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1/19/2016

Tips on Balancing Walls With Wall Art Decor

Hanging pictures on a wall is like spreading icing on a cake; it's the finishing touch. Sometimes, walls require arrangements and types of wall decor to keep them visually balanced. Consider wall size, personal preferences and existing furnishings before you select art and decor items to balance your walls.

Visual Weight

Balance pertains to the visual weight of an object, not the object's physical weight. Some framed pictures and wall decor appear heavier than others. This is primarily due to the size, color and mass of the picture. Reds, greens and blues are visually "heavy" colors, as opposed to yellows, pinks and whites. Metal wall sculptures appear lighter than framed prints surrounded by thick black frames. The metal sculpture has open areas, while the framed print has a tightly compacted mass.

Symmetrical

Symmetrical wall decor is the same on both sides. For example, hang pictures similar in size, framing and subject matter on either side of a chair to create symmetrical balance. Provide symmetry with groups of four, six or more similar pictures by hanging half on one side of the chair and half on the other side. Position each picture arrangement in a square or rectangle with about 4 to 6 inches between the pictures in a single group.

Asymetrical

Asymmetry uses different pieces of wall decor to create balance through equal visual weight. For example, hang a large framed print on the wall above the left side of a sofa. Balance out the right side with a smaller picture suspended over a wall shelf that's topped with a decorative vase and plant. Even though the wall decor isn't identical, the visual weight is distributed to achieve a pleasing balance on the wall.

Other Tips

Hang wall decor at the same level across a wall to make a narrow wall appear wider. Flip this technique to help balance a wall with a low ceiling; hang wall art pieces vertically above each other, giving the illusion of a taller wall and higher ceiling. Keep your wall decor in proportion to the wall space; pictures should typically be about two-thirds the size of the furniture piece that they hang above.

1/15/2016

How To Choose The Perfect Bed Pillow

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If you’re like most people, you spend about a third of your days asleep (less, perhaps, if you’re a new parent or a college student cramming for finals). And the most important piece of the slumber puzzle is your pillow. Choose the wrong one, and you’ll trade 40 winks for fitful tossing and turning. Keep these tips in mind as you shop for the right headrest.

Choose a filling. Your preference is as individual as you are, but there are three major types of fillings.If you like to feel cradled, you might choose a malleable goose down or feather filling. These materials retain warmth and help to keep you toasty on cold nights. On good-quality versions, look for an indicator called fill power, which refers to how much filling the pillow has (the more filling, the plumper and longer lasting the pillow will be).

One advantage to down: It lacks the sharp ends of feathers, which can poke through the pillowcase and prickle your skin. Allergy sufferers who want the comfort of down or feathers can buy special hypoallergenic pillow covers to alleviate reactions.

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Springy memory foam molds itself to your head, returning to its original shape after you arise. Because it conforms to your movements in the night, it can be a good choice for restless sleepers. It also works well for those with neck and spinal problems, as it distributes weight evenly. The downside? It tends to be expensive.

Polyester filling, less expensive than down and memory foam, tends to provide good support and hold its shape reasonably well. However, it is also the least durable of these materials.

There are more specialized and natural options too; you also buy pillows with specialized fillings such as buckwheat hulls, which shift along with your position, and natural and organic latex, which are breathable and resist mold, mildew and mites.

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Decide on the size. To choose the right size pillow, you’ll need to consider three factors: how big your bed is, how many pillows you need and how you will use them. Pillow sizes correspond roughly to mattresses (standard, queen, king).

However, that doesn’t mean you have to play by the rules — an oversize pillow can feel enveloping and cozy on a smaller bed. If you like to prop yourself against a pile of pillows for reading, buy smaller-size ones that you can layer. Even on a king-size bed, a standard pillow may be what you want to sleep on.

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Select the right softness. Whether you choose down, synthetic or another filling, the way it’s packed in makes a difference in how the pillow feels. A filling that’s stuffed tightly into the cover makes for a firmer pillow; conversely, less filling means a looser, softer feel. Many mattress showrooms allow you to try them out before you buy.

Consider your sleep position. The way you sleep will affect the loft, or height, of your pillow; different positions require different types of support. Back and stomach sleepers may want to choose a flatter pillow that helps keep the neck aligned properly. If you sleep on your side, however, a loftier pillow, which fills the gap between head and neck, is generally a better choice.

Take special needs into account. You’ll find plenty of specialty pillows on the market tailored to specific situations. For example, people with allergies might think about a pillow with a cover and filling that are specifically formulated to keep away dust and mites. If you snore, consider a pillow shaped to position your head and neck in a way that will prevent your airway from becoming compressed.

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1/14/2016

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Accentuate your love of soothing tones and sophisticated style with the Makonnen sofa. The high-nap chenille upholstery offers a touch of sheen and a ton of comfort—while plush rolled arms soften the lines and add to the beauty of this lovely piece.

Details

Corner-blocked frame
Cushions with ultra-supportive, pocketed coils
3 throw pillows included
Pillows with soft polyfill
Polyester and polyester/polypropylene pillows
Polyester/polypropylene upholstery
Exposed feet with faux wood finish

1/13/2016

6 Tips for Choosing Bedding

Ah, bedding. We ask so much from this one element. We want it to be comfortable, easy-to-clean, and beautiful—after all, it will set the tone for the entire room. Check Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF for fun holiday!

There’s no doubt that we ask a lot from our bedding. But how do you choose the best bedding for you, given the seemingly endless options available? Here are six tips to selecting the perfect set.

Think Multiples
You will typically want at least two complete sheet sets for your bed—that way, should a cleaning disaster arise, you won’t be left sheet-less for the night. Keep it practical by choosing heavier, warmer sheets for the winter months and lighter, cooler sheets for summer.

Practically speaking, having at least one set of sheets in neutral is a good bet. Should you choose to switch up your duvet, neutral sheets will still look coordinated.

Duvet vs. QuiltLet it be known that bedding terminology is fluid, at best: different people have different terms for various items. Tomato, to-mah-to.

The object in question is the main blanket that covers your bed and keeps you warm at night. There are two main options for this: a linen that is used to envelope a filling, like a down comforter (think a pillowcase to a pillow), and one where the filling is sewn into the cover, making it a single blanket. For simplicity sake, we’ll call the former a “duvet” and the latter a “quilt”.

Duvets offer the benefit of being easier to clean without taking up the entire washing machine, like a full quilt is apt to do—though anyone who has tried to wrangle a comforter back into a duvet cover will know that it’s still not the easiest thing to do. Perhaps the greatest benefit of a duvet cover versus a quilt is that you can fill the duvet with whatever type of comforter the season calls for.

Thread What?Thread count is a common attribute used to describe linens. It represents the number of yarns per square inch of fabric. Traditionally, a higher thread count meant higher quality fabric. Most fabrics today are made with machines, so while a threat count of 350 in times of yore might have signified a high quality product, today’s sheets can have a thread count of 1,200.

In short, thread count today doesn’t mean as much as it once did. Marketers love to use it, but don’t let it be the only factor in your decision. Instead, give the sheets a little scratch: if the material pills, it’s probably not great quality.

Single Ply – Not Just for Toilet Paper!Single ply means that the weaving process consists of single yarns being woven over and under another, whereas plied yarns consist of yarns that are first twisted together, then woven with other plied yarns.

Single ply fabrics are typically lighter, softer and more durable—three factors that most people look for in linens. If that sounds like your perfect sheet, then stick to single ply.

Bedding as DécorAvoid the sterile, hospital bed look: pump up the aesthetics with throws and decorative pillows. These are some of the easiest accessories to play around with, since they are easy to switch in and out. Make them central to whatever décor theme you decide to work with in your room.

Keep it CleanExperts say you should wash your linens once per week, rotating sets if you have multiples. Let’s be honest: washing linens is a pain, and it takes up a lot of room in the washing machine. Don’t feel bad if you stray from the weekly rule, but try to wash them at least every two to three weeks!

Washing details will always depend on the fabric, so study the labels carefully. Generally speaking, warm water with mild detergent is best.

Easy MaintenanceBedding is awkward to iron, but it looks so much better when it’s free of wrinkles. Take a shortcut by machine drying it on a low temperature (or on “wrinkle release”, if your dryer offers that setting). Once the linens are dry, remove them immediately. Smooth them out and fold them to keep wrinkles at bay. Certain fabrics are also less prone to wrinkling. Try cotton flannel or jersey fabrics.

The top tip? Choose bedding that you love. Aim for comfort–duvet covers, throws and pillows can be used to pretty up the room. And don’t forget–if you share your bed with a significant other, make sure that they love it, too!

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12/25/2015

LAST-MINUTE PARTY APPETIZERS & FUN FAMILY GAMES

With the decorating and shopping hopefully behind us, it’s crunch time for hosting guests. Have you decided what appetizers you’ll be serving and what family games you’ll want to start? Here are some easy last-minute ideas for great food and fun. Check Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF for fun holiday!

3 FAST & FESTIVE APPETIZER IDEAS

Veggie Tray with a Holiday Twist

Grab bags of pre-cut broccoli, cauliflower and a pack of cherry tomatoes. Arrange broccoli on a platter in the shape of a tree. Add rows of cauliflower to look like garland. Place cherry tomatoes throughout to look like ornaments. Take a slice of cheese and cut into a star for the top. If you prefer, shape veggies into a wreath.

Reindeer Cheese Ball

Grab two packs of cream cheese, softened at room temperature and a bag of pretzel sticks. Take out 15-20 sticks and set aside. Crush the rest. Mix several handfuls of crushed pretzels into the cream cheese. Shape into a ball. Roll the ball in the remaining crushed pretzels to fully coat. Take the whole pretzel sticks and place on top to look like reindeer antlers. Serve with crackers, veggies, pretzels, chips or your favorite crunchy snacks.

Cucumber Bites with Veggie Cream Cheese

Use 2 packages of cream cheese, softened at room temperature. Put 4 peeled carrots, 4 sprigs of scallions (green onions) and 4 radishes in a food processor. Finely chop, but do not puree. Mix them and 1 tablespoon of white ground pepper into the cream cheese. Spread on sliced cucumbers and serve chilled. Use the cream cheese to dip vegetables or spread on bread and crackers, too.

3 PARTY ACTIVITIES

Holiday Tune Charades

Write down the titles of holiday tunes on index cards. Mix them up in a bowl and play charades. Hours of fun are in store as you watch friends and family act out the songs.

Name That Tune, with a Twist

Write down the name of a holiday tune. Give each guest a card as they arrive and a jingle bell. Each time someone says a word from the song title, the guest has to ring their bell. As the night goes on, everyone tries to guess what song each person has.

Holiday Memories

Have children? Cut construction paper into strips two inches high and eight inches long. Have each child write something wonderful that happened this year. Write some of the things that made you proud of your child this year. Loop the strips together into a chain for each child. It can be used as a decoration. Do it every year and give them to your child when they grow up. It will be a treasured memory for years to come.

We’d love to hear what appetizers and holiday games you and your family enjoy. Please share below.

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Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF: How to choose a rugs

Marvelously minimalist, this indoor-outdoor rug is the perfect complement to bold prints or simply designed spaces. Handwoven of polypropylene, rug stands up to heavy foot traffic, making it especially practical in the family room, foyer or front porch. Reversible design doubles the lifespan and makes quickly hiding spots and stains a breeze.

Style safari. Take a walk on the wild side with this indoor-outdoor rug that gives newfound subtlety and sophistication to the zebra print. Multitonal and richly textural, it’s chic enough to work anywhere and tough enough to handle a stampede of foot traffic.

12/24/2015

LET THERE BE LIGHT: DESIGN TRICKS FOR MAKING YOUR SPACE FEEL LIGHTER & BRIGHTER

With snowflakes, cozy blankets and other winter delights come dark, dreary days. While a gray and gloomy sky can make you want to close the curtains and cuddle up in front of the TV, even the homiest of home bodies can start to feel snowed in. Rather than succumb to the winter blues, you can apply a few simple design tricks to make your home feel lighter and brighter.

Pretty Pendants

Fans of eclectic design will love the look of mixing similar but slightly different pendant lights. We’re especially fond of combining our Ichiro Pendant Lights — the open-work design allows maximum light to shine through. In turn, you get a cool, contemporary look and a bright and shiny space.

Two Timing

Looking for a way to get more bang for your buck? Check out our Rishona Table Lamp Set. The white shades ensure a crisp glow while the metallic bases bounce light throughout the room. Looking for more ways to incorporate metallics into your decor? Click here for more bright ideas!

Triple Threat

For larger rooms (or those with dark corners), we’ve found that using multi-directional floor lamps can work wonders. OurSheriel Floor Lamp has adjustable arms and necks, allowing you to shine a little light wherever you need it most.

Nice & Natural

If you’re after a warm and cozy glow, try turning off the lights and lighting some candles. We’re slightly obsessed with the DIY candles Erin recently made on Francoise et Moi. Not only do they provide soft, natural light, but they also smell like pure Christmas. What could be more cozy than that?

Do you have any home decor tricks for combating those gray, winter days? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!