ENTRYWAY 101: MASTERING YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION

 Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF: Up to 50%  70% OFF Select  Items for Living room + Home furniture. Free Shipping Redeem thisAshley Furniture coupon and get Up to 50% OFF Select Home Decor + Free Shipping On Many Items

First impressions are everything—that’s especially true when it comes to your home. Your entryway can set the tone for your decor style from the moment your guests walk in. But creating a clean and organized foyer can feel like a challenge if this high traffic area is prone to muddy footprints, heaps of bags and jackets, plus the occasional drenched umbrella. So what are your options? We’ve got a few tips to keep your entryway looking fresh, pulled together and super stylish. 

ACCENT WALL

To make a huge statement in a small space, an accent wall can do the trick. Consider painting just one wall in a dramatic hue or add wallpaper with a bold pattern or wide stripe. Add a console table with some chic tabletop accessories and your entryway just might be the most stylish spot in the house!

STYLISH STORAGE

Have a crew that drops everything just inside the door? Let’s talk about ways to tame the clutter. Console tables with drawers for knick-knacks and lower shelves for shoes are a great place to start. Add a rack to hang coats, hats and unbrellas conveniently by the door. Finish with a storage bench that can do double duty—stowing your stuff and providing a convenient place to sit and put on your shoes.

MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL

Adding a mirror to your entryway will instantly brighten up the area and even make it appear larger. And if you’re into Feng Shui, a mirror near the entrance of your home will welcome in the chi. Be sure not to put it directly across from the door or the energy will go right back out!

 

We hope these easy entryway tips made an impression on you. Once you’ve got yours styled right, we’d love to see a photo on Instagram. Just include #MyAshleyHome in your post!

Living Room Lighting Tips

 Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF: Up to 50%  70% OFF Select  Items for Living room + Home furniture. Free Shipping Redeem thisAshley Furniture coupon and get Up to 50% OFF Select Home Decor + Free Shipping On Many Items

Homeowners spend lots of time choosing a sofa or paint color for their living room walls, but often forget about the importance of proper lighting. In a space where you watch TV, read books, play games and entertain guests, lighting serves an important purpose in both the function and look of the room.

"Lighting is important because of the intimacy it creates," says interior and lighting designer Linda Allen of Linda Allen Designs. "Since living rooms are usually one of the first rooms you walk into, it sets the tone for the rest of the house."

A good living room lighting scheme uses different kinds of light, set at different levels, that work together to make the space warm and attractive. Allen says if you want people to linger, use dimmers that allow you to control the level of light to suit the activities that take place in the space.

Living Room Lighting Designs

Take advantage of the newer, more energy-efficient lighting solutions for residential use, suggests Mary Beth Gotti, manager of the GE Lighting Institute.

"Ten years ago you wouldn't have seen nearly as many halogen fixtures, and LEDs are definitely one of the newest options," says Gotti. "Lighting can be magical. You can go online or visit your local lighting showroom and learn about the new light sources and colors now available."

Here are four popular lighting strategies and how they work in a living room.

Accent

When you want to highlight certain features in your living room, like a fireplace, textured walls or a favorite painting, accent lighting is the way to go. Recessed, adjustable lights directed to points of interest or under-cabinet lighting in a display case that highlights selected objects are examples of accent lighting.

"Accent lighting adds a pleasing variation of brightness," says Gotti. "You're drawing attention and putting more light on an architectural feature."

In order for accent lighting to work, it needs to supply about five times as much light on the focal point as the surrounding general light.

Brian Patrick Flynn

Although the overall style of the workspace is traditional, Alex was able to bring a touch of his classic, modern style into the room with a smoked glass pendant light centered above the Chinese farmhouse table.

Ambient

Stylish chandeliers, ceiling lights, wall-mounted fixtures or portable lamps can provide the ambiance that casts a warm glow in your living room. It controls glare and provides the general illumination that makes the living room feel comfortable and inviting.

"As a lighting designer, when I'm creating ambient light I'm creating an effect," says Allen, who likes to use ambient light when she wants to illuminate a surface but not see where the light source comes from.

Since this type of lighting affects the overall quality of light in the room and tends to be used the most, Gotti says this is where you want to use your energy-efficient solutions, with dimmers or three-way controls.

Decorative

When you want to create interest and add sparkle to your living room, table lamps, hanging pendants and chandeliers can provide the decorative light that adds coziness and intimacy.

"It personalizes a space," says Allen. "I always say it's like wearing a great pair of earrings to complete an outfit."

Task

When you want to read a book or need to write at a desk, good task lighting helps you get things done. This brighter light can be a floor lamp with a swinging arm next to a comfortable chair, or a directed light source over a desk.

"These are not the lights you use all the time — they're only to be used when you're doing a task, like reading or writing," says Allen.

A more localized type of lighting, positioning is especially important. Portable table lamps allow for flexibility when furniture is moved.

Tips in Choosing Living Room Furniture

 Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF: Up to 50%  70% OFF Select  Items for Living room + Home furniture. Free Shipping Redeem thisAshley Furniture coupon and get Up to 50% OFF Select Home Decor + Free Shipping On Many Items

The living room is the space in a home that welcomes guests. With that, homeowners make sure that it is well-designed and that it could give comfort to all- not only for guests but for homeowners as well. In designing a living room, the furniture is very important because aside from the visual appeal of the space, it also plays a vital role. Imagine a living area without furniture. Where would you sit to relax and entertain guests? Where will you lounge while watching the television?

In picking furniture pieces, make sure that quality will be considered aside from beauty. See to it also that you will arrange them according how you will use them and how your home’s architecture is done. Aside from those mentioned, there are still other things that you need to consider in choosing living room furniture. Read on the tips below:

1. Start with the basics.

Before you jump into other points, you have to start from the basic in picking pieces and in considering your space. Look for the basic pieces like sofa, armchair, center table and side table. Then look around your space so you will know the right size of furniture you will need for certain functions.

2. Do the math.

Measure your living room and draw a floor plan of it or you can create a sketch of it on a piece of paper. Then plan the traffic using your plan and draw how you will be placing your furniture in it. This will give you a good picture of the room. Also, do not forget to include comfortable and passable pathways.

3. Think of function.

What are the activities that you will do in your living room? This has great impact on what you will be placing in the living room like the modular cabinet for the television set, storage or a place where you can place your drinks if you have guests.

4. Consider existing architecture.

It is very important that you look at the existing architectural elements in your house. This includes columns, windows and others. With this, you can plan well while considering them because if you fail to look at them, your furniture might not look good in the space. The design of the interior will also matter for you have to make sure that the furniture you get will suit the look.

5. Create a plan.

We have mentioned that you need to draw a plan for your living room. It can be a formal design or you can merely do your thing on a piece of a paper. For a better view of your living room, you can request for a 3D design of it with the furniture that you like. The interior designer can also help you decide on this. Then, after getting the design and the plan, make sure that you will stick with the plan.

6. Get high quality pieces.

Do not just get whatever type of furniture. Get those that have high quality because furniture is an investment. See to it that you will not just look at the design but you also check on how long the furniture could still be in good condition despite prolonged usage. That is why, the materials used should be one thing that you look into. But high quality pieces cost more.

7. Coordinate the pieces.

In choosing living room furniture, do not just look at the living room alone. You also need to make sure that it matches or it complements with the furniture in other areas of the house especially if you have an open layout where all the furniture can be seen. There has to be a coherent look in your furniture.

8. Know your theme.

Choose a theme for your interior. Then your furniture would jive with the theme you have chosen. If you decide to get an eclectic look, then mix and match furniture. If you want to get a modern look, then get modern pieces.

9. Fill the room with accent furniture.

Aside from the basic furniture that a living room needs, add some accent furniture like an ottoman. This can also be an additional seating area especially when you have guests. Aside from that, these can add appeal to a room. You can also add other accessories on it like throw pillows.

10. Do not overdo.

As always, you should avoid overdoing the design of your living room by placing apt number of furniture in it. If you place too many furniture, you will crowd your home and the passage might be blocked.

Choosing furniture for the living room is actually a fun task because you will surely be filled with excitement to see a lovely and cozy space that will greet you when you get home each day. But no one wants to get the wrong pieces. Hence, be sure that you will check on the tips that we have above so that you will be able to grab living room furniture that looks right and feels comfortable. When you get your furniture, maintain its perfect shape all the time so it can be functional for a longer time.

Choosing Living Room Furniture

 Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF: Up to 50%  70% OFF Select  Items for Living room + Home furniture. Free Shipping Redeem thisAshley Furniture coupon and get Up to 50% OFF Select Home Decor + Free Shipping On Many Items

We've all seen cold rooms with furnishings lined inelegantly against the wall. Yes, the floor space is preserved wide and open. Yet the room doesn't appear larger or more inviting. It isn't conducive to conversation or drawing closer for a chat. The best rooms are not static boxes. They include furnishings that can be pulled up, dragged over or gathered around.

Designer Ann Lowengart says moveable seating is key. "We love swivel chairs that can face a sofa, the television or the outdoors," she says. "Other favorites are stools and benches that can be moved around to create extra seating or facilitate intimate conversations. Moveable pieces give a space versatility — that's why we love them so much."

Every living room has a focal point. It's the spot that begs attention when we first enter the room. Designers Alison Vanderpool and Ariana Villalta of The Elegant Abode suggest starting there. "Make sure you always start with a main focal point and begin placing furniture from there," says Vanderpool. "Don't be afraid to have your furniture placed in the middle of the room. A decent-sized area rug will ground it and create a more comfortable feeling."

Vanderpool and Villalta begin with upholstered pieces, first and foremost, to delineate a pleasing seating arrangement. They like to use either two matching sofas facing one another or a sofa with two armchairs to encourage interaction and engagement with others in the room. To ensure there's always room for more, "ottomans can also be a great addition to seating and can easily be moved around," says Vanderpool.

Design Behind the Living Room Sofa

Ottomans, coffee tables, occasional tables and other portable surfaces lend the room a congenial atmosphere, ensuring that there's always a surface nearby for a book, drink, lamp, tray or vase. These are the pieces that catch all of our stuff — the worthwhile things that engage us and encourage us outside the rush of day-to-day commitments.

"Focus on the living part," advises designer Andrea Brooks. "Make these rooms livable, with comfortable, deep upholstery pieces and snuggly but durable fabrics. I love using chairs that swivel when you have multiple seating areas. And I love my overscaled ottoman — it's moveable, inviting to sit upon and you can put your feet up when you want to."

So play around with the placement of your furnishings. Pull up a chair, put up your feet and find an arrangement that encourages living in your living room.

Photo Courtesy: HGTV HOME Design Studio at Bassett

This Park Avenue sofa has a stylish track arm T cushion. Seatsand backs are loose and reversible.

Sofas

Styles: Bridgewater, camelback, Chesterfield, club, Knole, Lawson, midcentury modern, slipper, tuxedo

Fabrics: Cotton, linen, wool, microfiber, velvet, cotton/poly blend, faux suede, leather

Keep in mind: Stain resistance, durability, pets, loose or attached pillows and cushions, filling (often foam wrapped in polyester or down)

Additional options: Loveseats, sectionals, sleeper sofas, chaises, settees

Photo Courtesy of West Elm

The Oliver Chair's comfy, rounded shape and scaled-down proportions help to create intimate, conversational settings in open areas or small spaces.

Occasional Chairs

Styles: Armchairs, barrel-back, club, slipper, wing

Fabrics: Cotton, linen, leather, microfiber, silk, velvet, wool, cotton/poly blend

Keep in mind: Comfort, stain resistance, durability, pets

Additional options: Rockers, recliners, swivels, gliders, chair-and-a-half

Photo Courtesy: MBWFurniture.com

This chocolate ottoman features micro-fiber upholstery, removable tufted top and faux leather vinyl base.

Upholstered Ottomans, Benches and Stools

Styles: Rectangular, square, circular

Fabrics: Cotton, linen, leather, microfiber, silk, velvet, wool, cotton/poly blend

Keep in Mind: Storage capabilities, portability, stain resistance, durability

Additional options: Small portable poufs

Photo Courtesy: Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc.

This Warrenton console table is constructed with plantation hardwoods and Cherry veneers and features a rich Cherry Chestnut finish.

Coffee Tables, Side Tables and Accent Tables

Styles: Rectangular, square, circular, oval

Materials: Wood, Lucite, glass, metal, woven fibers, shagreen, mirror or some combination thereof

Keep in mind: Storage capabilities, shelving, durability, portability

Additional options: Trunks, garden seats, stools, nesting tables, multiple small tables in place of one large coffee table

THE INSPIRED ROOM: A BLOG INSPIRED BY MELISSA MICHAELS

Find latest Walmart Coupons 20 OFF any purchases with Walmart promo codes August 2016. Save up to 20 OFF any purchase w Walmart coupon codes now. Up to 20% OFF on Clothing at Walmart with FREE Shipping included for orders of $35 or more! Choose hot items of  Holiday 

Fluffy golden doodles, designer room tours and home decor inspired coloring books are among many inspirational tools you will find in Melissa Michaels’ crafty and chic blog; and we can’t get enough of it! Her style guides are inexpensive to initiate, simple to follow and simply gorgeous in design. Whether you’re a coastal lifer, cozy cottager or farmhouse chic fanatic, Melissa has a guide for you. See these here.

We were so pleased to collaborate with Melissa on her latest project—giving a small room a giant makeover! What was once a cramped office space, became a gorgeous guest bedroom with furnishings by Ashley HomeStore. Melissa was given a budget to go wild (and wildly fashionable) by selecting her own bed, mattress, accent furniture, and accessories! She even upped the cozy with a selection of our own quilts and nesting tables, making the guest experience truly divine.

See the full, stunning collaboration here.

Melissa has had the distinct honor of being voted Reader’s Favorite Decorating Blogger at Better Homes and Gardens magazine two years in a row and is the author of New York Times Bestseller “Love the Home You Have” released in March 2015. Melissa encourages her followers to explore their home style by truly embracing what inspires and motivates them—even if it’s a little quirky! 

See Melissa Michaels' full blog here and prepare to be inspired!

5 PERFECT PAIRINGS FOR YOUR NEXT CHEESE BOARD

Find latest Walmart Coupons 20 OFF any purchases with Walmart promo codes August 2016. Save up to 20 OFF any purchase w Walmart coupon codes now. Up to 20% OFF on Clothing at Walmart with FREE Shipping included for orders of $35 or more! Choose hot items of  Holiday 

Wow guests at your next dinner party with a perfectly paired cheese board. Try these pairings featuring some of our favorite cheeses, all found right in the grocery store.

Tasty Combinations

1. American: Cheddar with apples and walnuts

Sweet apples and savory walnuts cut through sharp cheddar to create a perfect balance of flavors. 

2. French: Brie and seedless raspberry jam

Mild and nutty, brie is simply delectable with the rich flavors of seedless raspberry jam. Serve at room temperature or, better yet, warm and gooey.

3. Italian: Parmigiano-Reggiano with pears and balsamic vinegar.

Sweet pears balance the saltiness of this cheese while a drizzle of balsamic vinegar complements the earthy flavors.

4. Irish: Blue cheese with dried figs and honey

Slightly spicy and a tad tart, blue cheese is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of honey and the nuttiness of dried figs.

5. Greek: Feta cheese with extra-virgin olive oil and oregano.

Earthy oregano and a drizzle of fruity, extra-virgin olive oil beautifully complement feta’s tangy and salty qualities.

A+ Presentation

Group your cheeses with their respective accoutrements on a large board. Serve with an assortment of crackers and crusty bread, and provide plenty of cheese forks and spreaders. You can also garnish your board with grapes, berries, olives and other tidbits.

Do you have any favorite cheese pairings? Share them in the comments!

5 PERFECT LAZY DAY ESSENTIALS

Find latest Walmart Coupons 20 OFF any purchases with Walmart promo codes August 2016. Save up to 20 OFF any purchase w Walmart coupon codes now. Up to 20% OFF on Clothing at Walmart with FREE Shipping included for orders of $35 or more! Choose hot items of  Holiday 

Cozy , cuddly and comfortable are the magic words for a perfect lazy day experience. While some can unwind without the excuse of a national “holiday,” others might require a little nudging. Whether you’re an R&R regular or simply looking for a reason to take a break, make National Lazy Day worth remembering with these essentials: 

Lazy Day Must Haves:

1. Comfy Socks

A cozy pair of socks are the perfect match to a supple sofa. Keep your toes as snug as a bug in a rug while cuddling up in your favorite fleecy blanket.

2. Coffee

Every lazy day calls for a tasty cup of coffee. Grab your favorite mug and relish in comfort with your plush pillow and bundled blanket.

3. Book

Prop up your feet and binge read a novel of your choosing. Before you unravel your favorite story, make sure you have the three S’s for support: snacks, sofa and soft lighting.

4. Popcorn

Pop some popcorn and cue your favorite movie. Let the buttery aroma take over as you wind-down for an evening on the sofa.

5. Intimate Lighting

Intimate lighting is inarguable for a divine lazy day celebration. Scented flameless candles create a tranquil ambiance and pose no danger if you doze off.

There you have it, the most important essentials for an exceptionally important day. Share your lazy day setup on Instagram using the hashtag #MyAshleyHome. 

WELCOME MAT: 3 EASY STEPS FOR A SUMMER MUDROOM REFRESH

 Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF: Up to 50%  70% OFF Select  Items for Living room + Home furniture. Free Shipping Redeem thisAshley Furniture coupon and get Up to 50% OFF Select Home Decor + Free Shipping On Many Items

The rainy days of spring have retreated, leaving us to contend with all the fun that comes with summer. Revamp your front and back door areas to make room for summertime essentials. Here are a few tips for transforming your entryway or mudroom into a summery landing pad.

Swimsuits, beach towels, flip flops and sports equipment are just a few pieces of this season’s ever-present clutter. Need a spot to dry off after a run through the sprinkler, a dip in the pool or sweaty yardwork? Why not transform your entryway or mud room into a cooling spot complete with plenty of areas to stow away gear and seats for drying off? Relief is on the way with some helpful tips for repurposing this space and giving it a warm weather vibe.

STEP 1: REFRESH THE ROOM—ADD CHARACTER  

Front door or back door, it’s the first place guests see when they enter your home, so it’s worth the effort to clean it up to make a good first impression. Remove anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or isn’t being used—then donate it or trash it. Once you have decluttered the room, add a fresh coat of paint and if you’re feeling ambitious, come up with a theme for the area. For example, you could transform it into a beachy escape by adding plants, baskets and seashells. Make it cheery and bright, a warm welcome for your family and visitors.

STEP 2: COVER THE FLOOR

Cover the floor as you see fit. This time of year, simple sisal or seagrass woven area rugs are a great choice since they are made for greater durability, come in different sizes and bring warmth and charm.

STEP 3: FURNISH THE ROOM 

Your mission is to make the space more useful by introducing designated storage areas for everyday necessities. By attaching shelves with adjustable hooks, you’ll have spots for hanging keys, jackets and handbags right where you need them. The top wooden shelf provides ample space for sunblock, hats and maybe even a seashell or two.

Below the shelf, place a table with a shelf. Add bins on the lower shelf and presto—you now have the perfect spot to hold beach towels, flip flops, pet toys or anything else that gets dropped off at the front door. A lamp or two will help cast a pretty glow over your neat and tidy “welcome center.”

If you have the room, a bookcase extends your storage and display potential. Find one that fits your space and fill it up with bins or baskets and a knick-knack or two.

A storage bench can serve double duty by giving you a place to take off your shoes and put them away all-in-one.

Add little touches like a cart on casters. These come in handy for wheeling in groceries.

Perhaps a stylish coat rack will fit in the corner—a great idea for hanging up wet items.

With an entryway transformation, odds and ends won’t end up in the rest of your home and you’re sure to make great first impressions when guests admire how you’re keeping it all organized in style. How do you rearrange for summer? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments section.