Category Archives: Home Decor

Feb10

Making Your Interior Fabulous With These Ideas

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Making Your Interior Fabulous With These Ideas

If you have just moved into a new house and are wanting to put your own personal stamp on the place, then here are a few ideas to help you. Maybe you don’t know where to start or what to change first. The answer is, whatever you want! It is important to try and match your decor to your furnishings so if you are thinking about changing those, then maybe do that first before reaching for the paintbrush. Or get started with these projects:

Flooring:

The first thing we would like to mention is the floors. In the kitchen and bathroom, you could make use of vinyl sheet flooring rather than actual tiling. If you are wanting to save money while also making your interior look stylish, then good quality vinyl is the way to go. If you opt for cheaper vinyl this can end up bubbling if it gets wet, and you don’t want that.

If you have carpeted floors, you can easily change to hardwood flooring. This is a great idea especially if you have pets or children. The mess that can get into the carpet is astounding, and you don’t notice it until you professionally shampoo them. Cleaning up hardwood floors is much easier!

Wall Art:

Like a fresh coat of paint, which we will talk about in the next section, wall art can go a long way in making a unique statement. You can find endless amounts of quirky wall art at thrift stores or even create your own. Whether you love sports, nature, or travel, you can find wall art to suit your passions. For instance, if you love American football, you might wish to have a Domonique Rodgers NC State photo on the wall. If so, do what makes you happy as it will enhance the personality of your interior.

The beauty of wall art is that it can be swapped out as often as you would like to fit your mood or the season. How cool would it be to have a revolving art gallery in your home? Your guests will see something new every time they visit and it is a quick and easy way to refresh your space. You could also treat your wall art as a vision board. If you have a desire to travel, you could decorate your home with art inspired by your dream destination. For example, the art on this site https://www.london-canvas.co.uk/ features scenes of London to admire until your daydreams come to fruition.

Coat Of Paint:

Once you know what your interior will look like and you know what furniture you are using, it is time to give the walls a bit more life. If the walls are looking shabby and old, then a fresh coat of paint can brighten up the room once more. Think about what you want on the walls. It doesn’t have to be paint, you could use some funky wallpaper. Paint is somewhat easier, though. If you are looking for a professional paint job, then contact your local interior painting services for help and guidance.

You could also have a feature wall. This is more often than not the wall that contains the television or the fireplace. If you are wondering what a feature wall is, then let us explain. It is a wall in a room that is different to all the other walls. For example, you might opt for a pure black accent wall and the rest be magnolia or white. Feature walls can also be used as a personal art gallery or a memory lane. You could adorn it with treasured family photos, cool modern prints from Printivart, or even shelves with potted plants and succulents. Whether with paint or decor, a feature wall will create a personalized touch to the space that your guests will rave about.

Windows & Doors:

One final thing that will really have an impact on the interior of your home is the windows and doors. These get tired looking over time, especially if they are old and worn. It may be worth investing in new ones to give you that new look once more. Occasionally, companies have offers if you buy windows and doors at the same time. You may just want to change the doors within your home. If they don’t match the decor, then you can of course do this. Wooden doors are sleek and contemporary and match with any interior decor.

Not only are renovation projects fun, making you feel like you’re on your own HGTV episode but they will help to boost your property value too!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb6

Organic Aromas Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser Unboxing & Review

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Organic Aromas Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser Unboxing & Review

Hello everyone! We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming from my TJMaxx Winter Haul again because I have an exciting product to share with all of you! Today, we are going to be discussing my gorgeous new Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser by Organic Aromas. I have had it on nonstop in my apartment since I received it in the mail. In fact, it’s on right now as I write this post! Check out my unboxing and continue reading on for the review:

Peep this video to see it in action:

My Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser kit from Organic Aromas came with everything that I needed for soothing scents to envelope my apartment all of the time. Not only did it include all of the items that I need for cleaning it but it also came with two essential oils to get me started. I am currently using the Signature Blend essential oil, which is a lovely mixture of Elemi, Clary Sage, Cajeput, Chamomile, and Bergamot – it is divine and perfect to use when chilling at home. I also received the Peppermint oil, which will be great to help wake me up in the morning!

The amazing thing about this product is that it is pure scent particles coming out of the diffuser – not water. This provides the ultimate experience for all of your aromatherapy needs because the oils are not being diluted, giving you the full benefits of whichever essential oil you choose. As soon as I turn on my Aurora Diffuser with the Signature Blend, I instantly feel more relaxed, making it the ideal scent after a long day at work.

Not only are the products by Organic Aromas effective, but they are beautiful too. I love the pearl like shape of my diffuser because it reminds me of my engagement ring! The diffusers will enhance your home decor with their simple yet elegant designs. Some of the diffusers can even change colors with the LED lights so you can suit the color palette in your living room or bedroom.

I cannot recommend the Organic Aromas essential oils and diffusers enough. Treat yourself or someone else for a gift because you have the Lil Red Guarantee that it will make a much loved edition to anyone’s home!

What is your favorite scent? What makes you feel relaxed? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb1

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Go Away Doormat

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TJMaxx Winter Haul: Go Away Doormat

Hello! Thanks to generous Christmas gift cards to TJMaxx, I had an online haul with some darling clothes and shoes which will be discussed later. I did have some returns to make, however, so ended up spending some time shopping in store for the first time in what felt like ages. It was great! I was able to make an exchange for some new skin care, birthday gifts for my niece and mom, a new sweater, and this amazing doormat that I couldn’t pass up on:

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I never go into TJMaxx with set ideas of what I would like to buy, rather, the store tells me what I need. When making my rounds through the home goods section, I wasn’t expecting to find this Fiesta doormat for a whole eight dollars and I just had to have it. I have been looking for something like this since I moved into my apartment and have never seen one in store before. I also didn’t feel like spending twenty plus bucks to order one online.

Not only did I really want this mat, but it was also a necessary purchase. Mine and Johnny’s “Come back with a warrant” doormat has seen better days and basically does nothing to help remove snow from our shoes upon entering the apartment. The nasty slush always ends up making its way into our entryway, which results in a ton of additional cleaning so this was eight dollars well spent. The course bristles and sweet sentiment will go a long way for the rest of winter! 😀

I am so excited about all of my new goodies from TJMaxx so keep it posted for more from my winter haul. Tomorrow, we will be discussing skin care and then all of the fashion afterwards. See you then!

What is one of your favorite TJMaxx purchases? What is your least favorite chore around the house? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan20

Making A Small Home Feel Spacious

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Making A Small Home Feel Spacious

There are plenty of benefits to having a small home, one of the biggest would be the fact that smaller homes are significantly more eco-friendly compared to larger ones. Less energy is used to warm up the space, and this on its own means there is less of a chance of furnace repair or high energy costs. While small homes have their perks such as being more sustainable, it’s understandable why people would prefer to gravitate more towards larger spaces.

Larger spaces tend to make people feel happy. There is more breathing more in a large space and more privacy. Larger spaces also tend to look better from an interior design perspective. But what about living in a small space? While small spaces are far more eco-friendly, is there a way to make them feel more spacious? These tips can help:

Add a lot of lighting:

Lighting is one of the best ways to create a spacious look for your home. Most (but not all) smaller homes, especially apartments, will tend to have low ceilings. Low ceilings essentially add fuel to the fire of having a space look far too small. So you’ll want to think about creating illusions and how to maintain them.

When it comes to spaces, it’s best to utilize natural lighting whenever possible, but it’s also acceptable to have artificial lighting too. You’ll want the space to be very bright. One idea for carrying out this bright space can include adding some lamps in corners of the room, removing curtains, and placing mirrors on the wall where they can easily reflect light. Doing all of this will help in achieving an airy space.

Be wise with your furnishing choices:

When it comes to furniture, it can be quite tricky. Sure, you want a style in your home that feels right for you. That’s completely understandable but you should also keep in mind what your options are too. If your furniture is too big and bulky, then it’s only going to cut down on the free space that you have in your home. You may be better off cutting down on the statement pieces that you have and pick pieces of furniture that have multiple functions such as a couch with storage space or an ottoman-chair combination.

Always declutter:

You should make a habit of decluttering on a regular basis. This can also help with your mental health as tight and cramped spaces tend to make people feel anxious. Decluttering allows you to give yourself the mental challenge of what you can and can’t part with and will help open the space up. This is not to say to clear out your entire home but to limit the objects that are making your space feel cramped.

Making a smaller home feel larger is all about making smart choices and creating illusions. Using storage spaces will be your friend, too, and there is no shame in tucking away those odds and ends you don’t know what to do with!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan11

6 Features You Need In A Modern Apartment   

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6 Features You Need In A Modern Apartment   

If you’re looking for a new modern apartment, there are some features that you shouldn’t skimp out on to make your place the ultimate place to be. Modern means comfort as well as aesthetic so look out for the following during your apartment hunt:

Built-In Closets:

When you live in an apartment, built-in closets are important. Not only are they space-saving, but they also help to declutter your home. What’s more, you don’t have to go to the expense of buying your own shelving and chests of drawers – it’s all done for you. The best built-in closets have sliding doors for extra space-saving and mirrored surfaces for extra primping. Lots of storage options tends to be high on the list for what people want when moving into a new apartment. When you enter a search for “Studio Apartments in Downtown Los Angeles” (or your local area), you will be able to see pictures or virtual tours of the properties. Take the time to look through them thoroughly so you can focus on the locations with your preferred storage options.

Ice Maker Refrigerator:

Most apartments come with kitchen appliances as standard. However, the vast majority of them do not have ice makers. While having an ice maker might not sound like an essential feature, you’d be surprised how often you need it. Whenever you entertain or make yourself a cold drink in the summer months, it comes in handy. Don’t overlook it.

A Balcony:

Most apartments near me, especially the new ones, have balconies. These days, they’re almost standard. The reason for this is simple: people want outdoor spaces where they can lounge in the summer and enjoy themselves. They don’t want to feel claustrophobic while looking at the fine weather through the window passing them by.

In some situations, you may also be able to make do with a Juliet balcony. Just make sure that it is safe, particularly if you have kids.

A Walk-In Shower:

When it comes to shower facilities, modern apartments can be quite appealing. That’s because many of them are now offering buyers walk-in showers. These get rid of the shower cubicles of old and replace them with a more natural, functional design. They’re particularly helpful for anyone living with a disability. The way they work is pretty simple too. Instead of using a cubicle to create a drain for the water, walk-in showers use the entire floor of the room. The whole thing is graded downwards towards a central drain that scoots all of the wastewater off into the plumbing. Most come with non-slip flooring too, helping you to keep your balance.

If you are updating your apartments for rent, replacing a bath with a shower is a great place to start. It will instantly modernize the bathroom, offer some additional space, and fits in better with the on the go lifestyle of your tenants.

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^^^ Unsplash Image

Programmable Lighting:

If you’re buying a modern apartment, it will almost certainly come with programmable lighting. This feature allows you to change the color and intensity of the light with the press of a button. Programmable lighting can also be a lot of fun. You can create sequences that dance through different types of light or react to the music you’re playing.

Hard Floors:

While carpeted apartments can be nice, you’re often better off with hard floors. They’re easier to clean and far less prone to damage which could affect your deposit. Of course, if you want it to feel soft under foot, you can always put down rugs. Just remember to attach sticky tacks to the back so that they don’t slip and slide across the floor.

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^^^ Unsplash Image

A modern apartment should include all of the extra touches that make your living experience more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to shop around until you find the place perfect for you!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan3

How Your Location Affects Your Home Design   

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How Your Location Affects Your Home Design   

Many things can influence your design choices when you decorate your home, or even when you renovate or build a home from scratch. One of the things that might affect your home design is your location, which can have an impact on your choices for both practical and aesthetic reasons. You may need to consider the local environment and weather when designing your home, among other things. Your location can affect your home design in several ways, whether consciously or through having a less direct impact on your choices.

If you’re thinking about how to build, renovate, or decorate your home, you might want to consider some of these things:

Design in Keeping with Local Style:

Designing your home so that it’s in keeping with other homes in the area is something that may or may not concern you. For some people, it’s an essential thing to think about, especially if there are any local ordinances or you’re part of a homeowners association that might set rules for what your home should look like. Others might not be so concerned with fitting in and making their home look like others in the neighborhood. But the preferred local style can help to inspire you.

Of course, if you are considering new construction homes in Las Cruces (or your local area), the appearance of your home’s exterior is predetermined. This isn’t a bad thing, though, because you can add your own style into the popular local appearance. That is part of the fun of being a homeowner! Grow gorgeous rose bushes for a pop of color. Have your kiddos paint flower pots and planters. Perhaps you will add twinkling fairy lights on your front porch. Don’t think of homes like this as lacking style, but an opportunity to make it your own.

Being Prepared for Weather Events and Natural Disasters:

Your home’s location can influence design in very practical ways too. If you live in an area that experiences storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, or flooding, it’s important that your home is protected. This can lead to you searching for hurricane windows near me, hurricane shutters, pumps for your basement, strong guttering systems, and other essentials to protect you and your home. Of course, these things can affect what your home looks like and how it’s constructed. However, they don’t have to prevent you from making stylish choices.

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^^^ Pixabay Image

Be Influenced By the Environment:

The environment surrounding your home might influence your design choices, whether consciously or not. You can use the colors and textures of the world that surrounds you when making decisions for the design of your home. You can also find that the local environment affects your home design in terms of what natural resources are available or which plants grow best in the local soil and climate. If you want to use your local environment for inspiration, it could help you to choose the right color scheme for your decor.

Using Locally Produced Goods:

Using locally produced goods for your home can be a great way to incorporate elements of your location into your home design. For example, you can look for furniture that has been crafted in the local area or choose art and home accessories that have been created by local artists. This will not only give your home more of a local flavor and connect it to the region, but it will also mean that you are supporting local businesses and your local economy.

Let your home’s location influence and help inspire your design for the best looking home on the block!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan2

Awesome Apartment Ideas To Improve Your Space

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Awesome Apartment Ideas To Improve Your Space

It can be challenging to find time for yourself between work, school, and trying to keep up with friends and family. And when you finally find some free time, there is always something else that needs attention at home! Today, we are going to look at some quick and simple fixes to improve your apartment space so you can spend your free time on you and you alone. Let’s get to it:

Upgrade Your Furniture:

One of the easiest ways to make your apartment feel new is upgrading your furniture. This can be as simple as buying a new couch or bed or it can be more complex, like installing built-in shelving or cabinets. By upgrading your furniture, you’ll not only make your home look nicer, but you’ll also have added storage and seating options.

Create a Functional Space:

If you’re short on living space, you can create a functional space. This could be anything from setting up a home office to creating an extra storage area. By utilizing every square foot of your apartment, you’ll be able to keep your home more organized and make it feel larger.

Decorate Your Exterior:

The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. One way to spruce up your apartment is by adding a new mailbox, painting the front door a bright color if you’re allowed, and planting flowers in planters on either side of the entrance. Adding these components to the exterior will provide curb appeal and make your apartment feel brighter with homey touches.

Don’t forget functional ways to improve your exterior space too. This could be adding fairy lights to brighten up the porch at night, creating a wildlife window, or some fun doormats. If opting for the latter, you will want to look for waterproof doormats for the outdoors that will provide a pop of color as well as somewhere to clean off dirty shoes before coming inside.

Add Greenery:

Adding greenery to your home is a great way to improve the air quality and reduce stress levels. Not only that, but plants can also get used to decorate your house. Some easy to maintain plants perfect for apartments include spider plants, aloe vera, and bamboo palms.

Hang Up More Mirrors:

Mirrors have a way of making any space feel larger. So by hanging up more mirrors in your apartment, you’ll be able to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Not only will this make your home look nicer, but it will also help to brighten up any dark corners.

Install Track Lighting:

If you’re looking for a way to instantly improve the look of your apartment, installing track lighting is equally a great option. Track lighting can be used to highlight specific areas in your home or to provide general illumination. Plus, it’s a relatively easy DIY project that you can do with minimal tools and skills.

Refresh Your Decor:

One of the easiest ways to give your apartment a fresh look is by changing your decor. This can be as simple as repainting a wall or adding new throw pillows. By changing your decor regularly, you’ll be able to keep your home looking new and stylish. Updated art installations are also a great way to change things up. Perhaps with these cool High-Quality Metal Prints- Expertly Crafted, a smart canvas display, or photography wall to showcase your favorite memories.

When you implement these awesome apartment ideas, you’ll be able to quickly refresh your space for a more relaxing and enjoyable home experience.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec31

What To Consider When Installing A Water Fountain In Your Yard

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What To Consider When Installing A Water Fountain In Your Yard

When looking for ways to make the front yard more beautiful, many people might consider adding a water fountain. Usually made of stone or metal, these fountains are available in different shapes and sizes. Not only will they add something nice to look at to your yard, but they have several benefits that will help you in the long run.

Although the costs of installing a fountain can be steep upfront, it is generally affordable afterwards. The only costs will be in the initial fountain purchase and in water expenses over time to maintain it, which in most cases, is extremely minimal.

Of course, there are considerations to take into account before spending your hard-earned money. For one, you’ll want to make sure there is an electrical outlet nearby or that you can put one in. You also want to make sure the area surrounding the fountain is level and free of any rocks, plants, or hard materials. Here are some things that you should consider when purchasing a fountain for your front yard:

What are the benefits of having a water fountain?

One of the benefits of a fountain is that it can help keep mosquitoes and other pests away. Mosquitoes breed in moist areas, such as ponds or streams. If you fill your water fountain with mosquito-repelling plants, then you’ll help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your yard without having to use any harmful chemicals.

Another benefit to a water fountain is that it will contribute to the beauty of your front yard. Adding a water fountain to your yard can be as simple as finding one that fits in with the natural landscape and features of your yard. But you could also go all out and have a custom-made fountain designed for your yard specifically.

Where should you put the water fountain?

Now that you know why a water fountain might be a good idea for your front yard, you should consider where to put it. You want to make sure that it’s properly situated against your home or another object to avoid having the water spray right onto the side of your house or into someone’s yard. You also want a spot with good visibility so everyone can enjoy it.

If there isn’t a space for your fountain that inspires you, you can always create one. Hardscaping with paving can form a spot that will tie the aesthetic together rather than the fountain looking randomly placed. Professionals like sanantoniopavers.com or an expert in your local area can help you realize this vision to make your backyard the place to be.

How much does it cost to install a water fountain?

Depending on the size and style of the fountain, you might pay anywhere from $100 to $5,000 for it. Keep in mind that if you want something custom made or made of rare materials, then you’ll probably end up paying more than you would if you went with something more generic.

You’ll also have to pay for labor unless you’re installing it yourself. Aside from the people you’ll be paying to install the fountain, you might want to hire paving contractors to install pavers around the area. This way, your fountain won’t scratch up the lawn, and you’ll also be able to add a nice touch by having lights added underneath.

How long will it take to install a water fountain?

The installation time for a water fountain can vary depending on what kind you get and whether you have it installed professionally or by yourself. If you have hired professionals, they’ll usually be able to install your fountain in one day. However, if you’re installing it yourself, it will probably take several days to complete the installation process.

There are many benefits to adding a water fountain in your front yard. Not only do they look beautiful and keep pests away, but they also make soothing sounds to replace the noise of cars and kids playing. What a wonderful way to relax!

Dec22

Welcome, Friends! Improving Your Entryway

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Welcome, Friends! Improving Your Entryway

In a previous post, we have touched on the importance of the entryway of your home. Today, we are going to delve further into this with some tips to make your place appear even more welcoming to your guests and friends this holiday season. Let’s get started:

The Front Door:

Your entryway, of course, begins at your front door so you will want it looking its best.
It is an essential investment to get energy efficient entry doors. Not only will it boost the appearance but it will help keep the cold air out and the warmth in. So important in the wintertime! Think carefully about the color you choose, too. A bright yellow or blue offers a playful vibe while a deep red or chocolate adds a touch of sophistication.

Outdoor Lighting:

When considering your front door, you must also think about the lighting going on outside. From an aesthetic and safety perspective you will certainly want some type of lighting installed if you don’t already have it. Especially if you have stairs that lead to your front door – you don’t want anyone tripping. A glowing light by your door will also turn into a beacon when you have guests over and they are having difficulty finding your house!

Accessories:

Both indoors and out, accessories are important. A wreath on the door and welcome mats are a great place to start. Welcome mats are also a fun way to let people know that you have dogs! My personal favorite being “knock and let me sing you the song of my people”. Ha! You will also want an indoor mat for guests to wipe off their shoes before treading mud into the home.

For your indoor entryway, consider a coat and shoe rack, a key or purse holder on the wall, and a basket with extra phone chargers for the ultimate welcome into your place.

Clean Regularly:

For your outdoor entryway, make sure you sweep around it regularly. Leaves and debris can cause a safety hazard. Don’t forget to salt it during the winter months to help prevent delivery people and guests from slipping. For your indoor entryway, contain the clutter not just in the actual space but rooms that are visible when walking into the door. It’s a little thing but it makes a big difference.

Roll out the welcome wagon with the tips above as you prepare your house for guests this holiday season!

Dec21

Home Renovations That Make A Big Difference

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Home Renovations That Make A Big Difference

Boosting your home’s value is something that should be on any home owner’s mind. When it eventually comes time to sell your property, of course you will want to get more than what you originally paid for it! This doesn’t mean to completely gut your home with costly renovations. Rather, just selecting a new project to work on every year or two to boost your home’s value. Like the following:

Start Outside:

When it comes to your home, the first thing people will notice is its exterior. This gives neighbors, strangers, and potential buyers a first impression before even stepping foot into a beautifully decorated home. Let’s make it a good one!

Cracked driveway pavement will simply not do as well as a poorly maintained lawn, and chipping paint. Start with projects like these and work your way inside because nothing is more important than a first impression. You do not want people looking at your home’s exterior and already thinking that they will have a lot of projects to undertake.

Entryway Impressions:

Think about the immediate areas that people will see when they enter your home through the front door or a door that leads inside from the garage. These should be welcoming spaces full of warmth so what can you do to make that happen? Soft rugs, wall art, and warm lighting are great places to start. Speaking of wall art, farmhouse welcome signs are insanely popular. With so many options to choose from and customize to your liking, you will have an easy time finding the perfect one for your home.

Have a durable shoe rack handy in the closet for guests as well as space cleared out for their jackets. What looks better – a pile of dirty shoes in the corner or having them neatly tucked away? These are all small but effective ways in creating the perfect entryway.

Flooring:

One of the best things that my parents did in their home was get rid of the old carpet in the living room and stairway and replace it with laminate flooring. If your carpets are looking threadbare and well trodden on, you might want to consider this renovation. Finding a local flooring store in Ottawa is important for homeowners. Replacing old carpeting can turn a dowdy space into the chicest in a matter of days and will surely boost your property value.

When considering new flooring, the most important thing is to think about your lifestyle. If your home is pet or child free, hardwood or funky tiles could be the way to go. However, if you have a full house, lifeproof laminate flooring is a great option as it is easy to maintain and can withstand tiny feet and paws running about.

Work With What You Have:

It is not possible to make a smaller room bigger without an expensive expansion but you can use some simple tricks to give the illusion of more space. To fake a more spacious area, you will want to start with the color palette. Bright whites and creams on the walls and furniture will help bounce the light to help make a room look bigger.

And, speaking of lighting – the brighter the better. Making use of natural light is the best way to go so drape your windows in something gauzy and sheer to let the light in. If your room has no windows, go with hanging fixtures and well placed tall lamps to bounce around the space. Don’t forget that mirrors can also make a room look more spacious too!

Boost your curb appeal and property value with well timed projects like the ones above to make a big difference for your property.