FLEX YOUR SPACE & SPEND MORE TIME W/FAMILY AND FRIENDS

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If you’ve ever opened your home to host a family party or had people stay with you, you know the anxiety that goes along with it. One of the worst dilemmas we face is finding a place for everyone to sit (or sleep). For those of us who have downsized and simplified our living quarters, hosting gets even trickier. Lucky for us, there’s a wide selection of flexible seating options to choose from that make entertaining a breeze.

Dining Tables

If you already have an expandable dining table, you know the benefits of being able to pop in a leaf or two to seat extra people when the need arises. But finding enough chairs to go around the table can be a real challenge. Here are a few creative solutions for improvising the perfect perch.

Move your dining chairs to one side of the table and use a bench on the other side. Armchairs can work well at each end.A slipcovered folding chair is an elegant and inexpensive solution to the seating dilemma.Anything can work, borrow an upholstered chair from your bedroom and a pouf or two from the kids’ rooms to fill in the gaps.

Bright idea: Push a sofa or loveseat against a wall and place your table in front of it, and voila! An instant banquette. A round table tucked in the corner of a sectional creates ample seating, especially if paired with a chair or two on the open side.

Sectionals

Hosting a TV-viewing party of any kind is a snap with the versatile options available in sectional seating. Featuring armrests with cup holders, rockers or recliners, sectionals were designed with the sole intention of serving up comfort for one and all. But that’s not all, sectionals are just that; sections. Consider pulling them apart for your next party and setting up individual seating islands that will make it easier for your guests to navigate the room.  Coffee tables with lift-tops and hidden ottomans expand your options even further.Extra-large ottomans are happy to serve dual purposes—a place to prop your tootsies or an impromptu serving station.And talk about hidden talents, some pieces appeal on many levels.

Sofa beds

Once the party’s over, our hero of the day can emerge: the sofa/sleeper. Converting in moments from a sofa to a full or queen size bed, this overachiever can turn a den into a guest room with ease.

See how easy it is to play the perfect hostess? There’s no reason not to flex your space and spend more time with family and friends.

What clever furniture hacks have you come up with for entertaining guests? We’d love to hear from you.

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD BE CLEANING BUT PROBABLY AREN’T

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Hey, nobody’s perfect. With only so many hours in a day…something’s gotta give. Even so, in the interest of a clean, healthy home, we’ve uncovered five things you should be cleaning, but, like most folks, probably aren’t.

The dirty truth. What’s likely long overdue for a good cleaning:

#1 Trash/Recycling Bins

Phew that stinks! If you’re holding your nose every time you lift the lid of your trash/recycling bin, it’s time to kick the stench to the curb. Breathe easy. The folks at Household Management 101 have a solution to make this unpleasant task easier.

Step 1: In a bucket mix ¾ cup chlorine bleach, 1 gallon warm water and 1 tablespoon powered laundry detergent.

Step 2: Pour cleaning solution into bin and let sit for 15 minutes. Using a long handled brush, scrub the inside of bin. Hose down. Tip bin to drain out water. Turn bin right-side up and let thoroughly air dry. Lastly, spray inside of the bin with disinfectant.

#2 Microwave Grills

No doubt, you’re wiping down the obvious: the inside and front panel of your microwave. But if you have a mounted appliance, you might well be skipping over two important elements. Clean queen blogger Anna Moseley points out what they are and how to clean them.

#3 TV Remote/Game Controllers

Pass the remote? More like pass the germs. Just think about how often (and how many of you) have control of the remote controls in your house, and it’s clear why you’d want to disinfect them, especially during cold and flu season. Chlorine antibacterial wipes will do the trick. Staying at a hotel? Never use the remote without cleaning it. In a pinch, put the remote in a Ziploc baggy to create a germ barrier.

#4 Shower Heads

Wash away germs and mineral deposit buildup by soaking your shower head in white vinegar. You don’t have to remove your shower head to do it (but you can if you prefer).All you need: white vinegar, a rubber band and a plastic bag.

Step 1: Slip rubber band over the top of shower head (you may need to loop it around a time or two for a snug fit. Fill plastic bag with vinegar and slip rubber bag around the top of bag.
Step 2: Wait an hour, then remove bag. Turn on shower to flush. Polish to a shine with a clean cloth.

#5 Top Surfaces

Think of all the stuff you don’t see that’s accumulating dust: the top surfaces of everything from the refrigerator and cabinets, to ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, picture frames and moulding. Not to add to your to-do list, but you might want to make wiping down these areas top priority on cleaning day.
Have a clever cleaning tip? Dish the dirt on our Facebook page.

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 it out here (link to How to Choose a Mattress with Your Significant Other). 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!

CREATE GALLERY WALLS IN 3 FUN STEPS

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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

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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.

SPRING GARDENS: BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT

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Nothing signals the end of winter like flowers in bloom. What better way to welcome back spring than making florals part of our home decor inside and out? Scroll though the wonderful selection of light and lively looks in our Specialty Shop and get inspired to incorporate some spring zing with our easy, breezy, do-it-yourself terrarium guide.

Make your rooms bloom

It doesn’t take much to get started on that spring refresh. A pot. A vase. A series of jars on a windowsill. Anything goes when it comes to flowers. The Spring Shop is a great way to capture the lively look of the season at wonderfully reduced prices..

A single stem in a bud vase is spectacular alone or in multiples.

Why limit where your garden grows? Let your flowers wander over pillows, rugs and walls.

Illuminate your floral arrangements with candles artfully arranged in holders of all kinds.

Nature’s Calling: Starting a first-time terrarium

Once you’ve assembled your toolkit, the terrarium landscape comes together so easily, you won’t want to stop at just one.

1. Choose your plants (remember, succulents are a great choice for first-time gardeners).
2. Create your foundation (sand works well for succulents, one inch is enough).
3. Arrange your plants (using gloves, lower your plants into the perfect spot then twist to bury them in the sand)
4. Top with stones (choose small pebbles that fit easily between the plants).
5. Sprinkle sand to hide the pebbles.
6. Finishing touches (arrange moss or lichen over the sand and top with miniatures to create the proper landscape).

Care and maintenance—succulents love sunlight, so make sure they get plenty of it. Water sparingly every two weeks with a mister or water dropper. The amount of water needed is dependent on whether you use an open or closed-top container. The more open the vessel, the more often you’ll need to add water.

Size really does matter when it comes to terrariums, and the smaller the better. You are creating a tiny microcosm in a box. So find the tiniest, slowest-growing succulents you can and the rest is easy.

The key to creating this tiny “world” is to place miniature objects in the environment to give the illusion of a garden being viewed from a great distance.

A terrarium containing blooming succulents captures the spirit of spring to perfection. 

Feel free to share your ideas on creating the ultimate terrarium in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you!

Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales: HOMEMADE FORTS MADE EASY

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Gather your blankets, sheets, tablecloths, cushions and pillows and get ready for fun. It’s building time! Constructing forts is for all ages and kids especially love all the excitement that comes with them, including lots of playtime, creativity and sleepovers. Here’s some helpful ideas on how to get the kids started on their project. Note: don’t forget the flashlights, glow necklaces, Nerf guns and plastic swords!

PREP TIME

Prepare a spot to build the fort by looking for open spaces next to large furniture pieces like tables, sofas and beds. Stay away from small tables, floor lamps or furniture that can tip. Be sure to put away any breakable items so kids can play freely.

BUILD TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT

Think of all the different table sizes and be imaginative. Drape a king or queen size sheet over a kitchen or dining room table and use clothespins or tape to affix sheets and blankets. Counter height tables are ideal because they allow more space, especially for taller kids. Circular shaped tables turn into perfect turrets or lookout towers, while square tables can turn into secret chambers or gatehouses. Oval and rectangular tables with leaves can be used to create army posts. Expand the fort by turning chairs with their backs facing the table and cover them. You can also add covered card tables for more rooms.

Another idea for creating a fort is to move the venue to the kids’ room. Tuck sheets under the top bunk mattress and drape over the bed below. Cover the ends of the bed with towels or small blankets to complete the fort. If there’s no bunk bed, use chairs and something that’s tall for middle support like a barstool or tripod to support the sheet.

EXERCISE CREATIVITY

If you want a fort with greater height, form a floating ceiling by attaching 3M removable hooks to the ceiling. Attach string from the hooks to clothespins or chip clips and connect the blankets or sheets. Voila!With ceilings up, the rest is easy. Include poufs, stack pillows and cushions then use extra blankets to fill in the gaps. Hint: if there are open areas remaining, use those gaps for doors or windows.Create a main entrance with a stack of pillows or construct a tunnel entrance using a cardboard box. All you need to do is cut out a portion of the box’s bottom so kids can crawl through.

PLAY AND PRETEND

With construction complete, let the troops invade. They can fill the fort with necessities like toys, stick horses, stuffed animals, games, sleeping bags, flat screen TV with DVD player and snacks. Kids will love it because now they have their own space. They can use their imaginations to pretend, make changes, demo and rebuild. Fun will be had by all and this is what makes for lasting memories.

We welcome you to share additional ideas for fort building and any fun childhood memories below. 

Tips for Planning the Perfect Kitchen

Your kitchen space is the heart of your home, and that’s why it’s so important to plan out its design layout thoroughly. While it’s a good idea to design your kitchen according to your tastes and styles, it’s also extremely important to design your kitchen space around your needs and wants. But which is more important; your kitchen needs or your design desires?

Form or Function?

Everyone wants to have the perfectly designed kitchen space. Whether you’re going for a traditional kitchen design or you’re into a more modern look, choosing form over function can be a big mistake. Be sure to design your kitchen layout around your appliances to achieve maximum working efficiency.

Often referred to as the kitchen triangle, the space between the three most used kitchen features should be limited in distance from one another to increase the working kitchen’s efficiency. If you make sure that your sink, refrigerator and stove top are within close proximity of one another, you’ll be sure to make your kitchen space as useful as possible.

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Countertop Landing Spaces

If you like to cook, you’ll want a good amount of countertop space to make cooking easier to do. One of the best places for additional countertop space is between the range and the sink. This area is commonly used for cooking pots and pans and should be as large as possible for a kitchen that’s used for cooking more than eating. For kitchens that serve as an eating place as well as a cooking place, multi-level surfaces ensure that kids and adults alike can easily access eating spaces without getting in the way of hot pots and pans placed on lower countertop levels. Caesarstone offers some of the best countertop landing spaces that are perfect for a wide variety of kitchen applications ranging from cooking to eating.

Shelving

Open shelves are often neglected in many modern kitchen designs. But the fact of the matter is that these spaces are crucial to making cooking and cleaning easier in the kitchen. Spice racks around stove tops and ovens provide chefs with easy access to essential cooking materials without slowing down cooking production times. Corners that provide storage space in cabinetry can be a waste of space. Fill these areas with open shelving to help maximize kitchen storage to its fullest potential.

Utensil Storage

More often than not, utensils like knives, spatulas and spoons that are used for cooking go into a drawer. This not only eliminates precious storage space, but it makes finding the right utensil for the job difficult at best. Hanging utensils on a magnetic rack can help free up crucial drawer space for more important items in the kitchen.

Message Center

Modern kitchen spaces aren’t just for cooking any more. They are a gathering center for the family and are often used as a place for relaying important messages. A simple message center with a chalkboard makes any kitchen space feel more like home. Best of all, message centers work great as a small office space when a phone and countertop space is set aside in these essential kitchen areas.