HOW TO BLEND YOUR STYLES INTO ONE GREAT LOOK

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You and  your partner are a great match in so many ways. If only you were on the same page when it came to your taste in home decor…

Take heart in the fact that you’re not alone. Few couples find instant harmony as they “combine their assets,” so to speak. Not to worry. Consider this an opportunity to collaborate on a common goal: great style that works for both of you.

Embrace Your Differences—to an Extent

We’ve all heard the term, “eclectic style,” the concept that it’s OK to mix and match. While that’s very true, there’s a fine line between cool eclectic and flea market hodgepodge. If your styles are highly different (e.g., he likes European traditional while you love loft chic style), one of you is going to have to give up more than the other to make it work. Think of it as the 80/20 rule.

 
As long as about 80% of your room decor conveys a particular style, you can accessorize and really play around with that other 20% by incorporating some very different style accent pieces.

Make Easy Adjustments

Say he’s bringing a very expensive dining room set to the table. He loves it, and he paid a lot for it. So it’s staying. But it’s not quite you…too heavy, too traditional, too dark. Here’s an idea: elevate the space with a light and airy wall color…a crisp white or maybe even a sky blue can be instantly uplifting.

The right accessories like accent tables, lighting and wall art can bring the space closer to your style. Looking to modernize the traditional? An inspired choice in upholstery furniture, curtains or floor coverings can weave the “old and new” beautifully. Take, for example, rugs. A bold striped pattern or something "organic" with a flowing feel is still restrained enough to play with traditional furnishings. It’s just got a fresher, more contemporary slant.

 Have a Common Thread

When you’re trying to merge a lot of different elements, consider the three Cs: color, consistency and commonality.

Color and consistency: If you think you have a “lot going on” in a room, an easy rule for tying the look together is to have a consistent thread throughout the space. Say that dining room set of his has upholstered chairs. A particular color in that upholstery might be an inspiration. Sprinkle that color throughout the space using pillows, throws and accent pieces to create your signature design. 

Commonality: If you both have wall art you’re proud to show off, consider a “gallery look” so that they share the same style frames. It looks so much cleaner. A set of lamps that “talk” to each other or different accessories of the same material (e.g., a distressed goldtone metal) are all great “unifiers.”

Bright Idea: Check out our “How to Create a Gallery Wall” and “Going for Gold: Decorating with Metallic Gold Accessories” blogs for even more tips on how to liven up your space.

We’ve devoted an entire blog to the theme of getting a mattress that works for both of you. Check out "How to Choose a Mattress with Your Significant Other" to find out more. And don’t miss our partner blogger Jenna at Visions of Vogue who did an amazing job restyling her living room using exclusively Ashley HomeStore furniture!

These are just a few of the ways you can each express your individual tastes in a highly cohesive fashion. Most importantly, have fun and let your creativity shine!

HOW TO BRING HOME THE RIGHT SIZE RECLINER

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 Like people, recliners come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The difference is noticeable when you settle into seat and rather than relax, you feel uncomfortably boxed in. Here, we’ve simplified how to find an ultra-relaxing recliner that fits your needs and lends blissful support during a full night of TV bingeing.

Choose a style, then measure your space. While that huge recliner looks pretty inviting—will it fit in the space you have? Measuring the seating area helps determine what size recliner will fit in it before you make a purchase.

What size works best? Generally speaking, it’s the width plus the depth and height of the recliner that affords the most room to relax. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll use the width as the basis for measurement.

 

OVERSIZED OR ”BIG DADDY“ RECLINERSmeasure 50" or wider.

56" wide Banetonville recliner’s luxuriously deep seat is genuine leather everywhere the body touches.

57" wide Overly recliner’s plush upholstery and tufted back makes being overly comfortable possible.

59" wide Toletta has an ultra-soft feel and overstuffed pillow armrests, coupled with a zero wall profile.

       

 

MID-SIZE RECLINERS ARE 40"–49" WIDE:

40" wide Ludden rocker recliner’s plush upholstery is like resting on a cloud of comfort.

40" wide Kaylor DuraBlend® rocker recliner has the look and feel of leather without the high price or maintenance.

43" wide Quinnlyn rocker recliner has extra cushioning on the armrests and neck area.

 

SMALLER RECLINERS MEASURE 39" OR LESS

33" wide Placido recliner is styled like a favorite club chair.

36" wide Mannix DuraBlend® glider recliner with 360-degree swivel keeps you in the flow of conversation.

37" wide Darshmore rocker recliner’s pillowy cushions envelope the entire body when you settle in for a sports watching or sleep marathon.

Once you land on a recliner size that fits your needs, choosing a style with one-touch power control boosts your comfort level even further. Happy reclining!

JUNE BUG DIY: PET ROCKS FOR THE GARDEN

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Looking for a fun activity that gets your little June bugs out of the house? Here’s an exercise that by combining paint, stones, and a little creativity will literally rock their socks off. Let’s get ready to turn some ordinary rocks into cute ladybugs!

Bonus: It will be the perfect addition to your already blooming gardens this summer.

Painting Ladybug Rocks

Here’s what you’ll need:

Stones

Paint – Red, Black, and White

Brushes – Small and Medium Flats or Rounds

Optional – Chalk, Felts Circles

Find the Perfect Stone

• River stones create the best canvas for painting our favorite tiny summer bugs. Can’t find a stone in your backyard that is suitable enough? Head over to your nearest Michaels or local arts and crafts store; they have an excellent selection.

Prepare the Surface

• Once, you’ve selected the perfect stone, ensure that it’s washed and dried; now it’s ready to go! Grab some white paint and paint your rock; this will be used as your base coat. This step makes the red to appear brighter.

Get Ready to Paint!

• Grab your brushes, it’s time to paint! Apply 2 coats of red paint to the entire surface of the rock (you might need to apply more until you get full coverage). Let the paint dry. After the paint has dried use a chalk and draw a curved line for the head and then an additional line for the wings. Grab your black paint and paint the head (might require 2 or more coats), then paint over the chalked wing line.
• Now it’s time to give our lady friend some spots! Use a small round brush to apply these, or for more fun let the kids dip their fingertips into the paint and place them directly on the rock.  

• Give your ladybug some eyes by using chalk to draw a line down the center of the face (this helps creates an even placement). Once, this is done use small round felt pieces to trace the eyes or you can free hand this part by using white paint to draw circles instead. All you have to do is wait for your creation to dry.

Location, Location, Location!  

• Now, that your ladybug is dry; it’s time to find it a home. Admire this cutie the entire summer by placing it in the garden or in a grassy area. Other placement options include your window sills (bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom) or use these adorable June bugs to decorate your entryway!

Tip: Encourage the kids to use their creativity by opting for different colors to paint your ladybugs. With a little creativity and imagination, these mini bugs can be pink, blue, yellow or even orange!

COOKOUT: SAVOR THE FLAVORS OF VEGETABLES DAY IN STYLE

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You hear it all the time, “Eat your vegetables.” With no hesitation, let’s take the advice. Fire up the grill and get ready to celebrate National Eat Your Vegetables Day on June 17. Grilling vegetables is a sure-fire way to tempt those who ordinarily don’t like vegetables to try them. The day is meant to remind everyone to include a healthy portion of vegetables in their diet, not only for the day but throughout the year. Celebrate veggies with a new grilling recipe (see below) and entertain your taste buds while relaxing outside.

Outdoor Splendor

Incidentally, have you set up your summer furniture yet? Or has your deck, porch or lanai been forgotten? Along with fresh veggies in your diet, it’s time to freshen up your outdoor decor so you can enjoy a barbecue.

Roll Out a Stylish Outdoor Rug 

Add a touch of pizzazz to your porch by laying out a rug that goes with your furniture. 

Spice Up Patio Furniture 

Place snazzy new outdoor pillows on chaises or lounge chairs to add pops of color.

Create Nightly Ambiance 

Bring out the lanterns and hang sconces on the wall to enjoy the porch. 

Now you have all the ingredients for enjoying fresh-grilled veggies in a beautiful setting.

Let the beautiful colors of your garden be the inspiration for assembling a rainbow medley of fresh vegetable kabobs.

Grilled Vegetable Kebobs (recipe from Six Sisters’ Stuff, May 2014)

Ingredients:

1 red pepper, chopped into large pieces

1 green pepper, chopped into large pieces

1 cup fresh mushrooms

1 large zucchini, thickly sliced

1 large summer squash, thickly sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1 red onion, chopped into large pieces

1 cup Italian dressing or marinade of choice

Skewers

Directions:

Place all vegetables in a large bowl. Pour the dressing on them and mix until all vegetables are evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to several hours).

Remove veggies from marinade (save your marinade) and thread onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, let them soak in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Heat grill to medium high heat and place skewers on top of grill. Cook vegetables until the grill marks start to show (about 10 minutes), rotating vegetables occasionally. If desired, baste with additional marinade.

Makes 6-8 servings.

  

Did you know that fruits and vegetables owe their colors to healthful compounds called phytonutrients? The more colorful your veggies, the more nutrients you’re eating! This dish has a whole rainbow of colors, making it a smart choice for getting a wide variety of phytonutrients and antioxidants.

Nutritional information provided by Jessica Penner, RD at Smart Nutrition.

BETTER WITH AGE: HOW TO MASTER VINTAGE CHIC STYLE

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If your heart skips a beat at the sight of a well-worn rug and you’d rather surround yourself with treasures from the past than passing fancies from the present, then read on to find out how to create the not-so-shabby, but oh-so-chic look in your home. Creating this style is easy once you decide on the particular brand of vintage you want to cultivate.

What’s Your Kind of Vintage?

Choose a particular vintage aesthetic, or integrate elements of them all.

1. European Flavor – Continental influences (wrought iron, stone statues, planters or china) set the stage evoking the grace of an English garden at teatime.
2. Equestrian Influence – Leather-bound books, boots, and chairs, Persian rugs and silver pieces with an aged patina showcase the elegance of a bygone era.
3. Country Cottage – Whitewashed or cream finishes, gently distressed to create a sense of age, paired with wicker and warm woods inspire a soft and dreamy look that feels comfortable and familiar.

 Mix and Match–A Recipe for Success

Variety is the spice of the vintage-inspired lifestyle. Furnishings in an assortment of tones, textures and materials add interest and a sense of timelessness. Limit your palette to soft pastels and whites and sprinkle rustic elements throughout your decor. Keep in mind, while the vintage-inspired look is weathered and desaturated, the use of a few colorful accent pieces can add a welcome pop of color to your design.

In the bedroom, layered linens are a must; quilts, coverlets, blankets, throws and pillows pile on the style in a simply irresistible way. Choose from an all-white or floral palette for your linens. Lay down a natural sisal rug and complete the look with wrought iron or wicker pieces topped with cushions or old lace.

Add interest in the living room by pairing a rug and a chair in the same color family, but differing patterns.

Or play the same game with a collection of throw pillows across your sofa or loveseat.  

Want to stir it up some excitement in the kitchen? Be inspired to approach seating in a whole new way. Combine chairs, benches and stools around the table and top with cushions and pillows to tie it all together.

 

Feel free to use light, dark and even painted finishes together in your rooms. The eclectic mix of wood tones will add to the cottage appeal of your rooms.

Chandeliers and pendants can be used liberally throughout your space to heighten the feeling of nostalgia. Romance your vignettes by adding soft lighting elements with a vintage vibe.

Rugs that show their age are perfect underfoot and, when used in multiples create lovely conversation nooks within a room. Nothing says faded eleganceas eloquently as a well-worn Persian on the floor. Today, you can find pre-distressed area rugs that look as though they’ve been “in the family” for generations, adding to their vintage charm.

In fact, if you don’t happen to have an attic full of antiques, what could be better than a collection of intentionally curated choices to provide that “flea market find” appeal without all the legwork? Ashley HomeStore’s Vintage Casual Lifestyle reflects the best aspects of cottage farmhouse living with new and trendsetting furnishings and accessories. Click on the SHOP NOW button to browse through our Vintage Casual assortment.

Be sure to stay tuned for the next chapter in our Ashley HomeStore Lifestyle series.

FURNITURE DELIVERY: FIVE STEPS TO SUCCESS

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You've researched your options, shopped until you dropped and now it’s time to have your new furniture delivered! So what needs to be done ahead of your furniture delivery? Read on for five steps to success.

1. Measure, Measure, Measure

Hopefully you measured your space before ordering your furniture! However, you’ll need to take a few more measurements before the delivery truck arrives. Assess the width and ceiling height of all doorways and hallways your furniture will need to traverse. If applicable, also measure the width of stairways including handrails. If using an elevator to deliver furniture, make sure to measure it, too. Next, measure the width, depth and height of your new furniture pieces—these measurements should be less than the widths and heights of the doorways leading to the room where your furniture will reside. Be prepared to remove any doors if necessary, and it’s not a bad idea to also have a backup plan in place. For instance, if you have large French doors in the back of your home, it might make more sense to bring a sectional through that threshold as opposed to the front door.

2. Dispose of old furniture

Make sure your old furniture has been removed from the room. Otherwise, the delivery team won’t have anywhere to set up your new furniture and it might be left lingering in a hall. What fun is that? There are several organizations that will gladly take your donated furniture and some might even pick it up at no charge. A quick internet search will help you locate the organizations that serve your area

3.  Clear the Clutter

In addition to removing your old furniture, you should clear out all pass-through areas. This includes not only accent tables and storage pieces in the halls, but also artwork and pictures hung on the walls. If possible, you should also secure low-hanging light fixtures. You might be surprised how easily your decorative items can hinder a successful delivery.

4. Secure your pets

Your door will need to be left open as the furniture is brought in, so be sure to secure your pets in a different area of the home. This is crucial—not only because Fluffy or Fido could escape, but also because they could pose a tripping hazard for the delivery team. And while it’s common sense, the same applies for small children!

5. Protect floors/secure area rugs

Speaking of tripping hazards, you should remove or secure area rugs and door mats. And, while our team takes every precaution to protect your floors from dirty footprints, it can’t hurt to shield your floors with drop cloths or paperboard that has been secured with low-adhesive tape.

Do you have any additional tips for preparing your home for a furniture delivery? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear them!