Tag Archives: furniture

Apr16

New Chair, Who Dis?

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New Chair, Who Dis?

Hello!!! My grandparents ran a funeral home in Cleveland and it was my favorite place in the world. So much so, that I have several pieces of furniture and art from the home in my apartment. While a majority of the home decor I have is in excellent condition, one of the chairs that resided in my living room has definitely seen better days. The fabric was torn, the springs were shot, the cushions were worn, and it was basically a hot mess. So much so, that my in laws and aunt in law decided to have it reupholstered as mine and Johnny’s Christmas gift. Unfortunately, I didn’t think to take “before” pictures, but here is the end result:

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When Johnny’s mom came to pick up our chair last month, she also brought along at least thirty books of fabric swatches from the person she hired for the job. Johnny and I were hoping for some awesome spooky prints like bats or ghosts and found nothing that came even close. We were basically flipping through swatches that would have been more appropriate for a carpet for several evenings in a row. By the time we got to the very last book, we had resigned ourselves to choosing the least bad option and calling it a day. Then, we got to the last page and found the fabric that you see above. I am so happy that we kept on trucking through all of the books or we never would have found it!

The original fabric on the chair had a deep navy background with light pink and white flowers and green leaves. This chair dates back to 1969 and while it was gorgeous in its prime, it needed an update badly! I am in love with the new fabric featuring red pagodas, blooming cherry blossoms, twisting bonsai, and flowing rivers. As soon as we saw the swatch, we knew it was the one and were confident that it was going to turn out amazing. And, when we finally saw it in its completion, I couldn’t believe that it was better than we ever could have imagined.

The person who brought this chair to life is truly a master of their craft. The chair is much more sturdy and comfortable with fresh padding and the fabric is nice and soft but it feels so durable. We got two throw pillows that were made with leftover fabric too! Johnny’s dad also played a part in getting this chair back up to snuff by removing and replacing the rotted wood at the base. He is so handy and the effort from both of them gave us a chair that will surely last for another almost fifty-five years!

This belated Christmas gift is one of the best ones that Johnny and I have ever received and we are so thankful to our family for making it happen. I think that my grandparents would love it too!

Has any of your furniture gotten a makeover before? What is your favorite piece of furniture at your house? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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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

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 or doormat, 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.

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.

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

Aug17

Budget Friendly Shopping For Your Home

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Budget Friendly Shopping For Your Home

Shopping for furniture, accessories, and appliances for your home or apartment can be so costly that it almost seems easier to leave things as is rather than updating or upgrading. Believe you me, I get it! However, I also know how effective budget shopping can be because I furnished my entire apartment on secondhand items. Today, we are going to explore a few different budget friendly options for your next home makeover:

Secondhand Stores:

The most effective eco and budget friendly option for making upgrades in your home is, hands down, second hand shopping. Buying secondhand is amazing because you are repurposing old things and preventing them from being dumped into a landfill. Your local Goodwill could be a treasure trove of unique furniture and accessories that you didn’t know you needed. This is also an ideal option for people who don’t want their homes to look like everyone else’s because of all of the cool accessories and knick knacks you can find. My art wall in my apartment is completely made from old pieces of art that I bought at the Goodwill.

Facebook Marketplace:

Another great option, similar to secondhand stores, is the Buy, Sell, Trade marketplaces on Facebook. This could be perfect if you are looking for used appliances for sale, furniture, or other odds and ends. The beauty of the Facebook Marketplace is that once you find the replacement for something in your house, you can list the no longer needed item and make some extra cash too. 😀

Always remember if you are purchasing from someone selling on a marketplace type website that your safety is paramount. It is best practice to meet up in a public location like the parking lot of a busy grocery store or coffee shop. You can never be too careful.

Apps:

The OfferUp app is a virtual garage sale where you can both post items for sale and make purchases. I haven’t used this app in a while but I have had a lot of luck in the past selling things on it. I have seen everything on OfferUp from cars, appliances, outdoor equipment, and clothing. The nice part about this app is that it categorizes all of the items on there which will really help narrow down your searches for something specific. You definitely don’t get this luxury at a local thrift store.

Yard Sales:

Summer is the best season for people to host yard sales due to the promise of good weather so now is a great time to do some browsing in your local neighborhoods. It might be a mixed bag but it is another option to save some money while making purchases for your home. You all know the old saying of one man’s trash!

Making updates to your home doesn’t have to break your bank. Get started with the ideas above and see how much you can save today!

Feb6

Giving Your Living Room A Mini Makeover

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Giving Your Living Room A Mini Makeover

Considering that we have all spent the majority of this past year in our living rooms, I think we all deserve to give it a mini makeover! If you are as sick of your living room as I am at this point, then a mini makeover could be just what you need to brighten the space as we continue on through the COVID-19 pandemic. Mini makeovers are also great because we are not talking huge renovations here, rather, small improvements to make your space better. Try utilizing some of the following tips as you spruce up your living room:

Choose A Statement Piece:

Is your couch losing its stuffing? How about a wobbly coffee table? Or perhaps your favorite recliner’s cushions have sunken in? No matter the case, visit Modern Sense Furniture to find exactly what you need and make it a statement in your room. One new piece of furniture can instantly transform a space and it also might give you the inspiration to base your room around it if you are interested in making a bigger change. Remember, when choosing a statement piece, you not only want it to be unique and visually appealing but you still want it to function properly. Who wants to sit on a cool couch if it is really uncomfortable?

Make Your Space Cozy:

The living room is where we go to unwind after a long day in the home office, so fill it with things that are comforting to you. Whether it be a plush rug beneath your feet, candles, thick curtains, or pillows and soft throw blankets – treat yourself to a few new items that will soothe you. You can even turn your quest for comfort into a new hobby through candle making, knitting, or crochet. Just make sure your living room isn’t too comfy during the day if you like to work from home on the couch. We don’t want you falling asleep on the job!

Create An Accent Wall:

Accent walls are a relatively cheap and very effective way to make a room feel like new again. Just a few painted accent walls in my parent’s home completely changed each room’s atmosphere. Accent walls can not only be created with paint but can be achieved with decor or even interesting floating shelving. If you choose to make an accent wall with pieces of art or framed photographs, the trick is for it not to appear cluttered. Go with paintings or pictures with color palettes that compliment each other. A hectic display with clashing colors is definitely not conducive to your relaxation!

Once you finish your mini quick fixes in the living room, don’t stop there! Small, simple steps can be achieved room by room to transform your home without any major renovations.

Jan14

Making Your Outdoor Space The Perfect Hang Out

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Making Your Outdoor Space The Perfect Hang Out

Despite the weather being cold and gloomy, it is never too early to think about how to improve your outdoor space this spring and summer. Once the warm weather hits, it will be a lot easier to safely socialize outside which might make you even more motivated to turn your outdoor property into the best on the block. Try out some of these ideas and you will be back to seeing your friends in the warm summer’s breeze before you know it:

Lush greenery:

The first step to turning your yard into the place to be is to get your landscaping just right. Soft green grass, lovely foliage, and bright flowers are a must. It will make your space so inviting and will surely impress your guests when they come to visit. Some people, like my dad, are born with green thumbs. But, if gardening is not your strong suit, then enlist the help of landscaping Toronto for a front and back yard you can be proud of.

Comfortable outdoor furniture:

You will not want your friends to have to sit on the lawn when they stop by, so it’s important to get some nice outdoor furniture to rest on. Wicker chairs with plush cushions, lawn chairs, and benches are a great place to start. As long as you take care of the furniture, that is! Heavy rain and stifling heat can turn that once super comfortable cushion into a moldy disaster.

A fire pit:

There is nothing better than sitting around a bonfire with your friends so maybe this will be the year you invest in a fire pit. It will feel so good to do something “normal” again while being a lot safer outdoors. Can’t you just smell the bonfire and hear the crickets chirping now?

Outdoor activities:

Don’t forget the games! A nice, lush lawn is just begging for some bocce ball, croquet, and cornhole – all of which can be played social distance style. Invite a few friends and have yourselves a garden party. Don’t forget the tiny sandwiches and lemonade!

Made in the shade:

On especially sunny days, it will be crucial to have a spot to cool down in – whether that be a table with a great big umbrella, a Sun Setter, or a kiddie pool to soak your feet in. After all of this time spent indoors, I’m sure many of us will be in our gardens all day come summer time. If you find yourself retreating back inside when it gets too hot, a cool down space to continue to enjoy the great outdoors in will be a must when preparing your space.

In my opinion, winter has been flying by. And, in just a few short months, we will all be able to have the opportunity to socialize a bit more outside so make your outdoor space this summer the best ever!

Jul20

3 Simple Ideas To Inspire Your Bedroom Renovations

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3 Simple Ideas To Inspire Your Bedroom Renovations

If you are keen to spend some of the time that you are forced to spend indoors during the coronavirus crisis in a productive way, why not embark on some home renovations? While your living spaces might already be looking stylish and on-trend, think about moving upstairs and focusing on your bedroom. This should be a room that exudes relaxation, tranquillity, and calm. This is the space of your home where you rest your weary bones and strive to achieve unbroken sleep every night. If you are keen to have a go at flexing your interior design muscles in your bedroom, take a look at these three ideas:

Color:

The color palette that you choose for your bedroom needs to be relatively mooted. This doesn’t mean that you can’t inject areas of brighter or bolder hues, but the walls of your room should be relatively bland. White, cream, or pastel shades are more conducive to restful spaces. If you are more of a bold tone lover, think about using the fabrics, throws, and cushions to add texture and pattern in your space. Try and choose a theme of colors. If you like warmth, white, yellows, and reds could be inspirational. If you love natural tones, greens, oranges, and chocolate browns can be ideal. Whip up some local artwork or family photographs and personalize the space alongside your relaxing color palette to make your bedroom cozy and customized.

Storage:

Some bedrooms are blessed with amazing floor space meaning that you can easily install some fitted wardrobes and a couple of chest of drawers alongside a rocking chair and bedside tables. Storage never becomes an issue and your clothing can be housed with ease. However, if your bedroom is an unusual shape or it’s a little small, you need to think outside the box to maximize storage and stop your room from feeling cramped. Go for something more bespoke for the space. You may worry about what’s the average price of a custom closet, but there are easy ways to keep costs down. Go for minimal compartments, less extravagant materials and finishes, and forego the glazed door options. A custom closet will look incredible and it will keep your clothes, shoes, and knick-knacks safe.

Flooring:

Some of us are lucky enough to have original wooden floorboards if we live in period properties. If you have oak flooring, get it sanded and waxed and lay a lovely large rug on top to protect your feet and maintain a cozy feel. If you want to emulate this look but don’t have the authentic features, go for a cheaper man made laminate that utilizes a walnut, oak, or birch veneer. These look fantastic and are easy to fit with a tongue and groove system. If you prefer carpet and a plush softness underfoot, get a decent underlay and a long pile twist to give you that luxurious feel.

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Love the chandelier!

Revolutionizing your bedroom should be fun. Use these inspiring ideas and enjoy giving your bedroom a makeover!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun3

Making Your Home A More Comfortable Space

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Making Your Home A More Comfortable Space

Our homes serve so many functions. They provide us with shelter from the elements and warmth. They provide us with somewhere to bathe and eat and with a space to keep our belongings. They are our safe havens and keep us secure. But it’s important to make sure that your home is as comfortable of a space as possible. If you’re going to spend a whole lot of time here, you’re going to want to be able to kick back and relax. The good news is that with a little time, effort, and smart financial investment, you can make almost any home a comfortable and enjoyable space to spend time in. Here are a few ideas that you might like to consider:

Invest In a Good Quality Mattress:

Sleep is essential to your health and well being. There’s a good reason that it’s recommended the average adult gets between seven and eight hours’ worth a night. Sleep gives your body a chance to relax and recuperate and can help with memory retention. Sleep deprivation can make you uncomfortable and can make day to day life extremely difficult and drawn out. There are many factors that play into sleep quality, but mattress quality can be one of them. It’s recommended that you change your mattress once every eight years – used mattresses collect dirt and dust and can provide less support after a few years.

Get Air Conditioning:

Air conditioning can make your house a lot more comfortable during the summer months when the temperature rises and becomes stifling. Sure, it’s an investment that not every home has. But it’s a luxury that can really make a difference and will be worth it! Research different units and determine which will be best for your home setting. You may want to consider air conditioning repair if you have an old unit that has been out of use for a while.

Have Plenty of Seating:

If you’re going to accommodate guests from time to time, it’s important to have enough seating for everyone. A sofa is an essential, but you can buy complementary seating too. A chaise lounge or an armchair can make all of the difference rather than having to sit on the floor or stand when others are over. It’s a good idea to try different styles out in store before buying them so that they are up to your comfort level standards.

Improve Air Quality:

If your home is particularly humid, it can quickly get uncomfortable. A good quality dehumidifier can help with this. Air quality can also be improved by having plenty of houseplants around. Just make sure to opt for types that don’t have too much pollen, as this can worsen any existing allergies. And, always check that the plants you choose are safe for any children or pets you may have.

These are just a few steps you can take to make your home more comfortable, since we’re all spending a lot more time in our dwellings amid COVID-19!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr17

Can Interior Style Ever Be Practical? Let’s Find Out!

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Can Interior Style Ever Be Practical? Let’s Find Out!

If you’re an avid fashionista, you’ll know the conundrum of balancing style and practicality all too well. Should you wear a midi dress or baby blue jeans with pockets? Looking good is often achieved by making practical sacrifices. The home is in the same boat. A cool, sleek, black leather corner sofa isn’t very comfortable in the summer or winter. It’s either too hot and sticky or cold and rigid. That leaves it impractical for half the year. ‘Just cover it with a throw’ you might say. Well, that would defeat the purpose of the leather sofa, which is to be seen. It’s a style statement and it would stop being so if you ‘modified’ it. So, the question that begs for a clear answer is, can style ever be practical in the home?

Display versus the dresser:

One of the greatest traditional and modern style statements for any home is the display cabinet. It’s used to display photographs, your expensive china, artistic crystal fruit bowls, trophies of sporting achievement and academic awards. The display cabinet is housed in fine glass doors, so the light in the room entering inside is not impeded in any way. As you can imagine, you’re not going to be placing your everyday household items in such a decor piece. This renders it, practically useless. However, there is a similar alternative; the dresser cabinet.

The dresser cabinet is not like the dresser in your bedroom. It’s not built to just waist-height, indeed it is a large wooden and glass cabinet. The dresser cabinet is used to store your dinner plates, spoons, knives and forks. However, it can also be used to store books, acting as a mini-library. If you get a three-column cabinet, it will be far more dexterous to your needs. Store your tea set, with tray, kettle and cups in the same port. Small plants or flowers may also be placed on the shelves. Fitting a wine rack in the lower levels would be a superb vintage stylistic choice.

Classic Americana:

Some say that America doesn’t really have its own decor style. They’re wrong because the classic America or ‘colonial’ style, is very much still alive. The Patriot window style from Advanced Window Products is a clear example of how chic and debonair window frames can be. It’s a slider style that fits into a strong large square frame. The sliding window adds a double depth layer so you have privacy but practical means of opening the window.

They’re also more energy-efficient as windows are within a thicker frame which does a better job at trapping heat. These types of windows are largely bought in bulk because you need the exterior windows to all match. They have a replacement payment, no payment, and no interest scheme for 24 months and $1,200 off the whole cost if you’re buying 10 or more. The vinyl windows they fit last up to 40 years, so it’s really a long-term investment that should be given serious thought.

Not-so-humble shoe rack:

Do you open your pantry door to fetch your shoes? Some people are of the opinion that hiding your shoes away is polite to guests and that a home that has an open-air for shoes is less hygienic. Both of these views are true but in the end, when deciding on a style, they are subjective. It’s not practical to hide your shoes away because whenever you’re in a rush, you will find your shoes buried under other shoes, coats, and god knows what else. Explore the different possibilities of stylish shoe racks. This humble piece of furniture can be given a truly contemporary feel, and you’ll want to display your shoes more than ever. A pyramid show rack would go well in a geometric art-deco home. A closet shoe rack would be brilliant for a more modern home with sleek lines and smart storage spaces.

Light your mood:

Mood lighting has suddenly jumped in the number of searches made in Google. Purple and pink are often touted as relaxing shades that any home would do well to have. However, you need a table lamp which can be changed to whatever kind of color you want. That’s where something like the Teckin LED table really makes a subtle yet awesome impact. With just a touch of your finger, it can light to the color you want, stopping on the shade you want during its rainbow display.

Use the tips above to add a touch of practical style to your place!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec6

Where To Splurge And Where To Save When Decorating Your Home

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Where To Splurge And Where To Save When Decorating Your Home

Decorating a home from scratch can be really expensive, so it’s worth knowing the best places to save money and where it pays to spend a little more. Maybe you’ve just moved into a new place or perhaps you want to do up your existing home, either way, here are some places to save and where to splurge:

Splurge: Mattress

As humans, we spend a huge portion of our lives in bed. We might not all be lucky enough to get a full eight hours, but even if you’re only getting six that’s still a quarter of your day. A good mattress is essential for good health, it supports your back, hips, and neck. It keeps you comfortable and allows you to get the highest quality of sleep.

However, mattresses are expensive, and it might be tempting to look for a good quality second hand one – but it’s best not to do that if you can. Not only will a used mattress show signs of wear but it could also be hiding bed bugs which you’ll then bring into your home. Exterminators like Bed Bug Inspector recommend that you don’t purchase second hand items that could harbor these pests, as it’s a common way that they get into peoples homes and spread.

Save: Dining table

A solid wooden dining table will last you for a lifetime if you look after it well, and if you look around chances are you’ll find people selling old and antique tables simply because they do stand the test of time. Don’t be put off by old fashioned looks, as long as it’s in good condition you can always upcycle it. Sand down the top, add some new legs, and you could stain it or paint it and really bring it up to date.

Splurge: Dining chairs

Saving on a dining table gives you more money to spend on the chairs, and it’s often worth buying some more luxurious, comfortable dining chairs. Once you’ve upcycled the table you can go about choosing some nice new chairs that suit the overall look. It could be some modern fabric chairs, some cool perspex ghost chairs, an industrial style – whatever it is you’re going for.

Save: Accessories

Accessories make a house a home, but you don’t need to spend a fortune here. Some plants from Ikea, some vases from TJMaxx, some frames from the Dollar Store, and other little accessories from charity stores and boot fares can all come together really nicely.

Splurge: Sofa

A good quality sofa will cost you a fair bit of cash, but it will look great and last you for many years. If you don’t have the funds up front, lots of companies offer finance options allowing you to spread the cost. The best sofas will be made from good quality fabrics and materials so they won’t go saggy and uncomfortable after a couple of years.

When decorating your home, shop smart with the saving tips above so you can have more moolah towards your splurge worthy purchases!