DECORATION Archives - Page 2 of 2

How to Choose the Color Scheme of the Room

Choosing the right room color schemes is one of the most important parts of decorating your home. It will affect the rest of your decor, along with the overall feel of the house, so you need to make sure you pick your colors carefully.

As this is such a personal decision, it can be quite daunting. So, here’s a guide on how to choose the right color scheme to suit your own style and needs.

1. Use a color wheel

You can start creating your ideal color scheme by looking at a color wheel to get an idea of the options available to you. There might be some shades and colors that stand out. Once you have some ideas, you can create a color scheme. The four main types of color scheme are:

Analogous

Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, such as green and yellow, blue and purple, or red and orange.

Contrasting

You can also add some variety by using a contrasting color scheme. This can include either two or three colors that contrast with each other and create a vibrant, interesting look for the room.

Monochromatic

A monochromatic color scheme uses different tones of the same color. For example, you might choose a lighter sky blue with a darker midnight blue; or light green with darker shades of green. You can also use several hues of the same shade to create this effect.

Complementary

For a complementary color scheme, you would pick colors on opposite ends of the color wheel, like green and red or blue and orange. This makes the room look more dramatic.

2. Test out different options

Wall paints can be expensive if you’re painting larger rooms – especially if you’re redecorating your entire home. It’s also a time-consuming project, so you need to be sure first.

It’s a good idea to get some testers first before you commit to one color scheme. Once you’ve looked at some options, you can make your final decision much more easily!

3. Consider your existing decor

Another thing to consider when picking a color scheme is your existing decor. Do you have any pieces of furniture or accessories you really want to keep? Or is there a particular carpet, rug, or fabric for curtains or upholstery you have your eye on?

If this is the case, you will need to keep this in mind when choosing a color scheme, as it will need to match. Select your wall colors so they complement any other decor you have.

4. Create harmony between rooms

Lastly, if you’re decorating your whole home, you need to think about how you will create a flow between different rooms – and particularly between adjoining rooms.

A lot of people prefer to keep hallways and connecting spaces in neutral tones, but this is a personal choice. You need to think about how different rooms will complement each other.

For instance, kitchen color schemes in a darker blue could work with living room color schemes in a lighter tone of the same color.

Whatever your taste, start from the beginning of your home and work through each room, remembering to consider how it will look when it’s completed.

Lastly, if you’re decorating your whole home, you need to think about how you will create a flow between different rooms – and particularly between adjoining rooms.

A lot of people prefer to keep hallways and connecting spaces in neutral tones, but this is a personal choice. You need to think about how different rooms will complement each other.

For instance, kitchen color schemes in a darker blue could work with living room color schemes in a lighter tone of the same color.

Whatever your taste, start from the beginning of your home and work through each room, remembering to consider how it will look when it’s completed.

How to Choose a Curtain for Your Home

Curtains can make a room – but, they need to be chosen correctly. When it comes to creating a gorgeous look for your home, picking out the best curtains is really important.

So, here’s a guide on how to narrow down your options and choose the right curtains for any room:

Curtain size

The first thing you need to consider when choosing curtains for your home is which size to go for. This will depend on the length and width of the window, but it can also depend on the look you’re trying to achieve in the room.

For example, longer lengths can create drama and intensity, especially in rooms with low ceilings. Or, a more tailored or shorter curtain can give a more contemporary appearance.

If your budget allows for it, many company’s offer tailored measurements for your curtains so they are exactly as you want them. Or if this isn’t in your budget, there is still a wide variety of sizes available, so you can find the one you need!

Fabric types

Next, you will need to find a fabric type to meet your needs. Depending on how much natural light you want in the room, you can pick a thicker, opaque fabric or a more sheer fabric like cotton or silk.

If you don’t want any light in the room, you will need a blackout curtain. Or, for a moderate amount of light, linen usually works well.

It’s also important to remember that the type of fabric you choose will affect how long the curtains last and how well they function. Some fabrics, like silk, can be susceptible to sun rot, so most people avoid this if it’s a particularly sunny room.

Curtain rails

Another thing to consider is the curtain rail. This should also be complementary and work with the aesthetics of the room. For example, pinch pleats work best with traditional decor, while goblet pleats are more elegant and work better when used in formal rooms.

If you’re not sure which one to choose, rod pockets are a popular choice and are very versatile, which means they can complement a variety of styles and look great in different types of rooms.

Color and pattern

When it comes to picking the right color and pattern, there’s no shortage of choice. You should aim to find something complementary that fits the style of the room.

Bold colors and patterns can work well if you want the curtains to act as a focal point in the room. Or, if you have other focal points and don’t want to distract from them, you can go for a more neutral tone or something that complements your color scheme.

The most important aspect of choosing your curtains is to consider your own preferences. The details of the room, along with the fabric, color, and type of curtain are also personal choices and, although it can seem daunting, it needs to reflect your personal taste!

How to Make Your Home Look More Expensive

Do you want to revitalize your home without spending a lot of money? If you want to make your home appear more expensive, here are some simple tips to create a more lavish look:

1. Upgrade your lighting

If you’re wondering how to make a living room look expensive – or any other room, for that matter – upgrading your lighting can make a huge difference to the appearance of the room. It can create new focal points. Or, changing the tone of the lights can make the room feel brighter, warmer, or more spacious. This is such a simple trick, but it can transform your home.

2. Change the fixtures

Another way to instantly make your home look more expensive is to update older fixtures and replace them with newer, fresher alternatives that revive your home.

This doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive, either. Changing simple items like towel rails, doorknobs, cabinet handles, or a kitchen backsplash can make an enormous difference!

Upgrading your upholstery can also work wonders, especially if you pick high-quality fabrics and choose shades that complement your existing decor.

3. Paint tired-looking walls

Sometimes, a simple coat of paint can be effective and give the rooms in your home an instant boost. It can really change the entire feel of a room.

Neutral tones like taupe, cream, tan, or greige are simple and classy. You can also add a dramatic statement wall to provide depth and make the room more luxurious.

4. Add some mirrors

Mirrors are a really underrated accessory. They are versatile and can be a really easy, inexpensive way to make a statement and change the look of any room in your home.

Additionally, mirrors reflect light which gives the appearance of increased square footage. As well as feeling much brighter, this trick can quickly add value to your home.

5. Update your kitchen decor

Kitchens are often the hub of the home. And, surveyors estimate that having an attractive kitchen could add at least 5% to the value of your property.

So, how to make your kitchen look more expensive without spending a fortune? There are a few ways to do this. For example, laying down luxury vinyl tiles. This gives the floor a similar appearance to stone or ceramic tiles, but it’s cheaper and easier to cut and install.

Another option is to replace older kitchen cabinets that are dark or old-fashioned. Or, an even easier fix can be to simply paint them to give a more modern look.

6. Look for bargain statement pieces

Finally, if you want to create the appearance of a more expensive home, adding some statement pieces like pictures, chairs, rugs, curtains, or other items is a great way to do it.

You can make your home look more expensive by searching for second-hand items at flea markets or thrift shops. You can also search online for bargains that will give your home an uplift without the hassle of DIY or decorating.

Comfort Food Ideas for Bad Weather

The Benefits of Dining with Friends and Family

Eating together releases positive emotions
Eating together can lead to healthy eating habits
You can learn new recipes and get excited about healthy ingredients
Eating together encourages family togetherness
Strengthen relationships and traditions
Lower risk of substance abuse
Better social support and connection
Creates family bonds
Reduces screen time
Stress relief
Eating together fosters happy, well-adjusted kids
Sharing food traditions across generations and cultures
Improve brain and memory function
Prevent serious psychosocial issues

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The Best Ways To Start (and Keep!) a Healthy Lifestyle

We’re always looking for that magic diet or exercise routine that’s going to get—and keep!—us feeling at the top of our game. But what if the key to looking and feeling our best is more about our everyday routines than it is about finding a quick fix?

Studies show that lifestyle changes are more effective at promoting long-term health than diet or exercise alone. Try these simple changes to start and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Cook Meals You Enjoy

One of the biggest temptations for anyone trying to change their diet is indulging in processed food. One way to help break the habit of eating out or eating processed, premade food is to start cooking.

Try and build cooking into your weekly routine. Host friends for meals instead of going out. Start meal planning, so you know what you’ll be cooking in advance. And don’t forget to cook food you enjoy!

Experts say the most healthy diet is plant-based and low in added sugars and fats. But for most people, suddenly sticking to salad every day isn’t sustainable. The key is to build a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables that you’re actually going to want to eat.

Meditate or Journal

Making time for reflection and mindfulness is important to maintaining your mental health. One way to do this is by meditating or journaling. Meditation reduces stress and increases your self awareness, helping to safeguard you against addictive, unhealthy behaviors.

Thinking about trying meditation, but not sure where to start? Check out yoga to get the most bang for your buck—exercise and meditation all wrapped up into one class!

Get Outside

There’s no doubt that spending time outside is good for our mental and physical health. Even working next to a window has benefits!

Build some time outside into your daily routine by walking to work or enjoying your morning coffee on the porch. Even 15 to 20 minutes per day is enough to decrease stress and boost your overall health.

Limit Screen Time

The dangers of screen time are still being quantified, but we can all feel it—from doomscrolling to issues with self image to impulse buying, excessive screen time does not make us into the best versions of ourselves.

It’s hard to quit cold turkey, so try setting aside your phone when you typically binge screen time and replacing it with another fun activity. Read a chapter of your guilty-pleasure romance novel before bed instead of scrolling Instagram, or walk on your lunch break instead of checking your email.

In today’s world, it’s almost impossible to completely eliminate screen time, but limiting it in your free time is a good way to reduce your hours spent scrolling every day.

Exercise Regularly

OK, we’re not talking about running a marathon or anything. But there are significant health benefits to practicing some form of exercise at least 30 minutes a day, every day.

Before you say you don’t have time or you’re too out of shape, try and think about this creatively. Instead of meeting your girlfriends for happy hour, maybe you could get into the habit of taking a weekly spin class together instead. You know how you talk to your mom for an hour every Tuesday? Pop in your headphones and have your weekly chat while you walk through your neighborhood.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Nobody likes to think about the amount of calories (and sugar, if you’re drinking wine or cocktails) in their happy hour drink of choice. But alcohol has negative effects beyond just the added calories to your diet. In fact, drinking alcohol is bad for your blood pressure and heart health and can increase your risk of developing cancer.

The best way to develop a healthy lifestyle is to replace unhealthy behaviors with new healthy ones you enjoy. You might have to be the one to suggest hitting up the yoga studio after work on Friday instead of the bar, but everyone will appreciate a nudge towards practices that bring lasting benefits instead of temporary ones

Cooking Food Woman

Top 6 Productivity Hacks for Your Most Productive Workday Ever

Getting work done on time not only makes you look great to your boss, it gives you more free time after work and creates a sense of accomplishment. But staying productive throughout the week can be difficult, especially if you have a lot of big tasks on your plate.

Next time you find yourself in a workday rut, try out these 6 productivity hacks to help you focus on your work and get things done, one step at a time.

#1: Use Your Commute To Your Advantage

Chances are, you spend some time traveling to work, whether you’re walking, driving, carpooling, or utilizing public transportation. Why not use that time to and from work every day to your advantage?

If you’re walking or driving, think through your schedule for the day and record a voice memo outlining the day’s tasks. If you’re carpooling or using public transportation, why not knock out a few emails while you travel to get a head start on your workday?

#2: Set A Timer

If your work involves a lot of unstructured time, segmenting your hours into smaller chunks can help you to stay productive. This method is called the Pomodoro Technique, and it’s incredibly effective at helping employees stay focused and productive throughout the day.

To give it a try, choose a task and set a timer on your phone or computer for 30 minutes. Work solely on that task until the timer goes off. Take a 3-minute break, then start over. After you’ve done 4 cycles, give yourself a longer break.

#3: Use An Out Of Office Message, Even When You’re Working

Most people only turn on “out of office” automatic replies when they’re on vacation. But what if you used this email feature to let your coworkers know the best hours of the day to reach you?

If you’re working on a large project, consider setting an “out of office” message every morning, so your coworkers know they should reach out to you about other projects in the afternoon. This way you can dedicate every morning to the largest task on your plate, while still remaining available for other tasks at the end of the day.

#4: Plan Tomorrow at the End of Today

Once the clock hits 4:45 PM, most of us are ready to check out for the day. Instead of spending the last few minutes of the day mindlessly scrolling through old emails, use those minutes to outline the tasks on your plate for tomorrow.

Brainstorm the meetings you have coming up the next day, what tasks are urgent, and what you haven’t completed yet. This will allow you to hit the ground running once you step into the office tomorrow.

#5: Turn Your Phone Onto “Do Not Disturb” Mode

Studies show that it takes over 23 minutes to regain focus after a distraction—even something as simple as a text can be tough to recover from. In order to minimize distractions during periods of high productivity, set your phone (and computer, if you’re able) to “do not disturb” mode.

Your notifications will still be waiting for you when you check your phone later, but instead of responding to texts in a frenzy during the workday, you’ll get to respond while sipping wine on your back porch!

#6: Break Big Goals Into Small Action Steps

Raise your hand if you’re guilty of putting huge tasks off until the last minute! Instead of getting overwhelmed by the biggest thing on your to-do list, break it up into smaller steps you can work on for multiple days. This gives you the satisfaction of checking lots of little items off your list, and it can help you to stay on track with big, time-consuming projects.

With a few simple productivity hacks, you can have a fulfilling and productive workday that wows your boss and leaves you feeling proud of yourself.

Photography Woman

What To Do Today To Feel Closer to Your Partner

Whether you’ve been with your partner for only a few months or you’ve been together for a decade or more, every relationship can benefit from intentionality. If you’re looking for ways to improve your relationship, try implementing these 4 practices to increase intimacy and make you feel closer to your partner.

Quit Comparing

No, we don’t just mean to other couples (but yes, that too!). Quit comparing how you “used to” feel to how you currently do about your partner. There’s no feeling quite like the infatuation of a new relationship. But if you confuse infatuation with love, you’re going to doubt your relationship when your feelings change over time.

It’s normal to have your emotions change as your relationship ages. When you’re in a long-term relationship, you develop a love deeper than infatuation. The emotions may be more complex (like how you can be incredibly mad at your partner but still feel deep love for them), but they’re more real and honest, too.

Don’t spend your relationship trying to go back to where you’ve been. Instead, try and accept the ways your relationship has changed and grown.

Speak Up

Oh, and while you’re at it? Another habit you need to kick—quit comparing how your partner shows love to how you show it. If you focus too much on what you wish they did, you’re going to miss out on all the unique ways they do express their feelings for you.

Each one of us is uniquely hardwired in how we give and receive love (check out the 5 love languages if you’ve never heard of it). But your partner is not a mind reader, so if they’re missing the mark, tell them.

Show an Interest in What Interests Them

When your partner brings up a topic that you don’t necessarily have an interest in—a hobby, a crisis at work, or an observation about their day, for example—do you respond with interest, or do you ignore them? Research shows that your answer might predict whether you will stay together!

Responding to your partner’s requests for interaction builds emotional intimacy. No, we’re not suggesting that every time they want to go golfing, you join them. But showing genuine interest in the things they try and share with you develops closeness over time.

Schedule Regular “Dates”

Maybe you see your partner every day. But how often are your hours together spent in activities like watching TV or working? Most of the time, you’re physically together but emotionally distant. That’s why it’s important to make space for emotional connection.

Think outside of the box here. Not everyone has the time (or money) to go out to an expensive restaurant every week. Maybe you and your partner don’t even live in the same city! Dates can be simple, like walking the dog together or catching up while eating a homemade meal. The key is to intentionally set aside time to spend together.

Closeness with your partner doesn’t just happen, but creating it doesn’t have to be a ton of work, either. With a few simple practices, you can improve your relationship and develop a deeper sense of connection with the one you love.

Cook Man Woman

6 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety Every Day

Stress is a side effect of being human, but when it strikes, does it overwhelm you? If so, learning some simple ways to relieve it can help you to manage the pressures of everyday life without becoming incapacitated by them.

While we can’t promise a one-size-fits-all solution to your specific stressors, here are some simple tips to help you put those anxious feelings into perspective.

Tip #1: Exercise Regularly

No, we’re not saying you have to go out and run a marathon (because who really has time for that?), but regular exercise like walking, weightlifting, or yoga can release endorphins which help boost your mood.

While taking a few hits at a punching bag can help relieve stress in a pinch, a habit of regular exercise can prevent you from getting overwhelmed in the first place. Pretty cool, right?

Tip #2: Drink Water, not Coffee

Don’t freak out—some coffee is OK (some might even say essential). But downing cup after cup of caffeinated drinks has been shown to increase feelings of anxiety. If you’re feeling jittery, it might be time to set down your favorite mug and pick up your water bottle instead.

Tip #3: Make Time for Friends

There’s no doubt that friendships are important. Friends make us laugh, releasing tension and helping to distract us from stressful situations. Additionally, friends act as a sounding board when we get overwhelmed.

It turns out there’s a reason our friends can always make us feel better—studies show that your body releases the hormone oxytocin, a natural stress reliever, when you spend time with loved ones.

It can be easy to isolate yourself when you’re feeling anxious, but taking time to invest in your friendships can not only help you feel better during the tough times, it can increase your joy in the good times, too.

Tip #4: Learn to Say No

A lot of daily stress comes from the feeling that there’s so much to do, but too little time. If you regularly feel overwhelmed, take stock of how you spend your time each day. Are there things you could cut out that would free up more time for you to relax?

Maybe this looks like eating a meal from the freezer every once in a while or stepping back from an extra committee at work. Remember, saying no speaks to your self awareness; it’s not weak, it’s strong.

Tip #5: Start a Venting Journal

Be honest…wasn’t there something terribly therapeutic about writing in your diary back in the day? Sometimes you feel overwhelmed without being able to pinpoint why. Or maybe you just don’t have anyone to talk to about something stressful that happened.

Whatever the reason, journaling can help you to examine your feelings and move past them. Write honestly, and whatever you do, never look back on old pages in your journal—doing so may reignite your frustration.

Tip #6: Listen To Your Body

Too many of us respond to stressful situations by scarfing down a chocolate bar or swinging by the bar to vent with our girlfriends. But binge eating and drinking only provide temporary relief of anxious feelings. In fact, they can even make us feel worse!

Pay attention to activities that bring lasting relief when you’re overwhelmed, like going for a walk or meditating. Give your body what it needs in these situations, and see how they start to affect you less significantly over time.

Stress is inevitable, but with practice, you can learn to manage it. Adopt these healthy habits to help you relieve stress and find greater enjoyment in your daily life.

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How to Stay Motivated While Working from Home

There are many perks to working from home, like being able to work in your favorite sweatpants or saving time on your commute. But it can be difficult to get as much work done when you don’t have the company of coworkers (or, let’s be honest, a nagging boss) to keep you on track.

If you’re struggling to find motivation while working from home, try these 5 tips to make your working hours more productive and enjoyable.

Stick to a Schedule

When you work from home, your home is also your office, so you may have trouble turning work “off” at the end of the day. Setting boundaries with your work can help you to preserve your free time while also making your work hours more productive.

Try making a schedule and sticking with it. Set your alarm and begin working at the same time each day. Take breaks every few hours, but don’t step away from your computer for any longer than you would if you were in the office.

Finally, no matter how much you get done in the day, enforce a strict end time for work. This will motivate you to get the necessary tasks done during your working hours and prevent work responsibilities from bleeding into the evening hours.

Create a Home Office

It’s tempting to work from your bed all day, but you’ll be more productive if you’re sitting upright (or even better, standing!) at a desk or table. A home office can provide the sensation of being on the job from the comfort of your own home.

Even if you don’t have the space for a dedicated home office, try working in the same location every day. Experts suggest sitting near a window in a supportive chair in an area of your home free of distractions.

Get Dressed

While there’s no definitive evidence that wearing professional clothes makes you more productive, people feel more attentive and motivated when they wear different clothes to work than they do in their free time.

You don’t need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe, but maybe wait to put the leggings on until after work.

Hide Your Phone

Chances are, you don’t really need your phone during the work day. These days, even texts and calls can be routed through your computer. If you find your phone is distracting you throughout the day, put it away and only take it out during breaks.

Even if you’re only taking a few minutes every hour to check social media or your personal email, it takes a lot of time (more than 20 minutes!) to return to a productive workflow. It’s better to avoid these distractions or save them for your dedicated break time.

Time Yourself

Even if you’re not very competitive, timing yourself can be an incredibly motivating way to cross off tasks on your to-do list—especially tasks you would rather avoid.

Next time you’re feeling unmotivated, try giving yourself a time limit to finish that project you’re dreading. Once you’re done, reward yourself with a break or a treat. You’ll be surprised at how much fun you’ll have pushing yourself!

With a few simple changes, you can easily increase your motivation while working from home. Over time, you might even find you’re more productive at home than you would be in the office!

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