Protect the Walls:

Hanging pictures requires putting a hole in your wall.  These holes can cause problems if you ever decide to take the picture down and use the space for another purpose.  While there are solutions for fixing holes, wouldn’t it be best to avoid the scenario.  Leaning artwork offers one huge advantage in not requiring a hole in your walls.

Flexibility:

Hanging a piece of art appears to be very simple.  However, would you want to hang a picture only to be displayed for two days?  More than likely, you would prefer hanging pictures that are bit more permanent.  Leaning artwork is also very convenient for sampling a new piece of art.  There are times art is placed in a home to get a feel for how it flows with the current décor.  Leaning artwork provides flexibility as it can easily be added to the décor of a space by placing it against the wall in the room.  Should you decide the piece does not agree with your décor, simple remove it.  No tools or extra effort required.

Creative Ideas for Leaning Art

One of the most creative displays of leaning artwork consisted of multiple layers.  Leaning art against the wall allows for the use of multiple pieces.  If this look is desired, lean a larger piece of art behind smaller pieces for maximum visibility.

Another creative use for leaning art displays is using very large art in a manner that gives an “illusion” of sorts.  For example, oversized artwork can be leaned against a wall and give the illusion of an additional piece of furniture. 

If you are looking for a creative and modern option for displaying your artwork, consider leaning your art versus hanging.  There are many advantages to decorating with leaning artwork.  What are some other ideas for leaning art you have seen?

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Advantages of a Curbless Shower:

Aside from the aesthetics, there are several advantages to installing a curbless shower in your bathroom.  The advantages include:

• Increased Safety
• Reduced the Risk of Slips and Falls
• Wheelchair Accessibility
• Best Use of Space
• Seamless Transition from Floor to Shower

While creating a beautiful bathroom is a great thing, it is an even better thing when it is a beautiful SAFE bathroom.  If safety is not as big of an issue, this feature does not have to play a large role in the design of your shower.

Installing a Curbless Shower:

If you are wondering how extensive the installation of a curbless shower project can be, we have gathered a few ideas for your convenience.  Check out the steps to installing this style shower in your bathroom:

• A section of the floor is lowered slightly.  This encourages the water to flow to the drain.
• Next, a recessed subfloor is installed.
• A waterproof membrane is installed next.
•  Next, the concrete shower walls are installed.
• Finally, any tile that is used is installed.

These directions are very high level.  If you are interested in learning more about the installation process, check out this article on the Curbless Shower Process.

Check out some of our favorite curbless shower designs:

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One huge factor when decorating any space is balance.  In order to acheive balance in a room, decorators often combine various pieces of furniture, such as loveseats and chairs.  Most sectionals are in a “L” shape.  Many designers would place a chair in the vacant corner across from the sofa.  This would create a more balanced layout.

Space is also a huge factor when shopping for furniture.  While furniture usually serves as the focal point, it should not block free movement in the living room.  If using a sectional in a smaller living room space, consider small sectional sofas.  As with other types of furniture, these sofas are available in a variety of sizes and designs.  Another option for a small living room is breaking up the sofa.  It is not uncommon to split the sectional and two in an effort to frame a smaller layout.

Finally, when shopping for sectional sofas, consider how you plan to use your living room.  If the living room will be used to watch movies or television, the sofa will need to be placed where the television can be seen.  Homeowners that plan to entertain guests should select a sectional sofa that has ample seating for guests.

Having a smaller living room does not eliminate a sectional sofa as a seating option.  With careful planning, it is possible to use a sectional sofa in just about any size living room.  What are some of your ideas for using sectional sofas in smaller living rooms?

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Have you ever considered decorating your living room without a sofa? Although most homes are decorated with a sofa, there is no “requirement” that every home has a sofa.  If your space is limited in your living room, consider decorating your space with chairs, benches and perhaps a love seat.

If concerned about your guests, most guests opt for a chair or chaise instead of a sofa when visiting.  Sitting on a sofa with others is not as comfortable as chair seating and the later also encourages more personal space.

When decorating a living room without a sofa, select one piece of furniture to serve as the focal point.  Many times, the sofa table or coffee table can be used as a focal point.  Center all other living room seating around the table to create a stylish ad functional living room.

Still having a difficult time imagining a living room without a sofa?  Check out a few inspirational images below:

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Headboard

The bed is one of the largest pieces of furniture in a bedroom. As a result, the bed often serves as the focal point in the bedroom. Selecting a certain style bed can play a huge role on the bedroom décor. If you are partial to the dramatic look, an oversized headboard is the right ticket. Most oversized headboards cover almost the entire wall and usually feature fabric, textures or an intricate design. If you are looking to incorporate texture(s) in your bedroom, a fabric or textured headboard is a wonderful place to start.

Headboards range in price. If you desire a simple, tufted headboard, it is possible to find a headboard for a couple of hundred dollars. If you desire a larger more dramatic headboard, the price may increase “dramatically”.

Change Bedding

A very inexpensive option to change the overall look of your bedroom is your bedding. Changing out your bedding ensemble, pillows and sheets can make a drastic difference on the bedroom. If your current bedding is light or neutral colored, consider rich jewel tones. When selecting pillows for your bed, do not forget about textured pillows and various sizes and shapes, these pillows can definitely play up a very basic bedding ensemble.

Seating Area

If you are a reader like myself, bedroom seating is a must! Adding a stylish chair or chaise lounge adds a separate reading area to your bedroom. While it is possible to read in the family room or kitchen, retiring to read a book in the privacy of your bedroom is the ultimate form of relaxation.

Paint or Wall Paper

The wall color of a room definitely plays a role in the overall feel of the room. If you desire a light, airy space, consider lighter wall colors. If you desire a romantic or dramatic effect, stick with rich, darker tones. When selecting wall color or coverings for your bedroom, remember paint is not the only option. While traditional wallpaper seems to be a pain to hang and remove, modern temporary wall paper is definitely a winner in the books of many professional interior designers. Temporary wallpaper also lends versatility to your bedroom decorating. This wallpaper can easily be removed and replaced while rooms decorated with painted walls require a little more work.

If you are looking for a creative or unique look, consider a bold accent wall or perhaps decorative painting. There are several options for bedroom wall decorating to add style and personality to a bedroom.

Transforming a bedroom to a sanctuary can be as simple as changing your bedding or as complex as purchasing all new furniture. There are many options for homeowners looking to tackle this task. If you were transforming your bedroom to a sanctuary, what would be your starting point?

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1. Space Saving Washer and Dryers

A great option for saying space in laundry areas is using space saving appliances.  Stackable washers and dryers are great for making the best of a small space.  In fact, many small apartments are installing stackable appliances in an effort to create space in these small areas.

 2. Double Duty

Another option to create space in your laundry area is to identify options for saving space that also serves another function.  For instance, consider elevating traditional washers and dryers instead of placing them on the floor. Continually bending to remove clothing from a washer and dryer can lead to back aches and pains.  Placing the washer and a dryer at a level that allows for access without excessive bending will not only eliminate these issues but also creates space for storage.  Place decorative wicker baskets or plastic bins in compartments under the platform for easy and decorative storage.

3. Shelving

Shelving is one of the more popular options for saving space in a number of rooms.  Of course, it is also a great option for laundry rooms.  Placing shelves above the washer and dryer, makes for excellent storage space for fabric softener, laundry detergent and other miscellaneous items.

4. Hidden Storage

If your laundry room has cabinets and drawers, hidden storage is a great option for tidying an unruly space.  There are several hidden storage systems perfect for hiding clean and dirty laundry, cleaning utensils and other agents behind the doors of cabinets. Eliminating clutter can also make a small space appear larger.

While the laundry room is usually only seen by you and your family, it doesn’t have to look like a war zone.  Incorporating a few space saving options can instantly enhance the visual appeal of your laundry area.  If you are one that dreads completing this particular chore, a pleasant workspace may make the chore a tiny bit more pleasant.

Do you have any space saving ideas for laundry rooms that we have not shared?  Please let us know in our comment section below!

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If you live in an area with limited access to shopping, check out online stores such as Amazon and Modern Furniture Warehouse. Don’t think that you are limited to shopping at a physical store. The internet is a wonderful shopping resource!

Eero Saarinen Womb Chair & Ottman – Reviews and Other Details

Amazon Product Description:The Womb chair, with its matching ottoman, was designed in 1948, part of Saarinen’s breakthrough seating collection. The Womb’s steel rod base and polished-chrome finish, combined with its frame upholstered in fabric-all covering a fiberglass shell, highlights Saarinen’s brilliant design aesthetic and his architectural skills. The Womb Chair and Ottoman is a classic design, and one of the most comfortable chairs to lounge in. It envelops you in such a way that you feel completely relaxed. The Womb Chair features a stainless steel base and is made upholstered in wool material. This is a High quality replica of the original Eero Saarinen Womb Chair.

Avenue Six Wall Street Armless Chair in Espresso Faux Leather

Product Description: The Wall Street collection by Avenue Six provides a sound investment for those who take stock in high fashion design and unsurpassed seating comfort. Contemporary design RTA design for convenience and easy shipping Available in your choice of a high performance, easy care Espresso or Black faux leather upholstery Dacron wrapped foam cushions Kiln dried hardwood frame Chrome steel base and legs 1 year Limited Warranty Specifications Dimensions: 23.5″ x 29.5″ x 30″ H Seat depth:21.5? Seat height:17.5? Back height: 15?

Homelegance Lifestyle Armless Lounge Chair: Reviews and Price Info

Product description: The classic Lifestyle slipper chair is covered in a popular zebra motif fabric.

Lexington Modern Arne Jacobson Egg Chair: Reviews and Other Details

Product Description: Delight in perfect symmetry with the harmonious Arne Jacobson Egg Chair. Designed with sprawling wing tips and amorphous form, the Egg Chair is a study of opposites built from the most exacting design specifications. Adorn yourself with precision as you embark on a more sophisticated state. This item is a high quality reproduction of the original. Product Dimensions 35″W x 42″H x 31.5″D

Some would argue that Olson and her spouse, Jurij Sennecke, are very business savvy. Sennecke is the owner of Divine Homes, a custom home building company. Candice Olson collaborates with Divine Homes as the interior designer. How smart of that?

Olsen attended the School of Design at Ryerson University in Toronto. Upon completing studies she secured a job as a commerical interior designer.

Decorating Tips from Candice Olsen

Here are a few decorating tips from the queen of decorating herself, Candice Olson.

Inspiration Board: As we have mentioned in other posts, Olson recommends starting an inspiration board to collect and organize your decorating ideas. While creating a stylish bedroom or living rooms seems simplistic, the minor details can become overwhelming if not properly planned and executed.

Commercial Inspiration: Check out the decor in commercial spaces. There are tones of inspiratation from the use of patterns and textures to simple features such as a creative color scheme.

Establish a focal point: Draw attention to a specified area or item upon entering the space. This can be accomplished with the use of creative painting or decorative lighting.

Here are a few stylish contemporary bedrooms designed by Candice Olsen:

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Interested in learning more?  Check out Candice Olsen’s interior decorating book below:

Incorporating patterns in pillows or upholstered furniture gives a high fashion appeal to the living room.  A solid color sofa can easily be paired with a patterned upholstered chair or vice versa for instant “glam” appeal.  If patterned sofas and chairs are a bit much, perhaps adding a splash of a pattern in accent pillows is possible.  When decorating in contemporary style, everything should be done in moderation.  This style of home decorating discourages clutter and “busy” patterns.  When decorating with patterns in a modern or contemporary living room, keep this fact in mind.

Decorating with a lot of color can definitely be intimidating.  If you like the look but are a little intimidated to completely take the plunge, start by gradually adding color in your current living room. 

Take this space for an example.  Neutral colored contemporary living room furniture is paired with bright accent pillows and stools.  With most of the room in a neutral beige color, the pink and coral pillows and stools really pop and grab your attention.

What are some ideas you have for gradually adding colorful furniture to your living room?

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A kitchen backsplash is usually positioned over the sink or stove.  These areas are both highly used areas in the kitchen for preparing food.  During the process of preparing food, there are usually splatters of water and grease.  A backsplash protects the walls, which are usually painted, from grease and other harmful agents.

A metallic kitchen backsplash is a great idea when decorating in contemporary home decor.  Contemporary home decor is often characterized as clean, crisp and minimal.  For instance, a stainless steel backsplash give a very modern and chic appeal.  Adding a stainless steel backsplash to your kitchen will definitely enhance the style and decor in your kitchen.

A metallic kitchen backsplash is also a great touch when decorating with stainless steel kitchen appliances.  There are other ways to incorporate metal in your kitchen, such as wall art and kitchen cabintry, this would definitely be overkill.

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