Decor

5 Reasons Why an Upholstered Bed is the Right Choice

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It’s likely that while scrolling through interior design inspiration on Pinterest or flipping through your favorite home magazine, you’ve noticed how some of the most beautiful bedrooms feature an upholstered bed. When creating a dreamy bedroom with a high-end feel, an upholstered bed is an excellent choice. Often times, regardless of your budget there will be an upholstered bed that will work for you!

Upholstered beds exude a sense of elegance and sophistication. With a wide range of fabric options available, you can choose a color and texture that complements your bedroom décor. Whether you prefer a classic tufted design or a sleek and modern look, an upholstered bed adds a touch of luxury to any space.

In case you hadn’t heard the news, the days of buying full sets of furniture are gone! Today, I’m going to share all the reasons why I love having an upholstered bed and why it’s a number one best seller month after month!

Avoids the matching furniture problem

Think about those bedroom sets you (or your parents) had over the years. The bed, nightstands, and dressers all matched and while it seemed nice at the time, it lacked the dimension and character you see in today’s designs. Matching furniture sets lack qualities such as; texture, layers and visual interest. All things you don’t get from matching furniture.

One of the best features of an upholstered bed is that it can be easily paired with other pieces. Mixing and matching wood tones can be problematic because of all the stain options available. Similar to lighting fixtures, hunting for matching tones across different brands usually leads to frustration and disappointment. Fabric is the ultimate solution for that dilemma!

Luxurious Comfort

An upholstered bed offers a level of comfort that is unmatched. The padded headboard provides a soft and cozy surface to lean against while reading or watching TV in bed. The upholstered frame also adds an extra layer of cushioning, making your bed a haven of relaxation. However, I suggest using a barrier, like pillows, to minimize contact with the fabric. Just like the seating in your home, you run the risk of color transfer from clothing or hair products.

Versatile Design

One of the best features of an upholstered bed is that it can be easily paired with other pieces. Mixing and matching wood tones can be problematic because of all the stain options available. Similar to cabinet hardware.

One of the greatest advantages of an upholstered bed is its versatility. It can seamlessly blend into various interior styles, from traditional to contemporary. Whether you prefer a neutral fabric or a bold pattern, an upholstered bed can be customized to match your personal taste and create a focal point in your bedroom.

They’ll Add a Personal Touch

With all this in mind, it’s no surprise that an upholstered bed often becomes the conversation-starting piece of the bedroom. As the focal point of your space – whether it’s a queen bed in your master, or dual twin beds in your kids’ room – the options to make your bed truly feel like you are endless. Of all places, your bedroom should be your personal sanctuary, and your furniture choices, from the styling of the fabric to the frame, should feel uniquely yours.

Upkeep is Manageable

For beds with a fabric surface, you’ll need to do a routine cleaning just like any upholstered furniture in your home. Regular vacuuming or rolling with a lint brush will help keep the material from collecting dust. Fabric with a heavy texture is more likely to trap dust, so consider that during the selection process if you are prone to allergies.

Investing in an upholstered bed is a decision that combines both style and functionality. Experience the ultimate comfort, elegance, and versatility that an upholstered bed brings to your bedroom. Sweet dreams await!

Decor

How to Style a Console Table

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Often times a console table is the first impression as you enter a home. Console tables can be beautiful and functional pieces of furniture in your home. They work well in narrow spaces, and come in every different width, height, and style, so you can always find one to suit your needs. Whether you’re using one in an entryway as I often do, or in a main living space, there are a few key styling elements we love to use on a console table. In today’s blog post, I’ll be sharing tips for how to style a console table.

Ground The Bottom

When I’m styling open consoles, I like to ground the bottom with more substantial items to balance visual weight. Baskets are a great go-to because they bring extra storage for shoes while simultaneously adding great textural detail. To make things more interesting, try styling larger, shapely pieces like vases or even stacked coffee table books.

As a rule of thumb, make sure whatever items you style on the bottom are tall enough to leave only a small space between them and the top of the console.

Keep it Simple

When I style console tables, I love to keep things simple! A few key styling elements are all you need to make a statement in your entryway or living space. In real life, console tables tend to get cluttered when keys, mail, and other day-to-day objects get dropped off on their way in and out of the house. To combat this, and to have a surface available when you need one, leave some empty space on your console table when it comes to décor. Combine style with functionality by incorporating storage solutions into your console. Use decorative boxes or baskets to keep clutter at bay while adding a stylish touch. You can also use trays or bowls to organize keys, sunglasses, or other small essentials.

Go Oversized on Top

Opt for a large, oversized mirror or art piece to hang above your console table. The scale of the piece will help balance the scale of the table, and it adds a fun focal piece that draws your eye upwards. I always leave about 4-6’’‘ from the top of the console table to the bottom of the mirror or art piece. You also want to make sure the mirror or piece of art doesn’t overpower the furniture so it’s important to leave a few inches of space around the entire mirror/art.

Add Greenery

To add texture and warmth to your console table decor, always add a pop of greenery! Also, don’t be afraid to choose larger plants here. I love using greenery to add height to our console table too. For the winter months, I usually add faux stems and in the spring and summer I try to incorporate fresh greens from the yard.

Don’t Forget Lighting

A common mistake I see when it comes to styling a console table is missing lighting. In our décor combination below, I opted for a statement table lamp. Another option is to add sconces to highlight whatever art piece or mirror is hanging above the console table. If your table is in an entryway that has a statement chandelier, opt for a candle or second plant instead.

Remember, your console is a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a stylish focal point. Experiment with different styles, textures, and objects to create a look that speaks to your personal taste. Have fun and let your personality shine!

Decor

Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home

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Recently, I realized that since I started adding a touch of modern coastal decor to our home, I don’t need to do a lot of seasonal decorating. By sticking with a color scheme that reflects the ocean and sky–including crisp whites, deep blues and neutral hues–everything seems to work together, no matter what time of year it is! With fall right around the corner, I plan to include heavier texture fabrics with some darker accents to embrace the cooler months ahead.

Because it’s based on natural elements, coastal décor never goes out of style.  As design styles and trends change, coastal style can easily evolve and adapt–for example, incorporating lighter wood tones rather than dark, or featuring softer neutral hues rather than bright colors.

Looking to bring a touch of seaside serenity to your living space? Look no further! I’ve got some fantastic modern coastal decorating ideas that will make your home feel like a beachside retreat.

Embrace the Soothing Color Palette

Opt for soft blues, sandy neutrals, and crisp whites to create a calming coastal vibe. These colors will instantly transport you to the shores, making your home feel like a tranquil oasis. My home is filled with neutrals with lots of texture. The majority of our walls are Sherwin Williams Pure White or Benjamin Moore Classic Gray. Both paint colors are perfect for a modern coastal vibe. I love to keep main furniture pieces neutral while adding color with throw pills, rugs and home decor.

Incorporate Natural Elements

Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural materials like rattan, jute, and driftwood. These textures add a touch of coastal charm and create a relaxed atmosphere. One of my favorite ways to incorporate these elements into a modern coastal design is with wool/jute rug combinations. These rugs are the best of both worlds by combining the textured look of jute with the softness of wool.

Light and Airy Fabrics

Opt for light and breezy fabrics like linen or cotton to create an airy feel. Sheer curtains, flowy drapes, and lightweight throws will let the natural light in and give your home a fresh, beachy ambiance. Linen bedding is a great way to achieve a modern coastal look in the bedroom.

Coastal-inspired Artwork

Hang up some coastal-inspired artwork featuring seascapes, beach scenes, or neutral abstract art . These pieces will transport you to the ocean’s edge and add a splash of color to your walls. We have many coastal art pieces all throughout our home. One of my absolute favorite designers for coastal art is Deb Presutto Art.

Indoor Greenery

Bring the coastal landscape indoors with some lush green plants. Not only do they purify the air, but they also create a tropical ambiance that complements the coastal theme perfectly. As much as I love real plants, I’m not the best at keeping them alive. We have many faux ferns in our home which look amazing and are perfect to achieve that modern coastal look.

Implementing the Modern Coastal Vibe

Some things to avoid overdoing in a modern coastal or beach themed home include signs, rope accents, anchors, nautical themes, ocean waves, and lobster, crab, sea urchin, and starfish motifs.

For a modern coastal look, start with a background of white walls, as well as soft natural colors of the sand and sky, and crisp, casual fabrics like cotton and linen.  Then add in some natural materials, including lots of baskets, light woods, and lovely textures through rugs, throw pillows, and throw blankets.

Remember, modern coastal decorating is all about creating a relaxed and inviting space that reflects the beauty of the seaside. So, let your imagination run wild and infuse your home with the uplifting vibes of the coast!

Design

Sherwin William Pure White: Paint Color Review

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Sherwin Williams Pure White is a popular paint color known for its clean, bright, and timeless appeal. It’s a versatile color that can be used in a variety of settings, from modern to traditional interiors. In this post, I will delve into a comprehensive review of Sherwin Williams Pure White, looking at its features, benefits, and potential drawbacks.

What Type of Paint Color is Sherwin Williams Pure White? Is it Warm or Cool?

Well, as you’ve probably figured out, Pure White is one of the most versatile, flexible and popular white paint colors on the market – but it’s not a true white, as it has a soft, passive warmth to it, without looking as creamy as some of the other whites. Pure White works well for walls, trims, cabinets and even exterior siding!

What is the LRV of Pure White?

Pure White has an LRV of 84, so it’s what I call a soft white – it’s not stark, but not overly creamy either.

What are the Undertones of Pure White?

Pure White has a soft warmth to it in the form of a tiny bit of black (which just softens it) and a drop of yellow which makes it slightly warm. But really, when I say slightly… it’s hardly noticeable.

And like any white, Pure White can easily pick up color from its surroundings, including greens outside if you have a lot of windows.

Pure White in a South Facing Room

South-facing light is warm and slightly yellow, which plays well into the subtle warmth of Pure White. We have Pure White in our kitchen and family room which are both south facing rooms. I love how this color creates a light and bright backdrop!

What’s the Best White Trim Color if Your Walls are Pure White?

if you want to see the warmth of Pure White, pair it with a clean white like Sherwin Williams High Reflective White. However, I personally prefer having my walls, cabinets and trim in the same white so I don’t need to worry about clashing undertones. This approach lets the change in sheen do the work for you without having to change colors. My favorite combo is to use matte on the walls, satin on the trim and flat on the ceiling.

Is Pure White a Good Kitchen Cabinet Color?

Yes, yes, yes! As shown below, Pure White is a gorgeous choice for cabinets. It generally ‘looks like white’, without being as stark as more traditional whites. It’s also versatile and suits a wide range of countertop choices. It’s absolutely my favorite white color for cabinets.

Overview of Sherwin Williams Pure White

Key Features

  • Bright and Clean: Sherwin Williams Pure White is a bright, clean white that can make any space look fresh and inviting.

  • Versatile: This color is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of settings, from modern to traditional.

  • Neutral Undertones: Unlike many white paints that have warm or cool undertones, Sherwin Williams Pure White has neutral undertones, making it a true white.

Potential Drawbacks

  • May Require Multiple Coats: Like many white paints, Sherwin Williams Pure White may require multiple coats to achieve full coverage.

  • Can Appear Stark in Certain Lighting: In certain lighting conditions, this color can appear stark white, although I have not found this in my own home.

Application of Sherwin Williams Pure White

  • Living Rooms: Sherwin Williams Pure White can make living rooms appear brighter and more spacious.

  • Kitchens: This color is a popular choice for kitchens, as it creates a clean, fresh look.

  • Bedrooms: In bedrooms, Sherwin Williams Pure White can create a calm, serene atmosphere.

  • Bathrooms: In bathrooms, this color can enhance the sense of cleanliness and space.

Conclusion

Sherwin Williams Pure White is a versatile, bright, and clean white paint color that can be used in a variety of settings. While it may require multiple coats to achieve full coverage, its neutral undertones and timeless appeal make it a popular choice for many homeowners. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a living room, create a serene bedroom, or enhance the cleanliness of a bathroom, Sherwin Williams Pure White is a color worth considering.

Decor

Everything You Need To Create A Cozy Outdoor Space

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6 Ways to Create a Cozy Outdoor Living Space

The outdoors is a beautiful place to relax, entertain guests, and enjoy the fresh air. Creating a cozy outdoor living space is essential for a comfortable and inviting space whether it be a patio, porch, or deck. Adding thoughtful touches and details can transform your backyard or patio into a cozy oasis. Here are 6 ways to create a cozy outdoor living space for your home.

In this post, I’m going to help you figure out what you need in order to create the perfect backyard oasis for your home. But first, think about how you want to use this space.

If you plan to use your patio or deck primarily for family dining, then your focus should be on creating a beautiful outdoor dining area.

Similar Table | Set of 2 Chairs | Rug | Sofa | Planter | 5 Piece Set

However, if party hosting is your thing and you want to have a multi-purpose space, then you’ll need both a dining and conversation area big enough to accommodate your guests.

Like the living room inside your home, you have to be thoughtful when designing your outdoor living space too. Depending on the size and shape of your patio or deck, there are multiple ways to arrange your outdoor furniture.

Be sure to measure your space before you buy anything. Leave enough room for you and your guests to move about freely without the risk of bumping into things or tripping.

Patio dining area

There is nothing like bringing the family outside to enjoy dinner together on a nice evening. Somehow it just makes everything taste better! You’ve created the perfect dining room design inside your home, now you can take some of those ideas to your outdoor dining space!

You may not have the same amount of space to work with as indoors, so it’s very important to measure this space as well. The last thing you need is to have guests tipping off the patio because their chair was too close to the edge. You need enough room to walk around your table even when the chairs are pulled out.

I have a round dining table inside, but for my outdoor space, I went with a rectangular patio table made of teak wood. I love the simplicity of the design and the warm tones of the tabletop. We decided to buy our table locally due to the size we needed. We have a lot of different spaces on our deck and I wanted to make sure the table was the perfect size. As for the chairs, we chose these amazing chairs from Walmart. I love the design and that they came with cushions!

Incorporate plants and lots of them!

Plants are essential to creating a beautiful outdoor space! This doesn’t only include outdoor plants like boxwoods, but houseplants in baskets and planters are perfect too! Year after year, I plant annuals in baskets and larger planters and they also look amazing! I love choosing a color theme for the season every spring. This year we had a mix of pinks and purples on our deck. If only I could keep them alive all summer! I’m always so good about watering them until about mid July and then something happens and they drop off my radar. Our deck gets a ton of sun so we have to choose annuals wisely.

Textiles

One of my favorite items in our home are all the textiles. Indoors, we have fabrics on furniture, pillows, and throws. Why not include these things outside as well? We included lots of throw pillows and blankets on our sofa and chairs, as well as pillows on each dining chair. Not only do these accessories add texture but they make the space more cozy.

Rug | Set of 2 Chairs | Rug | Sofa | Planter | 5 Piece Set

Lighting

Just like the lighting design inside your home, creating an inviting atmosphere outdoors is just as important. String lights, lanterns and candles are perfect for any outdoor space. I love the look of different size lanterns all styled together. String lights are also great, especially if you have a pergola. But even if you don’t you can always attach lights to the house and out to some trees to create a cozy inviting space.

Rugs

Outdoor rugs have come a long way! Most of them look like indoor rugs! They dry quickly and are very soft to walk on. With that said, You don’t NEED an outdoor rug, but it gives any outdoor living space a cozy feel. Just like the living room inside your home, a rug ties your design elements together and adds texture. It also defines a space in an open area like a large patio.

Rug | Set of 2 Chairs | Rug | Planter | 5 Piece Set

Personally, I love having outdoor rugs on our deck. They look beautiful and help with walking on the deck in bare feet, as many decking materials can get quite hot. Our dogs also love to lay on them, especially under the table while we eat dinner!

Comfy Furniture is a must!

Obviously, outdoor furniture needs to be durable. It will be exposed to varying temperatures and humidity levels so you need something that will last for more than one season, despite the elements. This set from Walmart is my absolute favorite! The set comes with covers and is so cozy and well-made. There are many options for materials for outdoor furniture.

  • Wood options include teak, cedar, acacia, and eucalyptus. Out of these, teak is the most durable and requires less upkeep than the others. You may need to restain and seal after a few seasons.

  • Polywood is the perfect choice for those that want the look of wood but need extra durability. It’s made from high-density plastic that doesn’t absorb heat and can withstand all weather.

  • Wrought iron is always a classic look with sleek black lines paired with white cushions. However, it can be pricey, heavy to move around, and gets hot in the sun.

  • Aluminum is lightweight and resists rust and moisture damage. This option is affordable and can easily be touched up if needed.

  • Resin Wicker is my favorite! I love using wicker and rattan inside my home so it should be no surprise that I added it to my outdoor entertaining area as well. The plastic material is woven together and has characteristics that mimic wicker.

     

Similar Table | Set of 2 Chairs | Rug | Sofa | Planter | 5 Piece Set

Design

Benjamin Moore Classic Gray: Paint Color Review

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What kind of paint color is classic gray? Is it warm or cool?

Classic Gray is an off-white, warm gray with soft, muted, slightly feminine undertones. If you don’t like blue or green undertones, this could be the right gray for you!

Almost more important than the color itself, finding the best undertone for your home will make all the difference in the success of your paint choices.

My goal is to share my personal experience with Benjamin Moore Classic Gray to help you decide if it’s right for your home!

What is Classic Gray’s LRV?

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is an indicator of the amount of light that is illuminated by a light source. A higher value (closer to 100) means that a color will reflect more light back at you whereas a lower value (closer to 0) means that a color will appear darker, or absorb more light.

Classic Gray’s LRV is 74 – meaning it is classed as an off-white. Due to Classic Gray being so light – its probably not a good choice for a super bright room as it may wash out.

Classic Gray looks best in a medium lit room, where the light doesn’t wash it out and its color can really be appreciated.

What are Classic Gray’s Undertones?

Classic Gray has warm undertones of purple and sometimes a soft pink, however these are very subtle. Due to Classic Gray being an off-white – it may sometimes reflect other undertones depending on its environment. For example if you have a lot of greenery outside – it may flash ever so slightly green.

We used Classic Gray in two rooms in our home; our primary bedroom and our northwest facing living room. We started with the living room and after painting the room two shades of gray and then repainting the entire rooom we finally settled on Classic Gray and we LOVE it! I love how light and bright it makes our considerably dark living room.

Dresser | Bench | Lamp | Curtains | Vase | Stems | Curtain Rod

Why is choosing gray paint so hard?

When it comes to choosing paint colors, most of us simply take a trip to the closest home improvement store, gather as many paint sample cards as possible and head home to stare at them for hours. While this may be a great place to start, the only foolproof way to know if the paint will look good in a room is to test it out. So once you’ve narrowed down your selections, I recommend buying a sample and paint swatches on all four walls in a room, not just one little area.

This way you can see it throughout the day in all lighting conditions – from bright sunny mornings to gloomy overcast afternoons. You’ll be surprised how paint can take on a different look throughout the day.

Some brands have reusable peel-and-stick paint samples you can order that allow you to move them around. These are a convenient alternative that don’t require any painting supplies and won’t leave behind texture on the walls. Oftentimes, popular colors are available for purchase in-store – for all of you that need instant gratification!

Rug | Coffee Table | Gallery Frames | Olive Tree | Floral Pillow | Blue Vase | Curtains

Final Thoughts

If you want a really light, bright and fresh color, Classic Gray truly is a classic. It adds soft warmth in any room you paint with it. It looks modern and clean, and works with any decorating style.

Decor

How to Combine Pillow Patterns

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Rug | Coffee Table | Sectional | Curtains | Planter

Combining pillow patterns can add depth, texture, and visual interest to your space. Here are some tips to help you successfully mix and match pillow patterns:

Start with a Solid Foundation

Begin by selecting a solid-colored pillow as your base. This will serve as a neutral backdrop for the patterned pillows and help anchor the overall look. I love to use a solid, large pillow in either a 24×24 or 22×22 size for this spot.

Coffee Table | Lamp | Shelf | Scalloped Bowl | Blue Vase

Choose a Variety of Patterns

Select pillows with different patterns to create a dynamic and layered effect. Consider incorporating a mix of geometric, floral, striped, or abstract patterns. Aim for a balance between large-scale and small-scale patterns to create visual harmony. My favorite combination is a solid pillow in the back with a medium sized large print and a smaller or lumbar pillow with a small print.

Pendant Light | Planter | Throw Blanket

Stick to a Color Palette

To ensure a cohesive look, choose pillows that share a common color palette. This will tie the patterns together and create a harmonious visual flow. You can opt for complementary colors, analogous colors, or even a monochromatic scheme. My home is filled with blue accents so I try to incorporate this color in all the pillows throughout my home. It may only be one or two pillows on a sofa with a tiny bit of blue but that’s really all you need to tie everything together.

Consider Texture

Don’t forget to incorporate pillows with different textures to add depth and tactile interest. Look for pillows with embellishments like embroidery, tassels, or fringe. In the cooler months I love adding in faux fur or sherpa pillows. These are also the best for watching TV! Mixing textures will enhance the overall visual and sensory experience of your space.

Floral Pillow | Side Table | Wall Art

Play with Placement

Experiment with different pillow placements to create a visually pleasing arrangement. Try alternating patterns, placing complementary patterns side by side, or creating a symmetrical or asymmetrical display. Don’t be afraid to rearrange and try different combinations until you find the perfect arrangement.

For a sectional sofa, I love adding a 24×24 pillow in the corner combined with a 22×22 and a 20×20 pillow. On the ends I might have a 22×22 on one end and a 22×22 pillow with a small lumbar pillow on the other side.

Use Solid Pillows as Breaks

Intersperse solid-colored pillows between patterned ones to provide visual breaks and prevent the arrangement from feeling overwhelming. Solid pillows can help balance out the patterns and create a cohesive look. I tend to keep solid colored pillow covers throughout the seasons, saving linen for the summer and faux fur and sherpa for the winter.

Consider the Overall Style

Keep in mind the overall style and theme of your space when selecting pillow patterns. If your space has a more traditional vibe, opt for classic patterns like damask or toile. For a modern or eclectic space, experiment with bold and abstract patterns.

Remember, combining pillow patterns is an opportunity to showcase your personal style and creativity. Have fun with it and trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns to create a unique and visually stunning arrangement. Happy pillow styling!

Decor

How to Mix High and Low-End Home Décor

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You know that saying, champagne taste on a beer budget? All my life I have always gravitated towards things that are way out of my budget. So as a result, I’ve had to get creative and figure out ways to create a high end look without spending crazy amounts of money.

Lets face it; most people do not have budgets large enough to customize furnishings for every room in their home. There are ways to achieve a high end look without compromising your budget. The key to this is to know where to splurge. The most important aspect of mixing high end and low end home decor is to invest in one or two quality pieces. These pieces will help to elevate the other lower end items in a room. Unsure of how to create this look? Here’s how to make this combination work seamlessly.

Splurge on Statement Pieces

My rule of thumb is to spend money on quality furniture that you plan to have for at least 5 years. This would include items such as sofas, bedroom furniture, and dining sets. It’s important to take your time when selecting these items and to really feel that you love them! When I see a piece of furniture that catches my eye, I take photos, and then go home. If a week later I find myself thinking about the piece then I know this is usually worth the investment.

Fill in with Affordable Home Décor

Once you have selected your main furniture pieces, you can begin filling in with less expensive home décor. Items such as pillow covers, bedding and wall décor will likely change with the seasons. If you have lots of kids and three dogs like us, rugs don’t typically last very long! Stores such as Walmart, Target and Homegoods are great options for affordable home décor! Many of my favorite pieces come from these stores. The spaces below are perfect examples of mixing high and low-end home décor to achieve a curated look.

Runner | Wall Art | Artichokes

Shop Around

It pays to shop around! Many times I will see a rug that I love and after searching the internet, I will find the same rug (sometimes with a different name) for varying prices. Some of my favorite rugs are from Loloi and they are sold on many different websites. I can’t say enough great things about these rugs. They are so easy to maintain, they look stunning with various home décor styles, and they are very affordable! These are some of the Loloi rugs we’ve had in our home over the years.

Coffee Table | Lamp | Gallery Frames | Blue Bowl | Floral Pillow

Purchase Art for Download

Many times you can find digital art prints at small online shops for a fraction of the price of high-end framed art. Yes, you still need to print and frame the art but this option is by far the most affordable.

My favorite place to purchase digital art prints is on Etsy.com.  They range in price starting from less than $1 per digital print and go up from there.  I think the most I have ever spent on a digital art print on Etsy is $10.

Once I have the digital file downloaded my next stop is Mpix.com, in my opinion this is the best place to print art. For these art prints I always choose giclee printing.

Next comes the framing. Frame It Easy is my “go to” for framing. Here, you can frame any piece of art by adding a custom frame. All of the art in the living room, including the gallery wall and the prints on the ledge, are framed by Frame It Easy. We are so happy with all of these pieces!

Get creative and have fun! The goal is to create a mix of high and low end décor items that will result in a more expensive look overall.

Bench | Rug | Top Wall Art | Bottom Wall Art | Tree

Design

How to Choose Wood Floor Stain for Red Oak

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If you’re like me, you absolutely love the look of a light stain on white oak hardwood floors. It’s simple, modern, inviting, & really brightens up any space. If you’re building a home and are able to pick any wood flooring it makes the decision so much easier! However, if you’re like us & you live in a home with existing hardwoods, chances may be that you don’t have white oak, but that won’t stop you from trying to get the same vibe.

Choosing wood flooring was one of the most difficult decisions we had to make during our kitchen/family room renovation. Initially, we planned to blend the new floor with the existing wood floor in the living room. We figured this was the most cost effective solution given how extensive our renovation had become. We were down to the wire on choosing what type of wood floor to order, so we decided to save the money and match the red oak that we had in the living room. However, we did decide to get wider planks and went with 4” instead of the standard 2 1/2”. Our builder reassured us that it would blend well with the 2 1/2” in the living room and would barely be noticed.

Choosing a Stain Color

Choosing is a stain is probably the most challenging part of the whole process. You can blend some stains together to create mixes at varying percentages to end up finding what you like best. When choosing a stain, make sure you consider that they look different with different light & at different times of day. I’d take a day or so to look at them from every angle & in every kind of light. Also, when doing this in the future, I’d recommend choosing the two rooms with the most varied natural light & doing test patches in each one so you can really see how different it will look throughout the house.  Stains also look different from a test patch to an entire room being done, so it’s important to try to do samples on pieces of wood with varying tones so you can really get a better idea of how a whole room will look. 

What Flooring We Chose

My husband and I then decided that we would replace the living room wood floor within the next year and for now we’d find a lighter stain for our red oak floors. I can’t tell you how many different stains we tried on these floors. My heart was set on the look of natural white oak floors. Our flooring contractor knew the look I was trying to achieve, so he left me with probably 15 different Duraseal stains, so I could spend the weekend mixing and staining sample boards. I wanted a light natural color but quickly realized this was essentially impossible to achieve with red oak. Every combination I tried looked pink! Red oak would be a great choice for a dark stained floor, but not if you’re trying to achieve a lighter, natural look. Red oak also does not take any kind of gray colored stain well, since it turns pink.

In the end, we decided not to choose any of the made up mixes and went with Duraseal’s Golden Oak stain with Loba Satin Water Based Polyurethane. It’s a little darker than I originally wanted, but now that we’ve had it for a while, I have to say I really do love our wood floors. They’re warm, not too dark and not too light. They’re a great color for dogs and kids, which we have a lot of!

The Aftermath

Your entire house (walls, window sills, window treatments, floorboards, etc) will be COVERED in dust after you refinish your floors.  This is one downside to choosing to have wood floors finished on-site.  Even though the cleanup is extensive it’s worth it in my opinion.  The quality of stained on-site wood floors is unmatched.  It gives you the ability to refinish the floors down the road 4-5 times (not that anyone would likely chose to do this).  When our floors were completed we had a cleaning service come in to dust and it was totally worth every penny!  Most cleaning services offer this service if you let them know what you need done. They came in to clean every wall, light fixture, window sill, etc so that the house was ready for us to move our furniture back in. The amount of dust is no joke!

Selecting the Polyurethane

Depending on what type of stain you used (water versus oil) you’ll have to wait a certain number of days before putting furniture back down on the floors.  We chose a water based finish which allowed us to move furniture back after 24 hours.  I recommend using furniture felt pads on the legs of all of your furniture to ensure they don’t damage the floor. You’ll have to wait about five days (with water based) or longer (with oil based) to put rugs back down.

What we Learned

Always, always, always refinish wood floors before moving in if you think it’s something you’ll ever do. It saves the headache of moving all of your furniture in & out! This is my number one recommendation after going through this process. Also, I wish we would have been told more clearly just how impossible it is to get rid of most of the red or pink tones with red oak, but you live & learn!  In the end, I’m very happy with our wood floors.  Even though they are a bit darker than we planned I love the contrast with all the white oak furniture we have in our home.  

I hope this was helpful if you are looking for how to stain red oak to look like white oak. While you can’t totally mimic the vibe of white oak, you can certainly get close, while embracing the character of red oak & the history of your home! Floor trends come & go like so many things with home decor. While we are all loving the light floors now, I’m sure something else will be all the rage soon enough!