Romantic Dining Room

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Phillips Furniture

Romance isn’t only for Valentine’s Day. When decorating your home, it’s important to make it cozy and comfortable, but integrating romance into your home can add a nice touch any time of year. One room in the home where romance is always appropriate is your dining room.

While what constitutes a “romantic” design often depends heavily on your own personal preference, we’ve got a few suggestions for bringing a little romance into your dining room.

Bring romance in with color. A warm, deep color on the walls will make your dining room cozier and more romantic than stark, cold white walls. If you have pale-colored woodwork, consider a rose-colored paint to add depth and warmth.

Consider old world classics and traditional pieces. Nothing says romantic like incorporating elaborate pieces like a detailed antique mirror on the wall, or a chandelier. Elegant upholstered chairs also bring warmth and will make guests feel comfortable in a romantic room decorated with elaborate pieces.

Add an element of drama and surprise. Keep things interesting by adding surprise to you dining room. Consider a detailed painting on the ceiling to add surprise to your décor. Dramatic window treatments, such as a floor-length silk treatment are a dramatic compliment to an elegant mirror or chandelier.

Bring your room to life with fresh flowers. The aromas of fresh flowers will make any room more romantic. Adorn your table with a tall vase filled with a few simple long-stemmed flowers. One large bloom like a magnolia floating in a large bowl is a different look, but is both dramatic and romantic.

A romantic dining room is ultimately about your preference. Consider pieces you love. If you prefer Old World elegance, French romance or simple and chic, take it and run with it. Keep in mind pieces that add warmth, depth and surprise to your room. For the final touch, light the room with candles and you’ll have a romantic setting whether it’s a quiet Valentine’s Day dinner with your spouse, or dinner with the entire family.

Posted in Design Tips & Ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Decorating Your Child’s Room

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Phillips Furniture

 Decorating a child’s room can be fun, but it also provides a unique challenge. What are the most important elements to consider when designing and decorating a kid-friendly bedroom? Here are the top 5 factors to keep in mind when designing a room for your child.

Keep it age appropriate and safe. The most important factor to keep in mind when planning the design of your child’s room is safety. Select design elements and furniture that are appropriate for your child’s age, and yet will grow with them. Incorporate storage and shelving units that are low to the ground, and provide easy access for your child.

 Light it well. When lighting a child’s room, keep in mind the various activities that will take place in that room. A variety of lighting units are necessary in designing a child’s room. Overhead lighting will keep a room bright, and is a safer option than floor lamps. Put a lamp on a bedside table, or attach a reading lamp to your child’s headboard for nighttime reading. Depending on the age of your child be sure to include night lights and/or dim lighting to help them see to get to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Give them room to grow. While you may think this conflicts with being able to keep your child’s room age-appropriate, there are excellent transitional pieces that will grow with your child. For example, a crib that will transition into a toddler bed and then a full-size bed is great for safety and kid-friendliness that will grow with your children.

When decorating walls, start with a neutral or solid color, and add removable, vinyl wall decorations. These are inexpensive and easy to change as your child’s tastes change. No parent wants to redecorate a child’s room from paint to finish every three or four years!

 Organization is necessary. Plenty of storage and organizational pieces is key in keeping your kid’s room clean. A simple wall unit with a number of “cubbies” is ideal for storage in a child’s room. Provide a place to put away toys, books and clothes, and you’ll thank yourself when it comes time to cleaning. Keep the storage accessible to your child with shelves and cubbies they can reach, and you’ll be able to teach them to keep their room clean rather than always cleaning up for them.

What they want. Ask your child for their opinion. While you want to keep the design of their room in good taste, and may want it to coordinate with the design of the rest of your home, there are ways to accomplish that while giving your child a design he or she will love. Allowing your child to express his or her personality in the design of their bedroom will help them enjoy spending time in their room, and may even be motivation for them to keep it clean!

Posted in Design Tips & Ideas | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Chic decorating ideas for Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Phillips Furniture

With Valentine’s Day today, why not share the love by decorating your home or office? Forget the cheap and flimsy store-bought decorations, chic decorating is all about do-it-yourself projects. Time to gather the kids or the girlfriends and get crafty!

Here are a few of our favorite DIY Valentine’s Day projects (these are even easy enough for the most design-challenged guys!):

Love-ly hearts banner. You could buy a banner of pink and red hearts, or you could make your own. Visit your local Michael’s or Hobby Lobby and go straight to the paper aisle. Grab a pack of designer paper from one of many fantastic brands, like K&Company. Whether floral, stripes, paisley or a mix, select paper with fun designs that you like. They don’t have to be all reds and pinks. You can accent your banner with a few shades of solid pink hearts along with the designer paper. Be sure you purchase double-sided paper. Cut hearts of varying sizes, or all one size, from the paper, and string them together with a red or pink ribbon. Hang your homemade banner in your home or even in your cubicle or office at work.

Click here for some chic Valentine’s craft ideas from Better Homes and Gardens.

 Fresh flowers. Red and pink roses or tulips are a must-have for Valentine’s Day. Make a few simple bouquets and put them in white vases for chic, elegant look. Make one large bouquet and set it in a prominent spot in your house or make several smaller bouquets and spread them around. The fresh smell and cheerful colors will brighten even the loneliest hearts this Valentine’s Day.

Spice up your Valentine’s dinner table with love.  If you’re spending a romantic evening at home on Valentine’s Day, don’t skimp out on the decorations. Set the mood with a candle-lit dinner. Use white as your base color, and bring in the colors of love with a bouquet of fresh flowers on the table. Sprinkle Hershey’s Kisses or even homemade chocolates on the table to add a little bit of sweet.

Decorating for Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive. Take a little time for one (or all) of these do-it-yourself projects and you’ll be sure to feel the love around home and work this Valentine’s Day.

Posted in Design Tips & Ideas | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Decorating Your Guest Room

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Phillips Furniture

The guest room may be one of the most neglected rooms in a house. Oftentimes, the guest room is furnished and decorated with all the “leftovers” from the rest of the house. If you want to be a great host to overnight guests, put thought into the design, décor and layout of your guest room.

Here are five things to consider when decorating a guest room:

Comforts of home – When decorating a guest room, keep in mind all the details you would want in your own room. If you have wood floors, include a rug on the floor to warm the room and help reduce floor creaking. Provide at least one mirror in the room for your guests and additional seating options, other than the bed. A comfortable chair in the corner will help make the room cozy and keep your guests feeling at home. If you live in a warm climate, consider a ceiling fan or tower fan to keep the room cool in hot nights.

Bedding – Don’t be cheap when it comes to bedding for your guests. There’s nothing worse than waking up in a strange room and a cold, uncomfortable bed. Dress the bed with soft cotton sheets and a variety of blankets to accommodate varying weather. Offer your guests at least two choices in pillows, ideally one firm and one soft or down pillow.

Lighting – Don’t over-light the room with overhead lighting. Instead, create a warm, environment with sconces on the walls, a floor lamp or table lamp. Put your lights on a dimmer to allow guests to adjust the room’s lighting to meet their preference.

Think about the small stuff – An alarm clock on the bedside table and an easily accessible power strip will go a long way in making your guests feel at home. Provide a few cold bottles of water or a pitcher of ice water with a glass for each guest. Top the bedside table with a hammered or textured metal or other material that won’t be damaged by water rings. Your guests will feel most at home if they are in a warm, inviting room but don’t worry about damaging your furniture or décor.

Keep the clutter out – Depending on the length of their stay, your guests will have luggage and other personal items that will add clutter to the room. Keeping room décor warm but simple will ensure your guests don’t feel overwhelmed or cluttered with too many things in the room once their own luggage and personal belongings are in the room.

Spend a night in the room – The best way to ensure you haven’t missed anything is to spend a night in the guest room yourself.  If you wake up in the night and struggle to find the lamp, or bump into a chair on the way to the bathroom, consider rearranging your setup. You’ll know you’ve got it right if you wake up in the guest room feeling relaxed and refreshed and aren’t disoriented.

Decorating a guest room can be a unique challenge. Tying the theme of your guest room into the rest of your house while anticipating the comfort needs of your potential future guests can leave some homeowners frustrated. Follow these tips and you’ll have at lease the basics covered. Never hesitate to ask friends or family members for feedback on your decorations, bedding and furniture arrangement.

Posted in Design Tips & Ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10 Tips to Modernizing Your Living Room

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Phillips Furniture

When was the last time you updated the décor and design of your living space? If the answer begins with the year “19-something,” you are well overdue for a design overhaul. If you’re still living in the last century, or even the last decade, you may struggle to know exactly what a “modern” living room design looks like.

Here are 10 tips to modernizing your living room.

1. Mix different textures and materials. Incorporating a variety of textures such as wood, stone and a mix of fabrics will add interest and depth to your living space.

2. Add a punch with a bold print on a throw pillow. If your room is mostly neutral or solid colors, a bold print on one oversized throw pillow will make more of a statement than the overuse of bold prints.

3. Hang a collection or group similar items together. Take advantage of that collection of mirrors, wall crosses, or even your grandmother’s spoons. Hanging a collection on one wall or organizing similar items together on a shelf can add not only an element of architecture to your living room, but it will also personalize the room.

4. Keep functionality and fashion in mind. Carefully select items for your living room that are well incorporated into the design of your room, and yet remain functional. This applies to lighting, seating and storage.

5. Separate the spaces of a large room with a standing screen or a curtain hung from the ceiling. If your living room and dining room are made up of one large room, separate the two with a room divider. This can be an interesting architectural element such as a standing screen fashioned out of antique doors or a fabric hung from the ceiling.

6. Add color to the walls. White is boring and neutrals can be bland. And color like a shade of green or blue. Some colors can be as versatile as a neutral or earth tone. Select a lighter shade that complements the furnishings and textiles in your room, but doesn’t necessarily match it.

7. Think outside the box. Repurpose pieces from other parts of your home and assign them new roles in your living room. A stack of old books or an antique wood stool can serve as an end table or lamp stand. Don’t limit yourself to using items for the purpose for which they were initially created.

 

8. Expand the feel of a room by hanging a mirror on the wall in a position that reflects light. A simple mirror can go a long way in making a small room feel much larger.

9. Your sofa is as much about fashion as it is about comfort. Select a large, comfortable couch with clean lines. The days of a formal living room that is “unlivable” are over. The furniture in your living room should reflect your personal taste in design, but not be so stuffy nobody wants to sit on your couch.

10. Draw attention to a focal point with one statement piece. This could be a large panel painting from your favorite artist or an oversized, antique mirror or a set of old windows or doors fashioned into picture frames for wall art. Ensure that the placement of your television does not compete with what you want the focal point of your room to be.

 

Most importantly, the design elements you choose should reflect your own personal taste and be inviting and comfortable for you. You will spend more time in your living room than any guest, so incorporate decorations and design that you like.

 

 

Posted in Design Tips & Ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Brighten Your Room with Color

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Phillips Furniture

If you’ve ever taken a walk in the sun after a rainy day and felt a wave of cheerfulness sweep over you, then you understand that on some level, light and color affect your mood. Numerous researchers have studied the effects of light and color on human mood and behavior. While their research methods may vary, one thing is strikingly similar in their results: bright lights and light colors increase happiness, and can even add to creativity and boost relaxation. On the other hand, dark colors and poorly lit spaces can increase chances of depression, lethargy and clouded thinking.

                       

There is a wealth of information available on the effect light, color and even architecture has on human behavior, like this article “How Room Designs Affect Your Work and Mood” by Emily Anthes. To summarize Anthes, in order to trigger the mind to be alert, happy and even creative, adequate amounts of light and color are necessary. Is your home bright and cheerful, letting in plenty of light? Many homes today have poor lighting due to an inadequate number of windows. If your home is dark and gloomy with few windows to let in natural light, use color to brighten up your space.

Here are a few tips to using color to brighten your home:

Remember, dark colors absorb light but bright colors reflect it. An all white or natural colored room can be dull and boring, but is likely less gloomy than a room with dark wood paneling on all walls. Take advantage of light, bright colors to reflect what light you do have inside your home.

Add bright color accents for added cheeriness. Whites and neutral colors don’t always have to be dull. Add cheer to a primarily white room with bright color accents such as lavender, aqua or lime green. An overuse of these colors can make a room too busy, but pops of color in window treatments and curtains, throw pillows and accent rugs will easily brighten the mood of anyone in the room. The use of bright colors in a floral pattern or flower arrangement will instantly add cheer to any room.

Bring a room to life with fresh, spring colors. Just as the green grass and flower buds in the spring signify life after a cold winter, spring colors can bring a room to life. If painting an accent wall a bright spring green is too bold for you, use it in accents like a bowl of fresh green pears as a centerpiece on a table.

 

Understand the relationships between colors and mood and use colors accordingly. Different colors evoke different moods in people. For example, red is associated with determination, passion and energy. The color can also increase heart rate and enhance human metabolism. Yellow is associated with joy and happiness. Light blue is associated with tranquility and relaxation. Purple is associated with creativity. Knowing the effects different colors have on the human mind guide you as you determine which colors appropriate for different rooms in your home. Learn more about the meaning of colors here.

If the natural lighting inside your home leaves something to be desired, incorporate color to brighten the different spaces in your home. You’ll likely feel a positive change in mood, and maybe even increased creativity and productivity.

Posted in Design Tips & Ideas | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Strategic Lighting for Improving Your Mood

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Phillips Furniture

Have you ever walked into a dark or dimly lit room and felt instantly sleepy? Or the opposite, have you walked into a room with bright lights or sunny open windows and felt more alert or cheerful? According to studies this is due to the levels and production of melatonin in our brains. The lack of melatonin tends to result in sleep inducing tiredness and loss of energy.

While some people are more prone to enjoying themselves outside in natural sunlight and fresh air, many people enjoy simply staying inside and reading a good book. Either way, our moods are greatly affected by the amount of light we are surrounded by.

Both natural sunlight and artificial light are mood enhancers and often result in more creativity and productivity. The lighting in a room or work space is considered a type of sensory stimulation and impacts your thoughts and reactions.

Consider the following suggestions to enhance your mood and attitude with the right lighting and lamps:

1. Windows — During the day, productivity increases 10x more when people are able to see that the sun is out and shining.

 2. Desk Lamps — Desk lamps are great to have on when you are working at a desk. The light helps you to both see what it is you are working on and keep you focused on the tasks. Adequate lighting can also help prevent you from feeling tired or sleepy.

3. Floor lamps — When you don’t have ceiling lamps, tall floor lamps are the next best thing for illuminating a larger area. They can also act as great accent lights to showcase a particular piece of furniture or art in a room.

 4. Table Lamps — Table lamps are ideal for living rooms and bedrooms and one of the most important aspects of creating warmth and comfort in your home.  From task lighting to indirect room light, a table lamp will add a warm glow without lighting up the entire room.  In addition to being functional, table lamps can also be part of a room’s décor.

5. Night lights — Night Lights aren’t just to keep the monsters away from your kids anymore! Night lights are ideal for restrooms, hallways, and other areas that you need a little extra help to see where you are going. Certain people also find it helpful to have some light while sleeping.

Proper lighting has the power to liven up your home and your spirits.  Good lighting can add warmth, color and personality to your living space.  And, compared to many home improvement projects, lighting is a bargain.  Choosing the right lighting will not only brighten up your home, but it can also lift your mood.

Posted in Design Tips & Ideas, Solutions | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Feng Shui for Your Home Office

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Phillips Furniture

                 

When one works from home, certain challenges often arise. With no set away-from-home work space to go to, it can be more difficult to concentrate on tasks without getting caught up in everyday house chores or distractions. The main two challenges people face when working from home are separating business and home life, and dealing with the lack of stimulating business related interactions.

However, working from home also has some wonderful personal benefits. Here are some simple Feng shui tips to help you love your office space and get your work done.

1. Separate the bedroom from your office- You will get the most possible work done when your home office location is further away from your bedroom. This way you are not tempted to walk past your bed and take a quick nap when there’s work to be done.

If space is limited in your home and you lack enough separated room space, creating or putting up division barriers are ideal.

2. Envision how you work best- Create and decorate your office space to accurately fit your successful working strategies. Consider specific images, colors, and other inspirational décor that will help you to stay on task.  For example, if you cannot concentrate with loud, bright colors use a space with calming colors or images.  One of the benefits to working from home is the ability to express your creativity when organizing and decorating to help create the environment and energy that is best for you.

3. Give yourself space to breathe- How is the quality and quantity of air in your home, specifically in your office location? Putting a fan or air-purifying plants in your office space will help produce oxygen and increase blood circulation, which keep your mind sharp and more productive.

 

4. Desk position- The way your desk is positioned determines how you will best interact with possible guests or clients as well as how you will get your work accomplished. The Feng shui commanding position recommended is to not have your back facing the door. If you have your desk facing towards the door and not in line with it, it will give off a more alert energy which will in turn help you focus.

5. Feng shui terms- Certain rules of Feng shui are what gives the phrase its meaning and reputation. Specific locations of furniture and décor are of utmost importance for a better working and living environment:

  • The southern corner, meaning “light in the world.” This is the southern part of the room and its Feng shui energy is fire. Water-like or water-colored décor should be avoided in this area, such as big mirrors, the color blue, fountains, or images of water.
  • The northern corner represents your chosen career or path of life and water-like or metal décor or is advised here. This space is also great for black and white inspiring images related to your career.
  • The southeast corner, which signifies prosperity and abundance, can be decorated with images or symbols of wealth. This area’s Feng shui element is wood; therefore fire images and décor should be evaded here.

These suggestions are just some general Feng shui tips to help you gain the most positive energy possible to work well and be productive in your home office.

Posted in Design Tips & Ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Improving your Home Office

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Phillips Furniture

Your work area or workstation is a space that says a lot about you. It reveals the inner workings of your brain and personality as well as your outlook on life. The organization and set up of this area is important for you to be able to think strategically, creatively, and openly, as well as to allow you to complete your tasks, crafts, and other ideas successfully. Your overall mood and ability to work or concentrate well is also directly correlated with your workspace.

To maximize your productivity and create an amazing personal office, consider the following suggestions:

 1.  Clear Away Clutter

Items in your work station that are not in use should be neatly stored, tucked, or filed away to provide a clear view of what it is you’re working on.

It’s very beneficial for your work area to have storage bins, filing cabinets, or even a free standing storage unit, to be able to find and access what you need when you need it. It’s also more efficient to be able to visibly know where to locate things.

A style tip: Consider using storage units or filing cabinets with wheels, it will make them easier to move out of the way if you are tight on space or want to redecorate.

                       

2. Light up the Area

Lighting can make all the difference in any room. To help you stay alert and cheerful, more lighting is recommended.

By using a floor length lamp and a desk lamp in different areas, it allows you to focus on tasks directly as well as light up the room and highlight art and accent pieces in the office.

If you have a window in your office, open the blinds or curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. Natural sunlight helps to create a positive and more welcoming environment.

 

3. Creating a Focal Point

Focal points are great for directing and redirecting your attention to a specific area. While this may be just another distraction to some home office users, it’s actually quite beneficial for others to remain on target.

Some of the best focal points to focus on in your home office could be a strategically placed piece of artwork or a centrally located area rug near your work space.

 

4. Splash of Color

Compliment your office supplies and furniture with wall color and accessories. Most offices both at home or corporate buildings use neutral colors, but to prevent yourself from getting bored, try adding in a splash of color.

Studies have shown that colors in a room affect people’s moods. This is an important thought to consider when decorating your home office to maximize your productivity!

  • Red is known to be an aggressive and intense color often associated with anger and passion.
  • Orange is said to encourage socialization and free flowing of ideas.
  • Yellow is known to be very creative and mentally stimulating.
  • Blue and Green are said to be very soothing and provide a calm clarity.

5. Motivation and Inspiration

We all need something or someone to motivate and inspire us to be our best and do it well.  Consider placing photos, artwork, quotes, and cheerful decorations in your home office to help encourage you to enjoy yourself while working hard.

 

6. Multi-Tasking Furniture

Sometimes the trick to creating the perfect home office is using the furniture you already have or pieces that you may already be considering as a purchase.

Many people with dining rooms that have large 6+ person tables utilize this space for work. The table is big enough to spread work items out and can easily be cleared off for a large dinner party.

Console tables are also excellent for multi-tasking as a desk area. The typical thin frame of a console table allows it to fit in tighter spaces and still allows you store things in its built in drawers, cabinets, or shelves.

Decorating a home office can be tricky, but once you choose the way the office will feel and connect professionalism with coziness you can ensure a good work space and atmosphere.

Posted in Design Tips & Ideas, Solutions | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Making Your Entryway More Inviting

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Phillips Furniture

Your foyer is the first thing people see when walking into your home. It’s a preview of what to expect when entering into your personal environment and portrays a lot about you in a tiny amount of space. To prevent your friends, family, and guests from immediately turning and leaving before ever coming inside, read these suggestions on how to make your entryway more inviting.

Color- Picking a color to set the color scheme of the entryway into your house will help make the rest of the decorating easier. Colors that are considered to be most inviting are usually bright and warm such as oranges, yellows, pinks, and even bright green. These colors are more cheerful and help to open up the area.

Add a Foyer Table- Adding a table to your entryway is ideal. It’s a great place for you, your family, and guests to place keys, mail, reminders, and other belongings. Depending on the size of your foyer, the table can be big or small and in the middle of the entrance or placed against a wall. It’s also great for decorations.

 Consider Wallpaper- Wallpaper is an easy way to add a little spark to any room. There are so many options, colors, and patterns to choose from now, you will definitely find wallpaper to fit your style or theme.

Hang a Mirror- Mirrors make great focal points in small rooms because they can help give the illusion that there is actually more space. Mirrors are also handy for you or your guests to check their own appearance when entering or leaving.

Coat and Purse Hooks- Save yourself closet space and hang up some hooks on one of the walls. This way you and your guests can hang their coats, purses, hats, umbrellas and other possessions. This little item will help show your guests that you care to accommodate them.

Add a Foyer Seat- If your foyer has extra space, fill the space with a nice bench or chair. To appear extra comfortable, add cushions or pillows.

Shoe Basket- Some people prefer to have guests remove their shoes before entering all the way into the house. Provide them with a place to store their shoes that looks organized and out of the way. Baskets or wooden boxes make great shoe storage areas and can be pushed beneath a bench or table to hide away if necessary.

 The key to creating an inviting entryway is viewing it the way you would view another person’s entryway. If it appears dull and boring to you, that’s probably a red flag that you could add a little something to make it more appealing.

Posted in New Products & Trends | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment