FIND YOUR PERFECT COUCH MATCH!

Sofas and couches may be one of the furniture pieces that one could not miss out on. Just like the previous post, your choice of couch would still depend on your preference and, of course, your lifestyle.

Get your pen and paper and follow this guide before purchasing a couch that will suit you best!

If you want a couch that will give you extra comfort, choose among these:

Lawson – mostly overstuffed with layers of pillow, this couch is perfect for relaxation and even naps!

English rolled arm – another cozy couch that also has big and soft cushions for your comfort if you just want to lounge and watch tv.

English rolled arm sofa

But if you want something that looks more formal but comfortable at the same time, this should help your sofa-hunting:

Tuxedo – the arms and back of this couch are of the same height, so pillows are suggested for added comfort.

And for those who want a classic touch in their homes:

Chesterfield – originally named for a gentleman who wished his suit to not wrinkle while sitting. This is perfect for a man cave if you choose to have leather as upholstery. If you want something more feminine, choose a velvet fabric for that glam look!

Cabriole – this sofa is a classic 18th century furniture. This could also be a statement piece for your home!

There are a lot more sofa choices but these will do for now. Have you decided which couch to get yet? More tips and guides when you subscribe to our mailing list!!

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE & INTO A DREAMY SPACE

If you are in the midst of saving up for a brand-new house and still living in a relatively small studio or apartment, space could be one of your problems. It is time to face that issue and do something about it.

Here are some tips and tricks for those of you who would like to maximize the space in their studio units!

If you are still on the verge of buying your unit, opt for higher ceilings. Higher ceilings make an area feel more spacious. Another way to achieve this is to paint your ceiling a flat white or a creamy white for warmer spaces. Try chantilly lace for a bright, crisp white that can bring in some warmth without that stark white office look.

Chantilly lace by Benjamin Moore

Wall in Chantilly Lace photo by Benjamin Moore

Do you know that daylight also affects your mood? One of the most important things to remember is what God said on the first day, “Let there be light.” As much as possible, never block your windows with furniture. This will allow natural light to come in and make your space look neater and more inviting than it already is. If unavoidable, choose furniture with a lower back rest.

Additionally, opt for a generally lighter color palette for your whole apartment. It lets you feel light and calm despite the small space you have. This does not mean avoiding dark colors though. You can still use darker colors as an accent like the photo below, which gives a nice contrast to all that white.

Photo via Homedit

Go for open plans. This means your living, dining and kitchen can all share a single space with no walls. For a studio unit, this also can mean that your bedroom is open as well. If you have visitors, you can opt to place curtains for some privacy. Another option is to put some shelving which double duties as a divider.

Photo via How You Sleep

Install sliding doors for your bathroom, closet, and cabinets. Sliding doors would not take up too much space as compared to normal swing doors, especially when you open them. If you want a cleaner, more modern look, try pocket doors. These are doors that go "in" the wall for a seamless appearance.

Photo via Cameron Custom Builder

Pocket doors by Direct Doors

Get creative with your storage! You could purchase furniture, such as your couch, bed or coffee table, that could double up as storage for you. Hanging shelves and racks are also preferred to save space. If you have stairs, stair drawers are a popular hack that allows you to keep your things out of sight.

And the favorite of most homeowners, mirrors! Mirrors give the illusion that you have a wider and bigger space at your place as well as reflects light back and thus, will also double up your lighting.

Photo via 100layercake

You never have to worry about limited space anymore, as long as you get creative! More hacks to come when you subscribe to our mailing list! (Link at the bottom of the page).

WHAT'S THE COLOR PALETTE FOR YOUR PALATE?

We all have different preferences and tastes in colors and shades for our home. Especially when it comes to a specific part of the house, like the dining area.

They say that there are certain colors that are perfect for your dining room that will entice your family and your guests to dig in to whatever food that is on the table. But is it really what you want?

If you are the effortlessly elegant type of homeowner, and you want your dining room to reflect that personality, you might want to try a chic color scheme for the place where the feast happens. Some cool toned grays and soft winter blues paired with metallic accessories will do the trick for you. An added bonus is that this actually decreases your appetite so if you're on a diet, shades of blue will do the trick!

Home Design Apps

Design Sponge

But if you are the friendly neighbor that wants to invite everybody for a weekend brunch, you could consider warm tone colors such as lemon yellow and burnt orange. A little vanilla for your trims would not hurt to complement the whole look.

Meanwhile, if you are the fun and youthful stay-at-home spouse who always likes a company or two while eating, bright colors are your best friend. A touch of patterns is also okay, as if it screams, “Come, eat!” Ground the room with a neutral snowy white finish on the walls to keep the focus on your brights and patterns. 

Colorful dining by House of Turquoise

And for those who like to keep it simple and casual, cotton whites and soft beiges would be perfect for you. Just add a few pops of baby pink and your Sunday family lunch is good to go!

Better Homes & Gardens

Which one are you? Invite guests over for lunch now at your house! More if you subscribe to our mailing list!!

INTERIOR DESIGNER TO THE RESCUE

As the saying goes, “nobody’s perfect” even when it comes to your car and your house. One day they will look near-perfect, but we can never avoid the moments where we encounter problems and issues with them.

There are technicalities about home design that you think would not need the help of someone, but this will only worsen your problem in the long run.

These problems that we may come across include lighting issues, wood and paint quality, and even down to your fabric choices and flooring.

You might choose to have the most expensive lamps, chandelier, and other lighting equipment, but are they the perfect light source for your room? Different moods and different tasks require a specific type of light. For every style, there are also several options. You may like a certain pendant lamp but you need to make sure it fits the style of your room. Otherwise, it will look chaotic! 

Another thing to keep an eye on is the paint you will use. There are a wide range of finishes and colors to choose from, but not all will be the perfect one for your walls.  One particular part of your house may require a certain type of paint, and the other may need a different finish of paint. It still demands a suggestion or two from professionals.

Wrong installation of tiles leads to cracking.

You may think that a simple flooring or a tile pattern of your choice will do its job for your entire house, but the overall appearance of your house is dependent on your type of flooring. Do not take your floors for granted! The type of flooring material is also important. If you're not sure, consult a designer for the best option. It is always preferred to have a professional opinion to make sure you don't have purchase regrets.

Fabric choice is not simply a matter of choosing the right color or the right pattern. It also means studying the type of fabric and its suitability to the place you intend to use it for. Not all fabric types are the same.

To avoid these possible problems (and more), an interior designer is going to be of help here for you.  Check this post for more information. Subscribe to our mailing list for more tips!

KID-PROOF YOUR LIVING ROOM WITH THIS EASY GUIDE!

With all the energy and at times, the tantrums, it takes hard work not only to keep up with your toddlers but also to keep them safe in your home. Another thing to consider is how your style would match and correspond to the needs of a toddler-friendly house, specifically your living room.

It should not be rocket science really. It will only require you a little bit of creativity and you are good to go!

When spending time in the family room, like watching movies, and you want to keep your little tykes busy and quiet, keep a pack or a mini box of colorful art supplies for them to work with. These could be placed on a toddler-friendly coffee table as well, which could be an ottoman, or even on your reading nook by the window. Remember to supervise though!

Your couch could be customized, in a dark color or patterned fabric. This is to avoid appalling appearances of spills and stains. Couches that could use a slipcover are good choices, too. Other fabric choices that are easy to clean is ultra suede, outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella. Check out your local fabric store for these. They can guide you to find the correct fabric. Any spills should still be cleaned immediately to prevent further staining.

Now when it comes to flooring, make use of a patterned rug to hide potential stains. This will also protect your running and highly energized toddlers from slipping and hitting their heads hard on the floor. Do use a carpet pad to avoid any slips.

Needless to say, remove all breakables and set them on a higher shelf. Make sure your furniture has round edges. No glass please. Even though it may be tempered, we wouldn't want any accidents for your children. Be careful as well with your window shade cords. Tie them up higher to avoid any accidents. Lastly, remember to cover all unused outlets. 

Kids will always be kids. Sometimes, no matter how childproof we make our homes, they still manage to do something we never thought they could! My kid drank a shampoo bottle so fast it just took milliseconds! We called the hospital and good thing, all the ingredients were harmless. Nevertheless, let us be watchful but hopefully, try not to be a nervous wreck. What matters most is that you spend time and have fun with your family!

Got no time to prepare your child's room? Click on the image below and hire a professional.

ARE THRIFT SHOPS A GOOD IDEA?

We all have different preferences, especially in terms of where we buy our things. But when it comes to furniture, which is one of the vital elements in furnishing our house, does it matter if it’s expensive or brand new?

Your furniture is also your investment, but if you’re one of those people who would not mind getting their things, i.e. furniture, from a thrift shop and loves vintage, then read along. We have a few reminders when you decide to hit the thrift shops and buy yourself a couch, table, or other types of furniture for your home.

To start with, identify your style first. Have a vision in mind about how you would like your space to look like. Then, have a list of your measurements and determine your budget in order to narrow down your choices when you finally go thrift shopping.

Next, be meticulous. Just because you’re thrift shopping, it doesn’t mean you have to be too lenient and neglect all the necessary details. Make sure that tables and other wooden furniture only have minimal scratches and if you’re purchasing things with cushions, i.e. couch, check if there are foul odors or stains.

And lastly, examine if they are sturdy and still perfect for use. For chairs and sofas, test it out and sit on it. Does it sag? Check mechanisms by opening drawers, cabinet doors. Inspect joints. Are they wobbly? Look at the underside to see the construction. You'll find out if these are solidly made, in need of some repair or totally not worth it.

All in all, thrift shops are indeed a good idea for when you buy your furniture, especially if you’re on a tighter budget and if you’re a big fan of thrift shops. However, you still have to be keen & careful, and always remember to check the sturdiness of the pieces you want to purchase.

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