CREATE GALLERY WALLS IN 3 FUN STEPS

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

Tired of looking at empty walls? Are they begging for attention? Maybe it’s time to turn drab walls into spaces splashed with personalized style. It may seem perplexing at first, but with the right tools and a touch of creativity, you can assemble gallery walls quickly.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Level and tape measure
• Step stool
• Hammer and nails
• Power drill/hole punch
• Picture hangers (D-rings, sawtooth hooks or hanger wire)
• Lots of imagination 

STEP 1: GET IT ALL TOGETHER

Take time to reflect on your passions and interests. Then, pool your ideas to create a theme. Gather what you want to display. Whether it’s a group of photos you took or perhaps artwork, posters, children’s drawings and family photos—there are no limits on what you can use. For example, if you love New York City, find photos, posters, and artwork that are associated with the city. Expand your selection to include sculptures, artifacts, old calendars, movie posters or illustrations. Sculptures and artifacts add a dimensional aspect when displayed in shadow boxes. You can round out your collection with accessories from AshleyHomeStore.com for that instant curated look.

 STEP 2: DECIDE WHERE AND WHAT TO DISPLAY

The days of placing a single picture above a piece of furniture have passed. Now you can hang multiple pieces of art in unique patterns. Decide where you want your gallery wall and how you’re going to assemble it. When selecting your artwork, look for pieces that will balance with the tones of your room’s furniture and follow a common theme, style or image palette.

For a calming effect, use soft palettes with splashes of color to complement the furniture. In bedrooms, create a restful effect by limiting the gallery to two simple rows.

Purchase frames in a color or style that will keep everything unified. Black frames can be used to create a contemporary look. Reclaimed frames are perfect for an eclectic look.

If you want originality and flexibility, collect an assortment of boxes. Attach them together with double-sided tape and create a gallery made of boxes to be hung. Add wallpaper to the inside of the boxes and place 3-D treasures, photos and postcards in each box.  The best part—your unique collection can be updated with ease.

STEP 3: HANG AND ENJOY

• Plan where you will hang the frames by cutting the shapes of the frames out of a poster board or cardboard and use painter’s tape to adhere them to the wall. Move them around until you land on the perfect arrangement.
• Begin hanging—you can do this on impulse or follow a few typical rules of thumb:
  
  
  
  
  •  Start with the largest item first and make this your focal point. Balance and symmetry are key.
  • Work from the center out spacing each work approximately 1 ¼” apart, so each will stand on its own.
  • Use a level and pencil to mark the holes before you drill.
  • Hang at eye level.
  • Hang 12 inches above furniture.
• Another way to hang pictures that’s dramatic and draws attention is to stagger art along a staircase wall. Keep it near 59” in height and allow 10 inches from each stair. Add an extra punch by using a large piece of artwork at one end.
• When placing the artwork on shelves, layer your frames by placing them slightly overlapping each other for a casual vibe.

Once you have your gallery wall up, let the art take you back to places you’ve been or to the places of your dreams. You’ll find that your display will become quite a conversation piece to be enjoyed for years to come.

VISIONS OF VOGUE: AN INNOVATIVE LIFESTYLE BLOG BY JENNA COLGROVE

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

The home furnishings and fashion industries share significant similarities whether that be in structure, design, or even the Pantone color of the year! When the two businesses intersect, the collaboration can be stunning. The same holds true for your own personal sense of style- from what you wear to the interior décor of your home.

We are ecstatic to introduce our friend and lifestyle blogger Jenna Colgrove, the creator of Visions of Vogue, an innovative blog for all things fashion, travel, and the home. Jenna’s musings help us envision a lifestyle that is both aspirational and achievable. Her personal style, a mix of high and low fashion, is infused with worldly influences including her recent visits to Japan.

To escape a world of Excel spreadsheets in the finance industry where she first began, Jenna turned to the more glamorous (and exciting) world of fashion and design working with big style icons such as Kendra Scott, Bobbi Brown, Sole Society, and Macy’s. She currently works as the Director of Strategy and Planning for a luxury cosmetics brand and enjoys the challenge of creating and sharing compelling imagery.

If you enjoy a sassy blogger with a passion for fashion, travel, and a good crop-top, check out Jenna’s blog here to see how beautiful and affordable fashion transcends into every part of life, especially the home! Also, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Jenna’s chic living room featuring Ashley HomeStore furniture and accessories.

BETTER WITH AGE: HOW TO MASTER VINTAGE CHIC STYLE

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

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 elegance as 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!

5 TIPS FOR GETTING THE SECTIONAL OF YOUR DREAMS

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Are you finding that your sofa is not meeting your needs? Do you have to pull out extra folding chairs for every occasion? Replace that sofa with a sectional for more seating, flexibility and comfort. Sectionals come in all shapes and sizes and can have many fun features, so how do you choose?

KNOW THE LANGUAGE OF SECTIONALS

First, get familiar with sectionals and all their components. Two acronyms you’ll come across are RAF and LAF. When facing the piece, the position of the arm on the portion facing you is described as either right-arm facing (RAF) or left-arm facing (LAF). Basic sectionals are usually comprised of four pieces: LAF or RAF sofa, LAF or RAF corner chaise, armless loveseat and ottoman. They may also include a RAF or LAF cuddler, which is a seat attached to the end of an armless sofa or loveseat, sometimes on an angle. A symmetrical sectional will have equal seating on both sides. Other pieces that can be added include: wedges, armless chairs and dual reclining sofas or loveseats. A corner wedge is used to attach an add-on piece like a loveseat or armless chair to the main piece. Consoles may come separately or built into a sofa or loveseat. Usually they feature built-in storage space and cup holders. With these basics in mind, here are five helpful search tips:

TAKE MEASUREMENTS

Before the search, decide where the sectional will go. Will it fill a corner, sit in a room’s center or fit along a wall? Take exact measurements of the space you want to fill—reason being: certain styles will not work in smaller spaces. Take the length of fully reclined seats and the size of ottomans into account. Plus, factor in extra space for moving about the room. Once you have a size, decide on the type of seating. Deep seats easily accommodate tall people, while shallow seats with tight backs are ideal for short people or those who have difficulty getting up. Chaises are great for propping up legs.

DECIDE WHAT YOU LOVE

Think about your lifestyle and envision all that you want in a seating arrangement. What’s your favorite style? From contemporary to traditional, there are many looks to consider. What fabric would you prefer? For example, if you have small children or pets, you may want to consider stain-resistant fabrics. Crave something decorative? Look for features such as naihead trim, rolled armrests, curved feet and jumbo stitching. Configurations are also important. Traditional L-shaped sectionals, like the top-selling Jessa Place 3-piece sectional with a chaise lounge attached, are perfect for TV viewing. U-shaped sectionals are ideal for party hosting because facing seats encourage conversations.

NEED FUTURE FLEXIBILITY?

If you want the ability to reconfigure seating, there are several options. Reversible sectionals are ideal because the chaise can be moved from one side of the stationary piece to the other. For the ability to arrange each piece to your liking or the freedom to add as many seats as you want, modular sectionals are perfect. To find all the options with each sectional, ask what pieces are stationary, interlocking or separate.

ADD-ONS?

Recliners, power options, consoles and ottomans are some extra features to keep in mind. When exploring a sectional with recliners, find out which pieces recline and if they have power adjustment options. Usually 2 seats in a sofa or loveseat piece will recline and sometimes separate reclining seats can be added. Reclining features are a huge plus for space savings, especially if you do not have the room for separate recliners. Use an ottoman either for an additional seat or as a foot rest. Look for storage that’s sometimes available because it provides handy space for tucking away remotes, blankets and more.

VISUALIZE

Before you make your purchase, imagine the piece in your living area. Get a picture of it and hold it up to the space. Will it work for you and your family? Does it sync with your lifestyle? If your answer is “no” to any of these questions, keep looking. Does the sectional overpower the room? If you think it will, consider getting a smaller one or remove pieces. See if the fabric color will match your decor. Often a shade of the color of your room’s decor will work perfectly, but you can add a pop of color to the room using an accent color such as red.

With these helpful tips in mind, take time to explore all possibilities. You’ll be surprised what a difference a sectional can make in your home.

If you have a sectional, who claims what spots? Is dad stationed at the command center next to the console? Does mom relax on the chaise? What spots do the kids enjoy? What are your favorite features?

VISIONS OF VOGUE: AN INNOVATIVE LIFESTYLE BLOG BY JENNA COLGROVE

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

The home furnishings and fashion industries share significant similarities whether that be in structure, design, or even the Pantone color of the year! When the two businesses intersect, the collaboration can be stunning. The same holds true for your own personal sense of style- from what you wear to the interior décor of your home.

We are ecstatic to introduce our friend and lifestyle blogger Jenna Colgrove, the creator of Visions of Vogue, an innovative blog for all things fashion, travel, and the home. Jenna’s musings help us envision a lifestyle that is both aspirational and achievable. Her personal style, a mix of high and low fashion, is infused with worldly influences including her recent visits to Japan.

To escape a world of Excel spreadsheets in the finance industry where she first began, Jenna turned to the more glamorous (and exciting) world of fashion and design working with big style icons such as Kendra Scott, Bobbi Brown, Sole Society, and Macy’s. She currently works as the Director of Strategy and Planning for a luxury cosmetics brand and enjoys the challenge of creating and sharing compelling imagery.

If you enjoy a sassy blogger with a passion for fashion, travel, and a good crop-top, check out Jenna’s blog here to see how beautiful and affordable fashion transcends into every part of life, especially the home! Also, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Jenna’s chic living room featuring Ashley HomeStore furniture and accessories.

Blog on, Jenna!

Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales: TIPS FOR TAMING THE CLUTTER IN A KID’S BEDROOM

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It’s a Jungle in Here

At some point, every parent has likened their kid’s bedroom to either a pig sty or a zoo (or maybe even both). Why not just embrace the situation and let their room become a full on jungle? No, we’re not suggesting that you give up and let them live in a room of mess and destruction! Instead, transform their space into an animal kingdom and charge them with the task of being the room’s zookeeper.

Make Toys Part of the Decor

The age-old problem of where and how to store stuffed animals is easily solved by incorporating the creatures into the room’s decor. Low-hung shelves offer easy access and allow kids to put their furry friends on display.

Look Beyond Children’s Furniture

A mainstay in home decor, animal print accessories and furnishings abound. We think you and your little one will especially love our KeyTown upholstered storage bench. Two deep drawers provide tons of storage space for Legos, Barbie dolls, games, books and much more. The firm cushion provides a comfy seat for reading and the cheetah-print upholstery is purring with style. Easily add a more youthful touch by swapping out the traditional drawer knobs with whimsical hardware.

Incorporate Favorite Creatures Wherever You Can

Bookcases have a tendency to become one of the most cluttered areas of a kid’s room. If your child can’t reach the top shelves, it only makes sense that the lower half of the bookcase is going to become a mess. For this reason, you’re much better off with two shorter bookcases. You can also call on the critters to help your kiddo maintain tidy shelves. Our adorable whale wall shelf, for instance, will help keep their favorite stories stacked up straight.

To further emphasize the animal theme, why not add a few related books to their little library? Some of our favorites include:

• The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson (Ages 3-7)
• Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by James Dean and Eric Litwin (Ages 4-8)
• The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith (Ages 5-8)
• The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna (Ages 3-6)
• Go, Dog Go! by P.D. Eastman (Ages 3-7)

Do you have any books to add to the list? Let us know in the comments.

CREATE GALLERY WALLS IN 3 FUN STEPS

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

Tired of looking at empty walls? Are they begging for attention? Maybe it’s time to turn drab walls into spaces splashed with personalized style. It may seem perplexing at first, but with the right tools and a touch of creativity, you can assemble gallery walls quickly.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Level and tape measure
• Step stool
• Hammer and nails
• Power drill/hole punch
• Picture hangers (D-rings, sawtooth hooks or hanger wire)
• Lots of imagination 

STEP 1: GET IT ALL TOGETHER

Take time to reflect on your passions and interests. Then, pool your ideas to create a theme. Gather what you want to display. Whether it’s a group of photos you took or perhaps artwork, posters, children’s drawings and family photos—there are no limits on what you can use. For example, if you love New York City, find photos, posters, and artwork that are associated with the city. Expand your selection to include sculptures, artifacts, old calendars, movie posters or illustrations. Sculptures and artifacts add a dimensional aspect when displayed in shadow boxes. You can round out your collection with accessories from AshleyHomeStore.com for that instant curated look.

 STEP 2: DECIDE WHERE AND WHAT TO DISPLAY

The days of placing a single picture above a piece of furniture have passed. Now you can hang multiple pieces of art in unique patterns. Decide where you want your gallery wall and how you’re going to assemble it. When selecting your artwork, look for pieces that will balance with the tones of your room’s furniture and follow a common theme, style or image palette.

For a calming effect, use soft palettes with splashes of color to complement the furniture. In bedrooms, create a restful effect by limiting the gallery to two simple rows.

Purchase frames in a color or style that will keep everything unified. Black frames can be used to create a contemporary look. Reclaimed frames are perfect for an eclectic look.

If you want originality and flexibility, collect an assortment of boxes. Attach them together with double-sided tape and create a gallery made of boxes to be hung. Add wallpaper to the inside of the boxes and place 3-D treasures, photos and postcards in each box.  The best part—your unique collection can be updated with ease.

STEP 3: HANG AND ENJOY

• Plan where you will hang the frames by cutting the shapes of the frames out of a poster board or cardboard and use painter’s tape to adhere them to the wall. Move them around until you land on the perfect arrangement.
• Begin hanging—you can do this on impulse or follow a few typical rules of thumb:
  
  
  
  
  •  Start with the largest item first and make this your focal point. Balance and symmetry are key.
  • Work from the center out spacing each work approximately 1 ¼” apart, so each will stand on its own.
  • Use a level and pencil to mark the holes before you drill.
  • Hang at eye level.
  • Hang 12 inches above furniture.
• Another way to hang pictures that’s dramatic and draws attention is to stagger art along a staircase wall. Keep it near 59” in height and allow 10 inches from each stair. Add an extra punch by using a large piece of artwork at one end.
• When placing the artwork on shelves, layer your frames by placing them slightly overlapping each other for a casual vibe.

Once you have your gallery wall up, let the art take you back to places you’ve been or to the places of your dreams. You’ll find that your display will become quite a conversation piece to be enjoyed for years to come.

STUCK AT HOME? STEP UP WEEKEND COMFORT

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

No weekend plans means one thing: spending lots of time at home in your living room-–great after a hectic work week–not so great if your furniture has had better days. Say goodbye to Aunt Edna’s old couch and make way for transforming your living room into an island of comfort. Discover five essentials that will make lazy weekends all the more relaxing.

RECLINE AND INCLUDE MOTION FOR COMFORT

Whether it’s one, two or several, recliners in the living room give you and your guests the chance to elevate feet and reduce back stress. Go to ashleyfurniturehomestore.com to look for features like wide seats, power options and soft, supple leather. Don’t stop with recliners. Add a reclining sofa and loveseat. Be sure to check out power options, so it will be easier for guests to adjust their seats. Just think: now there will be no arguments over who gets the recliner.

ADD A TABLE OR TWO

Tired of balancing your plate while finding a place to set a drink? Welcome a coffee table and end tables to your comfort zone. Look for tables with casters, so you can easily move them. A round coffee table is ideal because it gives you more space. Imagine having a spot to set a large pizza for game-time snacking. Include end tables too. They’re perfect for lamps and offer more spots to set snacks and drinks. Discover end tables that include options like charging stations―super if you want to be able to charge your phone, iPad or laptop from the comfort of your living room. Create a welcoming atmosphere by adding tabletop accents, like vases, candles and sculptures.

ILLUMINATE WITH LAMPS

A weekend at home means you’ll have lots of time to become a bookworm. For this escape, it’s important to have a lamp that gives off the right amount of light. When looking for lamps, consider those with light colored fabric shades because they let more light through. You’ll also want lamps that provide the right intensity for easy reading. Since the amount of wattage required for reading varies according to a person’s age and eyesight, it’s helpful to have lamp with a 3-way switch.

TREAT YOUR FEET

Full comfort includes what’s under your feet. An area rug, like a jute rug, not only anchors the sitting area and defines its space, it helps warm the room by creating a comfort zone between a bare floor and your feet. These beautifully handwoven rugs not only add color and texture to the floor, they can create a calming effect with elegance.

PUFF UP PILLOWS

Accent your recliners and sofa with pillows The more the merrier. Look for extra soft pillow covers then fill with feather inserts. They work great for armrests, headrests, back support and more. Don’t stop with pillows, include throws and poufs for ultimate comfort.

With the scene set, you’ll be looking forward to lazy weekends of true relaxation.

We want to know what else helps you unwind at home. Please share your thoughts below.