If your New Year’s resolution is to get more organized and clear out the clutter in your home, then you came to the right place!

Getting rid of clutter can be very freeing! Find out how to get rid of clutter the easy way. The best way to cut ties with things you have been holding on to is to ask yourself a few of questions about the item in question.

Do I have the space available to keep storing this item? If the answer is no, then toss or donate the item. Space is so valuable and you always seem to need more of it. If you could store other things, which you use on a regular basis, clear out this space and put it to good use. Your closet is a great place to start with this one!

Do I have another item that serves the same or similar purpose? If yes, then you need to consider which item is more practical. Also, consider which item is easier to store and takes up the least amount of space.

Am I holding on to this broken item with intentions to fix it? If yes, then you need to consider if it is worth saving. Ask yourself: “Can I fix this in the next two weeks?”  “Do I currently have the resources to fix it?” if your answer is no to either question then you should let the item go.

Have I used this in the last year? If you have been able to go about your day-to-day life without using this particular thing for a year, then chances are you do not need it. You may want to consider tossing it even if you have only used the item once or twice during the past year.

Have I been keeping this for sentimental reasons? We can become attached to things easily. Just by looking at an item can create a sense of nostalgia and we are leery of losing those feelings forever. Keep smaller sentimental things that can be put into a scrapbook or a small box. Take a photo of other items and create an album of photos of those things instead!

Why am I keeping this item? If you’re keeping something in case the person that gave it to you comes over, let that thought go. If you’re keeping it because you don’t have enough items to make it worth a trip to the donation place, simply find more things to declutter!

Keep this list of questions so you can de-clutter throughout the year. This list will help you keep the important items and cut ties with the rest!

A great step in sticking with your New Year’s resolution is to try to throw away or donate one trash bag worth of items each week. When you do this for a full year, you’ll find that the only things left in your home are things you really love and appreciate.

Many designers use different elements to help create a well-balanced and aesthetically-pleasing space. While the design may seem to be somewhat subjective, these elements can help create some backbone to the science of creating your design. For instance, designers try to incorporate lines, space, forms, light, colors, textures, and patterns. In particular, using patterns in your home is a great way to create a uniform atmosphere. Patterns are used to visually connect non-similar items and allow them to communicate with one another. Repetition can draw attention and add a dramatic effect; however, there is more to patterns than just buying a polka dot throw pillow. To help, here are some great ways to use the element of patterns in your home:

Herringbone

Traditionally, we install flooring all running the same direction. For example, consider plank flooring systems; they may run all vertically down a hallway. However, some hardwood floors, tiles, and vinyl plank flooring choices can be installed in a herringbone pattern. This pattern is when every other board is facing a 90-degree angle from its adjacent board. It can help create a very visually-encapsulating design via your floors. Using a herringbone pattern can elevate the look of any space.

Textiles

Textiles are another area to add patterns. Think of two striped throw pillows lying on a bed. These two throw pillows can complement one another. However, now envision having window treatments with the same striped patterns on them. This now takes two separate areas of the room and allows them to communicate and complement each another. You can go a step further and add a rug to the room with the same stripes to help create a very well-balanced and uniform space.

Curvature of Furniture

With all of that being said, patterns do not need to be just polka dots, stripes, or repetition in geometrical shapes. The curvature of your furniture is another opportunity to create a pattern. If you have very square and boxy furniture, they can complement each other. Likewise, if you put round and curved furniture in a room, you should add more curvature to the design. A room with a circular window, circular table, and curved sectional will visually complement each other.

Artwork

Your artwork can also create patterns in unique ways. While placing a patterned picture on the wall is the easy way to create this, you can go a more advanced route. Consider the image in the picture. Perhaps, you have artwork of a garden. Now, if you add floral print pillows and curtains to your room, your picture will still flow with the pattern.

There are thousands of ways to explore patterns. Think outside the box and do not neglect this powerful tool when creating your home design. What are some of your favorite patterns to use? Let us know below in the comment section.

Do you love hardwood floors, but hesitant to buy because of the potential maintenance? We encourage you to keep reading and exploring the easy tasks you can do daily to ensure a long life for your wood floor. Major maintenance considerations are always important, however, they aren’t practical for guarding against normal life routines. The following tips are simple enough for even the busiest person and can be performed on a regular basis. We will cover how to protect your floors from outside influences and simple cleanup as well as the proper way to set things on top of your floor and how/when to move them around.

Threats from the outside

• Window treatments are the first line of defense against the UV rays from the sun.  Make sure to keep this in mind when purchasing your window coverings.  Wood floors are expected to naturally change shades and colors over time due to sun exposure; however, with the right protection, this can be controlled well.
• Mats and small rugs are the trusted guards who protect your floor. These ever vigilant protectors can grab ahold of a large amount of dirt and grime before it ever makes its way into your home.  Most of the sand, dirt and gravel that gets tracked in comes in on the bottom of shoes.  These are a very real enemy of your floors. These highly abrasive particles will do slow but steady damage to the floor. Mats can be placed at every entrance to your home, outside or inside.  Be sure to buy a mat with pad specifically made for wood floors so that the backing doesn’t do any damage.
• The climate where you live can also make a big difference. Wood floors respond best to consistent humidity levels. This helps avoid contraction and expansion of the wood. All air regulation systems can help: humidifier, air conditioner, dehumidifier, or heater. 

Gentle Clean-up.  Quick!

• A cheap broom won’t save you money in the long run.  Buy a high-quality broom. Dust and sweep your floors as often as possible.
• Liquid messes cannot be cleaned up later.  Paying attention to small messes can save you heartache down the road.  Take the necessary time to quickly blot the mess with a clean, soft cloth.
• Be careful about using a vacuum on your wood floor. Using one without a beater bar is a great option, or your vacuum may have come with a hardwood floor attachment.  This is incredibly helpful in removing dirt from crevices where a broom will not reach.
• For candle wax or chewing gum, try using a credit card to remove the excess. 

On The Top

• Look out for high heels! While they look great on your feet, they can do serious damage to your wood floors.  The heel tips can cause small indentions and divots.  Some can be repaired, but not all!  Scars can be avoided by either removing shoes when walking on hardwood floors for extended periods of time or by buying heel protectors that slip over the heel tip.
• Does your dog spend time inside?  Make sure your pet has his nails trimmed often. Indoor pets can damage wood floors if their nails are too long.
• Protect your wood floors from furniture!  All furniture that sits on top of your wood floors needs to have a barrier between itself and the floor.  There are several options to choose from so check with the manufacturer’s recommendations for best protection for your floors. Be sure to put protection on the bottom of all furniture with feet.
• Keep your floors dry!  Use mats in spaces where water is going to splash like the bathroom or kitchen.

Moving Around

• Your furniture can seriously scuff or scratch your floors if pushed around without proper precautions.  Once again, there are multiple products on the market specifically for helping with this.  However, be sure to check with the manufacturer to find the best product to use with your floor.
• Keeping the previous point in mind, you should move your furniture around occasionally to ensure even wearing.  Just make sure you move it safely!
• A furniture dolly can help with moving larger furniture, but make sure to plan for the weight and wheels! 

Your wood floor maintenance doesn’t need to be overwhelming.  It’s easy to take care of your beautiful wood floors!  Flooring trends may change, as might your taste and style, but your floor is meant to be there for you through thick and thin. With a little care and time, your wood floor will thank you with years of use.  Treat them well!

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Your bedroom is your retreat, one of the most personal rooms in your home and the place that you go to when you want to relax and feel comfortable. Choosing your bedroom flooring is incredibly important because this is the one room where you will most likely be barefoot in your home while at the same time simultaneously needing your floor to work aesthetically in a way that fosters tranquility and happiness.

You have several options when choosing the bedroom flooring that is right for you. What is most important is making sure that you make your decision based on several criteria—you will want to factor in your own design aesthetic, the size and layout of your bedroom, and the climate you live in.

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for bedroom flooring. If you love the look of hardwood but don’t like the feeling of cold feet on hardwood floors, you can still enjoy the elegance of the hardwood in your bedroom.  Simply incorporate an area rug into your bedroom layout or include a small rug next near your bed. If you have a hardwood floor you could choose a large area rug that centers under your bed and radiates out into the room, adding a splash of color and texture. If you have pets that sleep in your room, consider luxury vinyl flooring as an alternative to hardwood to achieve the same look while choosing floors that are more pet friendly.

Carpet is another popular option for bedroom floors because of its comfort underfoot. If you want to fully carpet your room there are many different carpet choices and which one is right for you will depend on how much foot traffic your bedroom receives while also factoring in what type of design and style you are looking for. Some people prefer the look of a saxony while others prefer a thick shag carpet.

If an eco friendly floor is important to you, let that be your deciding factor!

There are many different flooring options for your bedroom and it can sometimes feel overwhelming choosing what is best for that special room where you go to rest and recharge. What is important is knowing that you have options and then choosing what type of flooring feels most natural and relaxing to you. 

Creating Your Space