:: 3 Easy Tips To A Kid Friendly Living Room ::

Tuesday Tips

Children play a large part when it comes to home design. Designing for the kids is completely different than designing for an empty nest, especially when it comes to younger kids. The way you shop for furniture and accessories will be and is completely different. That’s why we have 3 easy tips for you on how to design a kid friendly living room! We want to get you started on the right foot. Hopefully we can get you thinking about a few key design points when it comes to decorating with kids in mind.

1. Upholstery that can take a beating.

The sofa and the chairs are going into battle. It’s furniture versus children and the kids have the upper hand. The upholstery will be jumped on, spilled on and dirtied up. Invest in materials that can stand the abuse and can be easily cleaned. If you can only get one, choose the latter of the two. One choice to consider is leather. Leather can stand up to the abuse and can be cleaned fairly easy. Leather isn’t your style? Start looking into slipcovers – now. They will become your best friends when the messes come. Just pull them off and wash them, Life can be that easy sometimes.

2. Pick out a strong coffee table.

This is a must! You NEED a coffee table that will last. This is going to be a crucial piece in the living room. The kids will use it for many things and you’ll be extremely thankful you picked out a good, sturdy coffee table. It will be used as a place to eat, a place to play, a place for crafts and many other activities. Do it right the first time and get a solid, reliable coffee table.

3. Choose a wipe worthy paint.

Not all paint is created equal. You find this out when you have kids. Some how, some way, it all ends up on the walls. Researchers still have no idea how this happens and will forever be a mystery. It’s truly inevitable which means you need to cover the walls with paint that can stand a deep cleaning. Look into paint that can hold up with a thorough wipe down and won’t fade after one clean. It also doesn’t hurt to keep a little extra touch up paint handy, but let’s hope it never gets to that point.

:: Coastal Kitchens – Metal Adjustable Stools ::

Tuesday Tips

Do you get excited when you walk into your kitchen? If you don’t, we think we may have a solution to your problem. Take a look at metal, adjustable bar stools. These bar stools are perfect for the kitchen island or bar. They have a great look that adds more texture, style and seating options to the kitchen space.

These stool are often seen with a round wood top and metal base, but you can find all metal ones if you’re going for that look instead. The fact that the stool is adjustable also adds a huge perk to its design. This ability allows you to get the perfect height for your island or bar which can really make or break a stool. Not the right height? No problem, adjust until it is!

Browse these photos we’ve added to this post and get a feel for what we’re talking about! See how these designers have used metal adjustable stools in the kitchen and get inspired!

:: Coastal Home Decor In The Bathroom ::

Tuesday Tips

The bathroom is an easy place to overlook and a great place to decorate. It’s easy because you can decorate it by simply hanging a picture or you can go all out and gut the space to install your dream bathroom. The sky is the limit! Well, actually, the space is the limit. You are very limited in what you can practically do in a bathroom, but that’s a plus!

The small space instantly changes the rules of the game. Because most bathrooms are small (we say most because not all bathrooms are created equal), it means creativity and clever design are key. You need to determine function over fashion, meaning do you want it to look good or do you want it to be a useful bathroom?

Most people want a functional bathroom for obviously reasons, but a guest bathroom gives you more options to play with. The guest bathroom gives you and your guests a place to take care of business and get out. We aren’t lounging in the tub or enjoying the walk in shower with a rain drop shower head – we’re in and we’re out. That means you can install a floating, reclaimed wood sink that has the minimal necessities to wash up and move on.

A large, spacious master bathroom gives you all the options you can ever think of and all the options your contractor can charge you for as well. We’ll let your imaginations take this one, it shouldn’t be that hard. In case you are lacking inspiration, we have a couple images of bathrooms we’re enjoying. We have picked out bathrooms that range from simple to dream bathroom to help you realize you’re missing out on a great design opportunity if you’re not decorating your bathroom.

:: Go With Gingham In Your Home! ::

Tuesday Tips

Are you getting enough summer? Are the sun filled beach days and warm nights enough? If not, you should try decorating with gingham! This pattern is the perfect summer pattern! When you see gingham you can help but think of a picnics and the great outdoors. This is why it should be in your home for summer! Get those instant outdoor picnic feels and enjoy your summer inside and outside your home!

Not sure what you should replace with your new found gingham print? Well the secret with gingham print/gingham check, and it’s bigger sibling parttern buffalo checks, is a little goes a long way. It’s easy to go overboard with gingham. So like some things, less is more. Keep that in mind and have fun decorating your way through summer!

:: Use Materials That Last In Your Coastal Home ::

Tuesday Tips

Living on the coast can really do a number on your home. That means it’s a must that you invest in the right materials that can take on the coastal weather. If you don’t, things will fall apart and end of costing you a lot more in the long run. Invest in materials that are built to last. What materials might those be? Scroll down and take a look!

1. Metals.

Metals will take on any weather and be left standing, ready for more. Metals, especially steel, will out last every other material you have in or around your house. It will probably still be there after we’re gone too. It’s built tough and built to last. Toss it up on you the roof and let it take the constant coastal weather beating or grab some metal furniture and accessories for the outdoors. Metal goods even work indoors as well and can give the space a nice rustic feel too!

2. Reclaimed Wood.

Reclaimed wood has already seen it’s fair share of weather. It’s proven that it can last so when you use this material in your home you can rest assured that it’s not going to be changing too much. Since it is reclaimed it’s going to be a bit on the pricier side, but the extra money is worth the look and the reassurance of knowing you have a lasting material.

3. Natural Stone Tile.

Tile was created to make our lives easier, give our homes a fantastic look and to last forever. The only way you’re getting rid of your tile is if you tear it out with your own hands. Tile can take a beating from us humans and from any weather Mother Nature can throw at it. If it gets a little wet no problem! A quick mop up or a sunny day and the water’s gone. Plus tile keeps the house cool and we love that during the summer which is okay with us!

:: Get Coastal in Red, White & Blue ::

Tuesday Tips

Come this 4th of July, decorate your home with style! There’s no need to go to the party supply store to grab anything and everything red, white or blue and plastered with little American Flags, because this year you are going to accessorize your home with the perfect touch of independence.

We’re talking about decorating with red, white and blue accessories and flowers throughout the home. These little pops of color will act like fireworks on the Fourth of July! Plus you can use them again next year or even throughout the year instead of throwing everything out and buying everything over again next year. And don’t forget the pièce de résistance, that good ‘ol star spangled banner – the American Flag. This is one piece that can fly year-round and will always look good. Don’t be afraid to love your country and be patriotic!

Enjoy yourself this 4th of July! Stay cool, use plenty of sun screen and enjoy the fireworks! Happy 4th of July!

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:: Easy Ways To Decorating Your Living Room ::

Tuesday Tips

Decorating a living room can be a stressful project to take on. You start the project with high hopes and a dream of new beginning in your living room. Well, once you get started you find out quick that this is never the case. So why not give yourself a head start and plan it right? We’ve got 3 easy steps on how to decorate your living room. This will help you on your decorating journey and make the process go a lot smoother. Alright, let’s get into it!

1. Work It or Toss It.

First thing you need to do is find out what’s staying and what’s going. Are you completely redoing the whole living room or are you keeping certain pieces? Take a look at what you want to keep in the space and how you’re going to use it. Does it need to be a repainted? Reupholstered? Moved? Find out what you want to keep and what will work with your new decor idea. If you it’s old, broken, no longer needed or doesn’t fit in the new decor style then get rid of it.

2. Decide On Your Colors.

Next it’s all about the colors. Deciding what color palette you want to use is a huge part of the decorating battle. Once you’ve picked your colors it’s all downhill from that point on. Actually picking your colors can be a difficult process if you have no idea what you want. Try looking at other spaces to find color palette inspiration or head down to your local hardware store and grab some swatches to play around with. Just be certain on what colors you want because no one wants to repaint a freshly painted wall right after you change your mind.

3. Add Your Style.

This is the most important part of the process. Don’t forget to add your personal style to the space. Try not to get caught up in what other designers or friends are doing. Don’t get us wrong, definitely use other’s design ideas for inspiration, but do it in your own way. The best part of adding your style is that it is constantly and always evolving and changing. There’s no time limit on your design process so it’s okay to take your time and really figure out what you want to add to the space. Maybe you want to go minimal and modern coastal or nautical with your living room. Find out what you want and then let the decorating begin!

:: Mediterranean Coastal Home Decor ::

Tuesday Tips

The Mediterranean coastal style has been around longer than most of us ever had a home to decorate. The Mediterranean style has grown into a style that has been adopted by many people in many different countries. This style really gained some attention when coastal Spanish and Italian towns became the envy of everyone’s travel and summer adventures. Can you blame anyone though? The Mediterranean style is beautiful and has many unique features that makes us envious.

One very noticeable feature of the Mediterranean style is the architectural elements. This style is easy to spot, not only by location, but typically have two prominent traits. First, the style uses very recognizable arches in the design. An arch will almost always be found in this style. If there isn’t an arch, there is definitely going to be some sort of curve, or multiple curving elements, found in the architecture as well. Whether it be stairs or the way the room is shaped, there will be curves. The second trait is that style uses clean, eye grabbing lines. These homes will lure you in with curves and then hit you with a hard architectural feature that grabs your attention. The effortless features will give you something to drool over.

Another architectural element that comes into play in this style is the use of built-in furniture and storage. This design feature helps create space and gives the home a unique look. A common built-in sofa feature is typically used outdoors, however, using them indoors is not uncommon either. They are topped with a pillows and seat cushions which make them ready for you to have a comfortable seat!

We hope you like to sit low because Mediterranean furniture tends to be low. The furniture is low, built strong and very sturdy. We tried to find out why it’s low, but came up short. We think, and we’re obviously right, it’s low because people who design their home in this style like to relax – a lot! I mean can you think what better way to do that? Get so low you’re basically laying down!

The colors used in this style are bright and fun. This can be seen from the decor throughout the home. It also shows in the mosaic tile work that appears in this design style. The tile work in Mediterranean homes is absolutely stunning. Some of our favorites appear on stairs and look amazing! This kind of tile work boosts the color in the home and adds flare to the space. The base colors in the Mediterranean style are usually neutral like a white or cream hue. This allows the bright colors and decor to really pop throughout the home which gives the designer plenty of fun options to play with.

Now do yourself a favor and gawk over some of these beautiful homes! Imagine relaxing and sun bathing during the summer in one of these amazing spaces. We know we are!

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:: Summer Colors ::

Tuesday Tips

It’s officially time to bring out those summer colors! Summer is all about color and you can easily bring color into your home! When we think of summer we think of the beach, being outside and of course the sun. How do we bring these colors into our homes? It’s easy!

Decorate with plenty of blues, greens and yellows! That’s not to say that you can’t use other colors if you want though, we all imagine summer in different colors.Want to throw some pinks or purples in the mix? Go for it!

Check out these beautiful spaces and use them as inspiration to get your home looking like summer!

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:: 3 Tips To Get Your Home Ready For Summer ::

Tuesday Tips

Everyone’s favorite season is rapidly approaching. The sun is shining, the beach is starting to beg you to come play and the birds are chirping away trying to convince you to go outside. As much as your body and mind might be ready for summer, is your home? If you’re not sure, then use these 3 tips to help your home in the direction of summer!

1. Dust off, clean up or replace the outdoor furniture. 

If we plan on getting that beautiful, golden tan or hosting a BBQ (or two or three) this summer, we’re going to need the furniture to lend us a helping hand. Take a quick look at your outdoor furniture. How’s it looking? Do you need new cushions? Does it need to be cleaned? Or is it time to ditch it for some new furniture?

2. Bring out the marshmallows.

Get that fireplace ready for those gooey, delicious s’mores! It’s not summer unless you’re ending your nights around the fire and roasting your marshmallows for the classic summer time treat. No place to roast those marshmallows? No problem! It’s time you get that fire pit and set it up. These are easy to shop for and there’s no need to build one or lay brick!

3. Let it flow

It’s time to let the air flow through your home! Open those windows wide and let the summer breeze fill your home! This lets you keep your home cool and gives those indoor plants a little fresh air as well!

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