How to Keep Your Home Clean and Organized Over Summer Break

Summer break is officially here! This time of year offers a wonderful opportunity to spend more time with your family and enjoy all that the warm weather brings, but it also means that regular routines go out the window. If you’re already tired of cleaning up after everyone, we’re here to help. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can stay organized and relax all summer long.

Set Up a Simple Daily Cleaning Schedule

If you’re looking for ideas on how to keep your home clean and organized this summer, start by dividing up chores between your family members. Make a simple chart with daily tasks and enlist the help of the kids. They can help with watering the garden, sweeping the porch or patio, or folding beach towels. 

To make the chores less mundane, set a timer so the kids can try to beat the clock to get the job done. At the end of the week, consider a special treat like an ice cream outing to reward the whole family.

Create Beach Bags for Each Member of the Family

Going out for a swim often leaves the house cluttered with all the beach or pool paraphernalia. One secret to keeping a clean house in the summer is to have these items organized in advance. Consider making up a beach or pool bag for each member of the family. 

Stock each bag with a towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, sunglasses, sun hat, and a water bottle. Have a rule that each person is responsible for grabbing their own bag when it’s time to go — and for taking care of it when returning. It doesn’t take long for kids to hang up their swimsuit and towel and rinse out their water bottles. Hang temporary hooks in the entryway for each person’s bag to make it a breeze to keep things organized.

Make Summer Snack Bags

With the kids home from school, summer often means more snacking which can lead to more messes. When you’re tired of cleaning up after everyone, sweeping crumbs and wiping up spills is the last thing you want to do. To cut back on messes, set up snack bags at the beginning of each week and have the kids take their snacks out on the porch, backyard, or deck. 

Try healthy snacks that are easy to prepare like cut-up fruit or vegetables, homemade trail mix, cheese and crackers, or small containers of hummus with pita chips.

Create an Area to Organize Summer Games

One of the best secrets to keeping a clean house is to have a home for everything, so designate areas for all your summer yard games — and make sure your family puts them back after every use. 

Hang sturdy hooks on the wall of your garage or mudroom for items like baseball bags and tennis rackets. Use old laundry baskets, hampers, or storage bins to house items like balls, Frisbees, and squirt guns. Have pets? Set up a small area for Fido’s outdoor toys near the family sports and game gear, too.

Update Furniture and Decor

Another thing that might come to mind when considering how to keep your home clean and organized over summer break is your furniture. Summer heat can be tough on furniture and home decor. 

Invest in quality furniture with comfortable, worry-free fabrics, like Southern Motion’s Smart Solutions, that will stay looking great. You can also buy indoor-outdoor rugs that are easy to wash and hold up to wear. Go simple with summer decor styles that do double-duty. Stylish woven baskets, for example, can hold beach towels by the door. You can also use washable summer tablecloths or placemats for easy-to-clean table decor.

Pre-Pack a Picnic Tote

Instead of having picnic items all over the kitchen, pack a picnic tote in advance that you can keep stored out of sight. Place items like plates, napkins, disposable cutlery, hand sanitizer or wipes, a picnic blanket, and mini-packages of condiments, so your picnic essentials are ready when you are. It’s a great way to keep your home clean and organized and ensures you don’t forget any items.

Start a Load of Laundry Every Morning

The house can quickly become overrun with grass-stained play clothes, sticky sweatshirts, and wet swimsuits and beach towels in the summer. If you’re tired of cleaning up after everyone when they get changed, consider switching up your laundry schedule. 

Toss a load of laundry in the washing machine each morning. This will keep bedrooms and bathrooms neater and prevent stains from setting into clothing. You can also make the most of the warm weather by hanging the laundry outside to dry instead of running the dryer. This will save energy and leave your close smelling like the fresh summer breeze. 

Use these secrets to keeping a clean house to stay sane and on top of the household tasks this summer. This can help you free up valuable time to spend out in the sunshine with your family. Take a look at our blog post on fun summer activities to try with your kids!

Designing your home like a Hollywood star doesn’t have to break the bank. Create a home interior fit for the big screen with these Southern Motion look-alike furniture pieces.

Celebrity Style Icons

There are countless celebrities with luxury home decoration ideas, so it can be overwhelming to decide which style is best for you. Luckily, we have a list of celebs from sports to music and acting whose unique interior design styles cover a wide range of trends. Start getting inspiration for your home decor makeover by taking a look at these celebrity style icons, their home interior design ideas, and the Southern Motion look-alike furniture pieces that match perfectly.

John Legend & Chrissy Teigen

Singer-songwriter John Legend and model Chrissy Teigen are a power couple America absolutely loves. It’s only fitting that these two celebrity style icons have an LA home to die for. If modern interior design is your thing, this couple’s luxury home decoration ideas are the perfect inspiration for you. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, sleek design, and extensive wood cabinetry, their space screams contemporary. Just as you think the whole house is completely modern, they incorporate a dark brown leather recliner and cream-colored sofa that add just the right amount of comfort and warmth. 

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have a family of their own, so it goes without saying that their home interior design ideas are family-friendly. However, the overall contemporary theme may be better suited for young couples looking to entertain or older couples without young kids. Southern Motion’s Saturn Recliner is a simple addition to your home that closely resembles the decor found in this celebrity couple’s home. The fact that this is a zero gravity recliner will give your home a unique modern touch.

Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow’s home in Nashville, Tennessee is a southern-style oasis. From wood floors and walls to leather couches and chairs, this celebrity style icon has home interior design ideas as beautiful as her hit songs. Because her home is in the heart of Tennessee where temperatures can get high, these luxury home decoration ideas are best suited for warmer climates.

If you’re looking for an inviting and cozy interior that makes your house feel like a home, Crow’s style is a good choice for you. She uses brown, tan, and white as a common theme throughout each room. You can start to recreate Crow’s rustic dream house by bringing in Southern Motion’s Titan Sofa. The plush materials and earth tone creates the comfortable country theme seen in Crow’s home.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll definitely recognize this celebrity style icon. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s Hollywood 

Hills home follows the minimalist and modern Scandinavian design trend. With white walls, black accents, and light wood, his home interior design ideas create an airy, relaxed atmosphere. The light colors and modern touches make Coster-Waldau’s home decor a great addition for couples or families with older kids.

Going along with the rest of the house, most of the furniture is light in color and made of soft, cozy fabrics. Southern Motion’s Metro Motion Sectional fits comfortably within this celebrity’s style because of its warm tones and woven fabric.

John Mellencamp

The 1980s music scene wouldn’t have been the same without John Mellencamp and his famous songs “Hurts So Good” and “Jack and Diane.” This celebrity style icon killed it on stage and is now killing it with his home interior design ideas. Mellencamp’s industrial-style studio in New York’s SoHo area is an artist’s fantasy home. Exposed brick, dark hues, steel furnishings, and leather couches mix together to create a moody theme fit for singles and sophisticated couples. 

Rich woods and darker brown tones can be seen throughout the loft, making Southern Motion’s Essex Motion Sofa a fitting look alike for your home. The dark brown leather of this Next Level Collection encapsulates the lavish, SoHo atmosphere of Mellencamp’s New York studio and easily resembles his brown leather couch.

Shonda Rhimes

Best known as executive producer of the medical drama series “Grey’s Anatomy,” Shonda Rhimes also doubles as a celebrity style icon. If you’re wanting to recreate a LA celebrity home with a 1920s vintage theme, Rhimes is your girl. She takes luxury home decoration ideas to a whole new level with her vibrant hues, marble floors, chandeliers, dark wooden tables, and oriental area rugs. 

Although her home looks as extravagant as you can possibly get, she makes sure her furnishings are family-friendly. Fabrics are easily cleaned and tables don’t get water stained. This is exactly why her home interior design ideas can work for families, singles, and couples alike.

Bring a touch of 1920s design to your home with Southern Motion’s Key Largo Sofa. It embodies the style of Rhimes’ living room decor thanks to its classic roll arms. While this piece may look stationary, it actually reclines and is available in the Smart Solutions fabrics. This makes it a stylish yet functional piece of furniture.

Tom Brady & Gisele Bündchen

There’s no doubt you’ll score a touchdown with Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen’s luxury home decoration ideas because their LA mansion is something you only see in movies. Even though the home’s exterior paints a picture of grandeur and opulence, the interior is eco-conscious and simple throughout. With neutral colors inspired by building materials and furnishings made with natural materials like old leather and Belgian linen, there are occasional accents of blue and green to bring in some color.

The warm tones, soft fabrics, and simplicity of this home’s interior design ideas make it ideal for entertaining guests. Whether it be a BBQ or Superbowl party, everyone is sure to feel relaxed. Southern Motion’s Prestige Accent Chair has all the elements that this celebrity couple uses within their home.

Ellen Pompeo

Another Grey’s Anatomy star who has marked herself as a celebrity style icon is Ellen Pompeo. Her vacation house in the Hamptons is a “modern barn” as she calls it. The home has a black and white theme, with alternating colors on the walls. A mixture of dark, woven furniture and light wooden furnishings give the space a modern feel and bring contrast to each room. There’s the subtle color accents (teal, mustard, pink) in her bedding, chairs, and flower decor pieces. The occasional brown leather chair brings a rustic undertone to the home as well. 

Pompeo’s home is clean and simple which makes it versatile for any person or event. You can host a brunch, invite over family friends with children, or enjoy a night full of cocktails because these home interior design ideas are both beautiful and practical.

Southern Motion’s West End Sofa from the Elevate Collection is the ultimate look-alike option because of its rich color and soft fabric options. Not only is it modern, it’s also comfortable. This combination is just what Pompeo achieves in her Hampton’s home.

Now that you have look-alike furniture options, you can start your interior design makeover so your home looks like it belongs in the Hollywood hills! For more furniture ideas, discover the best recliner for your lifestyle.

Decluttering is an essential part of spring cleaning that can make your home feel refreshed and vibrant. The living room is one of the most important areas of the home to clean out and organize, but sometimes it can be tough to know where to start decluttering. Get help with this simple living room decluttering list with tips for keeping an uncluttered living room the whole year round.

Take Care of Tech Accessories

In today’s world, tech is fun and functional — but it often spills over into living spaces and creates clutter. Start your decluttering list with all the tech gear and accessories in the living area. 

First go through items like TV remotes, earbuds and headphones, video game controllers, charging cords, and any other accessories and make sure they are in good working order. For an uncluttered living room, try these creative storage tips for all the items you want to keep:

• Store remotes upright in a decorative pencil cup, wide-mouthed vase, or jar
• Use end tables with storage drawers to corral tech and accessories when not in use
• Place decorative lidded storage bins on top on entertainment centers or end tables to house tech gear in style
• Create hidden DIY pockets or panels with durable fabric pieces and Velcro strips on your furniture
• Consider investing in a wireless charging station to cut cord clutter

Tackle Books and Magazines

Next on the decluttering list are books and magazines, a common source of living room clutter. Start by tossing outdated magazines and consider digital versions. Go through your living room book collection and donate any books that aren’t loved by the family. Remember the KonMari Method: one of the best ways to declutter is to keep only the items that spark joy.

Arrange the books you decide to keep according to color and size for a stylish and organized look. Consider adding floating shelves to display books and place books in the same color family together.

Decluttering Papers and Mail

Papers and mail can be a source of living room clutter, especially if you don’t have a designated home office. Create areas to keep paper and mail contained, so they don’t create clutter. This could be as simple as a storage drawer with a divider for incoming and outgoing mail, or a hanging mail organizer. 

For families, use standing files or desk organizers and designate a place for each family member’s papers. A corkboard or magnetic whiteboard are other simple solutions for an uncluttered living room.

Taming Toys

Toys can take over the living room for families with young children. To keep the area clean and clutter-free, first go through your children’s toys and determine which can be tossed or donated. 

Once the collection is pared down, choose one small decorative bin or basket for the living room that kids can keep favorite toys in, and then store the rest of their toys in their rooms or playrooms. Cube shelving or storage is another smart solution — just use cloth bins or woven baskets to keep the toys out of sight.

Think About Pet Toys, Too

If your family includes a four-legged family member, your pup’s or kitty’s toys could be cluttering up the space as well. Choose a sturdy bin or basket to house Fido or Meow’s playthings, and only have a few toys available at one time. Toss any pet toys that are too worn or frayed. You can also try raised pet beds that will allow for toys to be stored under the bed and out of sight when not in use.

Corralling Craft Supplies

If adults or kids in the family are on the crafty side, craft supplies may have migrated to the living spaces and caused clutter. Even if you do projects in the living area, there are simple ways to organize them to keep an uncluttered living room. 

Start by looking at all the supplies and tossing any that are worn, dried out, or that you won’t use. Schools or daycare centers are a good place to donate craft items you no longer use. Once you’ve culled the supplies, arrange them in a set of rolling storage drawers or stackable bins.

Throw Blankets and Decorative Pillows

If you don’t know where to start decluttering your living room, the sofa pillows and throw blankets are an easy place to start. Sort through decorative pillows and toss, repurpose, or donate any that are not needed. Keep only a reasonable number out at one time. Swap cushions or cushion covers out as needed for a seasonal change. Keep throw blankets organized by rolling them and placing them in an oversize decorative basket. You can also fold them and store them in an ottoman with a covered lid.

Assess Living Room Decor, Knick-Knacks, and Wall Art

The decor in a living space can quickly become overwhelming, so it’s important to go through it when you are spring cleaning. Determine whether you really love each piece of decor or if it’s meaningful to you. Otherwise, toss or donate old decor items. Keep only a few favorite pieces out at a time and swap them occasionally for a fresh look.

How to Organize a Small Living Room

If you are trying to declutter and organize a small living room, it’s even more important to keep things streamlined. Keep as few items as possible out in the main area. Use storage space in existing furniture wisely (such as creating dividers or neatly stacking items in drawers). Use or create hidden storage areas for everyday items. Try vertical storage to increase space.

Everyday Organizing Tips to Maintain an Uncluttered Living Room 

Once you’ve decluttered and organized your living room, use these everyday tips to keep your home uncluttered:

• Designate homes for common items
• Clear clutter “hotspots” daily
• Make it fun for kids by creating a reward system and giving them points for picking up their toys each day
• Use hooks to create simple hanging wall storage
• Plan time each week to clear clutter from the living space
• Get creative with DIY organizers made from recycled or repurposed items

Taking a little time to maintain routines with your decluttering list can go a long way in keeping your space clean, relaxing, and clutter-free. After your living room has been decluttered, see how you can take your interior to the next level.

 

Gravity means a lot, but when it comes to your comfort, less may be best. At least that’s the general concept behind the zero gravity massage chair. This innovative product replicates the reclining seats used by astronauts. Zero gravity chairs have quickly grown in popularity, both because of their comfort and ability to potentially relieve certain health issues.

But are these conceptual pieces right for you? You don’t need to suffer from aches and pains to enjoy the benefits of this comfortable chair. From healthy back furniture to eye-catching zero gravity styles, there’s a perfect zero gravity piece for every home.

Health Benefits of Zero Gravity Chairs

Zero gravity chairs are like no other recliner. What sets the zero gravity chair apart is its construction. It’s all rooted in the general concept of weightlessness. 

Where design is concerned, this translates into an ergonomic system that evenly distributes your weight when you sit. This minimizes pressure and strain on single areas of the body — an issue that’s common when seated on any average chair. This balanced effect reduces intensity in areas that might otherwise suffer from general or vague discomfort. It can also help with more serious pain in your muscles and joints.

If you’re looking for furniture that can offer deep relaxation and pain relief, here are just a few ways a zero gravity chair can help you.

Zero Gravity Chairs for Back Pain

Sometimes, when you settle into the average chair, you might feel a bit of pressure in your spine, or find that you fall into a slouching position without even realizing it. That can leave your muscles tight and your joints stiff — two issues that can derail your best efforts to unwind.

The zero gravity chair for back pain resolves all of that. It alleviates pressure placed on the spine and supports a more natural seating position. This makes it simple for you to keep your body aligned. Because it promotes better posture, it creates a supportive and healing environment for an uncomfortable or stiff back. If you invest in a zero gravity massage chair, you can enjoy even more back relaxation with one of the many massage programs available.

Improved Circulation

Zero gravity chairs aren’t just healthy back furniture, either. When you’re seated in a way that minimizes stress on a particular area of the body, your circulation naturally improves. This can drastically reduce swelling in the legs and lead to a general feeling of improved wellness. As blood flows throughout the body, you’ll feel stronger and more alert. Because your body is more relaxed you will likely experience less mental stress and anxiety. This makes a zero gravity chair the perfect place to put your feet up at the end of a long day.

Breathe Easy with Zero Gravity!

An unexpected advantage is that zero gravity chairs aid in lung function, too. When you’re seated in a position where there’s more even dispersion of body weight, your lungs have a chance to relax and expand to their fullest capacity. The result: More oxygen and a healthier, more energetic you.

Styling Rooms With Zero Gravity Chairs

The highly functional zero gravity chair is also a stylish centerpiece that adds the perfect finishing touch to any room. Think of it as the real hero piece of furniture — the one that prioritizes your comfort without sacrificing visual intrigue. 

There are many different types of zero gravity massage chairs available, which allows you to find the right furniture for your unique home. 

Zero Gravity for Every Sized Space

You may need to base your decision strictly on the size of your space, particularly if you have a small living room. Since the chair is ergonomically designed, it’s relatively easy to fit a smaller structure into your home or apartment with ease. You might opt for a sleek and simple A-Game Recliner from the Southern Motion Zero Gravity collection if you have limited space and want to add something effortless to your existing interior design. 

If you have more space, you can add an oversized zero gravity chair or a zero gravity massage chair to the room. Both of these types of chairs offer functional and style benefits alike. For example, Southern Motion’s Impulse Recliner features statement arms complete with cupholders, as well as SoCozi heat function, lumbar support, and massage system for luxurious comfort.

If you’re uncertain about how much space you have, take measurements of your room and compare your results to the size of the chair before you buy.

Finding the Right Style

Zero gravity furniture is more than just a mechanism. Once you’ve made your choice of zero gravity model, you can choose from a number of colors and designs, ranging from subtle to eye-catching. Southern Motion’s zero gravity chairs are available in over 350 fabrics and 45 leather colors. This helps you add even more style to your home!

Think about what your room specifically needs right now. Could it benefit from the addition of a classic piece in a neutral color, or would it be better served by something bold that’s more of a focal piece? Keep those priorities in mind as you decide on the most suitable zero gravity recliner for your living space.

You can also take your interior to the next level with Southern Motion’s stylish Next Level collection. Although not strictly zero gravity chairs, these recliners allow you to recline with your feet above your heart to improve circulation and reduce pressure on your neck, back, and legs. With three inches of extra length in full recline, massage system add-ons, and versatile stylings, these recliners, sofas, and loveseats, offer another relaxing option for any interior design.

Zero Gravity Quality

A top-notch zero gravity chair is built to last. As soon as you sit in the recliner, you should feel secure. Solid construction, rich cushioning, and durable materials are essential for the best zero gravity experience. 

If you’re looking for a zero gravity massage chair, be sure to get the heating functions and massage programs that are right for your needs. Southern Motion’s Turbo, for example, is available with the SoCozi air and heat massage system. This will allow you to get the most relaxation and rejuvenation from your furniture for many years to come.

Investing in zero gravity furniture is an investment in your health, wellness, and home design. For the highest quality zero gravity recliners, take a look at the Zero Gravity Collection offered exclusively by Southern Motion.

So you’ve decided you want to decorate your home! It’s exciting to develop your own personal interior design style, but if you’re new to home decorating, it can feel like a big step. Fortunately, this guide to interior design for beginners makes it easy to get started. Read on to learn about different interior design styles and principles to shape your decisions.

Step 1: Choose Your Interior Design Style

The first important decision you should make is selecting a style for your home interior. By choosing an interior design style to flow throughout your home, you can tie all elements of your space together into a unifying experience. Here are four popular interior design styles that are easy to get started with.

Modern

A modern interior design style is characterized by clean lines. This look comes from a neutral color palette with pops of color, a few different textures, and an asymmetrical balance of furniture. Try directing attention around your room with iconic furnishings, such as funky lamps and glass coffee tables.

Industrial

An industrial interior design style brings a raw feel to your home. This interior design style is known for its exposed brick elements and steel appliances. This stripped-down infrastructure paired with various muted shades of browns and grays captures a “work-in-progress” vibe. Incorporate rustic wood pieces and metallic accents to achieve this distinctive look. 

Contemporary

Known for its clean and tidy feel, a contemporary interior design style maximizes open spaces instead of adding clutter. To create a contemporary interior, work in neutral colors and subtle furniture with smooth edges. It won’t surprise you that this interior design style is often described as the crossover between simplicity and subtle sophistication. 

Traditional

A traditional decor style is built around a warm color palette and welcoming textiles. You’ll love this interior design style if you appreciate consistency, attention to detail, and any opportunity to entertain your friends and family! Pair your comfortable furniture pieces with accents such as lush trim and classic moldings to get the traditional look. 

Still unsure what to go for? Take our quiz to find the right interior design style for your home!

Step 2: Follow the Principles of Interior Design 

Once you’ve settled on your favorite interior design style, you can begin planning the changes you’ll make to your home. There are hundreds of do’s and don’ts surrounding interior design, but there’s no need to let that hold you back. Following a few key interior design tips can keep you from feeling overwhelmed and still allow you to achieve beautiful results. 

Use the following principles of interior design as a roadmap, rather than rules to follow. Remember, you want your home to look great, but you also want it to reflect your unique personality and suit your day-to-day needs.

Wall Hangings

Pieces of art can be great conversation-starters for your home. Place your wall hangings at eye-level to capture attention and bring your room together. Larger pieces of art or a series of smaller pieces are useful when trying to add additional character to large, empty spaces. 

Mirrors, on the other hand, can create the illusion of more space. Along with reflecting natural light, they can also reduce energy use significantly. This interior design tip allows you to make a smaller space feel bigger, brighter, and airier. 

Furniture and Large Home Items

Larger items in your home, such as furniture groups and modern fireplaces, are the most eye-catching aspects of a room. This means you should plan to spend a little more money on these items. Pick them out early on in your interior renovation process so you can treat them as your centerpieces and design around them. 

Place your furniture at least a few inches from the wall to prevent your room from feeling cramped. The size of your pieces should also be consistent with the ratio of your room. Make sure to leave white space between all the items in your room to create a feeling of balance and spaciousness.

Lighting

An important interior design tip when considering lighting is to think about how you use the room. What you do in that space will determine the type of lighting you implement in your interior design style.

• Low lighting like ceiling lights, table lamps, or floor lamps offer good, general lighting.
• Task lighting, such as under-cabinet lighting and desk lamps, provide stronger, direct lighting. This is ideal for areas where you cook, read, and study. 
• Accent lighting highlights specific areas or items in a room. For example, adding recessed lighting can illuminate darker corners or show off your wall hangings.

Installing dimmer switches throughout your home can help you change up the atmosphere in your space. This can keep your interior design style fresh and flexible for any occasion.

Pattern & Rhythm

By playing with patterns you can add layers and depth to your home. Choose your main pattern to anchor your space. This can be in the form of an accent wallpaper, a patterned furniture group, or window treatments. Any additional patterns should complement this first pattern. You can do this by using the same types of patterns but in different sizes. 

When playing with patterns, utilize rhythm to move attention around the room and give your interior design style its own unique character. You can repeat or alternate elements, such as patterned throw pillows across your furniture group, or lamps around the room. You can also build on your patterns by deepening the color of the same pattern across your walls.

Colors

Whether you’re thinking about adding a patterned wallpaper to your room or not, you’ll need to choose the colors for your interior design style. The colors should reflect your personal preferences and work with the size and vibe of your room.

Reds, oranges, and yellow are warm colors that bring liveliness and intimacy to a room. Greens, blues, and purples are cool colors that are often used to create a feeling of calm and relaxation. Another interior design tip is to be aware of the size of your room. Warm colors in smaller spaces can often evoke a claustrophobic feel while cool colors in a spacious room can leave it feeling empty. 

A new interior design project can seem like a daunting task, but with this guide to interior design for beginners, you have everything you need to get started. If you’re looking for home decor items you can make yourself, check out the DIY projects in this blog post!

Eco-friendly interior design aims to reduce the effects of harmful living by improving indoor air quality. It also helps to minimize the impact that our home purchases have on the environment. As a result, sustainability, energy-efficiency, and inclusion of all-natural materials are just a few themes you see throughout eco-friendly interior design. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that most Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where the concentrations of pollutants from our home decor are often two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.

Eco-friendly interior design can help us reduce our carbon footprint, but this movement doesn’t only benefit the planet. A green interior design concept can also boost your health and well-being, and it’s easy to get started! Read on to learn more about eco-friendly interior design and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

5 Tips for Eco-Friendly Interior Design

1. Shop Green

With eco-friendly interior design on the rise, there are plenty of options for safe and sustainable products. When you shop for new furniture, make a concentrated effort to research each piece before you purchase it. Any sustainable interior designer will source pieces from trusted vendors.

Another aspect of eco-friendly interior design is purchasing furniture that’s guaranteed to last for years. Choose pieces made from solid wood like oak, walnut, or maple, and upholstery made from leather, wool, and cotton. These natural materials are usually more durable and less harmful to the environment. Whenever you’re unsure of which textile to purchase, check to see if it’s made out of high-quality recycled or organic materials.

2. Harness Plant Power

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to foster eco-friendly interior design is by bringing plants into your home. Plants offer an attractive touch to any room in your house and they help to purify and filter your air by producing oxygen. This reduces the polluting effects of any harmful material in your home that you may or may not be aware of. 

By including plants in your environmentally-friendly interior design, you’ll be in line with one of the hottest trends in decor. You’ll also have the chance to develop a healthy new hobby. No matter whether you have a green thumb or not, you can find the perfect plant for your home and take pride in looking after it. Take our quiz to learn which plant would be ideal for your lifestyle!

3. Try Smart Landscaping

Although it may seem contrary to the name, eco-friendly interior design focuses on the outside of your home as well. Landscaping is a huge factor when it comes to being sustainable, so one tip to follow is creating a yard that is water-conserving. Don’t let the term “water-conserving” scare you because it’s not as limiting as it may sound. There are a bunch of different approaches you can take to make it happen.

Choosing drought-tolerant plants is a great place to start. Beard Tongue, Aloe, Fountain Grass, and Pride of Madeira are just a few hardy plants that can withstand little water. In addition to plants, you can set up a drip irrigation system, reuse greywater, and reduce your lawn as much as possible. If you live in the right kind of climate, a desert-themed landscape is one of the trendiest and eco-friendliest designs right now.

4. Use Water-Based Paint

Many paints contain VOCs that evaporate at room temperature. These chemicals have been tied to health problems like headaches, throat irritation, nervous system disturbances, and even cancer. Luckily, you can include water-based paint into your eco-friendly interior design to lessen your exposure to these harmful chemicals. 

Look for eco-friendly paints by reading the product labels. “Low VOC” or “low odor” lets you know that the paint is water-based and safer for you and the environment. Keep this tip in mind for other household products like furniture, wood, carpets, cleaning products, and air fresheners that are known to have VOCs, too.

5. Incorporate Efficient Lighting

Depending on what stage of design you’re in, there are multiple routes to take in order to create a space with efficient lighting. Natural light and LED light are the two main areas you should focus on.

Natural Lighting

If you’re designing your home from scratch, it’s a great idea to have your living room and kitchen face north where they will get the most exposure to natural light. If you’re past the point of construction, some easier fixes include installing energy-efficient windows and doors that reduce air leakage and provide secure insulation. 

Don’t forget to take advantage of your curtains as well. Trap in heat and warmth during the winter by keeping your curtains open during the day to let in natural light. Once night hits, close the curtains to conserve that heat. Follow the opposite method during summer to keep cool. This eco-friendly interior design tip is perfect for conserving energy and lowering your utility costs.

LED Lighting

While natural light is a simple and free way to brighten up your home and save energy, it can only get you so far once the sun goes down. 

Say goodbye to incandescent light bulbs and hello to LEDs. LED lighting is the most popular energy-efficient light source on the market and for good reason. These lights don’t contain mercury vapour and they last approximately 100,000 hours. To make it even better, LED lights use 90% less energy than other light bulbs. They are slightly more costly, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial investment.

The first step to becoming sustainable and energy-efficient is by utilizing eco-friendly interior design. Whether you start small with energy-efficient light bulbs or go big with furniture purchases and landscape design, you are helping the planet and yourself! For more eco-friendly inspiration, take a look at 7 ways to freshen up your home with plant decor.

Making your house a home means customizing your interior to your style preferences. From a rustic feel to transitional vibes, the sofas and loveseats available through Southern Motion‘s Next Level collection can emphasize your favorite design style.

Next Level reclining sofas and chairs can help you create your ideal interior design style. They can also provide a unique relaxation experience. Each of the sofas, loveseats, and recliners in this collection allow you to optimize your circulation and reduce the pressure on your neck, back, and legs. They also provide three inches of extra length in full recline, ensuring infinite comfort every time.

Take a look at the infographic below to see how these versatile Southern Motion furniture groups can be paired with different interior design styles. No matter your style, you can take your interior to the next level of comfort and sophistication with Southern Motion.

Southern Motion Next Level Recliners, Sofas, and Loveseats

Top Gun

A traditional interior calls for classic design. Southern Motion’s Top Gun offers oversized cushions, polyfoam arm pads, and intricate stitching for years of relaxation. You can even add power recline and power-adjustable headrest options for extra comfort. There are hundreds of fabrics and leather options to choose from, so you can make sure your sofas and loveseats complement your living room. 

Essex

The Essex bridges the gap between comfort and style. Thanks to its oversized back cushions and quilted channels, you can enjoy incredible support as well as a sleek look. These Southern Motion sofas and loveseats come in a variety of different covers to pair with urban modern details. You can also add power recline, power adjustable headrest, and SoCozi massage systems to create a truly modern living room addition.

Showstopper

If you have a minimalist interior design, your sofas and loveseats should make a statement. The Showstopper has everything you need. This customizable Southern Motion collection can be configured to fit any space and is available with power recline, power-adjustable headrest, and SoCozi air massage systems. The soft bustle backs and sculpted arms help ensure the perfect balance of style and comfort.

Grid Iron

Are you looking for a unique group of sofas and loveseats? Inspired by automotive influences, the Grid Iron works well with a transitional decor. The sectioned back creates statement lines and luxurious comfort by allowing you to sink into rich cushioning. These Southern Motion recliners are also available with power recline and power adjustable options.

Metro

A farmhouse chic interior needs furniture that combines coziness with refinement. Southern Motion’s Metro checks both of these boxes with its comfortable tailored boxed back, crisp lines, and sophisticated arm treatment. The side profiles of these sofas and loveseats are ideal for open concept living, helping you bring a welcoming feel to a spacious living area.  

Choosing sofas and loveseats that will stand the test of time is not easy. You need to balance high-quality comfort with your personal needs and style. Southern Motion’s Next Level collection makes all this possible. Take a look at the living room groups here.

Recliners are a classic addition to any living room, but there’s so much to take into consideration when you’re looking for that perfect piece of furniture. The best brand recliners offer a wide range of functions, design features, and styles, which means you can find something that supports all your personal needs. From recliners for smaller spaces to the best recliners for seniors, here are the top Southern Motion recliners to suit every kind of living space and lifestyle.

Best Recliner for Cozy Living Rooms: Wall Huggers

Looking for a recliner, but don’t have much space for it? Wall huggers are unique recliners that can be positioned inches away from the wall even when fully reclined. This saves you valuable space in your home, especially if you live in a studio or apartment, or have a snug living room area. Recliners like Southern Motion’s Fame have a power headrest option that can be combined with its power recline capabilities, which means you don’t have to sacrifice any comfort just because you don’t have a whole lot of space in your home.

Best Recliner for Seniors: Lift Recliners

Perfect for individuals who have injuries, disabilities, or for people who struggle standing up and sitting down on their own, the power lift is a motorized reclining chair. These recliners lift upward, helping you get out of your chair with ease. Lift recliners come in all shapes and sizes. Southern Motion’s Shimmer lift recliner offers contour through the arm pads and seat cushions, which can help support any aches and pains. You can also choose from 380 fabrics and leathers, because practicality and style should never be exclusive.

Best Recliner for Couples: Chair & ½s 

Like the name suggests, this type of recliner provides the space of one and a half chairs. It’s the ideal recliner for a romantic couple’s night in or just to enjoy by yourself! Southern Motion’s Excel Chair & ½ makes an afternoon reading session or movie night even more relaxing thanks to its intricate back cushion. The horizontal partition in the middle of the kidney back ensures stylish stabilization for long-lasting comfort. Unlike most recliners designed for comfort, this recliner has a cutting-edge style that will work in even the most modern home design.

Best Recliner for Millennials: Recliners with USB Ports

If there’s one thing this generation can’t get enough of its lifestyle-enhancing technology. Power recliners with USB Ports unite comfort with technological advancements that will resonate with anyone (not just millennials). Southern Motion’s Elevate Collection contains the perfect examples. The silent power motion recline and optional power headrest systems allow for an infinite number of settings, so you can get your recliner just the way you like it. USB ports come standard in all Elevate products.

Best Recliner for Families with Young Children: Gliders

Thanks to their sturdy steel frames, gliders allow you to gently glide back and forth while sitting comfortably. This can be very relaxing for anyone using a recliner, but especially for parents with babies and young children. Southern Motion’s Colby glider is a great example of this kind of recliner. With its oversized shape, clean track arms, and generous cushioning, it’s a practical piece of furniture that can lull anyone into a relaxing sleep. What’s more, with hundreds of special order fabrics and leathers to choose from, you can customize this recliner to match your interior design style or to be more child friendly.

Best Recliner for Relaxation: Zero Gravity and Next Level

Whether you suffer from back pain or just enjoy the opportunity to relax at the end of a long day, Southern Motion offers the perfect solutions. 

Recliners are a great way to incorporate comfort and support into your daily lifestyle. You can up the relaxation by adding the SoCozi massage system to a number of recliners, such as Southern Motion’s Full Ride recliner. This advanced technology combines air cell design, heat therapy, and lumbar support to help you unwind and renew.

Need to crank up the therapy? A Zero Gravity recliner could be just what the doctor ordered. By mimicking the position of astronauts in space, these Southern Motion recliners allow you to achieve the ideal weight distribution and reduce the stress on your body. This can help improve blood circulation and lung capacity while reducing joint swelling and back pain.

Southern Motion’s Next Level Collection makes the reclining experience even more comfortable and therapeutic. The innovative mechanism allows you to recline with your feet above your heart, as with Zero Gravity,  while the extended ottoman provides three inches of extra length in full recline. This optimizes your circulation and takes the pressure off your neck, back, and legs for an unparalleled furniture experience. 

The best brand recliners come in all kinds of shapes and sizes to match your needs and personal preferences. To find out where you can buy Southern Motion recliners, take a look at our retailers here.

Plants can breathe life into any indoor environment, but it can be hard to know where to start with a new plant decor. Luckily, you don’t need a green thumb to take advantage of this fresh trend. With suggestions and tips on how to arrange indoor plants, this list will provide you with plenty of inspiration for your entire home.  

7 Plant Decor Ideas

1. Eclectic Plant Pots

No matter whether you’re bringing artificial plants or fresh flowers into your home, you’ll need vases and pots. While it might be tempting to buy containers that match the existing style of your rooms, modern plant decor works best with a more eclectic approach. Use a variety of pot sizes, colors, and textures to show off each of your unique plants. If you’re feeling especially creative, you can recycle canisters, bottles, and glasses for a truly one-of-a-kind look.

2. Macrame Plant Hangers

If there’s one plant decor trend that keeps going strong, it’s macrame plant hangers. These devices don’t just display your plants, they also bring together your whole living space by working your ceiling into your decor. Ideal for bohemian-chic interiors, cozy corners, and large window spaces, macrame plant hangers are easy to buy and craft. One of our favorite plant decor ideas is to create clusters of hangers in different lengths, colors, and styles. 

3. Potted Plants as Bookends

When you’re new to plant decor, it can be tricky to decide how to arrange indoor plants without making them look cluttered. Instead of moving all your belongings around to make space for your plants, why not incorporate them into your existing setup? Using potted plants as bookends on your mantle, shelves, and window sills is a fun yet subtle way to add plant decor to your living room. 

4. Indoor Herb Garden

The kitchen is a great place to try out your favorite plant decor ideas. This design trend lends itself to food preparation, especially in the form of an indoor herb garden. Decide which herbs you use most frequently in your meals and buy a whole herb plant instead of just the sprigs or dried versions. Basil, thyme, chives, parsley, and dill are just some of the herbs you can consider and they’re all easy to look after. Once you’ve chosen your herb plants, you can set them on your kitchen window sill, on your counter, or even add a planter to your wall. These plants look appealing, add extra freshness to your food, and save you a few dollars every week!

5. Bathroom Jungle

Revamping your bathroom can be a time and money-consuming home renovation project. Fortunately, there are a few plant decor ideas that can instantly upgrade the ambiance. Use hanging plants above your bathroom window to create some privacy, while ensuring that your plants get all the sunlight they need. Boston ferns are a perfect choice, as they love heat and can help purify the air. If you have a smaller bathroom, add air plants to any available space. These cute plants can almost get by with just the humidity in the room, which makes them very low maintenance.

6. Plant-Themed Wall Murals

Let’s be honest, not everyone can or wants to take care of live plants. The good news is you can still get on board with plant decor without doing any gardening. In addition to artificial plants and flowers, wall murals are a great way to bring the outdoors inside. Inject a pop of color with green, leafy designs or go for something more complex with a floral-pattern print. If you have a real affinity for plant decor, you can even go a step further and create an accent wall with plant-themed wallpaper.

7. Fresh-Cut Flowers and Fronds

Just like wall murals, fresh-cut flowers and fronds require minimal effort but can really pack a punch as part of your plant decor. All you need to do is choose your favorite vases and cuttings. Although you need to switch out these blooms more often, this gives you the opportunity to tweak your decor according to your mood and the season. It’s a fun and cheap way to keep updating your interior design.

Give your entire home a fresh look with plant decor in your living room, kitchen, and bathroom. It’s an easy and attractive look that doesn’t have to involve any extra maintenance. If you’re still trying to find the right interior design style for your home, take our helpful quiz!

Are you interested in reclining furniture but don’t know how to distinguish between the different types of recliners? Recliners, rockers, and chaise loungers for your living room may all provide stylish and reclinable seating, but they are significantly different from one another. Find out all you need to know about these pieces so you can make an educated decision as to which one is right for you and your home.

What is a Recliner?

A recliner is what the name suggests, an arm chair that reclines. Designers and furniture manufacturers continue to make great strides with motion furniture, which now comes in various upholsteries like leather and cloth. Recliners come with both manual and electric options, as well as a range of other features like massage and heat. 

Different types of recliners also offer lumbar support and allow you to rest in a position that is almost as comfortable as lying down. With so many motion furniture options available in the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Before you make any purchases, it’s important to know the key differences between popular living room furniture like recliners.

Different Types of Recliners

1. Lay-Flat Recliner

Lay-flat recliners are what most people think of when they think of recliners. These chairs can create a full layout position for ultimate comfort or sleeping. Keep in mind that this category of motion furniture needs about 14 inches of wall clearance to fully recline.

2. Rocker Recliner 

Rocker recliners are a favorite of nursing mothers and those who suffer from insomnia because they are the best recliners for sleeping. Appropriately named, rockers recline on arched tracks that allow them to rock back and forth. Because of the soothing rocking motion, this type of reclining furniture is helpful for those who have trouble falling asleep at night.

3. Glider Recliner

Glider recliners are similar to rockers, with the exception that instead of moving along an arched path, glider recliners move back and forth on a linear path. Gliders like Southern Motion’s Willow slide backward and forward in a smooth horizontal motion. If you prefer a more gentle movement, a glider may be the right choice for you.

4. Power Recliner 

Power recliners are similar to traditional recliners, only instead of a manual lever or button, there’s a power button to electrically recline your chair. Southern Motion’s Safe Bet recliner includes a power option that allows for an infinite range of seating positions. Many recliners are also customizable with other power add-ons like an adjustable power headrest.

5. Lift Recliner

Lift recliners are great for those who struggle getting out of a recliner. These lift-assist recliners make it easier for people with certain disabilities to be more independent in their home. The lift mechanism pushes the chair from a flat-seated position to an upright-angled position that guides the occupant to stand up. Lift recliners are often recommended by physicians for people who have trouble with weak knees, legs, or hips.

6. Push-Back Recliner

Push-back recliners recline without a lever or button, requiring the person sitting in the chair to lean back and exert pressure on the back of the chair. You should consider your physical ability and comfort preferences when considering this piece of reclining furniture. If you don’t mind putting in a little effort to recline and stand up, this could be a good option for you.

7. Swivel Recliner

Swivel recliners such as Southern Motion’s Diva have a circular base that allows them to swivel left and right. These recliners offer a full range of motion that many prefer over the limited motion of other recliners.

8. Wall-Hugger Recliner

Wall-hugger recliners are great for those with limited space as they only require about four to six inches of wall clearance. They sit up straighter than other types of recliners and often have a limited range of motion. Additionally, wall-huggers have a resting position that is easier to get in and out of.

9. Zero Gravity Recliner

Southern Motion’s Zero Gravity collection redefines reclining furniture as you know it. Zero Gravity recliners have a mechanism that provides the capability of obtaining ideal weight distribution to help optimize blood circulation and reduce pressure on the neck, back, and legs. 

Not only do these recliners offer the perfect angle for relaxation, they have been found to have medical benefits as well. Zero Gravity chairs help to:

• Ease the heart’s ability to send blood and oxygen through the body
• Improve lung capacity and function
• Reduce swelling in joints
• Relieve back pain and reduce spinal compression
  

10. Chaise Lounger

A chaise lounger is an upholstered sofa in the shape of a chair that is long enough to support the legs. In modern French, the term chaise lounge can refer to any long reclining chair such as a deckchair.

Now that you know the different types of recliners, you should be able to narrow down which options are ideal for you and your home. You can help your shopping process go even smoother by learning more about the best recliners for your lifestyle as well!