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These days, homeowners are eagerly tearing the plaster off their walls and leaving the brick beneath it exposed. Whether you have a rustic brick, stacked stone, or an easy to install veneer, you can create a feature wall by highlighting it with lighting. However, simply uncovering a wall or installing a brick or stone veneer is not enough to truly capture the masonry effect inside or outside the home. To help, check out these five ways that you can emphasize exposed brick or stone to its fullest:

Wash Lighting

If your exposed brick or stone walls have some imperfections, you can create a smoother look with a wash lighting effect. A wash lighting effect is often used on different types of surfaces. This effect is done by moving the lighting source a bit further from the wall than you usually would. In essence, creating some distance between the bulbs or fixtures allows the light to spread out evenly. As a result, you will see that the cracks and mortar joints look more filled. That being said, if you decide to create this effect, it is important to get the spacing just right. If the lighting fixtures are placed too far from the exposed wall, you will cause a distraction with dark and bright spots.

Graze Lighting

The best way to highlight natural exposed stone or brick is with the graze lighting effect. Grazing is a method in which the source of lighting is installed directly above the wall so that the light washes down the wall. You will have to play around with this lighting arrangement because the results are dependent on the texture of the wall.

Uplighting

We are used to seeing the light illuminating upwards. That is why uplighting creates such a dramatic lighting effect. Lighting a stone wall from the floor up creates great emphasis since it is unexpected. Uplighting is the reverse effect of grazing, and it will bring out the texture of masonry. This type of lighting effect will also reflect light across the entire room, which adds additional comfort to the space.

Sconces and Pendant

Recessed lighting fixtures such as sconces and pendants can help you showcase masonry features. Sconces push light both up and down the wall providing a grazing and uplighting effect. Pendant lights add a beautiful glow whileLED strips will illuminate the wall.

Are you feeling inspired? Let us know which of these four ideas you like best in the comment section.

Things that we see every day, we begin to build immunity toward. It is easy to walk into a new home and see its strong and weak design attributes. However, consider your own life. Sometimes, we do not even notice ourselves aging because we see ourselves every day. However, run into someone you have not seen in ten years, and they may look different! Likewise, this immunity can occur in our own design themes in our homes. Over time, we become numb to weak points in our design and do not make them priorities to fix.

Step Back and Reevaluate

We live in our homes every day. It is easy to come immune to clutter or outdated designs. It is time to step back and unbiasedly assess your space. Are there areas that are outdated? Are there places that could use some decluttering? Stepping back and honestly assessing your space is the only way to reveal weak points. Do not look at your home as yours anymore. Try to disconnect your personal attachment and truly critique each room.

Declutter

One sure way to improve a design is to declutter. While minimalism is not for everyone, it is a style or genre which is easy to follow. The process truly consists of less is more. If you are at a total loss on where to begin in your design, you may need to declutter. We accumulate a lot of stuff over time. From furniture, outdated electronics, and décor, our homes are filled with miscellaneous clutter. Try to remove clutter from rooms to help reveal a more minimalistic aesthetic nature to your own design.

Continue to Learn

Another way to improve your design is to enhance your knowledge continually. Expand what you know and explore different designs. From social media, design catalogs, or blogs, all these can be continual avenues to explore in your own design. Maybe you have outgrown your old-style, or it has become outdated. Try to explore some of the newer trends and see which may work in your home.

Too often, we become content. There are endless tasks to be completed in every household. It comes down to how much you prioritize them. Try to assess your own design honestly.

Of course, the next best thing to watching your baby bump grow is setting up the nursery. No doubt, you want this space to be stylish and comfortable for your new baby, but you do not have to break the bank to make it look good. Today, we are going to discuss tips for furnishing the nursery.

Picking out baby furniture does not have to be complicated. While the internet and magazines can provide great inspiration, it is crucial not to get caught up in getting it perfect. Remember that designing the nursery is more so for the parent because the baby does not care.

Style, Space, and Budget

Before you begin selecting furniture, you have to first assess the space you are working with because some pieces may not be ideal for the size of the room. You will want to select furniture that is proportionate to the size of the nursery. Too much furniture in a small nursery will make the room feel cluttered, which is the opposite effect you want to create when designing the nursery.

In addition, you will have to be confident in the style that you have chosen as well as be honest with yourself about what you can and cannot afford. Sometimes expecting mothers can go overboard and feel that they have to purchase the trendiest pieces, which are usually the most expensive.

Shopping Tips

When shopping for furniture, you want to try to get the most bang for your buck. Popular boutiques may have trendy furniture, but you can also find some great pieces at discount stores and online shops. Scour the thrift stores and other local shops. This allows you to inspect and even try out some of the furnishings before you make a purchase. Being able to view what you are buying prior to the purchase is crucial because you want to make sure the product is top quality and that it is comfortable.

You can also find some deals on baby furniture online. Shopping online allows you to compare prices easily, and if your purchase is over a specific amount, you may even qualify for free shipping.

Do you have any tips and tricks for expecting mothers? We would love to hear your personal thoughts below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

Interior design has many outlets in which you can personally express yourself and tailor your home to your specific needs. There are hundreds of wonderful design styles that have become staples in many homes. One very popular design is Farmhouse Design. This Rustic Design spin-off is excellent at making a house feel rurally influenced while grounded in a welcoming and homey atmosphere. The blend of earthy tones and warm antique elements mix together to create something truly beautiful. If you love Farmhouse Design, here is everything you need to know in order to master it in your own home:

Earthy Tones

When designing a space, color can have a powerful impact on design. We use warm colors to create a more vibrant and upbeat atmosphere, whereas we may use cool tone colors to make a space feel more relaxed and peaceful. Farmhouse Design uses a neutral color palette but still masters to catch the essence of comfort and tranquility. These earthy tones are brought to life through wood furnishings and decor pieces.

Woods

Wood is full of character. Each area of wood can have its own unique feel. With the raw and authentic grain patterns to the different coarse and fine-sanded textures, woods can bring nature indoors. In fact, it is not uncommon to see wood incorporated through many areas in Farmhouse Design and decor. Usually, Farmhouse Design differs from the traditional Rustic Design by having less high-gloss woods with fine finishes and instead, more grainy textures and coarser looks.

Rustic

What really makes this design is that its roots are made from Rustic Design. In fact, Farmhouse Design should have elements that make the house feel like a farmhouse or a rural living space. Be creative with your decor and design pieces. Incorporate nature and handcrafted furniture. Farmhouse Design can feel even more lived-in than traditional Rustic design with these unique items.

Farmhouse Design is a very down-to-earth and welcoming design style. It can give your home a southern country feels by incorporating the elements we previously mentioned. What do you think of this trending design? Let us know below in the comment section!

The fireplace is almost always the focal point of any living room, whether it is during the winter months or the summer. Even a nonworking fireplace can be designed to be an attention grabber. How can you take such an architectural feature and turn it into something that your guests will likely remember? Beautifully patterned wallpaper can help you amp up the look of your fireplace.

Why Use Wallpaper

Wallpaper is an inexpensive update that adds loads of aesthetic value. Modern wallpaper designs are a far cry from seventies floral and animal prints. If you have ever shopped for wallpaper, then you know that the design options are nearly limitless. Wallpaper allows you to create a stunning room without taking up coveted floor space. However, to ensure that your project is a success, you should bring in a contractor to make sure that your fireplace is properly ventilated if its in operation. In addition, you should invest in high-quality wallpaper and have it installed by a professional for the best results.

Here are four different ways you can use wallpaper to emphasize your fireplace:

Flank the Fireplace

Assuming that the fireplace is a piece of artwork that covers the surrounding walls, specifically the walls on each side of the fireplace, you can use a bold patterned wallpaper. By applying wallpaper to the walls and not the chimney itself, the fireplace stands out from the rest of the design. To further emphasize the look, you can paint the rest of the fireplace to tie it in the look. Just be sure to select a hue that harmonizes with the wallpaper design to create a vibrant and curated look.

Apply Wallpaper to the Chimney Wall

Perhaps the easiest way to start decorating is to wallpaper the facing. When it comes to installing wallpaper, the price can easily add up when you are covering a large amount of space. Therefore, showcasing the facing or the nook above the fireplace will make a big statement without breaking the bank.

Consider Wallpaper Panels

If you are afraid of making the space look too busy, use wallpaper panels around the fireplace. You can do this by papering sections of the walls surrounding the chimney and using molding between the panels. This option a great way to frame the fireplace and create an accent wall.

Add a Backdrop

What if you have a freestanding fireplace? You can still add character by using wallpaper to give it a backdrop. You can simply install wallpaper around the fireplace or wallpapering the wall behind it to create a statement piece in your design.

Which of these four options was your favorite? We would love to know your thoughts below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

Adding color to your home’s design is remarkably impactful on the atmosphere. In fact, designers believe that the best way to completely change the environment is by painting your walls. With this in mind, you can see how important choosing the right color can be. However, there are millions of colors to choose from, and this task can feel overwhelming. When trying to select a color for your room, there are four basic rules you should keep in mind. With these in mind, your search can become a little less random and more focused on the right color choice for your home.

Color Inspiration

You will want to have general inspiration going into your project. What colors do you like? Do you have a style or design theme that you would like to mimic in your home? What colors are used as inspiration in those themes or styles? These questions can all help you dial in the choice of where to begin. Do you want a warm-toned atmosphere or a cool-toned atmosphere? Perhaps you are just looking for a neutral color tone in your room. Your color inspiration can come from many different influences. Determine what you want your home to look like before beginning your search.

Match Your Current Furniture and Belongings

If you still have no idea where to begin, use your current furniture or belongings to create a color theme. For instance, maybe you have a blue couch or beige lamp shades. Your personal belongings can be a great start at picking a color. Use these elements to help determine a theme. Even if all your furniture is a different color, the choice you choose should help harmonize your furniture.

Team Effort

If you do not live alone, you should not make this decision alone. Check with your spouse or your roommates because paint is there to last. You want to make sure everyone agrees before making the commitment of painting a room.

Test Your Paint on Your Walls

Lastly, paint can look completely different on a swatch in the store than in your own home. Most stores will have overhead fluorescent lighting. Take your paint choices home and put them on your walls. Look at them throughout the day. They may look different with the influence of natural lighting. Make sure the color you choose agrees all day with your home’s theme.

These rules can help narrow down your decision. Yet, all in all, choosing the right color comes down to you and your personal preferences. Try picking several colors or shades. Decide which one works best with what you want to accomplish in your home.

Interior design has many great styles to choose from when designing your home. From Rustic to Modern and everything in between, there is a style for everyone. Another great style option is Art Deco. This style first came to fruition during the roaring 1920s and was used in many attributes of design, including fashion and marketing. Art Deco merges geometrical patterns, metallic finishes, and bold colors to make something truly glamorous. If you love Art Deco and want to master it in your own home, here are some great tips and tricks:

Geometrical Patterns

A key factor in any great Art Deco design is geometrical patterns. Art Deco will incorporate repetitive patterns in many places. Consider some geometrical-patterned art for your walls or a patterned rug to spruce up the ground. Incorporating geometrical patterns is a must for your Art Deco design.

Adventurous

Be bold and adventurous when designing with Art Deco. While black and white are used a lot in Art Deco, this is used to create contrast. Art Deco does not neglect the power of colors. Art Deco uses bold colors and unique furniture to make a statement. Feel free to be adventurous and daring when designing your home.

Metallic Finishes

This Hollywood design is known for its glamorous, sheen look. To help obtain this look, make sure to include a lot of metallic finishes. Golds, silvers, even reflective chromes are all powerful elements in this retro-looking design theme. Make sure to add these fun, metallic finishes throughout your design.

Art Deco was a futuristic look of the past. It is flexible, allowing many colors and textures to be added to it. If you love this Retro look, make sure to use some of these key elements to help design your space. Art Deco is still used in many works of art and marketing today. Its unique and powerful style can quickly demand attention.

What do you think of Art Deco? Is this design still worthy of being in homes today, or does it belong in the past?

Learn how to style the perfect guest bedroom with Carpets N More.

Whether you are renovating or building a new home, one of the most essential decor choices that you will be choosing is the color of your kitchen cabinets. In fact, your kitchen cabinets will cover a large area and add to the overall look and feel of the kitchen. The color of your cabinets is the first thing someone notices when entering the room; therefore, the most crucial part of choosing dark kitchen cabinets is knowing how to mix and match them with other colors and textures. It is what will determine how good the kitchen looks at the end. To help everything flow properly, here are a few mixing and matching tips as you consider installing dark kitchen cabinets:

Balancing Act

Balance the dark shades with lighter colors, unless you want a depressing dark kitchen. One common combination, especially for luxury-themed kitchens, is black and white. Most dark shades also go well with white. You can also include aspects of other lighter colors such as a beige backsplash, light/medium brown flooring, or a soft white accent wall.

Let There Be Light

Make sure there is plenty of natural light coming into the space. If you are not careful, dark shades can create the perception of a much smaller room and can be depressing. To counter this, make sure that you have a lot of natural light coming into your kitchen. In the evening, make sure you have enough lighting to keep the space looking bright and airy.

The Dark Side

Match dark cabinets with other dark elements. While dark cabinets will pop out beautifully against a light-colored wall, they also look great when matched with dark flooring or other dark-colored elements in the kitchen. Plus, this will prevent the cabinets from looking like the only dark feature in the room. You can match the cabinets with dark flooring, a dark accent wall, or a dark countertop.

Dark cabinets will introduce a certain richness and depth that lighter colors just cannot achieve. While it may not have the same look as an all-white kitchen, it does bring a very calm and exciting twist to the space!

If you are in the market for new cabinets, Carpets N More has a wide range of high-quality cabinetry. Be sure to call or visit us for more information.

Over the years, we have seen more and more shades of grey come into the marketplace. It has been a staple in home design and fashion for several years as a great neutral option while also feeling very sophisticated. Since some homeowners are hesitant that grey may be too dark, the design industry provides a broad spectrum of shades. With a spectrum ranging from black and white (literally), grey is an extremely versatile option to use in your own design. It will not clash with other colors but can feel elegant and timeless. Here are some great ideas to consider when decorating and designing your space with the color grey:

Grey Works Well with Cool Tones

Grey works great with complementing the cool tones throughout your home. It feels very grounded in nature and can help bring out the balance in rooms using cool tones. Use softer cool tones and the color grey to neutralize the space. You can even use black and white to accessorize your space without crossing out of your grey color palette.

Grey Works Well with Warm Tones

Grey can also work very well with warm tones. It can emphasize and balance your warm reds, oranges, and yellows while adding a darker neutral tone to the room. Where beige and tan can sometimes reflect too much into red tones and overwhelm the space, grey can help make the area grounded. It works great at complement to warm wood tones and other wood elements as well. When adding grey in spaces with warm tones, you will not get a dreary environment but a very well-grounded and established design.

Grey Is Sophisticated

Colors can influence moods. Grey is known to be a cool, neutral color that can create balance. It has a broad spectrum of moods, from dull and dingy to formal and sophisticated. It is incredibly diverse and can be used in any room. This is a quiet and reserved color, yet it can also be very influential. It is not very common to get a pure grey from just black and white mixed together. Most greys will have subtle hues of blues, greens, or yellows in them to help spruce up the space.

Empower your living space by incorporating grey. Using it throughout your design is never a bad decision. It works in almost all atmosphere and can be a great addition through flooring, cabinets, wall paint, décor, and more. Knowing when and where to use grey is vital.

What do you think of the grey color craze lately? Is it just a fad, or is grey really the perfect color for design? Let us know your thoughts below in the comment section!