Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Small Home Storage & Organization 2013 Decorating Ideas : House Tourfrom BHG



Do your small spaces feel cramped and uncomfortable? Find simple solutions that you can use to maximize space and make your home feel inviting.



Everything in its Place
Creative storage solutions keep this home organized and provide a place for everything. Collections, such as the homeowner's scores of colorful books, can be used as decorative elements while still staying organized with built in shelves. A blue gray and warm orange palette keeps the space visually cohesive and feeling fresh.


Office Space
Open, organized space is a necessity for the homeowner, who runs a business from her home. The largest room in the house had been underused but was remade into a work space and family art room. The open area and windows provide a spacious and bright work area, and three large industrial tables allow enough room to spread out projects.


Closet Shelves
The work space gained an extra dimension when the closet's bifold doors were removed to create an office nook. Outfitted with a desk, file cabinet, and shelves, the space has been maximized to its full storage potential. Colorful containers provide decoration on the shelves and also help reduce clutter from building up on the desk.


Stow Away
In a home that's short on storage space, these white metal file drawers are staple organizational tools. The multiple drawer cabinets are perfect places to stow away toys and media gadgets, and they work well for keeping art supplies organized in the office.


Hang It Up
Once used as storage for office supplies in the work space, these shelves were repurposed in a toddler's room and now feature a rotating display of wooden toys, pinecones gathered on nature walks, and paintings made with artist parents. The hooks and open shelves make a growing collection of objects simple to display and keep organized.


Out of the Box
On another wall in the bedroom, wooden cubbies are hung for displaying knickknack items. Colorful fabric swatches used as backing make bright accents against the wall. The boxes can be easily rearranged and added to over time.


Low Profile
In the dining room, a low shelf was converted into extra storage space by removing the sliding doors and mounting it on the wall. Perfect for children's books, this shelf also provides a ledge to display and organize objects without taking up floor space.


Racking It Up
Rein in reading material with a stylish magazine rack. This little item is a big help in keeping areas that are short on space neatly organized. Compact enough for small spaces, this magazine rack conveniently fits on the ledge created by the wall shelf and helps keep floor space clear.


Setting an Example
The house includes plenty of storage at a toddler's level so the homeowners' daughter can help tidy her own things. That includes the kitchen, where a low drawer designated for dishes has dividers to keep it organized. Her parents hope to teach her by example  how easy it can be to keep things nice and neat.


On the Shelf
Shelves in the kitchen provide easy access to dishes. And without having to arrange them inside a cupboard, organization is simple. An orange accent piece carries over the color scheme from the rest of the home and ties all the areas together.


Nesting Table Nook
Cozy nooks are all around the house. Storage space is maximized by using furniture with lots of drawers such as the white metal filing cabinet. A wicker basket doubles as decoration and storage. The nesting tables barely take up any space but can be perfect footrests or work space when pulled apart.


Divide & Conquer
While big open spaces are important in the office, little nooks to cozy up in define the rest of the house. Bookcases serve as open dividers between rooms while still providing those comfy nooks with lots of shelf space for storage. Organizing books by color adds an interesting decorative touch.


Monday, October 14, 2013

Furniture Projects 2013 Decorating Ideas

Build your own furniture from scratch or remake an old piece with these furniture project ideas.



Furniture Project: Ombre Desk
Give a desk or dresser an ombre effect. Pick a paint strip in a color you love and buy a can of paint for each drawer or "tier" of drawers. Use the lightest color on the strip for the top, the next darkest color (or colors, depending on how many drawers you have) for the middle section, and use the darkest color for the bottom drawer. Make sure to use colors in the order that they are displayed on the strip so you get a natural progression of color.


Furniture Project: Bookcase
Skip the basic bookcase and construct your own. Build a series of boxes in different sizes, stack, and attach.


Furniture Project: Build a Coffee Table
Create a coffee table from two retired kitchen cabinets. Place the cabinets side by side, screw together, and paint white. Cut a piece of medium density fiberboard (MDF) to fit on top of the cabinets. Paint and coat the piece in polyurethane, then attach to the top of the cabinets. For the base, cut the number of MDF sheets to size and stack depending on the desired height for the table. Glue the sheets together. Face the base with veneer and screw to the bottom of the cabinet.


Furniture Project: Revive a Wicker Chair
Paint a wicker chair to give it a fresh update and to bring it up to speed with the rest of your decor. Use a liquid deglosser before painting for best results.


Furniture Project: Retrofit a Table
Even a dilapidated table can be revived with a bit of creativity and ingenuity. Shop for a table that is past its prime (this one was missing a leaf). You'll also need a 2x2 inch board, wood screws, a table saw, and a drill. Take all of the hardware beneath the table off (sliding mechanisms, etc.) Cut the table in half lengthwise with the saw. Cut the board to 1 inch less than the width of the table. Attach the board with screws to wall studs at a height flush with the underside of the table. Fasten the table to the board from underneath with wood screws.


Furniture Project: Trim a Chair
Return a traditional, yet tired chair to its former glory with nailhead trim and a bright fabric. Paint the chair. Cut an oval of fabric to fit the back. Staple into place and trim the excess. Hot glue flat white trim around the edge to hide the staples. Cover the seat in a similar method. Finish the back and seat with nailhead trim from a bolt (available at fabric stores), which comes in a ribbon and is easier and quicker to work with than individual nailheads.


Furniture Project: Build a Storage Ottoman
Add both a table and extra storage to your living room or family room with an ottoman constructed from MDF.


Furniture Project: Pretty Desk Chair
Pull up a playful perch next to your desk with this easy chair makeover. This once dull chair was pepped up with a fresh coat of paint (see final slide: how to spray paint a chair) and a seat cover fashioned from a pillow cover. To upholster the seat, remove the seat and wrap both thicknesses of the cover around the seat and staple to the back. Be sure to center the motif and pull the fabric tight as you staple. Trim the excess fabric and screw the seat into the frame.


Furniture Project: Built In Window Seat
Another purpose for old or unfinished cabinets: a window seat with the look of a built in. Build this project in an entry or living room for extra seating and storage.


Furniture Project: Utilty Table Made Beautiful
On first glance, you wouldn't know that this was a utilitarian table, commonly seen in schools.




Furniture Project: Dining Room Buffet
This buffet doesn't take up much space, but it packs plenty of function as a place to serve drinks or snacks.


Friday, October 11, 2013

2013 Bedroom Furniture Collection : BHG Furniture

Whether you are looking for cottage casual, traditional with a twist or contemporary sophistication, the Better Homes and Gardens furniture collection is designed to meet your style needs.



American Cottage Shutter Bed
Inspired by the time worn character of window shutters and classic architecture, this cottage style shutter bed is pretty yet practical with a pull out drawer for space saving storage. Its charm is evident in the details, from turned posts and feet to its soft, gardenia white finish. The coordinating nightstand offers additional function and storage with a lift lid top and hidden power outlet to keep cords out of sight.


American Cottage Bedroom
Charming and timeless, the American Cottage bed combines the classic look of beadboard to create a fresh, cheerful space. Its soft white finish is neutral enough to complement any decor.


American Cottage Twin Bed
Create this casually stylish look yourself with the American Cottage twin bed. Add our fun and functional parlor table with a removable top that doubles as a serving tray and you have the perfect ensemble for kids' rooms or a guest suite .


American Cottage Utility Cabinet
The multipurpose utility cabinet has vintage flair with modern personality and solves the dilemma of too much stuff and too little storage. With two doors, three tray drawers and adjustable shelves, it keeps clutter out of the sight and is a charming complement to any room, from bedroom to family room to bathroom .


American Cottage Drawer Chest
Today's décor demands stylish storage and this classic drawer chest delivers. Five generous drawers keep clothes organized and thoughtful touches like metal side guards, cedar bottom drawer and combination finish of a gardenia white base and topped with cottage elm top make a smart statement in casual charm.


American Cottage Drawer Dresser
The combination finish of the American Cottage drawer dresser and vertical mirror is at home in any setting. Seven drawers provide ample storage and the jewelry tray is a special touch to keep your favorite accessories organized and accessible. From master bedroom to guest room, this dresser set adds up to a stylish storage solution.


American Cottage Mirror
Switch up the look of the American Cottage drawer dresser with this architecturally inspired coordinating mirror to give any space a charming and playful personality .


Modern Expressions Mid Town Bed
Designed to wrap around and envelope you, the Mid town bed is loaded with character and is a modern haven at the end of a long day. The beautiful architectural lines and rich graphite finish contrast to create a distinctively bold silhouette.


Modern Expressions Drawer Dresser
Strong lines meet soft curves to create the stunning profile of the Modern Expressions drawer dresser and coordinating mirror. Thoughtfully designed, this dresser features a sliding jewelry tray, removable dividers and a cedar bottom drawer.


Modern Expressions Bed
The Modern Expressions bed will always be the focal point of the room. It's strong and bold, but not overpowering, and adds a level of sophistication that combines storage and comfort in harmonious design. Our bonded leather headboard conveniently offers a modular nightstand on each side with one drawer, LED lights with touch dimmer switch and adjustable wood framed glass shelf.


Modern Expressions Drawer Chest
Elevated from the floor, this drawer chest radiates presence and contemporary character while offering storage with style. Thoughtful touches like removable dividers and a cedar bottom drawer ensure its usefulness for years to come.


Classic Home Classic Mantle Bed
The Classic Home mantle bed is a substantial in scale with clean lines that are layered but not ornate. Its vintage cherry finish is lightly distressed and conveys its cultured European inspiration .


Classic Home Drawer Chest
Rooted in Western European architecture, this drawer chest offers storage and enduring style. A warm cherry finish, timeless design details and thoughtful storage features such as cedar bottom drawer make it a new classic.


Classic Home Drawer Dresser
The finishing touch to a beautiful bedroom, the Classic Home drawer dresser offers eight generous drawers and removable dividers for maximum storage and organization with old world appeal matched only by fine detailing.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Colorful Bathrooms 2013 Decorating Ideas : Color Schemes

Bathrooms are excellent rooms to experiment with fun color palettes. Take a cue from these rooms to transform your bathroom into a stylish retreat.

By : Annika Peick


Taupe + Dusty Blue + Off White
Muted blue walls surround this bathroom with calming energy. The vanity was given a fresh coat of sandy brown paint, which echoes the muted hue of the bathroom's walls. Warm off white furnishings, such as the marble floor and the painted mirror frames, blend well into the room's relaxing aesthetic.


Sage Green + Mahogany
In this bathroom, green walls lend an earthy backdrop to a pair of antique wood vanities. The vanities, two vintage workbenches rescued from an old school shop classroom, were an eco friendly way for the homeowners to boost style in their master bathroom.


Fiery Orange + White
The bold orange wall color adds warmth and a splash of youthful energy to this kids' bathroom. Crisp white beaded board adorns the lower portion of the walls, while the tub and its surround are covered with square white tiles that match the vintage look of the bathroom's trough sink. The blue stripes on the bath mat incorporate a hint of contrasting color.


White + Butter Yellow
A color palette of warm yellow and crisp white creates a vintage vibe in this master bathroom. White painted paneling covers three fourths of the bathroom's walls, while the upper portion features a sunny yellow hue. The thick, dark grout lines throughout the shower and floor tiling, plus the vanity's furniture style construction, emphasize the bathroom's vintage aesthetic.


Gray + Mustard Yellow + Sky Blue
Soft gray walls lend a neutral backdrop for mustard yellow and sky blue accents in this spacious bathroom. The patterned shower curtain features a sunny floral motif, which functioned as the inspiration for the sconces that flank the bold blue mirror frame above the vanity.


Black + White
White painted walls, wispy white draperies, and white marble flooring look grounded thanks to a collection of black accents in this master bathroom. The outside of the claw foot tub was painted black to match the legs of the nearby chair and glass top table. The bathroom's modern black and white color scheme draws a unique juxtaposition to its vintage inspired furnishings.


Ocean Blue + Sandy Brown + White
A soft palette of watery blue, sandy brown, and white creates a beachy vibe in this bathroom. The painted vanity cabinet matches the color of the walls, creating a seamless look. A mosaic tile backsplash along the wall behind the vanity adds a hint of sparkle and vintage appeal.


Mahogany + Pumpkin + Ebony
Deep, rich earth tones give this bathroom a masculine edge. The room's color scheme was designed to blend with its existing woodwork, which features a warm mahogany stain. To temper the small bathroom's predominantly dark color scheme, the vanity features a furniturelike, open construction.


Raspberry + Black
A cheerful pink hue on the upper portion of this bathroom's walls lends an unexpected splash of color to the predominantly neutral scheme. The marble tile on the lower portion of the walls adds smooth texture, which is echoed by the trim along the ceiling. Mirrored cabinet fronts on the black painted vanity ensure the piece doesn't overwhelm the small bathroom space.


Yellow + Light Green
Yellow is the most visible of all colors, and it boasts chameleonlike character, shifting its appearance with its surroundings. In this trendy bathroom, the light wood vanity cabinet and green hand towels both sport yellow undertones that pick up on the soft yellow wall color. The upper portion of one wall was covered with wallpaper that features a birch tree motif, which plays in to the relaxing vibe created through the wall color.


Powder Blue + Buff Beige + White
The warm neutral on the upper portion of the walls helps soften the crisp white beaded board that's used along the lower walls in this bathroom. Pale blue accents featured in the towels, the shower curtain, and a trio of hand painted wall canvases add hints of sophisticated color.


Dove Gray + Gold
Metallic gray walls create a dramatic backdrop in this regal master bathroom. Here, the luxurious Carrara marble countertop on the walnut vanity base mirrors the soothing gray on the walls. The shimmering gold mirror frame above the vanity subtly bounces light from the nearby window, echoing the room's gleaming chrome fixtures.


Pistachio + Baby Blue + Yellow
This tiny bathroom has big style thanks to an analogous color scheme of green, yellow, and blue. To create the illusion of more height, the walls were outfitted with narrow plank beaded board and the ceiling was painted a soft blue hue. Decorative elements scattered throughout the space, such as the window treatments, hand towels, and sconce shades, incorporate splashes of green and yellow.


Aqua + Spring Green + White
In this bathroom, a built in hutch stands out as something truly special, thanks to a coat of fresh green paint. Nearby, a striped shower curtain features a similar green as well as a cheerful blue. The walls in the bathroom were left white to allow easy transitions as the homeowners' decorating tastes change.