How to Design a Gorgeous Guest Room

19 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, Guest Posts, Janet Majors, The Home

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casters, cleaning, decorating, design, furniture, guest room, home, interior design, Storage, vacation retreat

Despite the countless decisions that must be made, most people greatly enjoy decorating their own homes. Its the opportunity to truly express one’s tastes in terms of colors, arrangement, texture, lighting, and much more. Its a chance to create spaces of relaxation and comfort that are truly unique. Unfortunately, one room that often gets overlooked when it comes to decorating is the guest room. Too often guest rooms are either completely bland and reminiscent of economy hotel rooms {see below} or a collection of mismatched furniture that feels more like a storage facility than anything else. However, it isn’t all that difficult to create a gorgeous guest room. Here are some decorating tips.

How to Design a Gorgeous Guest Room

Create a vacation retreat.
Whether a relative is coming to town for a wedding or your best friend is spending his or her actual vacation with you, make your guest room feel like a luxurious hotel room. To do so break out the “good” linens. Since your guest probably won’t be staying more than a week, don’t be afraid to use fabrics that you would typically avoid because they may stain or are fragile. For instance, a thick white down comforter will create a crisp, clean, and comfortable sleeping space.

Photo Credit: Avondale Custom Homes

Anticipate the guest’s needs
Decorating isn’t all about appearance. Its also about creating a comfortable, welcoming space. In order to make your guests feel comfortable, anticipate their needs. For instance, someone traveling may be experiencing jet lag or simply want to sleep in, so make sure your guest room has drapes that are up to the task of fully blocking out the sun. In addition, remember that your guest probably won’t need a ton of storage space (since they probably won’t be there long) but they will need surfaces on which to set toiletries (if there isn’t a dedicated bathroom), a cell phone, reading material, laptop, etc. Consider getting nested bedside tables with casters on them. That way, if your guest needs extra space he or she can pull out another table. When no one is staying with you, the tables with neatly stack up. If you can’t find tables with casters already on them, adding casters is a super simple task. Here’s a guide to picking casters based on needs and floor type.

Photo Credit: Stage Tecture

Photo Credit: Svajoniu

Don’t be afraid of expressing yourself
The truth is, this is a guest room – not a bedroom. Meaning, that the person using the room is simply visiting and not living there. The room is still a part of your house. That means that you should not be afraid to use colors and textures you find pleasing. If you want the space to be neutral, you can still use throw pillows, accessories such as vases or books, or a chair to add pops of color and texture.

Photo Credit: About.com

Remember, less is more
Don’t over decorate or clutter up your guest room. Your guest will need a minimal amount of furniture during their stay and will not want to feel overwhelmed with trinkets or bric-a-brac. Go for a bed with a light and heavy blanket (to meet your guest’s temperature needs), nesting tables, a small dresser, hangers in the closet, a lamp, a chair, and a few accessories. Always keep in mind that this is not a storage space! The goal here is to make the room feel clean and simple – not barren. As mentioned above, use color, different textures, and luxurious items to make the space feel welcoming rather than cold.

Photo Credit: MSN Living

Keep it clean
Often times, guest rooms sit forgotten and closed up until the days right before a guest arrives. Things will be much easier on you if you keep the room aired out and clean it regularly. If you keep the room sparsely decorated (as mentioned above) cleaning will take no time at all.

Photo Credit: Babycenter.com

Make the clearance bin you friend
If you’re on a tight budget, remember that there’s nothing wrong with scoring a deal. Shop seasonal sales or browse the clearance bin for sheet sets, accessories, and even furniture for the space.

Don’t forget your guest room
Whether you have guests regularly or infrequently, put some thought into how the room is decorated. Its your home so always bow to your preferences and taste. Don’t create a space that feels more like an airport hotel room than a welcoming oasis.

Photo Credit: Decorator Showcase

Written by Janet Majors

Designing Your Great Outdoors

03 Monday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Guest Posts, Janet Majors, The Great Outdoors

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awning, budget, colors, design, fabrics, gazebo, landscaping, natural sound barrier, outdoor space, outdoors, patio, seating, space, trellis, umbrella, water feature

Whether you live in a house, condo, or an apartment, you probably have some outdoor space. From a lush but boring lawn to a barren balcony, you probably have something. However, knowing how to spruce up that space can be challenging. Especially if you’re limited in terms of actual square footage or money. Here are some tips:

Come up with a plan.
Whenever you simply begin throwing paint around or purchasing furniture and accessories without any thing more than a vague vision in your mind, you run the risk of ending up with a space that embodies the term hodge-podge. This goes for an indoor and an outdoor space. Before you get down to the nitty gritty, take some time to think it through. Come up with a clear image of what you want the space to look like. Do some research into materials, prices, and the like. Having a plan will ensure you get the gorgeous outdoor area you deserve.

When you’re planning, consider what you want to get out of the space.
Do you want your outdoor space to be an area for partying the night away or an outdoor retreat for relaxation? Knowing what you want to get out of the space will help you design it properly. For example, if you want to relax rich, comfortable fabrics and materials will be ideal while if you want to entertain you’ll want to make sure to have plenty of seating.

Photo Credit: Amy Kimball Events

Take into account the elements.
When planning your outdoor space you’ll want to think about how much sun, wind, and water the area is regularly exposed to. If you get a lot of sun you’ll want to make sure all the materials are fade resistant so your space won’t look dull after just a season or two. In addition, you’ll want to find ways to work in shade such as an umbrella, gazebo, awning, or trellis. If you live a rainy area you want to make sure all of the materials you use are mold, mildew, and rust resistant and possibly consider screening in part or all of the space to make it more usable. If you have your fair share of wind you’ll want to make sure your accessories and furniture are weighted down. For example, get cushions that actually tie to the chairs to keep them from blowing around.

Think about the neighborhood.
Another important element to consider when designing your outdoor space is the noise level. Do you live next to a busy road? Do you have noisy neighbors? If noise is a concern there are a couple of things you can do. One, use landscaping to act as a natural sound barrier – trees are great for this. Two, install a water feature because the sound of running water will act as white noise and drown out other (less pleasant) sounds.

Photo Credit: Rocky Mountain Rock and Trucking

Don’t be afraid to get creative.
Your outdoor space is an extension of your indoor space and should express your personal tastes. Use colors and textures that you enjoy. Outdoor materials including furniture and area rugs come in a wide variety of patterns and colors. If you can’t find the exact shade your looking for, many materials (ex. wicker) can be painted or spray painted.

Photo Credit: Houzz

Getting creative is especially important if you’re working on a limited budget, with a small space, or with a rented space. For example, if you rent, you may not have electrical outlets in your outdoor space and because you rent, you may not be permitted to add them. Luckily, there are a variety of lighting fixtures and options that run on batteries alone.

If you are dealing with a small space, you’ll want to get furniture that serves multiple purposes such as an ottoman that can serve as an extra seat or with a lid that flips over to make a coffee table. Furniture pieces with casters are great too because they allow you to move things around to fit different purposes. Casters come in all different styles and colors so don’t worry about them looking too industrial or utilitarian; here are some great caster options. All in all, just remember that when you run into an obstacle, don’t give up – just think outside the box.

Photo Credit: Decoration Trend

Put natural features to good use.
Before you start constructing your outdoor space, take a good look at the natural features the space offers. Sometimes brining in a second (or even third) pair of eyes can help you spot things you’ve overlooked or grown accustomed to. For instance, a hill or raised area can be an excellent place for seating or a gazebo because it offers a good view of the rest of the space. A tree can serve as natural shade or an extended tree branch can be used to hang a chandelier from.

Photo Credit: House Beautiful

Keep your budget in mind.
Know what your budget is from the beginning. There are things you can do to keep your costs down. For example, buy patio furniture in the off season when stores are offering great clearance deals. In addition, you can do some landscaping (ex. mowing the lawn) yourself. Another idea is to build your outdoor space in stages rather than doing it all in once. For instance, maybe the first season you do some major landscaping, the next you purchase one or two pieces of furniture, and the third season you purchase a few more items.

Written by Janet Majors

Guest Post: A Sofa Story

26 Friday Apr 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, Guest Posts, Janet Majors, Shopping, The Home

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fabric, furniture, interior design, long term investment, second hand furniture, shopping, sofa

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, a brave band of heroes set out on a grand quest. They were searching for a fabled treasure. They knew the journey would be wrought with peril but they also knew it was essential. What were they looking for? The perfect sofa.

Okay, you may think that the above paragraph is a little silly, but if you’ve ever hunted for a sofa, you know it can feel like something out of a J.R.R. Tolkien novel. The search is difficult, time consuming, and may take you far from home. Furthermore, sometimes, the ending isn’t entirely happy. All of this is especially true if you’re on a tight budget.

When you’re sofa shopping, it doesn’t take long to realize that something is amiss. More specifically, the price tag. Sofas seem to be expensive. There isn’t a great answer to this dilemma other than supply and demand (nearly everyone wants a sofa) and the fact that it’s supposed to be a long term investment (lasting anywhere from 6 to 10 years). Here are some things to consider when shopping for a sofa to ensure you get a quality product.

Beware the cheap!
In many, many cases bargains should be your BFF; however, on the sofa search, keep deals at arm’s length. You really want to consider quality when shopping for a sofa because you’re probably going to be spending a lot of time there. Think of everything you do on the sofa – you want to be comfortable right? A cheap sofa may start to break down in a short amount of time sending you on sofa search round 2.

On that same note, be leery of second hand sofas. Like bargains, typically, second hand furniture is a huge pro. It can allow you to get something high end for a low price. Unfortunately, the U.S. has seen a resurgence of bed bugs in the past few years, and sofas can become infested. If you really want a second hand sofa or if that is your only choice do some online research on to how to inspect a sofa for bed bugs.

Take it for a test drive.
A lot of people are nervous when in a furniture showroom. They’re afraid of sales people descending on them, of going over budget, of getting the wrong item, or of wasting a salespersons’ time. Don’t be. Know what your budget is before hand. Know what style and/or color you’re looking for. When you find a sofa that fits those two categories, park yourself there for a while. Sit on that sofa for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t let the salespeople pressure you. Be honest with yourself about how comfortable (or uncomfortable) the sofa is.

Photo Credit: Atlanta Home Improvement

While you’re sitting there, listen to the sofa – do you hear any squeaking? The sofa should be quiet. Also, take a good look at the sofa. What do the legs look like? Are they attached, screwed in, have casters, etc.? Casters are becoming more common as people live in smaller spaces. This doesn’t necessarily mean the sofa is of low quality (answers to the questions in the next section will help you determine quality). However, if a sofa is on casters, make sure they are compatible with your floor. Check out this brief article on choosing the right casters for furniture and floor types.

Photo Credit: Afro Chic – sofa with casters

If you find a sofa you feel comfortable with make sure to measure it. Showrooms are often HUGE and can make a couch feel much smaller than it really is.

Play 20 questions.
Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, ask the salesperson a bunch of questions such as:

What is the frame made out?
How is the frame held together?
What spring system is used? The eight way hand tying spring system is best because each spring is tied to the surrounding springs and the couch’s frame.
What are the cushions filled with? The most common filling is polyurethane – make sure you’re getting a high density as it will be firmer and should hold up longer.
Is there a warranty?
What brand of sofa is it?

Make an appearance.
While the inside of a sofa is obviously very important, the fabric is also critical. When selecting a fabric/upholstery, you’ll want to think about who will be using the sofa and how often. If you have pets or children and the sofa will be in a high traffic area you’ll want to avoid delicate fabrics and colors (ex. white) because they’ll be stained or snagged before the delivery guy even leaves. For high traffic sofas used by children and/or pets, consider something like microfiber.

Photo Credit: Furniture Visit – microfiber sofa

When it comes to looks, remember that a sofa is meant to be a long term investment. You don’t want to pick a color or style that will be outdated before the next year rolls around. With that in mind, avoid prints and patterns (check Club Furniture for more tips). These tend to go out of style fast. It’s generally a good idea to stick to neutral colors like beige, almond, and tan.

Photo Credit: Houzz

If you’re groaning at the thought of “bland” furniture, don’t worry. You can always dress it up with pops of color. Use throw pillows, a throw over the back of the sofa, or a slip cover to alter the color. Depending on your style, you can pick up cheap and colorful ottomans, end tables, and coffee tables at places like Ikea and Target. The great thing about using accessories to bring fun shades to your sofa is that they can easily be swapped out as your taste and style changes. Orange today, green tomorrow.

Photo Credit: A Lifestyle Thing

As you embark on your quest for that simply stunning sofa, be brave. Know that cheap isn’t always best. Look for quality. In addition, don’t go for that “now” style and color. You’ll probably be living with this sofa for the next decade – make sure its at least bearable. Follow these tips and you and your sofa will live happily ever after.

Written by Janet Majors

Eclectic Not Hectic

26 Tuesday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Guest Posts, Janet Majors, The Home

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bohemian style, boho, color, decorating, diy, eclectic, home, interior design, mix and match, pops of color, style

When you’re moving into your first place you’re likely to end up with a hodgepodge blend of furniture. A couch from your parents’ basement. A dining room table and chairs from grandma’s attic. A – well, you get the idea. The same thing tends to happen when you’re furnishing and decorating a home on a budget. A desk from your neighbor’s yard sale. Throw pillows from the clearance bin at Target. So on and so forth.

The end result has the potential for greatness in the form of a truly unique space wrought with personal style. However, the end result also has the potential to leave your home looking like a cluttered thrift store. The question then becomes how to keep eclectic home furnishings and decor from looking hectic and thrown together. Here are some options:

Start with a base coat
Try to pick one color that will serve as a unifying shade in the space. For example, white is often a good choice because pretty much everything goes with it, and if you’re moving into an apartment there’s a good chance the walls will be white or some shade of off-white. Get many items in your base coat color and let other items that you can’t control the appearance of (ex. your Aunt Anita’s love seat) act as pops of color in the space.

Photo Credit: i Space Design

Photo Credit: Houzz

Photo Credit: Coolitdoc

Clear out clutter
Try being a minimalist to downplay how eclectic your belongings are. Allow the natural features of the space such as large windows, rich wood floors, or exposed brick to act as accessories to your furnishings.

Photo Credit: Homie Nice

Photo Credit: 4 Design Home

Force a match
If you’re truly concerned about your furniture being diverse consider altering it to match. For example, you can buy slipcovers for couches and love seats online without racking up a huge bill. In addition, you can paint and refinish many pieces of furniture including dressers, tables, entertainment centers, picture frames, and bookcases to make them look more alike.

Add a pinch of mix and match
In your eclectic space, try sprinkling in elements that match one another. For instance, throw pillows and picture frames that are the same color. You could also try a throw rug and a throw (blanket) draped across the back of a chair that match. These elements, here and there, that do match can help tie the rest of your decor together or at least make the rest of your decor not seem so obviously miss-matched.

Photo Credit: Elle Decor

Photo Credit: Houzz

A square peg in a round hole
Don’t worry about making sure every aspect of your furniture match. For instance, if you’ve managed to secure furniture in similar shades don’t worry about the shapes being different and vice versa.

Photo Credit: My Deco

Photo Credit: Home Bunch

Find a peace keeper
If the pieces in your home have colors that traditionally conflict with one another find a piece that can unify them. For example, if you have a green sofa and a wicker chair with orange striped cushions look for accessories that can unite those two pieces such as throw pillows, wall art, or a rug that have both green and orange.

Photo Credit: Home Design Lover

Photo Credit: Olive and A

Embrace the eclectic
Having a truly eclectic space isn’t bad. It’s bohemian. Don’t be afraid (or embarrassed) to simply embrace a space full of eclectic furnishings and decor. Mix-matched items can make a space feel relaxed and casual. They can say, “hey, a free spirit and mellow personality lives here.” There’s nothing wrong with that.

Photo Credit: Lonna de Anna

Photo Credit: Little Blue Deer

At some point or another in life, most of us are going to be living in a space with eclectic furnishings and decor. There are certainly things that can be done to help tie pieces together and make the space feel more planned out. However, on the other hand, there’s nothing wrong with embracing the randomness. The bottom line is to go for furnishings and decor that you love, things that truly speak to you. If you do that, your space will never feel hectic and thrown together – it’ll always feel like home.

{Written by Janet Majors}