Guide for Decorating a Christmas Tree

Posted on by
Reply

We probably have all decorated a Christmas tree in our lives. But were we ever taught how to properly assemble and decorate it? Let us be honest, decorating trees are unique to each homeowner. There is not one correct way to do it. But if you find yourself struggling each year, we are here to help! We have five simple steps on how to decorate your Christmas tree. Enjoy!

Guide for Decorating a Christmas Tree:

Step 1: Choose Your Tree.

There are two types of trees out there for consumers: the faux tree and the real tree. Depending on your family’s lifestyle, you may opt for the faux tree to save money each year. But if you are a lover of having a real tree on Christmas, you may choose to buy a fresh one each year. Once you have selected your tree, you are ready to move onto the lights!

Step 2: Begin with The Lights.

The wire of the lights needs to match your tree’s color; therefore, you will find a selection of green and white wired lights. After you have chosen your Christmas tree’s color, you will want to select from one of the four main types of lighting styles.

The lighting styles include:

  • Bubble Lights. These lights are trendy take on the traditional Christmas lights. They can be a beautiful addition to your tree this holiday season.
  • Globe Lights. These lights are a more preppy and a happy take on traditional lighting. They are balls of color throughout the tree that produce a soft and subtle light.
  • Incandescent Lights. These are the most popular lights of the bunch because they provide a warm glow and can actually enhance the smell of your real pine tree throughout the room.
  • LED Lights. These lights are becoming more popular because of their safety features. They are fireproof and flameproof; therefore, homeowners feel completely safe decorating their trees with them.

Step 3: Move onto The Garland.

As you place the garland on your tree, you want to work your way from the top to the bottom. Gently put garland in between openings in the tree branches.

Step 4: Place The Ornaments.

This step is often considered the most fun because you are able to personalize the tree to fit to your liking. The main event should be your favorite ornaments. You want to give them the main focus by placing them on the front section of the tree. After you have set your favorites, you will work from large to small. Start placing the larger ornaments throughout the tree then work your way to the smaller ones.

Step 5: Admire The Beauty.

After all that hard work, you can now admire your beautiful Christmas tree.

What is your favorite Christmas tree ornament? Let us know in the comment section!

Seven Stylish Ceiling Ideas

Posted on by
Reply

Are you looking for a fun and unique way to add interest to your space? By painting your ceiling, you can help create an accent piece without breaking the bank. For seven brilliant ceiling style ideas, be sure to keep on reading.

Seven Ceiling Style Ideas:

1. Matchy, Matchy.

If the space that you are working with has wallpaper, you can pull a color from the wallpaper’s pattern and use it on your ceiling. This will help to create clean visuals and consistent design.

2. The Illusion.

With smaller spaces, you can use a darker shade on the ceiling and pair it with a lighter shade on the walls. It will give the illusion of taller ceilings and help to make your small space feel more open.

3. Pop of Color.

With neutral color walls, you can make a bold impact with a pop of color. From hot pink to navy blue, you can incorporate beautiful tones without overwhelming the room. This subtle hint of color will add interest without demanding too much attention.

4. Coastal Comfort.

If you are dreaming of the beach, you can add coastal vibes with the right paint color. Soft blues and off-whites can help create a dreamy oasis right in your own home.

5. Glossy Effect.

A glossy ceiling can help add glamour and luxury back into your space. It can create a charming oasis when pairing with off-whites and softer hues.

6. Beaming Glory.

If you are blessed to have ceiling beams in your home, you can create an interesting statement by using contrasting colors. We recommend painting the beams in a color like white or black then complementing it with a bold color. 

7. Midnight Skies.

To create a bedroom worthy of sleep, you can paint your ceilings black. They will help to create a night-life setting while guiding you to sleep each night.

We hope you enjoyed these seven ceiling style ideas! Which style was your favorite of the seven? We would love to hear your feedback in the comment section. Thanks for reading and be sure to check out our other blog posts at From The Floors Up. 

Genius Ways to Light up The Night

Posted on by
Reply

Outdoor lighting is essential, especially during the summertime and holidays. Choosing the appropriate outdoor lighting for your home can become challenging and overwhelming. Before you pick and choose randomly, we want to make sure you know about all your outdoor lighting options.

Genius Ways to Light up The Night:

1. Tiki Torches.

These are perfect for outdoor parties and gathering because they embody the vibes of the islands. Plus, you can get insect repellant tiki torches to help discourage unwanted party crashers.

2. Chandelier.

If you are looking to bring indoor beauty to the outdoors, incorporating a chandelier may just be the perfect thing for you. Chandeliers are exquisitely beautiful and draw attention to the lighting by making a bold statement. If you have an outdoor dining area, incorporating a chandelier can add the perfect finishing touches.

3. Step Lights.

Do you find yourself stumbling to get inside once it gets dark out? If you do, adding lights to your steps can be a huge lifesaver. You will never have to wonder “where do the steps end” ever again!

4. Lanterns.

From paper to glass lanterns, you have a wide selection of styles to choose from when designing your backyard. Lanterns add a warm glow and are very subtle in their beauty. Do not be afraid to hang them from trees, posts or a string above your backyard.

5. Candles.

Want to create a romantic night? Incorporate some candles throughout your backyard’s dining area to set the tone for the perfect night. Candles add a warmth that many light sources cannot master.

6. Stringed Lights.

We are obsessed with Edison bulbs because they are energy-efficient and stylish. Add stringed Edison bulbs throughout your backyard to create a vintage look.

7. Fire Pit.

Fire pits add the perfect touch to outdoor gatherings. They provide a warm meeting place on chilly nights as well as a stylish addition to any backyard. 

Whether you are preparing for the holidays or the summertime, it is never too late to focus on your home’s lighting. Thanks for reading! 

No-Remodeling-Needed Kitchen Updates

Posted on by
Reply

You may have decided that you want a low-key, low-cost solution for updating your kitchen. Well, look no further! With our top six tips, you can update your kitchen without the need to hire a contractor. Let’s take a look!

No-Remodeling-Needed Kitchen Updates:

1. Embrace Color.

Make a statement with a bold color choice. Kitchens provide the chance for homeowners to get creative with their design. If you are hesitant, research other homeowner’s ideas of using a bright color in their kitchens. You may be pleasantly surprised by the outcome and even be inspired to incorporate a bold color in your own home.

2. Love Neutrals.

If you are not quite ready for a bold color choice, that is entirely okay. We also love neutrals. We just encourage homeowners to veer away from an all-white kitchen. All-white kitchens tend to look out-dated and tacky. Instead, you want to be sure to incorporate other neutral-toned colors like gray! Gray helps to add sophistication back into your kitchen’s design. It is a sleek, simple color that can quickly transform your all-white space.

3. Take Two.

For a beautiful contrast on your cabinetry, we recommend using two different colors. That is right! With this gorgeous addition to your kitchen, you can add uniqueness and style into your space without going over budget.

4. Go Glossy.

Speaking of cabinetry, we are in love with glossy cabinets. They can add interest back into your kitchen without spending extra money. It is the perfect choice for homeowners on a budget!

5. Vintage Paper.

Wallpaper is back people! It can be a creative alternative to boring kitchen walls. Plus, we encourage you to use the colors found in your wallpaper throughout your space. For example, if you choose a floral design. Pull a specific color from the wallpaper and paint your cabinets with it. This will help tie everything together in the kitchen.

6. Shiny Fixtures.

Light fixtures can honestly transform an entire home. They can make a statement without taking over the whole room’s design. You can add a strip of spotlights, a chandelier or a simple overhead light fixture to take your current from drab to fab instantly.

For more great tips and tricks, visit us at From The Floors Up.

How to Make a Space Appear Larger (Part 2)

Posted on by
Reply

Ideally, we would all love to live in large and roomy space. While living in small spaces has its challenges, it does not have to be difficult. To make the most out of a small room, you will have to make a conscious effort to trick the eye. In the second part of this series, we will discuss additional strategies you can employ to expand a small space visually. Let’s take a look!

All White Everything

Everyone knows that color sets the mood of the room. It also has the power to make a room feel spacious or cramped. According to experts, white has reflective properties that make it ideal to use in small rooms. White will help make a room feel airy, calm and clean. To open up a room, paint the ceilings and walls the same shade of white. Using a bright white will allow more attention to be placed on the architect of the room and it will blur the line between the ceiling and the wall.

Lighter-hued colors such as baby blue and light green can create a similar effect; however, steer clear of dark colors that will close in small spaces.

Clear Out Clutter

Of course, when working with small spaces, the key is to maximize space; therefore, you will want to clear out clutter. Get rid of unwanted junk and items that do not belong in the space. Be sure to scale down on the furniture used in this specific room. Remember, when furnishing small spaces, it is all about proportion. You will want to select furniture that is size appropriate. Large and heavy pieces will take up too much space. If you desire to implement a large statement piece in your design scheme, opt for something that does not take up floor space such as artwork.

Keep It Simple

Be sure to keep the design simple. Busy color palettes, excessive accessories, and furniture will lend to a cluttered feeling. Scaling down your design will create a more open feel. Stick to a single color on the walls, group your knick-knacks together for a unified look and use one accent piece on the wall.  A simple yet elegant design is well served in tiny spaces.

If you missed part one of the series, be sure to check it out here. Thanks for reading!

How to Make a Small Space Appear Larger

Posted on by
Reply

Small spaces are cozy and full of charm; however, it may be hard to see their character when you have clutter filling your space. As a result, the cluttered space may feel cramped or even claustrophobic. By learning a few techniques, you can fully maximize your small spaces. In this article series, we will discuss how you can harness the power of light, color, and traffic to enjoy the small rooms in your home. Let’s take a look!

Mirror, Mirror

While we are used to having mirrors in our bathrooms and bedrooms, they can play a much more significant role in the home. Did you know that mirrors can be used to visually expand the space of a room? Strategic placement of mirrors can create an optical illusion that helps make a cramped space appear more spacious. Here are some easy ways you can use mirrors to open up a tiny room:

  • Double Your Narrow Kitchen – Is your kitchen feeling too narrow? Before you get cabin fever, install a long mirrored backsplash against the wall where the sink and countertop lay. This will instantly, fill out lean dimensions and make the space appear larger.
  • Free Standing Mirror – If you are searching for a quick fix, you can purchase a large, free-standing mirror and prop it against one wall. This is an easy way to reposition the room to feel much more spacious. To pull this look off effectively, you can position furniture pieces so that they are reflected in the mirror.
  • Mirrored Tiles – You can use mirrored tiles in any room to expand the space. The great thing about mirrored tiles is that it provides a warmer feel than using a large mirror.

Let There Be Light(s)

If you are working to expand a tiny space visually, you should avoid relying on a single lighting source. A single lamp will simply cast light into the middle of the floor. Try installing multiple light sources around the room such as pendant lights, floor and table lamps to open up space.

Layering light sources will evenly spread the focus around the room. Make use of natural light by allowing as much natural light to penetrate the room as much as possible.

For more tiny room hacks, be sure to check out our next post in the series here. Thanks for reading!

Five Fabulous Ways to Use Laminate on Your Walls

Posted on by
Reply

Homeowners are raving about the wonders of laminate. Not only does laminate work well on your floors, but you can also install it on your walls! With the broadest selection of colors and textures available to consumers, you can create a stylish space on a budget. Let’s take a look at five ways homeowners are using laminate on their walls:

Five Fabulous Ways to Use Laminate on Your Walls:

1. Featured as an Accent Wall.

Laminate can help make a statement in your space by using it to frame your room. It can work exceptionally well in bedrooms that do not feature a headboard. When selecting your laminate, if you already have hardwood floors in the space, you want to choose a laminate in a contrasting/complementary color. You want the wall to stand out as well as accent the space.

2. Displayed inside of Built-In’s/Shelving/Insets.

Installing laminate inside of your home’s built-in’s, shelving, or insets is a unique approach to this classic storage option. The laminate helps to draw attention to the cut-out and frame it as a visually appealing piece. For even more creativity, design experts recommend switching back and forth between vertical and horizontal installment in each different cut-out. 

3. Placed above Your Fireplace.

By lining the top of your fireplace with laminate, you can help elevate your room and make the room look larger. This is an inexpensive way to create a larger space on a budget.

        • Pro-Tip: If you decide to hang your television on top of the laminate, experts recommend adding a sheet of plywood underneath for support with weight-bearing screws. This will help ensure your television is secure and ready for watching. 

4. Installed as a Kitchen Backsplash.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly and rustic backsplash for your kitchen, laminate is the perfect choice for you! It can help add character to your kitchen with its charming wooden look. This design works well in kitchens that have painted cabinetry or open shelving because wood (backsplash) on wood (cabinets) can feel a bit intense.

5. Designed into Bathroom.

Laminate can be an affordable, durable option for homeowners looking to dress up their bathroom walls. It helps to give the bathroom a cozy, cabin feel and creates a breath-taking finished product.

We hope that you feel inspired by all the different possibilities. For more user-friendly tips and tricks, please visit us at From The Floors Up. 

Weekly Design Topic: Brutalism

Posted on by
Reply

When you hear of the style Brutalism, you probably initially think of the word “brutal;” however, the word originated from the French word “beton brut,” meaning raw concrete. Over seventy years ago, an architectural design of raw, bulky concrete structures arose in the European design market.  These massive buildings had an aggressive approach to modern and contemporary styles yet grounded by their simplicity of concrete-only structures. 

The modular concrete structures became a movement which focuses more on functionally and economically friendly builds.  As the structures strayed from abstract and focused more on amplifying the current environment, the interiors became very reflective of their location.  

This interior design style is sometimes associated with styles like Industrialism and Urbanism designs because its focus on the raw constructs of the room being exposed and the style of the outward atmosphere being reflected indoors.  Here are some tips on making this unique design come to fruition in your home today: 

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

With the most unique and robust styles, Brutalism has many mixed reactions with designers.  The raw style approach can be interpreted as a strength just as quickly as some would classify it as a weakness. Glass structured buildings started becoming the norm in cities yet usually were quickly associated with wealth and sometimes arrogance in structure.  

So, Brutalism’s approach was to take the overly ornamented and make a more unpretentious, modest look by staying faithful to raw, rugged material.  This architectural philosophy then quickly poured into the realm of developing the style of interior design Brutalism.  Functionality and simplicity are the key components to this design so prepare for a minimalist approach. This raw style will focus on a more eschewed portrayal of neutral tones.

Dystopian Décor

Certain design styles have made their trademark into distinct Hollywood movie genres. When you think of a Fantasy film, it is usually associated with a Whimsical Design Style, whereas Horror films have the recognized Gothic Styled Design used throughout them. Well, Brutalism has made its trademark in many Dystopian Styled films. Think of films that have a “post-apocalyptic” feel.  Using elements in your design and decor that feel distressed, worn, torn, brushed, and even unfinished strengthen this look.  Handmade or “scrap-like” decor pieces are excellent to enhance this style.

Furnishing

How you furnish your space in brutalism should be simple and functional.  Raw woods and concrete are ideal for capturing this design style.  Adding to this industrial design with jagged mechanical scrapped furniture and asymmetrical rough exposed metals are fantastic additions to help capitate the style of Brutalism.  Furnishing the area with concrete end tables and steel wall sconces are one of many ways designers use raw materials in this design feel.

If you are considering adding a Brutalist Design Style to your space, consider your layout. Having architect that already compliments the industrial feel will help take this style to the next level.  No matter what, remember raw materials like concrete is key to making this space feel complete.  For more tips and tricks, visit us at From The Floors Up. 

Genius Tips for an Overly Bright Window

Posted on by
Reply

Most buyers will search for a home that provides a lot of natural light. Unfortunately, yours may feature a little more than typically wanted. If you feel like the light coming through your window is overpowering, we have six genius ideas to help you. Let’s take a look at six ideas for an overly bright window:

Ideas for an Overly Bright Window: 

1. Soften The Effect.

You may find it helpful to place curtains over the window that produces a lot of natural light. Instead of getting rid of all of the light that is produced from the window, you may want to incorporate sheer curtains. Sheer curtains will help soften the intensity caused by the sunlight while still allowing an ample amount of light to enter the space.

2. Incorporate Plants.

Greenery can help the window’s brightness feel deliberate. A few plants here and there will add some charm as well as tone down the room’s overly bright nature.

3. Begin The Day Earlier.

Bright spaces give the opportunity to start your day early. You can get a jump start on activities and begin each morning feeling refreshed.

4. Take Advantage of The Light.

You may find it a little difficult to sleep in a room with an overly bright window, but it can make for the perfect workspace. Homeowners find the brightness inspiring, and it helps them get a jump start on work.

5. Contrast It.

Homeowners also find it helpful to contrast the bright nature of the window with a darker wall color. Some may even go as far as using black on the walls to balance out the brightness. We recommend sampling some paint colors within your room before committing. You want to be sure that the colors work well during all hours.

6. Create an Indoor Garden.

If the well-lit area of your home is inside your kitchen or dining room, you can create a mini indoor garden with fresh herbs. The windowsill can be the perfect place for mini pots and containers. Just be sure to find easy-to-grow herbs that work well in sunny areas.

We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks! Be sure to check back weekly at From The Floors Up for more expert advice. Thanks for reading! 

Expert Advice on How to Install Backsplash (Part Three)

Posted on by
Reply

Once your tile has been installed, allow the adhesive to dry.  You may want to keep outlet covers off while grouting. Know that some sanded grout can actually remove the finishing on tiles.  You may need to invest in grout without sand for your home project.  You should also check with the manufacturer for the proper grout sealer. An appropriate sealer of grout will help prevent cracking in the grout.  It can also prevent spills from absorbing into the grout and discoloring the area.  Grout sealer is an important step to make sure your home backsplash looks perfect for years to come.

Grouting

Once your tiles are set, you can remove your tile spacers.  Put on your rubber gloves when applying sanded grout.  You may need to mix your grout depending on your purchase.  Use your bucket and add water and grout to create a homogeneous mixture.  For premade grout, you are ready to go without mixture.  Once your grout is prepared, apply the grout onto tiles.  Use your grout float at a ninety-degree angle and sweep grout into the crevasses.  Next, use a wet sponge to remove excess grout from the top of tiles.  You may need to repeat this process several times.  Make sure you do not remove grout from where you want it to be while cleaning the tiles.  Now use a dampened rag to remove the remaining grout from the tile surface. This must be done before the grout hardens, so be wise with your time.  Once your grout has set, you can apply the recommended sealer.  Using a paintbrush, apply your sealer to your grout.  Allow your sealer to dry.  Most sealers do not appear glossy when applied, so read the manufactures recommended drying time.

It is best to hire a professional for this type of installation. If you do decide to install backsplash yourself, be careful and do your research. Measure all cuts before making them and have fun.  This project can be a day-long project so prepare for it.  For more tips from the floors up, visit our blog hub here.