NEED SPACE FOR STUDY TIME: SET UP A HOMEWORK STATION

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Now that the kids are back in school, are you struggling at homework time? Perhaps you need a game plan for after school studying. Here are some tips on how to get started on setting up a homework station.

PICK THE RIGHT SPOT

Choose a location in the home for work and study. It needs be a quiet escape. Ideally, it could be their room, a study, basement office, attic office or even a secluded kitchen nook. Ask your kids for their ideas and incorporate as many of them as possible. This will help get their buy-in so they’ll use it more. Include favorite colors and posters, as well as educational items like maps, globes, books, art supplies, computers, printers, chalkboards/dry erase boards and calendars.

GET IT TOGETHER FOR COMFORT

Clean up the clutter. Remove toys and items they’ve outgrown. Paint the study area their favorite color. Up the comfort by putting down an area rug. A blanket rack for displaying cozy throws is another great idea, so they can keep warm during long winter nights. Providing adequate lighting is important, too. Use floor lamps, pendant lights and desk lamps to brighten things up. These help prevent eyestrain and headaches.

FURNISH IT

Set the scene with a desk or table. The bigger the better―kids need lots of room to work. Add bookshelves, file cabinets and storage bins for keeping supplies organized and within reach. Decorate the walls. Include a wall clock, decorative canvas prints and a corkboard for pinning A+ work, photos and more. You can accent the work surface with a small plant, photo frame and a favorite souvenir. Finish it off with a comfortable chair with ergonomic features.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Once the homework station is ready, turn your focus to an area where you can keep organized and up-to-date on their progress. That will be the next project!

ENTRYWAY 101: MASTERING YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION

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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!

TOP 10 MUST-HAVES FOR GAME DAY

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Hut, hut hike! As football season gets underway, where will your family and friends gather to watch the hoopla? Get your game on and prep a room to enjoy the excitement, food and camaraderie. Score a touchdown in everyone’s playbook with this checklist of 10 pregame changers for home.   

Cushy Recliner

Whether it’s manual or power, a recliner provides ultimate aahs making it a great choice for resting between plays. Your only worry—who gets the best seat? Psst…tackle that worry by adding more.

Snack Table

When nobody wants to get up, a chairside table is the perfect holder for keeping snacks and remotes within reach.

Coffee Table

Doubling as a smorgasbord during game time, a coffee table keeps favorite finger foods within reach of hungry fans.

Entertainment Center

Optimize the view of your widescreen and create a stadium experience with a state-of-the-art entertainment center—a definite crowd pleaser.

Sofa

Get ready for extra quarters! Make sure your crowd has a comfortably spacious place to sit, recline and cheer their team on.  

Lucky Football

What’s more important than a lucky football? You may not be superstitious, but it can’t hurt to have a good luck charm on hand for the sake of the game.

Lucky Spirit Towel

As excitement builds during big plays, show team loyalty by waving a rally towel—get one for everyone in the room and encourage big cheers.

Game Day Munchies

Stock up on chips, pretzels, nuts and crackers. Add salsa, queso, ranch dip and cheese spread to treat everyone’s taste buds. You don’t want to run short, especially when the game runs long.

Team-Themed Coasters

Protect tabletops from sweating glasses and cans, while showing support for your favorite team.

Foam Sleeves for Drinks

Decorated with your team’s logo, foam sleeves that hold cold drinks will keep them frosty throughout the game.

By going all out with this top 10 list, everyone will champion a comfortable home field advantage, when it comes to watching games. 

How do you prepare for games? Do you have a great game-watching memory? We’d love to hear your tips and stories in the comments section.

ENTRYWAY 101: MASTERING YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION

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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!

Tips in Choosing Living Room Furniture

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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.

WELCOME MAT: 3 EASY STEPS FOR A SUMMER MUDROOM REFRESH

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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.

DIY NATURAL LEMONADE–COOL, REFRESHING AND FUN

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As the summer heat intensifies, cool down with an all-natural lemonade recipe that puts a twist on a refreshingly sweet drink. This healthy recipe makes a pitcher of lemonade perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties, lemonade stands or a relaxing evening on the porch. 

Watch our video to find out how to make this lemonade.

What you’ll need: (makes enough for one pitcher, about 8 cups)

• 2 organic lemons
• 10 organic strawberries
• 2 quarts of water
• Ice cubes
• Large pitcher
• Vinegar

Directions:

1. Soak the strawberries in a vinegar bath (1 part vinegar: 4 parts water) for ten minutes. This will clean them and will not leave an aftertaste.
2. Slice the strawberries in half, making sure to remove the stems.
3. Cut the lemons in even slices. Do not quarter them.
4. Place strawberries and lemons in pitcher. Fill with 2 quarts of water.
5. Place in refrigerator overnight. The flavor and nutrients of the fruit will infuse into the water. The result? Delicious, healthy strawberry lemonade—no sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives. Just a tasty, refreshing treat.

Tip: The fruit will last 48 hours. Just keep adding more water.

Recipe can easily be doubled, tripled or quadrupled to serve more people.

FOR KIDS

Now that you have a new lemonade recipe, why not build and bedazzle your very own lemonade stand?

LEMONADE STAND BASICS

• Have a plan−do you want to raise money for a local charity or fill up your piggy bank? People like to know how you’ll be spending your proceeds, so be ready to tell them. If you decide to give your lemonade away for free, consider having a donation jar out, just in case your customers are feeling generous.
• Select a location. Choose somewhere that has lots of people (hopefully thirsty!) and see if it’s OK to set up your stand. Your own front yard is usually the easiest spot.

Note: depending on where you set up your stand, you may have to get permits or permission first.

• Build your stand. Get started using something as simple as cardboard boxes or a folding table and cover with a tablecloth. You can get as detailed as you want with the many building ideas you’ll find online.
• Create a sign.  Use a chalk board or make your own out of foam board, stencils, markers and glitter. Attach to the stand and add other eye-catching creative decorations. 

FOR PARENTS

Let the young entrepreneurial spirit take root with the kids, as they serve all-natural lemonade to friends and neighbors! Help make the day a success by spreading the word ahead of time, so everyone can join in on the fun. Put up a poster, hand out flyers or post something on your neighborhood Facebook page to generate interest and excitement. Remind your budding business men and women that courtesy is king. Then sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labors −with a nice, cool glass of lemonade.

How do you cool off in the summer? Have you ever built a lemonade stand? We’d love to hear your story and tips in the comments section.

WELCOME MAT: 3 EASY STEPS FOR A SUMMER MUDROOM REFRESH

Ashley HomeStore Furniture Coupons 2016: Buy More, Save More at Ashley HomeStore! Get Ashley HomeStore Furniture Promo Codes 15% OFF when you spend $499, 20% OFF when you spend $500-3,999, and 25% OFF when you spend $4,000+. Redeem this coupon now!

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.

5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING BEDROOM FURNITURE

Ashley HomeStore Furniture Coupons 2016: Buy More, Save More at Ashley HomeStore! Get Ashley HomeStore Furniture Promo Codes 15% OFF when you spend $499, 20% OFF when you spend $500-3,999, and 25% OFF when you spend $4,000+. Redeem this coupon now!

Sometimes, when picking out new furniture, the number of options can be overwhelming.  Many customers can find themselves wandering helplessly through the furniture store unsure which pieces to choose or where to even start.  Not to worry - next time before you head bedroom furniture shopping, use these tips from Showman Furniture for a more productive trip.

1)  Know What You Need

Are you shopping for an entire bedroom furniture set or just a few pieces? Are you replacing, complementing or redesigning? Knowing your shopping goal is crucial to staying on track and leaving with the right purchase. Determine what piece(s) of bedroom furniture you are looking for and for what purpose:

-          For sleeping: a bed, which includes a bed frame, headboard, footboard, box spring, and a mattress

-          For convenience: night stands that will be the right height and size for your new bed

-          For storage: dressers, vanities or storage benches

-          For entertainment: an armory or other piece of furniture to serve as a TV stand

2)  Prioritize: Style or Savings?

A lot of the decisions over your bedroom furniture come down to style.  There are many different options to choose from: classic, traditional, modern, minimal, country, trendy and many others.  For some, this is the most important element.  For others, the decision can be easily determined by budget.  When it comes down to style vs. price tag, you need to know which side you are on.

Decide before you even go into the store whether or not you're more concerned with the furniture style or how much you spend.  Do a little research and look at the furniture styles available for your price range. If you find out you have an expensive taste and a limited budget, your options are:

-          Wait and save up more to afford what you really want

-          Search the web for sales, coupons and special offers that can bring the price down

-          Compromise: find something similar at a lower price or from last year's collection

3)  Think Long-term

Most of us don't buy new bedroom furniture every year or two - for the majority of shoppers, it is a major purchase expected to last many years, perhaps even generations.  This is another instance where style comes into play. Before you commit to a piece of furniture, make sure it's something you can live with for a long time. Canopy bed may be in right now, but will you still be happy with it in three years? To maintain both style and flexibility, keep these ideas in mind:

• Go classic: wood is always stylish and a simple wooden bedframe can fit with any design
• Look for furniture with removable or replaceable elements, such as footboards, hardware, finals, etc.
• Consider wrought iron: it is extremely versatile and can be easily painted if you want a change.

Just like clothing, home decorating has trends that can fade in popularity just as quickly as they come - but you don't want that to affect such important investment as bedroom furniture.

4)      Do Your Research

As with any big purchase, it's always a good idea to know what you're getting into before you buy.  You can find almost any information you want to know about bedroom furniture online. When you research, specifically look for:

-          Typical dimensions a piece of furniture comes in

-          Reviews on quality and durability of particular items

-          Ease of assembly if applicable

-          An average price range

-          Looks, trends and styles you like

-          Your local or online retailers or showrooms

5)      Be Prepared

When it's time to make the trip to your local Maryland bedroom furniture showroom, there are a few items you can bring to make the final decision easier:

• The exact dimensions of your bedroom and furniture that's already in it
• Dimensions of your bedroom and entrance door frames to ensure your new purchase fits
• A list of the pieces you need with your total budget
• The photos of styles you like with names and prices
• Photos of your bedroom or samples of materials (floor boards, carpet, wall color, finishes, curtains, etc.) if you are trying to match your new piece of furniture to the rest of the décor.
• A tape measure, just in case!

If you've done your homework, picking out your next bedroom set should be simple.  All it takes for a quick and easy purchase is a little time to make sure you're making the right decision - and that knowledge will certainly help you rest easy in your new bedroom!