How to Design the Perfect Living Room Color Palette [Micrographic]
Have you ever walked into someone’s home or looked through pictures in a magazine and thought “wow, all those colors look great together.” Sure, you might know some of your favorite colors or what matches, but developing a color palette is key to cohesive design.
Luckily, developing a living room color palette isn’t as hard as it sounds. By understanding some of the basics about color psychology, color theory, and knowing how to look at a color wheel, you can develop a color palette that’s perfect for your home.
Let’s look at what you need to know when designing the perfect color palette and how to do it.
Basic Color Psychology
Before you get started designing your living room color palette, you should understand the basics of color psychology, or how different colors make you feel. Here are some common feelings associated with certain colors:
– Red – Red is exciting, energizing, aggressive, and passionate
– Orange – Orange is fun, happy, energetic, warm, and enthusiastic
– Yellow – Yellow is cheery, optimistic, fun, and happy
– Green – Green is refreshing, healing, and evokes feelings of generosity, hope, and success
– Blue – Blue is healing, tranquil, peaceful, and calming
– Purple – Purple is mysterious, enlightening, and luxurious
You can use these color emotions to decide how to decorate each room. For example, if you want your living room color palette to be calming and inviting, choose blue hues. If you want it to feel bright and cheery, oranges and yellows will do the trick.
Understanding Color Theory
Color theory is at the core of all interior design trends and you don’t need to be a professional to understand the basics. Let’s break it down:
– The color wheel consists of primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary colors.
– The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue.
– The secondary colors are colors created when primary colors are mixed, including green (yellow and blue), orange (red and yellow), and purple (blue and red).
– The tertiary colors are colors made from primary and secondary colors, such as red-violet or blue-green. There are six on the color wheel.
– The color wheel is divided into warm colors (reds, oranges, and yellows) and cool colors (blues, greens, and purples)
Using the colors on the color wheel, you can make different hues, shades, tints, and tones.
– Hues are pure colors
– Shades are colors plus black
– Tints are colors plus white
– Tones are colors plus grey
Choosing a Color Scheme for Your Living Room Color Palette
Once you understand the color wheel and how it’s organized, you can start to understand the different color schemes available. Some of the most common color schemes are:
– Monochromatic – Variations in lightness and saturation of a single color
– Analogous – Using colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. One color will dominate, one color will support, and one color will accent
– Complementary – Using colors that are opposite of each other on the color wheel
– Triadic – Using three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel so that if you were to draw a line between the colors, it would make a triangle
– Square – Using four colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel so that if you were to draw a line between the colors, it would make a square
Once you know which colors you want to use, complete your living room color palette with neutrals (black, white, grey, brown, tan, off-white, etc) to finish the look. Browns, tans, and off-whites make a color scheme warmer and blacks, whites, and grays can either be warm or cool, depending on the colors they’re paired with.
How to Create a Living Room Color Palette
So what does all this talk about color wheels have to do with your home? Once you understand the basics of color theory, you can make your own living room color palette to create a cohesive, beautiful style.
Here are the steps to get you started:
- Choose a base color, such as blue.
- Combine shades, tones, and tints to create either a monochromatic, analogous, complementary, triadic, or square color theme. For example, if you like the look of analogous color schemes, you’ll combine colors next to blue on the color wheel, such as greens or purples.
- Choose a complementary hue as an accent color. For example, if your base color is blue, the complementary color is orange.
- Add neutrals to either warm up or cool down your living room color palette. If your color scheme is analogous blues, brown, tan, or off-white will make it more warm and white, black, and grey will make it cooler.
Once you have your living room color palette, you can shop for interior design styles that match. You could choose a neutral tan or brown sofa, add some framed artwork that has your favorite shades and tints of blue, and experiment with subtle pops of orange to tie everything together.
Tools to Help You Create a Living Room Color Palette
Understanding the color wheel and color theory takes time and practice and these are just a few tips to get you started. If you’d like to learn more about color palettes and create your own living room color palette, check out these sites:
– Paletton
– Coolors
If you’re looking for more interior design inspo, check out these bloggers, too! With a little bit of guidance, practice, and basic color theory understanding, you can make your living room look like something straight out of a magazine.
Decorating your home with new furniture is exciting and fun, but it can get expensive! With the holidays right around the corner, most of us are looking to score some great deals on gifts for friends and family. You can also score some great sales on furniture, as well, as long as you know where to look.
Here, we’ll share our favorite ways to find furniture on sale, including where to spot this year’s Black Friday sales, how to find cute pieces for less, and how to invest in pieces you love without breaking the bank.
Where to Find Furniture on Sale
There are lots of places that you can score great deals on furniture. Here are some places to look:
Estate Sales
Estate sales are a great place to find some hidden gems, as long as you have the time to look. Sites like EstateSales.net and Garage Sale Finder make it easy to find sales near you. If you don’t see any good sales in your area, don’t be afraid to branch out into the surrounding neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods, such as those with older families looking to downsize, might be more likely to get rid of big-ticket items like furniture.
Second-Hand Websites
Sites like Craigslist and Offer Up have a little bit of everything, but with some patience (and luck) you may find just what you’re looking for at a steep discount. One tip is to search for listings in high-end areas where you’ll be more likely to find some great pieces. Looking for more second-hand websites? Check out this list!
Inventory/Clearance Sales
Sometimes, you can find a furniture store that’s going out of business or needs to clear their inventory so they’re offering major discounts. If you can, wait until the final weeks of a sale to try to get the best deal. They might not have as much of a selection, but if you’re flexible about what you’re looking for, you may be able to find some huge discounts.
Black Friday Furniture Sales
Another way to save money on furniture is to keep your eyes peeled for seasonal promotions. Holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day mark the change of seasons, which means that furniture stores are likely trying to move inventory to make room for new styles. Plus, there are always big holiday sales like Black Friday.
Furniture stores usually offer some sort of Black Friday sale. This year at participating retailers, we’re offering one of our bestsellers, the Dawson Power Headrest Rocker Recliner, for $200 off regular price. It’s available in four beautiful colors of top grain leather.
You can also take advantage of big-box retailers’ Black Friday sales. Target and Walmart are famous for their doorbuster deals, some of which include furniture. But if you want to avoid the masses, shopping at a local furniture store might be your best (and safest) bet.
How to Save Money on Furniture
In addition to keeping your eye out for Black Friday furniture sales, local deals, or seasonal offers, there are many other ways to save money on furniture. Whether you’re decorating your first home, trying a new interior design style, or just want a fresh look, these tips will help you save money and give new life to some of the stuff you might already have:
– Splurge on a few key pieces and shop around for the best deal on small details like decorations or seasonal accents
– Compare prices online and in-store and ask if the retailer price matches
– Repurpose or refinish things you already have
– See if your furniture store as a “scratch and dent” sale where pieces have minor cosmetic mistakes
– Look for local auctions
– Set up a furniture trade with friends and family
– Have patience and wait for the perfect time to buy your next piece
– Buy the floor sample
– Buy one piece at a time. You don’t need to replace all your furniture at once
Buying furniture is a fun adventure that doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. If you keep your eyes peeled, look for local deals, and keep up with your favorite furniture store’s updates, you can likely score the deal you’ve been looking for.
Buying your first home is an important milestone. You now have a place to call your own and build memories for years to come. Whether you moved your old furniture into the new home or are starting from scratch, now is the perfect time to decorate your space.
These first-time home buyer tips will help you decorate your new home without breaking the bank and make your new space feel like home.
First-Time Home Buyer Tips for Decorating
One of the hardest things about decorating your first home is that you likely saved up for the down payment and now have a mortgage payment to consider. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t spruce up your new space. These tips will help you stay organized, efficient, and cost-conscious.
Start With Your Needs, Not Your Wants
It may be tempting to start decorating your first home with all kinds of art and decor but focus on the necessities before you start tackling the little details. This might include investing in a new recliner for the living room, a new mattress and bed frame for the master, or some high-quality kitchen accessories. Once you have the necessities settled (and have saved up a little more cash after the big purchases), you can move on to the small things like wall art, creative storage solutions, and other accents to show off your personal interior design style.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
When you’re deciding what to prioritize after moving in, focus your effort on the areas in the house that get the most use. If you love having dinner parties with friends, make sure to put a nice dining table and beautiful seating options on your list. If you love cuddling up in bed and bingeing the new Netflix series, a comfy mattress is a must. By prioritizing the rooms you know you’ll get the most use out of, you can spread out your furniture shopping, save some money, and take your time.
Decorate One Room at a Time
Another decorating tip for first-time homebuyers is to focus on one room at a time. You don’t have to rush to get everything perfect in your new home right after you move in. Take your time, find pieces that you love, and move strategically from room to room. Make a checklist of what you need for each room to feel complete (for now).
Refurbish, Repurpose, and Recycle
Buying new furniture for your new space is exciting, but there are lots of other ways to spruce up your new home on a budget. Refurbishing old pieces makes them look brand new and recycling things from family and friends is a great way to give a loved piece new life. This video shares some fun ways to upcycle old furniture and give a space new life.
Invest in a Few High-Quality Pieces
After making one of the most expensive purchases of your life, it can be hard to decide when to save and when to splurge on home decor. There are countless places where you can find affordable home decor, but sometimes it’s worth it to spend a little more and know that what you’re buying will last. When decorating your first home, less is more so focus on investing in pieces you love, rather than just trying to fill the house. This could include a beautiful new sofa, a piece of artwork from your favorite artist, a unique lighting fixture, a high-quality rug, or anything that means a lot to you. You can then save for things like trendy art prints, cool mirrors, curtains, and other finishings.
Buying your first home is exciting but decorating it can feel overwhelming, especially since you just made such a major purchase. But by focusing on the areas in your home where you spend the most time, upcycling some of your existing pieces with easy DIY decor projects, and investing in a few key items, you can make your new house feel like home in no time.
You spend 40 hours a week (or more) at work, so it’s important to make your workspace and environment your sanctuary. From decorating your desk to finding ways to be more active throughout the day, let’s share some of our favorite workplace wellness ideas!
Make Your Desk Feel Like Home
The first, and most impactful, workplace wellness idea is decorating your desk. Studies show that employees with plants at their desk are 15% more productive, different colors can enhance your mood (blue and red have been shown to improve brain performance), and surrounding yourself with inspiring items can help motivate you throughout the day. There are many ways to decorate your desk and it will depend on your personal preferences, but here are some tips:
– Eliminate clutter on your desk. If you don’t use it every day, put it away
– Include personal items, like pictures of loved ones
– Include work-related decorations, like motivational quotes or a fun calendar
– Try to get rid of any long cords you have under your desk. If you can’t get rid of them, use a solution to tuck them out of your way.
– Listen to white noise to increase productivity
– Make sure you have something to keep you warm if your office is chilly, such as a cozy blanket, a space heater, or fingerless gloves
– Invest in alternative seating options, such as a yoga ball, to help improve your posture. According to the Mayo Clinic, poor posture can cause headaches, back and neck pain, breathing problems, pinched shoulders, and jaw pain.
– Don’t be afraid to leave your desk and work in other areas of the office, such as a lounge or even the break room (if you don’t need to be deeply focused)
– Make sure to have a reusable water bottle handy to stay hydrated. Dehydration can make you feel lethargic throughout the day.
Prioritize Workplace Wellness
Being at work doesn’t mean you can’t prioritize your wellness. From being more active throughout the day to taking care of your mental health, these tips will help you feel better and, hence, work better:
– Incorporate natural elements, like plants or sunlight if possible. If you don’t work by a window, take short walks outside to get some good old Vitamin D. Workers in windowless environments reported significantly lower well-being compared to those in a sunny office, according to a 2014 study from Northwestern University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
– Keep healthy snacks at your desk (that way, you’re not tempted by the vending machine!)
– Invest in a standing desk or take a short walk around the office every hour or so. Research shows that walking around for five minutes every hour boosts mood while reducing fatigue and food cravings.
– If you’re stressed, try to incorporate short meditation or mindfulness practices into your day. Smartphone apps like Calm and Headspace make it easy. Even five minutes to yourself can change your day and increase your productivity.
– Take breaks to stretch or give yourself a quick head and neck massage.
– It may seem counterintuitive, but multitasking actually means you get less done. Try to focus on a few priority projects rather than a million little things throughout the day.
– Turn off distractions, including email. The most productive entrepreneurs (including Tim Ferriss in his book The 4-Hour Workweek) suggest checking email at certain times of the day, rather than having notifications always on. That way, you can address everything in bulk and focus on your priority projects (refer to the above tip).
– Have a screen-free lunch break
The happiest and most productive employees prioritize their work, but they also prioritize their physical and mental wellness.
Workplace Wellness Ideas for Employers
The above ideas are great for employees to prioritize their workplace wellness, but creating a happy, healthy workplace depends on the employer, too. Improving your workplace wellness doesn’t have to cost a lot and will result in more productive employees that actually enjoy coming to work. Here are some ideas:
– Create alternative workspaces with comfortable seating, healthy snacks, and a view outside. You could even add a massage chair to really help your employees relax. There are countless physical and therapeutic benefits of massage therapy and taking a quick rest can help rejuvenate your employees throughout the day.
– Set up standing desks. If you don’t have the budget to provide every employee with a standing desk, create standing work stations that they can work at. As mentioned above, standing and moving more throughout the day is one way to stay healthy in the workplace.
– Plan team outings to help your employees get to know each other outside of the office. Things like team BBQs, scavenger hunts, or field days are a great way to get people outside and moving and will help your employees bond.
– Create fitness, yoga, or meditation sessions with the team
– If possible, offer flexible work hours. Some employees might be more productive at home or might benefit from a flex schedule.
– Think of various dietary restrictions/preferences when shopping for workplace meals and snacks and include healthy options.
Things like standing desks, team events, or desk decorations might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of a business, but these little workplace wellness ideas can help you feel more motivated, productive, and happier to come to work. Whether you’re an employee or an employer, investing in the space where you spend the majority of the week just makes sense. As you invest in making your workspace comfortable for you and your employees, learn more about the importance of lumbar support and why you need it during stationary activity.
Our new Zero Gravity line of recliners are more than just well-styled pieces to add to your home. They feature some of today’s leading furniture technology to bring you the many benefits of zero-gravity relaxation. Let’s learn more about what zero gravity recliners are, the science behind them, and their many benefits.
What are Zero Gravity Recliners?
Despite the name, zero gravity recliners aren’t going to float off into space (even though zero gravity technology was designed by NASA scientists and mimics the posture of astronauts during space missions!). Zero gravity refers to the recliner’s ability to obtain the ideal weight distribution to optimize blood circulation, reduce pressure on your neck, back, and legs, and give you the perfect angle of full relaxation.
This reclined position is different than in a traditional recliner because it evenly distributes your bodyweight throughout the chair, which reduces the stress on different areas of your body.
Learn more about zero gravity recliners in the infographic below:
The Science Behind Zero Gravity Recliners
As mentioned above, zero gravity recliners were inspired by the position astronauts had to take during liftoff on space missions. During this intense and sudden increase in gravity, the astronauts needed to be in a safe position so escaping the Earth’s gravitational pull didn’t put too much stress on their bodies. The reclined “zero gravity” position allowed them to distribute the stresses of takeoff safely.
While this zero gravity position can be beneficial on its own, we have also combined our leading massage technology to further enhance this therapeutic experience. We married our Zero Gravity recliners with our leading SoCozi technology, which is a consumer favorite because of its revolutionary comfort and benefits. Our exclusive EXP™ technology was developed through a partnership with Cozzia, a leader in massage technology. This advanced system utilizes the latest in air cell design, heat therapy and lumbar support to relax the body and mind, improve health and renew energy — creating a massage experience like no other.
The Benefits of Zero Gravity Recliners
Zero gravity recliners are relaxing, but they also tote many other important health benefits. These include:
1. Improved Blood Circulation
One of the most obvious benefits of zero gravity recliners is that they can help improve your blood circulation. This is because when you’re elevated in the zero gravity position, your heart can easily pump blood throughout the body. When your heart doesn’t have to pump as hard, your whole body functions better.
2. Improved Lung Capacity and Function
Speaking of helping your whole body function better, another benefit of zero gravity recliners is that they can improve lung capacity and function. Not only will your lungs receive the blood that they need because of your improved blood circulation, but they will also function better because of the position itself. Your diaphragm helps your chest expand, which lets your lungs fill up with air. When you’re in a zero gravity position, your diaphragm can expand even more, meaning that your lungs can bring in more oxygen. These deep breaths are perfect for relaxation and bring more oxygen throughout the body. Deep breathing and relaxing in your zero gravity recliner can make you feel like a whole new person.
3. Reduced Joint Swelling
Improved blood circulation can also help reduce joint swelling and pain from conditions such as arthritis. According to the Northwest Float Center, which is a spa where people can float weightlessly in water, “patients in floatation chambers report significant improvement in muscle and joint pain, whether the pain is the result of injury, genetic predisposition, or is caused by stress.” A similar effect has been noted from zero gravity recliners.
4. Reduced Back Pain
If you suffer from back pain, a zero gravity recliner might do you some good. Because your weight is evenly distributed, you aren’t putting as much stress on your lower back as you do when you sit in a normal chair, stand, or go about your everyday life.
5. Reduced Spinal Cord Compression
Throughout the day, we put a lot of pressure on our backs and spinal cords. Whether you’re sitting for 8 hours a day at work, slouching in your car during your daily commute, are running errands, or standing on your feet all day, our backs go through a lot. All of this can lead to spinal cord compression, which can cause pain or stiffness in the neck, numbness in the legs, hands, and arms, and other symptoms. Zero gravity recliners help relieve this compression by taking the weight off of your spine.
Some Amazing Zero Gravity Recliner Results
All of these benefits are amazing and have the potential to change lives and our Zero Gravity line already has. One of our loyal customers, Mimi, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2003. She underwent chemotherapy, which was extremely hard on her body and caused her to have peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord and can cause weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. After trying her Zero Gravity recliner, this is what Mimi had to say:
“I just want to tell you how much this recliner has helped me. I have only had it for two days and my ankles are not swollen and my neuropathy is so much better. The needle-like pain and tingling in my feet and the pain I was having at night with my feet has decreased and I’m sleeping so much better. The last two nights I have been able to sleep almost pain-free from both the neuropathy and edema (the abnormal accumulation of fluid in certain tissues within the body).”
This is an amazing story and things continued to get better for Mimi. She continued to email us and three weeks later, she hadn’t taken her regular pills to treat her condition. Her recliner became her “new place to sit all the time because it’s so comfortable and helpful for [her] feet.”
We are passionate about creating motion furniture that’s not only comfortable and stylish, but that makes a difference in the lives of our customers and their families. We’re excited about the future of zero gravity and can’t wait to see it help more people. Choose the best recliner for your needs by browsing through our Zero Gravity collection.
Modern, contemporary, mid-century, boho chic, country cozy – there are countless design styles to choose from! Do you know yours? This quiz will help you understand your personal interior design style.
Summer is quickly coming to a close, which means it’s time to do one of our interior design trend roundups. Ring in the new school year or bid summer goodbye with these interior design refreshes that are all the rage.
Sustainability
We’ve seen major brands, such as IKEA, West Elm, and Pottery Barn, take major steps to become more sustainable and this is important for both production and design. This summer, we saw sustainability take a front seat in reused and recycled materials, upcycled or thrifted furniture, or simple design accents that don’t require replacing as often. Plants and other organic elements are also a great way to incorporate sustainability into your interior design this summer and fall.
Raw Materials
In continuing the sustainability trend, this summer we also saw a rise in raw materials, including unfinished woods, exposed beams and bricks and repurposed wood pallets or other rustic design elements. This raw material trend is likely because more and more interior designers are looking to do less with more and can use beautiful natural materials as the center of their design. If you don’t love the look of raw materials, simple designs can also create a similar feel.
Beautiful Textiles
In contrast to the rise of minimalist design and colder elements this summer, one trend that complements these is the rise of beautiful textiles. We mentioned before that raw materials and recycled elements are in this summer, but cozy throw blankets, super soft accent pillows, and fluffy comforters are also in and can help segue your home into fall. This lovely tactile trend focuses on natural materials, the love of slow living, and being cozy with the ones you love. To incorporate this late-summer interior design into your home, look for blankets, pillows, and accents in neutral tones or soft patterns to complement the rough, raw, sharp design trends mentioned above.
Experimental Patterns
Another late-summer trend that’s along the same lines as beautiful textiles is experimental patterns. For a while, most people thought of patterns as something only the quirkiest of designers incorporated. Today, we see patterns play an important role in interior design. They can liven up a space for the change of season, add a little personality into your room, and mix up your colors or themes without having to fully commit. Patterns are perfect for little accents like rugs, pillows, or even fun furniture.
Living Coral Meets Mango Mojito
At the beginning of the year, we talked about Pantone’s color of the year, Living Coral, and how it will be part of 2019 interior design trends. Living Coral “energizes and enlivens with a softer edge” and throughout the year, we’ve seen it incorporated in everything from wallpaper to accent chairs. While Living Coral is beautiful on its own, this summer we’ve seen it pair well with another Pantone color – Mango Mojito. Mustard-like yellows are growing in popularity and Mango Mojito “feeds our craving for pleasant comforts.” Mango Mojito also pairs well with millennial pink, teal and indigo blue, and crisp white for a clean look.
Mid-Century
Mango Mojito is also a great segue into our last late-summer interior design trend: the continuation of mid-century accents. Sleek lines, tapered table legs, and an understated simplicity are the key ingredients to mid-century design. Mid-century mood boards include light creams, whites, and grays, as well as statement greens, teals, and oranges. Tarragon, Tangerine Tango, and Bluegrass are all great mid-century inspo. Our Elevate collection features some classic mid-century design accents, such as stylized mailbox arms, arm panels with nailheads, and tall, tapered block legs.
Celebrate the summer and ring in fall with these tasteful late-summer interior design trends. If your budget is looking a little tight, keep in mind these interior design hacks to get the most bang for your buck.
Minimalism doesn’t mean limiting yourself, it means loving each piece that you own. Do more with less and embrace the KonMari Method to declutter your home and find joy in simplicity. From your favorite chair to your go-to outfits, learn more about how to declutter, love the pieces you have, and invest in quality over quantity to create the perfect minimalistic home that fits your needs.
What is the KonMari Method?
The KonMari Method is a tidying and organizing method developed by best-selling author Marie Kondo. This method is focused on creating a tidy environment by removing any items that no longer “spark joy” and instead create unnecessary clutter in your home. According to her site:
“The KonMari Method™ encourages tidying by category – not by location – beginning with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, sentimental items. Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go.”
There are plenty of other decluttering methods that others use, but the KonMari Method is a more rigid approach that many have found success in for organizing their lives and leading to a more minimalist lifestyle.
Minimalist Interior Design Tips
While the KonMari Method focuses on decluttering by category and not space, knowing how to tackle different parts in your home can be a big help in your tidying efforts. Compartmentalizing each room and practicing the KonMari Method in each can be a great start for your lifestyle shift into tidiness. Follow these minimalist interior design tips to help clear up space in your home and live a clutter-free life!
Tip 1: Minimalist Living Room Ideas
Your living room should be a place of relaxation and gathering, so focusing on having comfortable spaces and a bright, open space is ideal. If clutter resides in your main entertaining room, it could be a sign of blocking off your true self to guests. To tidy up your living room, focus on keeping pieces that maintain a light and welcoming vibe while showing off a few select pieces that spark joy and show off your personality. Choose your favorite piece of art or some conversational coffee table books to accent simple-but-beautiful pieces of furniture that maximize both space and comfort.
Tip 2: Minimalist Kitchen Ideas
Almost every kitchen has this one dreaded item: the junk drawer. Kitchens are a main hub for family life, from cooking to doing homework to feeding your pets, so it’s easy to accumulate random “junk”. When decluttering the kitchen, focus on prioritizing what you do and use most. For example, if you make more coffee than tea, store the tea kettle away until it’s needed. Take time to organize things like Tupperware and lids, as simple reorganization can free up 50% more space in your kitchen and make things easier to find. And yes, that means tackling your junk drawer! You’ll thank us later.
Tip 3: Minimalist Bedroom Ideas
Having a minimalist bedroom doesn’t mean minimizing your own style or comfort, it simply means only having things in the room that promote rest and relaxation. Falling asleep in a messy room can lead to distractions that keep you from getting proper rest. Keep your personality with pops of accent colors, fun bedding, plants, art, mirrors, and rugs. As part of your bedroom, having a tidy closet is necessary as well. Remove pieces that no longer spark joy and use proper folding methods to save time finding your favorite outfits and have clothes you’ll actually wear.
Benefits of Decluttering Your Home
Having a tidy home doesn’t just come with the perks of finding things easily and having a clean house to show off. There are more lasting benefits of decluttering your home that make the time and effort put toward it worthwhile, such as:
- Better Sleep: Some studies show that hoarders, or people with too much stuff, are more likely to suffer from sleep issues and experience sleep disturbances. While hoarding is more extreme than a messy room, it’s easy to see that a tidy room can cut down on distractions or disturbances while trying to sleep and lead to a better night’s rest.
- Clearer Focus: This decluttering benefit all depends on the person. For most, clutter equals stress. If you are someone who is more stressed by a messy environment than inspired by it, tidying up your environment can allow your mind to focus on a project or task at hand instead of focusing on the stress of the clutter around you.
- Improved Air Quality: Clutter means more surfaces in your home for dust to settle on and allergens to accumulate between. By tidying up your space, you are forced to tackle the dust head-on and reduce potential spots for future accumulation. With a tidy home, you’ll spark joy with how little your allergies act up.
- Reduced Anxiety: Running late because you can’t find your keys? Stressed because your measuring cups are buried deep within your kitchen? Can’t find an outfit to wear in your overcrowded closet? When you declutter, you remove the anxiety of information overload and uncertainty of knowing where to find things.
Whether you use the KonMari Method to go through the ultimate living room decluttering list or simply spend 15 minutes every day to tidy up a new space, taking the time to tidy up your house has many benefits. Try to incorporate the tips above to start leading a healthier and happier life at home!
Whether you just bought a new home or want to refresh a current look, it can be tough to find a design you love at a price you can afford. But how do you know when it’s worth it to splurge and when you should save by finding similar items for less?
Here, we’ll share some of our simple furniture swaps that can amplify any room. Instead of turning to the traditional pieces, take our advice and splurge on pieces worthwhile and save on some designs that you can find elsewhere.
Buy a Custom Recliner Instead of a Mass-Market Chair
One piece of furniture that’s worth splurging on is a custom ordered recliner. Choose your style, upholstery, extra options, and enjoy the recliner made just for you! A beautiful chair can really bring a room together and isn’t something you want to skimp on, especially since you might spend a good amount of your relaxation time kicking back in your recliner. Plus, if you invest in a high-quality recliner now, it can last for years.
Buy Designer Look-Alikes Instead of the Real Thing
Sure, designers like West Elm and Pottery Barn have beautiful things, but depending on what you buy, you can find these pieces elsewhere for a lot less. The website Decor Look Alikes shows some of the most common items you can get that look similar to their designer counterparts. Decorative details can also be found at thrift stores, farmers markets, garage sales, and other affordable spots.
Buy an Overlay Instead of Expensive Dressers
Dressers and side tables can get expensive and even though they’re useful, they’re not a piece you have to spend big money on. But, many consumers get frustrated that the cookie-cutter furniture they can find on a budget lacks the personality they want to include. Enter, overlays. Overlays are custom-made texture piece that you can add to the face of dressers, nightstands, and even walls in your home. Check out this gallery to get some ideas that you can do with a simple overlay. Overlays range in pricing, depending on your style and size requirements.
Another way to spruce up a set of drawers instead of buying new ones is to add new hardware. You can easily replace the knobs on drawers, the legs on a sofa, or other accents.
Buy Wallpaper or Contact Paper Instead of Painting
That being said, if you don’t want to paint the whole room you can use contact paper or wallpaper to change up the look without having to spend a lot of money. Both come in a wide variety of patterns and colors, including marble, granite, wood, and fun designs.
Buy High-Quality Paint Instead of a Cheap Alternative
One of the best ways to spruce up a room is to add a pop of color, either to the walls or to a piece of furniture. But, if you’re embarking on this mission to spice up your interior design, make sure you splurge for a high-quality paint, rather than taking a shortcut with cheaper paint. The nicer paints usually come with a built-in primer, which will save you time and effort. Plus, their coats will last longer and look better on your finished piece.
Your interior design doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, but it can still look great. Splurge on some pieces, like a reclining chair or a paint color you really love, and find easy swaps for things you want to save on. To cut down costs even more, discover how to find furniture on sale throughout the year.
The spring and summer seasons offer the perfect time to reevaluate your interior design! As the seasons change, so do the trends and we’re here to be your source for unique interior design ideas to spice up the season. But changing the interior design of your home is no simple task. You have to develop a vision, a color scheme, furniture that matches your style and your vision, and a creative mind willing to explore the options. Let’s look at some new summertime and spring interior design trends to help get you started.
Unique Interior Design Trend #1: Mixing Masculine and Feminine
“For a house to be successful, the objects in it must communicate with one another, respond and balance one another.” -Andre Putman
The days of decorating a room based on girl or boy preferences has passed and we have entered a new design era. What exactly defines design as masculine or feminine anyway? Don’t let yourself get caught up in the definitions and mechanics of interior design, but instead look at your new room as a blank canvas for exploration and opportunity. To mix masculine and feminine unique interior designs in one, decide on a primary color and accents in the opposite. Southern Motion offers a variety of accents chairs so you can portray a feminine or masculine touch with your seating.
Whether you’re decorating a room for the whole family or a space that’s all your own, it helps to keep a few tips in mind. Color is probably the first thing you think of when starting on a new interior design project. When looking at colors and shades, we tend to see dark and earthy tones as masculine and bright and pastel tones as feminine. To design a room that combines both, work off of a two-color scheme to reach a happy medium.
A few other things to keep in mind when creating a room that mixes masculine and feminine design includes:
Accessories – If the colors and furnishings in your room are too masculine, add in some feminine items to balance the mixture of the two themes.
80/20 Rule – Using the 80/20 rule can also translate to spring interior design trends. and new trends as the seasons change. If 80% of your furnishings are in unison, then you can branch out and deviate from the main theme with the other 20%.
Textures – Adding in different textures keeps the eye moving as you enter the room, rather than forcing you to focus on that one masculine or femine furnishing. This is a great way to highlight your love for unique interior design and creates a cozier vibe.
*Hint: Masculine colors are good for walls and/or furniture, whereas feminine colors are good for accents and to add interest.
Unique Interior Design Trend #2: Navy is the New Black
“Design is not just what is looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” -Steve Jobs
Even though it’s time for summer and spring interior design trends and you’re thinking of pastels and sunshine, one of the hottest design trends that isn’t going anywhere is dark, Earthy tones. This season, though, navy blue is the new black. Whether you’re looking to switch up the bedroom, the living room, or even the kitchen, color is one of the most impactful ways to change the feeling of your overall space, according to Catherine French Design, LLC.
If you’re someone who loves color, but you still enjoy a deep, dark color scheme, navy is the color for you and will keep you up-to-date with the latest interior design trends in 2019. Navy creates that calming, masculine vibe like black does, but it also adds an extra layer of warmth and depth. When using navy in your home, have a game plan before you start. Remember that navy can make a huge impact in a small way. Painting an accent wall, a door, or even purchasing a navy comforter for your bedroom is probably the best route to take. That way, you can add in brighter colors with accent pieces to make sure your room is inviting and warm.
Here are some colors that create a great companion for your navy-inspired and unique interior design room:
Windsor Pink – This dusty pink is a great way to tone down the navy drama and neutralize the space.
Yellow – Statement walls can help balance a room and this bright shade will add depth and warmth.
Pale Purple – Adding pastels can help you live in warmer seasons all year long. Not only does a pale purple create a leisurely vibe, but it also combines youth and maturity.
*Hint: Adding in white decorations and features can really help balance all the colors.
Unique Interior Design Trend #3: Biophilia in Design
“Good design is obvious. Great design is transparent.” -Joe Soprano
2019 has brought a variety of new and unique interior design trends. One of these trends is Biophilia, or creating a close association and interaction with forms of nature. This form of design can be achieved through stone fixtures, natural lighting, plants, and wood flooring. These natural organic designs and interior design elements can remind you of the outdoors and nature, even when you’re inside.
Going along with our natural vibe for our home design, sustainability is a key trend this season, as well. Seeking out recycled materials for your floors or furnishings from a company that uses recycled materials is a great way to be eco-friendly when sticking to summertime and spring interior design trends.
Even though we are a machine and technology driven society, there are days when many of us dream of being outside. With this interior design trend, we can bring the outdoors in. When designing your room with this style in mind, classic accents are your friend. Classic shutters, tables, and comfortable recliners give off the impression of being more environmental rather than disposable. Keep the following in mind when starting your new project:
Vegetation – Incorporating greenery is the best way to achieve this interior design style. Consider adding a plant to your window sill, in your kitchen, or even adding a moss wall to your bathroom if you’re feeling crafty.
Natural Light – Let the light shine! Even if you don’t have a lot of windows to work with in your home, there are still ways you can achieve natural light. From paint colors to backsplashes, choosing the patterns that complement natural light will help you enhance the sunshine.
Natural Furnishings – Including eco-friendly materials into your home is the ultimate way of achieving a biophilic design. Everything from wood flooring to stone end tables is a great place to start.
*Hint: Biophilic design reduces stress and prompts creativity and an improved well-being.
Unique Interior Design Trend #4: Less is More
“Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style.” -Billy Baldwin
Source: Home Designing
Some design trends never change, and the minimalist style is one of those trends. Not only is this interior design trend practical, but it also screams clean, confident, and modern. So what exactly does minimalist decor entail? Simplicity is key. Look for minimal furnishings, neutral color tones, and only impactful accent fixtures throughout the area. Not only do you live by the motto “less is more,” but a minimalist style embraces the concept of “everything in the room needs a place and a reason.”
If you keep up with pop culture, then you’ve probably seen the many articles about Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s house, and how they’ve taken minimalism to a whole new level. But when it comes to your own home, there are plenty of ways to express your minimalist style. Take these unique interior design recommendations into consideration when styling your favorite room or your entire home:
Think Quality vs. Quantity – When designing your home, approach the room with function in mind. Instead of focusing on how much room you have to fill, focus more on the quality of your purchases such as technology driven furnishings.
It’s All in the Details – With a minimalist interior design, there are normally only a few items on display. Take the time to find the perfect accent features that truly represent what you want the room to say.
*Hint: Minimalism is simple. Simple furniture, simple decor, and simple storage. Design your home with simplicity in mind, but also design it with admiration in mind.
Unique Interior Design Trends #5: Bold Backsplashes
“The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them.” -David Hicks
This interior design treat for the spring of 2019 is all about style, art, and statements. Incorporating a bold backsplash into your home, whether that’s in the kitchen or bathroom, is a great way to achieve an eye-catching home. Inserting the wow factor into your home through a bold backsplash is an easy but effective project.
Whether you’re looking for something modern and bold or your style is dainty and soft, a beautiful backsplash is a great way to achieve this. There are a variety of options such as marble, tile, a solid color, or even an intricate pattern. No matter what summer or spring interior design trends you’re going for, your kitchen will thank you once it’s done!
In addition to achieving a beautiful and unique interior design, backsplash locations in the kitchen and the bathrooms are often added to hide the possibility of water damage. Backsplashes are not only eye-catching, but they’re practical and dynamic additions to your home. Below are some of the additional benefits of including a beautiful backsplash:
A backsplash adds a personal touch to the room of your choice.
A backsplash can serve a double purpose, adding protection to the walls.
A backsplash makes cleaning easy and quick.
*Hint: Use glimmering backsplash tiles to create an optical illusion, making your small kitchen look larger.
Now that you know some of the newest interior design trends for this 2019 season, it’s time to look at your home as a blank canvas and implement these beautiful designs in a way that fits your personal style. And if you need additional inspiration, there are a variety of interior design blogs that you should start following right away!
When changing your favorite rooms to keep up with the trends, check out the chairs and sofas available at Southern Motion. At Southern Motion we have products that fit every style and trend!