then the roller. The darker the color, the more coats that will be needed.

6. Pick a Scent
This is a sensitive subject at my house, due to my husband being allergic to floral scents. So if you want a fail-proof way to get your house smelling great, but not over-powering try Doterra essential oils with an aromatic diffuser (essential oils that are 100% naturally derived from leaves, roots, and petals), or you could simply put lemon slices into your garbage disposal, or try slicing them into a beautiful bath of steaming water (if you do this, be sure that it is out of reach from children).

7. Organize Your Guest-Used Rooms
There may not be anything more agitating than being a guest who has to sleep in a messy room. Even if they would normally have a messy bedroom for themselves, having a room where you know where everything is placed or everything has a place gives them a peace of mind. Try using cake plates, low trays, racking systems, benches, hooks or even clear Tupperware to store and place the objects your guest is welcome to use.  

8. Reboot The Coffee Table
Much of the art of creating a stylish home is stopping to consider how you have things displayed for guests, and ease of access. A pile of arty hardcover books piled on the coffee table may sound cliche, but it can be a rather effective way to add personality to your home and keep guests temporarily entertained with your reading selections. If you rather do something more decorative, try an oversized low bowl to store fruit, remotes, wooden toys, or art projects.

9. Add a System for Organized Hello's & Good Bye's
Clean your hallway. Is your entryway hall a place for shoes to pile up, coats to be tossed, mud to be tacked in, and keys to be left in pockets. Hallways get more of a bettering than nearly any other place in the house. Especially if you have bikes, strollers or children, and especially if you live near or on a ranch. However, a few minutes with some all-purpose cleaner, a duster and a trip to Target, Wallmart or the Container Store can make all the difference. Try a dresser (to place shoes, books, scarves, sweaters or coats), or a bench simply to unload your daily gear (and store the shoes underneath), a simple key-hook near the entryway can lead to less lost keys can better habits leaving from, and coming into the home.

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Pick Out The Perfect Living Room Chair

2/8/2015

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Found On: House of Turquoise
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Found On: Designer Crush
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Lime Green Victorian Wingback
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Crypton Fabric Treatment
When it comes to our living spaces, we want everything to look fabulous. We want our spaces to function like a charm for our families, to be spill/stain/child resistant, and for our furniture to look like a million bucks. When it comes to Interior Design your clients tend to express their desire for a space that wows their friends, but that also reflects their lifestyle. I am here to tell you that both can be achieved. 

The living room chair needs multiple qualities to ensure it is inviting for guests to sit in, for a fabric that looks clean and is likewise easy to do so, and finally a chair that reflects your style. Listed below are a few points of interest you should keep in mind when it comes to picking our your perfect living room chair.

Avoid Trends
If you want something that truly wows your guests, it won't be something you have seen ten times over on popular design blogs, magazines, and DIY projects. Pick a fabric that colors "speak" to you, colors that compliments (NOT matches) your wallpaper, decorations, and already in-use furniture. Chairs can be powerful exactly because they’re different than the other furniture in your home.

Consider a unique pattern or a strong accent color. Leather may also be a nice alternative for some homes, whereas sometimes fabric works best. A chair gives you a chance to add seating to your living room as well as a unique furnishing.

Go Big or Go Home
Your furniture tends to be a big investment, so buying well-made pieces (pieces you feel safe with putting your body weight on the arms..) and classic silhouettes that won't go out of style is key. The construction is important: look for lasting details like solid wood frames and sinuous steel springs. 

Be Careful of Secondhand Chairs
Some people like to search flea markets and thrift shops to find rustic and inexpensive home elements. The construction of the chair is critical to its success in your home. Although you may find a steal with a flea market chair that looks antique, it’s impossible to see the interior of the chair – whether it’s made of hardwood inside or is poorly stapled together. If you found the bones of a chair you absolutely love, strip it down: replace the stuffing and most certainly the fabric. The last thing you want to discover is bed-bugs or unpleasant stains on your recent investment.

Check The Seat
It needs to be comfortable. I don't care how lovely that expensive looking chair looks. If it isn't comfortable no one will want to sit in it. So sit in the chair (they're on display to be abused), sprawl out, sit comfortably, formally, like you are about to fall asleep, and how you would if you were going to read a book for a few hours. It is important that as well as being comfortable that you can also easily get up from the chair. 

For example, when people sit on the seat, they should feel the backrest on their back and the seat under their thighs. A seat that’s too deep will put unnecessary pressure on the rear of their knees, potentially creating orthopedic or nerve damage. A shallow seat can cause other problems, mainly discomfort and bad posture.

Fabric Suggestions
Chairs can survive wine attacks due to a treatment with a stain-resistant fabric finish called a fluorochemical, which most stores urge customers to buy for an extra $30 to $100, depending on the size of the piece of furniture. Want to learn about fluorochemical more click here. If adding a finish is too expensive for you, try looking for a fabric pre-treated with Crypton, buying a leather or thick vinyl will also work beautifully for stains.
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Keep Your Eye Out For These 2015 Kitchen Trends

1/7/2015

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Found On: Houzz.com
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Found On: Gregnatale.com
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Found On: Mhouseinc.com
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Found On: Gregnatale.com
The Kitchen is widely known as the heart of the home, and because of this we love to show it off. Whether it be with fancy cabinets, expensive stone countertops or beautiful lighting. In case you are in a bind with trying to figure out what to do with your kitchen, listed below are just a few trends you can expect to find in 2015. 

HUGE Slabs Of Stone As Your Backsplash
When I first see monolithic stone backsplashes like the one you see to your left I think expensive - prohibitively so, but I still can't help but pore over them as if a mason were standing by waiting for me to decide on one for my own kitchen. Natural beauty of stone is allowed to shine with the running veins, making this one of the biggest statements in your kitchen.

Customized Drawers 
Cabinets and drawers now conceal custom features such as: tall silverware holders, pullout doors attached to shelves for pots and pans, holders for recycling and garbage bins, and racks for canned and dry goods. Inserts are often customizable and help to maintain a clutter-free kitchen.

Furniture-Style Design Features
By now you have seen the IKEA hacks, cheap apartment fixes and other trends, so more than likely as you walk into newer homes or recent remodels you will see these approaches in their kitchen. Hand dipped entry tables and chairs, seen left is hand painted gold tips to an island. Polish this look off with gold appliances and fixtures. Raising an island on legs or including intricate paneling with contrasting top and sides are ways of turning counters and islands into a piece you'll be proud of.

Bright or Black: Bold And Daring Cabinets
Color is wonderful, except when it can be too bright for certain personality types. If you are not too set on a colorful or an all-white kitchen, then look to the other end of the spectrum and consider choosing black as the dominate tone in your culinary zone. Black makes a strong sleek statement, and black doors seem to fade making any accessories, backsplashes/wallpapers, and lighting extremely important during selection time. To add extra visual interest to your black cabinets try infusing the space with cabinet paneling.

Repetitive Warm Patterns
A major trend is seeing a move away from geometric patterns and toward warm, elegant, repetitive motifs instead. Which will take shape in wall coverings, barstool fabric, stained glass cabinetry or large print backsplashes. If you like geometric patterns try using warm wood cabinets for a warm flush against simple or neutral geometric patterns (as shown to the left).

Vertical-Joint Wood Paneling
Something about this trend reminds me of the coast. And like all things ocean related we tend to bring them into our homes, probably due to our desire of wanting to be on a nice vacation consistently! The vertical paneling is a subtle detail drawing your eye to the height of a room or the choice of flooring. See here. Try a paneled ceiling or cabinetry, both of which will add an extra layer of interest. 

Shaker style
Classic Shaker-inspired kitchens never seem to go out of style. A lot of individuals love the traditional style and warmth of the Shaker style. Try focusing on the paneling of cupboard doors, which can work in a classic or contemporary space. Focus on clean lines and add a bright rug under the dining table for visual interest.

Whatever you choose, be sure that you truly love it. Not just because your neighbor has something similar. Is it a color you love? Does it work with stains and smudges? How does the light-fixture shine when turned on? How can I add my personality into my kitchen? Be sure to ask all the simple questions when you go out shopping. And as always, happy remodeling!
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Organizing Your Closet

12/31/2014

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Found on: FreshAmerican.com
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Found on: BHG.com
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Found on: ElleDecor.com
This week I stumbled upon a blog post talking about smart moves to make before you move into any home. One of those was to install shelves, cubbies and hooks for an organized closet. What a brilliant idea! While  your clothes are still in the boxes take the time to remodel or redo one of the "rooms" of the house that is best when effectively straightened out and sound. Listed below are a few tips of how to DIY and/or what to know before you hire a professional closet organizer.

Get Rid Of Your Old Clothes
It might not be easy, but tossing out or donating old clothes is key to making room in your closet. The truth is most of us have an ever-changing style or taste in clothing. So go through your closet and ask yourself if you’d buy this item today, or if it has a sentimental factor that warrants storage. Then lay it all out, and organize it by use, type or color. This will help you to get a grasp on what you wear and thus what you will need to find a way to store effectively in your new closet. Ask yourself, what would be ideal? What is the easiest way to access this item when I am getting ready? Next, you'll need to clear everything out of the closet so shelves, rods and more can be installed. 

Think Of Storage That You Like
Some of us hate digging through boxes (even if they're labeled), others don't like looking at open shelving, so think of what you want your closet to look like. Do you want it to resemble a traditional entertainment center (where most is hidden in cabinets and the show stopping pieces are on display)? Or maybe you want an open feel, all custom shelving, beautiful hardware, and beautiful boxes for a nice sleek look. Try considering: peg boards (for belts, and scarves), custom small square drawers (for ties, nylons and watches), glass dividers (for a more open feel, but still accomplishing the separation you need), a built in ironing board (for quick fixes), and narrow alley rods (for scarves, jeans, and more). Need inspiration check out LA Closet Design, their gallery of different storage systems is wonderful!

Low On Space Or No Closet
Don't have a closet or have such a small space for clothes theres no possible way it can support new shelves? Freestanding armoires are perfect for customizable storage space to take the place of a closet. Wire shelving or canvas storage can take the place of a narrow space. A tiered shelf stores shoes, accessories, or your delicate cashmere sweaters!

Lighting In A Closet
Whether it's a bright table lamp or a massive chandelier, good and bright lighting makes a difference in a closet (even if it's a tiny closet). You base what you wear some days on color, seeing that color clearly is helpful, and if you have a mirror in your closet seeing how that color or outfit may look together on your skin will never appear more clearly than with bright lights.

Finally design this closet based on how you get ready in the morning, or when you are in a rush. Build it effectively, sketch it out, and don't be afraid to call a professional closet organizer to get an estimate on what your dream closet may cost!
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What To Know Before Purchasing Your Sofa

12/17/2014

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Found on: IheartOrganization.blogspot.com
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Found on: Annerobin.com
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Found on: Couleur-Chanvre.com
Sofas are one of the biggest furniture investments you'll make — and one of the most permanent. Even if you're just buying one for a temporary fix, it'll eventually get demoted from the living room to the family room to the basement and, finally, the dorm. Before you know it, a decade or more has passed, and that impulse purchase has become part of your life. So give some thought to it before you buy. 

Quality furniture should feel solid and heavy. The same goes for a sofa. Flop around on one to test its sturdiness, then lift it up by the corner and shake it a bit. If it feels light or wobbly, take a pass. Look for a frame made from a kiln-dried hardwood such as oak, alder, birch, maple or, alternatively, high-quality hardwood plywood or marine plywood. Eight-way, hand-tied springs are a hallmark of fine furniture, but sinuous S-shaped springs can provide nearly as much comfort. Drop-in coil springs are a less costly alternative. 

Most cushions have a core of polyurethane foam; the denser the foam, the heavier it is and the longer it will last. In the cheapest furniture, the cushion is filled with just the polyurethane foam core. In better furniture the core is wrapped with Dacron batting. Higher-quality options include poly-down cushions, which have down mixed with the batting; spring-down cushions, which feature a core of springs surrounded by foam and feathers; and all down, which is all feathers (and all work, so avoid this unless you have servants).

The best sofas have joints that are double doweled and fitted with corner blocks that are both glued and screwed (not stapled) into place. Quality pieces have legs that are part of the frame, not just attached to it (although removable feet do make it easier to get items through doorways). But if you still need more convincing on purchasing a sofa for an extra $2-10k try this NYTimes article on for size. 

Think about your style of living:

If your interior is traditional, look for a sofa with rolled arms, a contoured back, skirting, tufted cushions or arms.

Contemporary and modern sofas tend to have cleaner lines, fewer flourishes and understated upholstery. Keep in mind with fewer tucks and bedazzles quality stuffing, stitching and even accent pillow choices is what will make this type of sofa shine.

Eclectic sofas tend to come in patterns or bright colors, this is where fabric choice is very important. Be sure to find the material tag and check: 
1) Double Rub Count: The durability of a fabric is best defined by this count, which is tested by a machine that runs back and forth until the fabric is worn down. 30,000 double rubs is a great place to start for residential upholstery, while commercial projects generally require fabrics to be over 100,000 double rubs.
2) Repeat: If you are looking at anything other than a plain fabric you will want to pay attention here. The repeat is the distance that the entire pattern will run in the fabric before it repeats again.
3) Fade Resistance: This is rated on a scale 1-5, with 1 equaling a high level of fading and 5 with no fading.

When it comes to fabric here is some advice: As a rule, synthetic fabrics are more durable, colorfast and cleanable. Tightly woven fabrics and fabrics that are heavy (such as true leather) will wear and tear better. Avoid satins, brocades and damasks unless the sofa won't get much use. 

Whatever fabric you choose, ask the store for a sample or cutting that you can take home on approval before you buy. (If no sample is available, ask for a cushion) That way you can see the material under the light in your room and with other pieces of furniture. When you are spending a large amount of money the last thing you want is a surprise.


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Creating A Larger Bedroom

12/11/2014

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Found on: Rstyle.me
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Found on: Better Homes & Gardens
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Found on: StyleCaster.com
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Found on: Kinfolk.com
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Found on: Zillow Digs
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Found on: LittleBlackHouse.com
No matter the season, many of us would love to have a larger bedroom. One that is filled with wonderful things, that is always clean and beautiful. Well, you can have that! The solution is remodeling your bedroom. Now wait! Don't be turned off to the idea of a remodel just yet. There are options! Essentially, a small bedroom remodel can be done in two ways, adding extra space (either by knocking out walls or playing on color and light) or changing completely the way the existing room is being used (space planning). Listed are a few helpful tips on achieving your stunning bedroom.

Small Space Doesn't Mean Small Stuff
Just because you have to choose small-scale furniture doesn't mean you're limited to pieces that are basic — or worse, safe. Instead, make a splash with a dramatic hue, a really luxe fabric, or both. A colorful and solid loveseat (see photo to the left) has minimalist lines and a scaled-down size that will work beautifully in a studio, but it's also a statement piece you'll want to keep when you upgrade to a bigger pad. 

Hidden Storage And Flexible Furniture
Never underestimate the power of convertible furniture or hidden storage — both can work wonders in a small space. In this case (seen left), a closet door doubles as an entryway to clothing and a secrete storage tool with towel rods and hooks, made stylish by painted in a bright and friendly color. Try creating more secrete storage by purchasing an ottoman, that is hollow with a removable lid, or stylish drawers/baskets for under the bed to be used for blankets, seasonal clothing, shoes, etc.

Manage Your Studio
There are some benefits to living in a studio: You learn to buy less, manage clutter better, and revisit high-school geometry whenever you want to rearrange. The downside? You're living in one. Single. Room. Before you go stir crazy, let smart storage solutions divide the room for you. In this case, a DIY platform with pull out drawers creates plenty of bedroom storage you would normally need a linen closet for, with drapes separating the bedroom space your bedroom can become cozy or apart of your guests seating options, and finally a rug separates the space from sleep area to living area.


Let There Be Light
If you want your space to seem larger, but you don't necessarily want to expand your room. You can replace your small window with a larger one, if you have the budget. Find a builder (not a carpenter) by asking around from other people, especially those who have had new homes built. Get estimates from at least three builders with specifics on materials to be used and probable time frame. Provided you know exactly what you would like, and you can afford it, your job should be relatively easy and quick because everything is at ground level. 

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall
If you don't have the budget, don't stress! A large mirror positioned across from even the tiniest of windows can add dramatic space to a room. for a dramatic effect angle the mirror slightly rather than hang the massive piece.This will create light on your ceiling adding height and natural light in your small space.  Or hang multiple small mirrors on a brightly colored wall for a wow effect. A tip is using light colored walls with a darker mirror frame and vise versa. Use darker objects at ground level with small bright objects displayed around the space. The picture displayed (to the left) allows your eye to rest in the white spaces, though your eye notices the dark shadows (space) and mirror reflection (unreal space) though this room is average size you feel as if you are in a mansion due to play on light, shadows and color.


Space Planning
Whether you want to go bold and build out a nook for specific tasks (such as reading, a spare bed..etc) or if you want to just rearrange your space, ensure you know how you can maneuver around the room after changes have been made. Is there a clear path, or are you running into objects as soon as you walk in? Is there enough room to clean the space? Can I add to this space after I change it (such as placing nightstand, desks or lamps)? What has helped me when space planning a small room is removing all small furniture and easy to handle furniture OUT of the room, then drafting the space. How big does your space look empty? How can you maintain that look with furniture? Try two to three different layouts. Focus on your hobbies and how you use the space on a daily basis. 


However you decide to update your small bedroom, know what you want, know what you need, and always think of multiple options on how to obtain your stellar DIY remodeled bedroom.
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How To Create A Cozy Room

12/3/2014

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Discovered on: HomeandDecoration.com
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Found on: Homedit.com
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Fond on: TheUltraLinx.com
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Found on: DecorPad.com
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Fond on: Lonny.com
When Winter hits the first thing I think of doing is heating up some tea or creating a nice creamy batch of hot chocolate, but since work at an Architecture and Design firm doesn't stop, the next best thing is creating a warm, comfortable and cozy room to return to. Besides, most of us want our homes to always feel inviting to spend time in. So what makes a space cozy? Is it the size of your space, the furniture arrangement, the fabrics, lighting or accessories? Listed below are a few helpful tips on creating your perfect cozy room, along with some stellar rooms to see how they were done:

Cast A Warm Glow
Decorating with string lights or lanterns is a great way to add soft light to the room and give a magically cozy feeling to your room year-round. Try hanging string lights on a mirror, or place lanterns on a hard tile or wood floor, or on your mantel (away from a child's' reach) to cast reflection off of your hard surfaces. For additional help check out modernize for ideas on getting the most style with light.

Add A Good Read
Surrounding yourself with literature is simplest way to warm a home. Fill the shelves, coffee table or mantel with stunning travel and photography tomes, or your latest favorite. Try adding volumes of poetry on the nightstand in the guest bedroom, or turn  that tiny study into a wall full of sturdy shelves supporting your book collection. Books create intimate, quite retreats, places to relax and they rejuvenate the home.

Keep It Low. Keep It Simple.
Don't always take decorating so seriously. The most comfortable homes feel inviting throughout because they feel like you and your family. A great design is brought forth from many different tricks, but the best one to follow is keep what you love and what has meaning, then find a room to store it in. A great way to make that room feel cozy is keeping it low - wether it's your couch or a mattress, sometimes loosing the frame of a traditional furniture piece invites child like playfulness and thus comfort. To keep that room forever trendy, choose a simple palette with pops of color with either a blanket, pillows or a beautiful piece of art.

Window Coverings
When it comes to color and sun the two are dependent on the other. Consider the position of the room’s windows and the amount of light coming through. East, South and West-facing windows receive an intense amount of light at different times of day, while North-facing windows maintain a constant stream of milder light all day. Warm hues often help a room feel heavier and thus easier to relax in (think of a nice thick blanket); if you've chosen a wallpaper, draperies in a mattering pattern  or hue close in the space to make it feel more cozy.


Mixing Old With New
Maybe it's the fact that when loved ones pass away we are accustom to acquiring their used stuff. But having furniture that comes with memories and history is often beautifully paired with modern or contemporary pieces. So beautifully that any space that can use old and new effectively the space is instantaneously made comfortable and warm. One of the fastest routes to a boring room is sticking to a single style or period. The most livable and inspiring rooms combine old and new pieces in a variety of styles to give them an effortless sense of having been assembled over time.

An easy way to mix old and new is to consider a room’s architecture. If you live in a 1930s house, you can incorporate some period pieces, and then add contemporary lighting, rugs, or accessories to bring the rooms into the 21st century. If you live in a brand new high-rise apartment, choose a Persian rug, an antique mirror, or a vintage chandelier to create a sense of history and warmth. But if, like many people, you live in a cookie-cutter space, mixing vintage and contemporary pieces will give your home personality and dimension. Stick to a neutral color scheme and your flea market finds will blend right in with your IKEA staples, creating texture and subtle contrasts.

Finally the key to any cozy space is making your space feel welcome and keeping your space legitimately warm with a fire or freshly baked cookies for your guests is a sure way to please anyone that stays at your residence.

 

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