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What do all of the happiest-looking homes have in common? Greenery, and lots of it. Adding plants to your home can help you go green and spruce up your space at the same time. You can try your hand at caring for real plants, opt for faux plants, or even decide to do a mix of both! Plants can be one of the best accessories to add to your home to give it a natural, organic, and inviting look--That’s because plants and nature in general, make us feel happier, calmer, and more relaxed. Photo Wade Griffith Photography Why Go Green Whether you decide to go with faux, live, or a combo of both, you can't go wrong with using plants to spruce up your space! Plants instantly change the atmosphere and add that kick your decor needs to stand out and to feel complete. There are lots of ways in which you can include plants into your home's decor and they don't all involve the classical vases and pots. Indoor plants also enhance the overall appearance of a space. Plants have been shown to provide benefits that include boosting moods, increasing creativity, reducing stress, and eliminating air pollutants — making for a healthier, happier you! Two Tips so your HouseplantsThrive It's easy to hesitate at the thought of adding live plants to your space. You may be unsure of how to care for them or just might feel stuck on which plants to add to your space. The best way to ease your mind is to research plants that can thrive indoors and are low maintenance. The two most important things to consider is making sure the plants you choose have the right type of light, and knowing what their water needs are. 1.Watering: I recommend using a water meter to detect how dry/wet your plants really are because so often the soil appears to be dry but deep down it is still moist. The meters are inexpensive and carried in most hardware stores. The best way to remember your plants' watering needs is to come up with a color-coded sticker system that you place in an inconspicuous place on its pot. For example, for plants that like to be completely dry before watering, use a red sticker. If a plant likes to stay moist, use a green sticker. 2.Lighting: South facing windows , sun-loving plants like Jade, yucca, and pony palms are your best bet. East/West facing windows , plants such as philodendrons, dracena, and ficus will thrive. North-facing windows are best for low-light plants like sansevieria, pothos, and prayer. Four Easy Live Plants to Care For We have listed a few low-maintenance plants to help you get some ideas of live plants to spruce up your space. Snake plant - Beware--No rattlesnakes here ! If you are looking for a hardy plant, then the snake plant is your new best friend. This plant does well in any type of room whether it has low light or is full of bright sunlight. It also does not need a lot of water and doesn't require any additional care. They are great for purifying the air in your home.These plants are resistant to pesky bugs, but be aware their leaves are toxic to children and pets. ZZ Plant The ZZ plant is one of the easiest houseplants to care for because it is virtually indestructible. It thrives in areas where most plants won't. It is great as a bathroom or office plant because it requires very little water (about every 3 weeks) and low light. Spider Plant - Don't worry, there aren't any actual spiders in this plant ! The spider plant is a low-maintenance plant because it thrives in indirect sunlight. It looks great in a hanging pot since it has lots of “baby spiders” that cascade off the main plant. Chinese Money Plant- With this plant, you’ve hit the jackpot. Moderate water needs (about 1x week) and thrives in indirect sunlight. If you like to propagate, this is a great plant as it creates lots of shoots. Propagating is a great way to increase the amount of plants in your home without having to spend a dime! Live plants are a great addition to your home because they liven up your space. They also have a lot of other benefits including increasing humidity, noise reduction, and numerous health benefits. Incorporating Faux Plants You may be avoiding using faux plants because you have seen them displayed in a cheesy way. Faux plants can actually add a lot to your space while looking stylish at the same time. Here are a few tips to help turn your faux plants into something that looks like the real deal. Re-pot your large faux plants. Typically, the pots they come in are way too small for the scale of the plant, making them look unnatural. Getting them out of their original pot can be a bit challenging but it makes all the difference. When you re-pot your faux plant, use real soil, and please do not put that brown moss on top! Get your creative juices flowing and find unique containers to put your plants into so they have a natural, organic look. Put your faux plants where you would normally place real plants but make sure direct sunlight does not hit it . The bright light could highlight the fact it isn’t a real plant. Not all faux plants are the same . Remember to shop higher quality plants for a better look. Good quality plants can be pricey, but keep in mind it is a one-time investment that’s as low maintenance as you can get (except for dusting them occasionally). Avoid going to arts & crafts stores--instead, buy from higher-end furniture and home goods stores since they tend to have the best quality and selection. Not every type of plant looks good as a faux plant --fiddle-leaf fig plants, bamboo palms, cacti, and succulents can be your best bet. Get into Action If you are ready to spruce up your space and make your home feel warm, while contributing to a natural, relaxing ambiance, it is time for you to head to the store and get yourself a cart full of plants be it faux, the real deal, or a combo of both!

There are many things to consider when remodeling your home . It is important to carefully plan and design your project in order to avoid any unnecessary costs or delays. People make up their minds in the first seven seconds of entering a house, and it's true! The front door is where you come into contact with everything about your home. It can also be one if its best features; viewable from every angle (even inside), welcoming upon approach... Homeowners know that a cluttered lawn and overgrown bushes can make you cringe. It's important for your home renovation project to have an immaculate landscape so the outside reflects how wonderful the inside is! Your entryway is the first impression you give to those entering your home. It should be well-lit, regardless of natural light sources or not! Soft wall sconces will provide just enough illumination for an atmosphere that’s welcoming and cozy - while also being able to handle candles if the need arises during evening hours when shadows are longer than usual." Painting your home can be an easy and inexpensive way to give it a facelift without breaking the bank. There are many different colors of paint that will work well with any style or color scheme you have going on in this space, so don't let choosing one stop at just picking out what shades come closest! Freshly painted rooms always look clean ́and updated - which spells value for money when selling off old properties nowadays. Today’s homeowners are looking for open floor plans in their homes. An “open-concept" design involves the living room, kitchen, and dining area being connected by a continuous stretch of space that can be closed off or opened up at will to create different layouts depending on your needs - from entertaining guests during special occasions all the way down to a child birthday party. The modern trend towards blending these important areas together has made this type easy enough not only to appear sophisticated but also to provide convenience with its versatile setups. The bathroom is a place where we often spend time and feel relaxed. Make this space more spacious by doubling its size with large mirrors or monochromatic color schemes that blur the lines between individual features such as tiles, grout, etc., creating an airy feeling in your home’s smallest room! For the bedroom and all rooms, inspiration never runs out! Browse through online design sites and magazines for inspiration. Once you find some looks that speak to your taste, save them as images in order to refer back to later on when making decisions about furniture placement or other aspects of interior design like color choices etc: Planning out different layouts before deciding which one works best takes time but ultimately saves more money and time in the long run because you avoid making changes that you end up not liking later on. There are many more things to consider when remodeling or renovating but the best way to make sure you have covered everything is to speak to a professional remodeling company that has many years in the industry.

Photo Credit by Graham & Brown When was the last time you walked into a home and saw wallpaper? Chances are it’s been a long time. Let’s be clear—the reason you haven’t seen wallpaper recently is not because it’s not current or on-trend (quite the opposite); it’s because most people rarely think about using wallpaper as a fabulous way to accessorize a room, a piece of furniture, a nook, or a shelving unit. Want to add texture, warmth, or pizazz to a room in your home? We highly recommend exploring the wonderful world of wallpaper. Come along with us as we take you on a wallpaper journey, so you can be informed about the latest trends, creative ideas about where and what to wallpaper, and so much more. Traditional Versus Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Traditional wallpaper has nothing to do with the style, it’s about how the wallpaper is made. Traditional wallpaper is referred to as “non-woven” which means the back of the wallpaper is breathable to avoid the growth of mold or other bacteria. The breathable backing also reduces the paper from contracting and expanding and is fairly simple to remove. For installation, traditional wallpaper will require paste and a roller brush. Because of the paste, it is easy to manipulate as you are putting the wallpaper in its proper place. In recent years, peel-and-stick wallpaper has become increasingly popular especially for people who are renting their house or apartment—you literally just peel the paper off and leave no trace behind. Another reason to use peel-and-stick wallpaper is if you are the decorating type who likes to change things up on a regular basis. Done with the current pattern after a year? No problem, change it out for a completely different design. If you are considering peel-and-stick wallpaper, make sure your walls are well suited for it. It’s best to use it on a smooth, flat surface with little to no texture. If you have a textured wall, we recommend doing a tester to see how it adheres. You can use a wallpaper paste for better adhering, but that defeats the purpose of the convenience and no trace left behind with peel-and-stick. Be aware the removable peel-and-stick is unforgiving--because the back is sticky, it doesn’t allow you to manipulate the paper into its perfect place like traditional wallpaper. Generally speaking, traditional wallpaper is a superior product to peel-and-stick even though there can be more labor and cost involved; however, as discussed, peel-and-stick is a great option for temporary tastes and homestays . Wallpaper Worthy Walls Photo credit by Oliver Designs As mentioned above, peel-and-stick wallpaper is best installed on a flat surface. Got texture? Read on! When considering traditional wallpaper, some of you may be thinking “I have textured walls so I thought I couldn’t wallpaper over them?” Good news—most walls, even-textured ones, can be wallpapered if the wall is prepared properly. The most effective way to go from textured to flat walls is performing a process called “mudding.” Follow these four simple steps and your wall(s) will be wallpaper worthy ! To level the surface, apply a skim coat or a layer of joint compound. Sand the wall. Wipe down the surface. Apply one coat of primer to seal the wall to prevent the wallpaper paste from soaking into the newly flattened surface. Wallpaper Trends for 2021 Maximalism is in! You are familiar with minimalism (white walls, muted color palettes, streamline designs), so think the polar opposite—bigger, brighter, bolder, busier and you’ve got maximalism. We are breaking down the trends to three categories: TEXTURE : The textured wallpaper gives dimension and the illusion that the pattern is directly on the wall like brick, stone, and other patterns like weaves, grasscloth, silk, and bamboo. Photo Credit by Brewster Home Fashion 2. FLORALS/BOTANICS: A big trend for 2021 is “bringing the outside in,” so flowers, trees, and plants are very popular choice in wallpaper. Whether you choose a literal or abstract botanical design, you will not disappoint! Photo Credit by Richard Powers 3. GEOMETRICS: Geometric shapes make a room appear balanced and makes those who inhabit the space feel a sense of stability. Large, basic shapes like diamonds and squares create an expansive feeling. Use contrasting colors within the geometric patterns and you’ve got yourself a space that calls out for fun, excitement, and creativity. Where & What to Wallpaper If you are looking to infuse creative décor into your home, think beyond just wallpapering your basic four walls. Here are some ideas to inspire you to think outside the wallpaper box. Bored with staring at that white ceiling? Wallpaper the ceiling only for a big design statement. Got a nook in your great room or den? Wallpapering it will give it that extra pop. Struggling with how to make a big living room wall interesting? Use wallpaper as your accessory and save money on buying art Sick of all that white space on your stairwell? It’s a perfect place for wallpaper. Want to make your closet look like a million bucks? Wallpaper the back of all your shelving units. Does your kitchen look drab and dated? Spice things up with using wallpaper as your backsplash especially if you are a renter. Do you have pieces of furniture in need of a makeover? Wallpaper your headboard, side tables, or a desktop. Whether you are wallpapering a piece of furniture or an entire room, let your creative juices flow and experience how wallpaper can be an affordable, simple way to transform your home from ordinary to extraordinary. Photo credit by Tim Young

There are many things to consider when making the decision to move or renovate your current home and having that perfect living space . The following summarizes some key considerations: Cost: It can be expensive to move to a new home, especially if you have to pay for realtor fees, attorney fees, and other associated costs. It is usually a lot less expensive to renovate your home, but it depends on the scope of work required. For many people, renovation is the choice when faced with a new house because it can be less expensive than purchasing. You should take into consideration how much you want to spend on your home before making this decision so that way there won't come an unexpected expense down the line if things change later! A good rule-of thumb would have been looking at what materials are used in renovations versus moving or remodeling; typically, these days we associate premium finishes such as hardwood flooring throughout our homes while budget friendly options like carpet remain popular among some circles due largely because they offer comfort without breaking the bank. Location: The location of your home is a key factor to consider. If you love the neighborhood, you're in, it may be worth renovating instead of moving. On the other hand, if you're looking for a complete change of scenery, moving house may be the better option. Size: If you need more space, moving could be an option. However, if you're happy with your current home, renovating would be a better option and it can give you the extra space you need without having to move by converting the garage or the attic space. Convenience: It can be quite disruptive to move your house as you need to pack up all your belongings and then unpack them again at your new home. Renovating can also be disruptive as you may need to move out of your home for a short while during major renovations and some parts of the construction period. Time: Moving usually takes many months from start to finish. Renovating your home can also take several weeks or longer, depending on the extent of the work you require. Change: Moving your home gives you the opportunity to start fresh in a new house. Renovating can also change the look and feel of your home, and you can dramatically improve on what you have and make it that perfect space. Rather than packing everything up and moving. Disruption: As mentioned above, both moving and renovating your home can be disruptive. However, renovating your home may cause less disruption as you can often do the work in stages. So, there are some things to consider when deciding whether to move to a new home or renovate. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what will work best for you and your family. If you're still undecided, why not speak to a professional for advice? They can help you weigh up the pros and cons and make the best decision for your situation.

Are you considering remodeling your home but don't know where to start? Most people spend a considerable amount of time in their homes. Because of this, it is important that your home is a place where you can relax and feel comfortable. If your home is outdated or in need of repair, it can be difficult to feel at ease. A professional remodeling company can help to transform your home into a place that you love. Remodeling companies specialize in a variety of services, from painting and drywall repair to flooring and kitchen remodeling. They can also help with more extensive projects, such as adding an addition to your home or finishing a basement. Regardless of the scope of the project, a professional remodeling company has the experience and expertise to get the job done right You're in luck! The process of remodeling your home can be simple and straightforward with a little guidance From a professional Company. Follow these tips to get started: 1. Decide on your goals Before you start anything, you need to decide what you want to achieve with your remodel. Whether you're looking to update your home's appearance, increase its functionality or both, having a clear goal in mind will help you stay focused throughout the process. 2. Assess your current space before beginning any design plans. It's important to take a look at the current state of your home. Measure the space you have available and make note of any existing challenges (like small rooms or low ceilings). This information will help you determine what types of renovations are feasible for your home. 3. Choose your design style. Once you have a general idea of what you want to achieve, it's time to choose a design style. Do you prefer a traditional look? Or maybe modern is more your thing? Take some time to browse photos and get inspired by different styles until you find one that speaks to you. 4. Hire a contractor once you have a plan in place. It's time to start interviewing contractors. Make sure to ask for referrals from friends and family, as well as reviews from past clients. Once you've narrowed it down, be sure to get estimates from multiple contractors before making a decision. Remember the cheapest is not always the best. Quality counts when your house matters and finding the right contractor can take some time. A professional remodeling company can make the process of renovating your home simpler and more straightforward. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to creating the perfect space for you and your family. 5. Stay organized throughout the entire process. It's important to stay organized. This means keeping track of your budget, design ideas, contractor contacts and other important information. Use a planner or calendar to keep everything in one place. 6. Relax and enjoy your new space. Once the remodel is complete, take some time to relax and enjoy your new space. Invite friends and family over for a dinner party or just spend a quiet evening at home. Whatever you do, make sure to savor your hard work! Remodeling your home can be an exciting (and sometimes daunting) process. But with a little planning and guidance, you can create the perfect space for you and your family.

Choose The Main Color From the Largest Pattern in the Space You Are Painting. When it comes to choosing a color scheme for your home, the options can seem endless. But there's no need to feel overwhelmed. By focusing on the largest pattern in the space, you can easily select colors that will work together well. For instance, if the largest pattern in your space is blue, consider using shades of blue or colors that complement blue in your paint scheme. This approach will help you create a cohesive look in your home and avoid any jarring color clashes. So take a minute to consider the largest pattern in your space and use that as your guide when selecting colors for your home. You'll be glad you did! Decide on the Finish You Want to Create The Effect You Want. The finish of the paint you select can also have a big impact on the overall look of your space. Flat paint, for example, has a very matte finish and can be quite subtle. Glossy paint has a high-shine finish that makes colors look more vibrant. It's important to consider the effect you want to create before selecting a paint finish. If you're going for a sleek, polished look, glossy paint is the way to go. But if you want a more relaxed feel, choose flat or semi-gloss paint instead. Choose The Color To How You Want The Room To Feel. When it comes to color, the old saying "it's all about how you feel" definitely rings true. Each color has its own unique mood and feeling, so it's important to select a color that will reflect the atmosphere you want in your room. For example, if you want your living room to feel cozy and inviting, choose a warm hue like red or orange. If you're looking for a refreshing and energizing vibe, go with cool colors like blue or green. By thinking about the feeling you want to create in each room, you can easily select colors that will help achieve that effect. Use Samples To See How The Colors Look In Person. Paint samples are a great way to see how the colors you're considering will look in your home. They're small enough to fit on a clipboard, so you can take them with you when shopping for paint. Simply hold the samples up to the space you're painting and see how they look. This is a great way to avoid any surprises when the paint is actually applied. If you're still not sure which color to choose, try using a few different samples and see which one looks best in your space. Decorate From Dark To Light, Top To The Bottom. When decorating from dark to light, it's often best to work vertically. This will help you avoid creating a jarring transition from one color to another. Start by painting the walls and ceilings a darker color. Then, work your way down to the lighter colors on the floors and furniture. This approach will create a cohesive look that is easy to maintain. If you want to add a splash of color, try using a brightly colored rug or piece of furniture. This will help brighten up the space and add interest. Working from dark to light is a simple way to create a beautiful and cohesive look in your home.

Photo credit decoist.com Working from home has been the norm for some professionals for several years, but for many of us, we were forced into it during the pandemic. Within the last year, many people have had to adjust to working from home rather than in an office setting. As you set up your office space for the long haul, there are many work-at-home office space ideas to consider. You want to make sure you have everything to help make you comfortable, productive, and private all at the same time. Whether you are making your home office permanent post-pandemic , or you need to revamp a “tired” office space, here are some helpful tips. Work at Home Office Space Ideas Photo credit by BoomPix There are many places in your home to set up your work-at-home office space. Some people have the luxury of having a dedicated room for their office space while others are struggling to find the right spot and are currently using their kitchen or primary bedroom. When choosing your office space, the first thing to consider is finding the best location . Consider using a hallway nook, a corner of a guest bedroom, a living room wall, or even under the stairs. Find what place will work best for you and others in your home. Think outside the box as many areas of your home can be renovated or quickly turned into the perfect office space . Photo credit by Kayla Simone Home Working from home can mean not having a lot of privacy to do your work. Add a privacy divider to your home office setup. You can get traditional dividers that sit on the floor, or you could hang a curtain from the ceiling or on a rod. Photo credit by Julan Curtains and Blinds One of the most important elements in your home office is to ensure you are not interrupted by other family members living in your home . Using color-coded signs on your door or privacy dividers is a great way to minimize people barging into your space. Think of a stoplight analogy--Green means come on in; yellow means proceed with caution , and red is DO NOT ENTER unless it’s an emergency. Make the colored signs and laminate them so they stay protected and are easy to put up and takedown . If you have young kids, get them involved with getting creative and helping you make the signs--maybe they will come up with another brilliant idea that’s different from the “ stoplight '' concept that will work just as well. The best thing you can do for your work-at-home office space is to prioritize your comfort. It can be tempting to just grab a chair from the dining area when you’re working from home. But sitting at a desk for long hours can lead to many issues. Ergonomic office chairs offer the correct support when you’re sitting for long hours. Inspire Productivity Your work from home office space should inspire productivity, not cause you stress! When setting up your space make a flow that helps you stay productive rather than get distracted. For example, set up your desk in a way that you are free from distractions such as the television. Have a designated spot for your cell phone so you are not tempted to scroll through it every time you look at it. Photo credit by agedleadstore.com Place your chargers in a way that is easy to access and helps you stay connected. Consider placing a calendar or a to-do list on your desk to keep you focused on what you need to get done each day. Being productive is different for everyone. Find out what works for you and stick to it. Try out different office setups until you have the perfect flow that inspires you to be productive with your work. Organization Is Key Organize your work from home space in a way that helps you get more out of your time working. No matter which home-office space idea you choose, you will benefit from a little organization! Nothing is worse than spending the first hour (or more) of your day trying to get organized or not finding something you thought you had set down in a safe place. These five simple office organizing tricks will help you stay organized and help you gain focus so that you can get more work out of your office hours (and finish your workday at a normal time!). Place a trash can by your desk. Instead of tossing it out later and letting trash pile up on your desk, go ahead and toss it in the trash bin near your desk to free up space. Add a document storage system to your desk. If you haven't gone fully digital yet and need a place to store your documents, consider getting a simple file folder or desk organizer to keep your papers organized and easy to access. Use a junk jar. You may be wondering why you would need a junk jar, but things like paper clips and rubber bands need a place to go! Instead of having them lying all over your desk or inside drawers, put them into a small jar so you can easily find one when you need it. You can either buy a jar or reuse a container you already have in your home like a jam jar. Keep reference documents close at hand. Save yourself time and keep documents you reference the most at easy-to-find places. You can add them to your file folder or pin them on your wall to glance at when you need them. Organize and clean up your desk each evening when you are done working. I know you are ready to get away from your desk at the end of the day and leave all the organizing until tomorrow. Do yourself a favor and take 5 minutes to get set up for success the next day. Do What Makes You Happy Working from home can be hard enough, so why not make your workspace into an area that makes you happy? Whether you do a complete renovation to your office space or keep it simple with a few updates, do what works for you! Desperate for help? Reach out to Living Space Designs today! Photo credit by decoist.com

You know the saying— “The more money you make, the more money you spend…” think of storage space in your home the same way. The more storage areas you have, the more stuff you are likely to collect and need to store. The key to maximizing storage is not to gain more storage (most of us don’t have that luxury) but learning how to use your current storage space as efficiently as possible. STEP #1: Change your mindset : If you find yourself saying “Grrrrr…I wish I had more storage” I challenge you to have an attitude adjustment. Having less storage space can be a blessing, not a curse because it forces you to evaluate what you truly need and helps you accumulate less. I used to get frustrated my home wasn’t built with a basement or an attic until I realized most basements and attics are total junk collectors! Photo Credit by Dreamstime STEP #2: Purge, purge, and purge some more: You can’t maximize your storage until you get rid of the excess. The best question to ask yourself when purging is “How has this item served me in the past 1-2 years?” For example, that dress you absolutely love that’s two sizes too small—You’ve kept it around for three years just in case you lose that 20 pounds, but every time you see the dress it serves you up a BIG dose of guilt and frustration since it no longer fits. Time to give it the heave-ho and donate it to someone who can enjoy it! Photo Credit by istock Whether you are cleaning out your bedroom closet or your kitchen pantry, don’t do it all at once--it’s overwhelming and most of us don’t have several hours on a given day to devote to the entire task. If you take everything out of your closet and drawers and throw it all on your bed, you will be paralyzed with dread looking at the GINORMOUS pile. Instead, pick one section starting with your easiest area first, and complete the purge before moving to the next area. I call this working in “do-able chunks.” Completing one do-able chunk at a time will motivate you to keep going in a manageable way within a realistic timeframe. STEP #3: Invest in storage and organizational products: The key to making your newly purged area function optimally is to use storage and organizational products to maximize storage. Yes, it requires some financial investment, but it will be worth every penny. If you are remodeling, make sure you have an in-depth discussion with your designer about your specific needs for organization and storage. The good news is you do not have to remodel your space to utilize organizational items—you can buy from various retailers, and install them into your existing closets, cabinets, drawers, and pantry. There is a plethora of information online for DIY storage and organizational solutions. For walk-in closets, see the two graphics below to assist you with measuring the space and common shelving heights. Tired of looking at your cooking utensils and knives on the countertops? Check out this organizer. Photo Credit Rev-A-Shelf Tight on space to store bulky items like foil, plastic wrap, parchment, and all those different sizes baggy boxes? Look at this space saver! Photo Credit Rev-A-Shelf Annoyed by having to plug in your electronic devices and stare at them while they charge on your counter? Here’s a great solution. Photo Credit Dura Supreme Bugged by your electric mixer hogging prime real estate on your kitchen countertop? Look at this nifty contraption! Photo Credit Dura Supreme Frazzled your spice containers are a jumbled mess and impossible to locate when you need them? Check out this drawer. Photo Credit Dura Supreme Irritated your snacks and dry goods roll all over the place? Look at this simple solution. Photo Credit Dura Supreme Peeved your bathroom vanity has LOTS of stuff on it? Imagine having one drawer to keep all your toiletries hidden away in one convenient location. Photo Credit Dura Supreme 5 Over the edge with plugging, unplugging, and putting away your blow dryer and flat iron each time you use them? Check out this vanity organizer! Photo Credit Rev-A-Shelf STEP #4: Regularly maintain your newly organized spaces: Just like losing weight, if you do not maintain a healthy eating regime and return to eating poorly, you will pack the pounds back on quickly. The same reality holds for our living spaces. For your closets, drawers, and pantry to stay neat, clean, and organized, it requires diligence and attention. After a long day, refrain from throwing your clothes in a big heap as you get into your PJs. Instead, get into the healthy habit of taking the extra 60 seconds (literally that’s all it takes) to hang or fold your clothes and toss the dirty remains into the hamper. For kitchen cabinets, drawers, and pantry once a month take a dust buster, clean out the crumbs and tidy up—it will take you less than 30 minutes. If you are very tight on space, and you acquire a new item like an appliance or a pair of shoes, you need to purge another item to make space. After applying these four steps, think how happy you will feel and how much more functional your storage spaces will be! Photo Credit by Better Homes & Gardens Contact us for more information

When you decide to have your kitchen remodeled, picking out which color you are going to incorporate into your kitchen is a big part of the design process. There are many ways to incorporate a pop of color into your kitchen and still have a timeless design. Continue reading as we share a few tips for best practices when deciding on the color scheme for your kitchen remodel. 1: Highlight Your Style An important aspect of deciding what colors to incorporate into your kitchen is to ensure it suits your taste, compliments your signature style, and showcases your favorite color(s). If you tend to like bright colors such as ruby red or Kelly green, it is important to incorporate those colors in a way that doesn’t over power the space. If your style is geared more towards a neutral palette, have your designer challenge you to think outside the box and go beyond an all-white kitchen! One thing we love to do as designers is to help take your vision and elevate your design to the next level in ways you may have never thought about! Photo credit: 212connect.com 2: Incorporate Color Accents If you are wanting a certain bolder color in your kitchen, we suggest you incorporate the color as an accent. You can add your color of choice with accents such as countertops, backsplash, accessories, or on some portions of the cabinetry. Regarding cabinetry, we recommend mixing no more than three colors in one space . For example, if you have a large kitchen, you can do upper cabinets in linen tone, bottom cabinets in a wood tone, and rich colored painted cabinets on your island. If you are wanting a bold color cabinet that makes a statement like turquoise, we suggest you only incorporate that color on one section of your upper cabinets so that the color itself is not too overwhelming. Finishes are another way to add a color accent to your kitchen . When selecting the finishes it is best to use different metals that compliment each other in order to avoid making everything look overly matching. A timeless combination could be black pulls on cabinets, brushed bronze faucet, and mottled copper pendants. You can also accessorize your floating shelves, countertops, or glass cabinets with a POP of color by strategically placing colorful items such as decorative dishware, toasters, and tea pots. 3: Pick your Color Choices Whether you're looking to spice up your space with a bright color or keep things calm, cool, and serene, here's what you need to know about picking your kitchen paint colors. Neutrals : If you want a nature or natural feel go with the blues, greens, sandy whites, and driftwood grays of the seashore because they all naturally work together. With a neutral color scheme, you want to ensure it has depth so that it doesn't look too flat. In order to avoid this, use different patterns and textures to help each neutral color have dimension. Brights: Bright colors are a great way to add a pop of color to your kitchen. As mentioned, if going with a bright color, you want to ensure you do not overdo it with that color. Instead, use different shades and pick a focal point for that color to be used. White : White is known as one of the 'classic' kitchen colors. You can even try an off-white or a white that has a touch of beige which will appear white but have a warmth to it. When using white you will want to incorporate different textures and designs to help add some depth to the finished look. Dark: If you decide to go with a dark color, it is best to focus on the undertones. You also may want to consider choosing one area of your kitchen to be that dark color and have it as your focal point. Conclusion When we do kitchen remodels, we like to make one area of the kitchen your “star of the show” while other areas and colors support that “main star.” For our kitchen remodels, we ensure that your kitchen will look current for many years to come, no matter your color choice! Allow us to take your design inspirations and add the color of your dreams to your new kitchen remodel! Photo credit: homeguide.com

All designers are not created equal so you need to do your homework! It’s extremely important to hire a designer whose expertise is compatible with your scope of work and focuses not just on aesthetics but makes functionality and practicality a priority. There are many designers who can make your space look beautiful, but how qualified are they to do extensive plumbing, electrical, and cabinet plans? Photo Credit by Diversity Journal In the summer of 2019, my husband and I were ready to remodel our kitchen. At that time, I knew nothing about the design or remodel business, and was one year away from being offered a job at Living Space Designs handling Client Relations. I was clueless as a first-time renovator about the importance of picking the right designer who not only can make the space look beautiful, but also knows the construction side of the design process. Call it luck of the draw or fate, but when we met with Helen, managing partner and lead designer at Living Space Designs, we knew we’d hit the jackpot! For kitchen remodels, look for a designer who is extremely competent in cabinet design which is essential to ensure your space is maximized for storage and functionality . Your final kitchen cabinet design should specify what organizational items are going in most drawers, cabinets, and pantry. Recently, our studio got a desperate call from woman named Kate who wanted us to help her redo her brand new kitchen cabinets for which she paid top dollar. Kate discovered--after the fact--most of her designer’s experience was in closet cabinetry. AH HA…This explains why the designer fell short designing kitchen cabinets according to Kate’s needs. Photo Credit by Rev-a-Shelf For a master bath renovation, seek out a designer who is experienced in electrical and plumbing. Whether you want a “car wash” effect with shower jets, a free-standing tub, or a wet room, your designer needs to understand how the different plumbing products work based on water pressure, splash patterns, and where to best place the fixtures depending on what’s happening inside the surrounding walls and floor. To ensure you have excellent lighting for grooming and make-up application, your designer needs to place the electrical strategically, and to understand Kelvin temperature to give you the best lighting results at different times of day and night. Aside from hiring a designer with expertise based on your scope of work, make sure you choose a designer with whom you feel a deep level of comfort and connection. Working with a designer is an intimate process requiring transparency, directness, and empathy. You deserve to feel safe speaking your mind and having your questions and concerns valued and understood. Here are some questions you may consider asking when meeting and interviewing designers. You should always be offered a complimentary consultation. How long have you been a designer? What is your area of expertise? How many kitchens, baths, (or whatever spaces you want to remodel) have you designed/remodeled in the span of your career? Please explain how your design and remodel process works if I was to become a client. What’s one of the biggest challenges your company faces, and how do work to resolve it? (Finding qualified subcontractors, supply shortages, etc.) Planning on remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or any other living space is exciting but the process can be overwhelming--Finding the right designer should provide you with a clear vision, organized plan, and a newly remodeled space that makes you say WOW every time you walk into the room! Contact Us!

Turning a kitchen into a work of art can be daunting - especially if you are thinking about everything in terms of flash and glam, but we challenge you…what if you can truly make your kitchen with just one accent? Often homeowners are faced with many choices, and for most, especially with the help of a company that has the client’s style and desires in mind - it works out to be a beautiful newly remodeled kitchen. Two kitchens are rarely the exact same, but even those that situate themselves between similar homes in similar neighborhoods can find themselves an inspiration among the masses when given the right thought and effort. We wanted to show you some ways of bringing it all together, with just one detail. Option 1: Choose a hood that doubles as a focal point. Typical things that we consider when finding the right kitchen hood are noise level, how much energy they are going to use and of course, the kitchen layout itself. Creating a space that is welcoming is important, and with all things considered, designing a kitchen around one statement piece can make for a remodel that is actually fun and a kitchen that turns into the talk of the block. Thanks https://www.trendir.com/unique-kitchen-design-elements/ for the inspiration. Option 2: A backsplash that becomes the life of the party. Keeping a neutral kitchen and letting the tile speak for itself can be just he accent that you need to draw your eye…or the eyes of all your dinner party guests. We are in love with this patchwork tile backsplash, especially because of the subtle grey tones. Not only does this add a fun and pattern but it adds depth to this space while keeping it neutral. Inspo: https://www.trendir.com/unique-kitchen-design-elements/ Option 3: That island though. It doesn’t have to be marble to stand out among kitchens, and in fact, simply using color against a neutral background like in this island example balances the space and brings attention to the place where people gather…around the food wine. Cred: https://www.brit.co/top-home-trends-pinterest-100/?crlt.pid=camp.xErkit6xjdJC

This years Pantone Color of the Year is Living Coral. It is a warm but vibrant coral color that is said (thank you to Pantone themselves) to “embrace us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.” We couldn’t agree more. More and more often conversations lead to those that require our full authentic self, a full immersion in the situation we are experiencing, and connection to those around us. This color helps body this idea, and we love the opportunity it brings to design some incredible spaces. We love the idea of bringing this playful, fun and bright color to bathrooms and kitchens. Here’s some of our inspirations we found from diving in to this lighthearted color of 2019: We found this bathroom simple, elegant and with it’s obvious splash of Living Coral, we think this bathroom is bound to set the standard for 2019. On the brighter side we see this spirited kitchen fitting well into the heart of the desert that we call home. Now someone just let us do it! Even though we are designers, we love a good couch, and we love it even more when it is the epitome of Pantone’s Color of the Year. With such excitement for a new year, new kitchens, and a new Pantone Color of the Year, we figured it wouldn’t hurt to look at a couple more pretty Living Coral images. Share with us your inspiration or design for this year’s color on our Social pages (Instagram or Facebook) - we can’t wait to see what you come up with! Here’s to the spirited, playful, lighthearted color of 2019 that we truly think helps symbolize change, grown, optimism and our need for joy this upcoming year. This is too beautiful for words. Simply gorgeous. Image credit: the wonderful world of Pinterest (users @Danielle Noce, @Una Pizca de Hogar, @Aspire Metro) and pantone.com