Spring Cleaning Hacks For Your Home

The blooming of beautiful flowers and warmer weather is always welcomed after winter, but with the change of season comes the rude reminder it’s time to clean house. Spring cleaning is a common occurrence in most homes, but that doesn’t make it any more appealing. Here are a few spring cleaning hacks to make the experience a little more enjoyable.

Remove hair or fur from carpets: If you’re the proud parent to a dog or cat that sheds, you know all too well the constant struggle of keeping carpet hair-free. You’ve also probably broken or clogged up a vacuum or two in an attempt to do so. This hack will forever change the way you clean your carpet. Simply use a window squeegee to lift out hair. As you run the squeegee along the carpet, hair will start balling up for easy disposal. This is the perfect first step to cleaning carpets, especially with allergy season right around the corner.

Clean your stovetop and protect from further spills and stains: You can’t cook anything without something spilling or splashing on to your stovetop, but after taking the time to make a meal, the last thing you want to do is scrub that mess away. This hack will not only get your stovetop looking good, but will make it easier to clean down the road. After you’ve cleaned the surface, apply a thin layer of car wax and then gently buff with a towel. The finishing product is awe-worthy, and the protectant will let you wipe away those spills and splashes much easier the next time your dinner finds its way to the surface of your stovetop. Car wax also works well to keep fingerprints and smudges off of stainless steel refrigerators!

Fade water rings on tables: If the holidays and months of entertaining have left your dining room or coffee table a little less pretty, this hack is for you. Guests sometimes forget to use coasters and the result is an eye-sore of a water ring. But refinishing or replacing the table is not your only option. First try turning a blow dryer on high heat and letting it hover over the stain for a few minutes. You should see the mark begin to fade right before your eyes. If the spot still doesn’t look quite right, you can rub over it with a little olive oil or use a furniture-cleaning product that is safe to use on wood.

Clean sliding glass door tracks and dirty blinds: As the barrier to the outdoors, the area around windows and sliding glass doors can become especially dirty. From the black guck on door tracks to dust covered blinds, tackling these jobs can seem daunting. Most of us resort to removing blinds altogether, but this cleaning hack will make it much more simple. Make a mix of equal parts water and vinegar, and dip an old sock in the solution. Slip it on your hand and run over blinds, in between tracks and wherever else your windows and doors are dirty.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design service. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!

Written by Korrie. Korrie Martinez is a self proclaimed DIY pro with an eye for design and a craft for finding simple solutions to homeowner’s common concerns. Her articles offer tips and trends to help The RTA Store’s customers achieve the home of their dreams on a balanced budget. Follow Korrie on Instagram and Twitter @kokonez or visit her website www.korriemartinez.com.

How To Choose The Perfect Paint For Your Kitchen Or Bath

A fresh coat of paint is an easy and affordable way to beautify a room. But when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms, not all paints are created equal. Choosing the right paint for your home is important, and just like prepping the space before you paint, it would be wise to do your homework before you begin shopping for colors. Kitchens need a durable interior paint that will stand up to grease and the occasional scrubbing. Bathrooms are exposed to water and high-humidity, and should have a high-quality paint that is moisture and mildew resistant.

It’s All About The Finish

Interior paints come in flat/matte, satin/eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes. For a bathroom or kitchen, satin or semi-gloss paints are considered the best choices. Semi-gloss paints are water and stain-resistant, and can stand up to frequent cleanings — something to consider if you have little ones with sticky, greasy fingers. Keep in mind that while it’s by far the easiest to clean, semi-gloss paint reflects light, which may call attention to any imperfections in your walls. Satin paint, on the other hand, is washable and holds up well to humidity. It has a softer sheen than semi-gloss, and does a better job of hiding flaws. While semi-gloss is the most durable for high traffic areas like the kitchen and bath, satin is still a good alternative for those who prefer a less shiny surface. When painting your kitchen or bath, always choose quality paints with a good rating. If you have a history of mold and mildew problems, you may want to consider paint with anti-microbial additives made specifically for bathrooms.

Color Your Space Beautiful

If you take the time to paint, you want to be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor for many years to come. So coat your walls in a color you love! Of course, paint colors are a personal choice, but there are some colors that are tailor made for the kitchen and bath.

Blue: Ever popular, blue is a classic color with endless variety. Cloudy blue, serene aqua, and bold navy are the quintessential bathroom colors, reminiscent of hues found in nature, from the sky to the sea. When used in the kitchen, opt for cheerful blues like cyan, teal, or Tiffany Blue.

Green: Earthy and organic, green brings a touch of nature indoors. From lighter tones like celery, mint and sage, to rich hunter and moss, this neutral pairs well with white, black and every cabinetry finish in between. When used in a bathroom, it invokes a spa-like atmosphere.

Gray: From smoky to charcoal, gray is right on trend. Gray can be light and ethereal, or rich and elegant, and can be a stunning choice for a kitchen or bath with undertones of blue or green.

Yellow: Pale yellow is a happy, sunny kitchen color when paired with white kitchen cabinets or a bathroom vanity. Opt for mustard and gold tones in the bath, for a more elegant look.

Red: Red is a dramatic choice for a bathroom, and is well suited for a kitchen. Studies show the color red helps stimulate the appetite and lively conversation around the table.

Brown: Like gray, brown is a neutral that adds a pop of color without going too bold. Brown runs the gamut from light to dark, with sandy beige, camel, taupe, and chocolate hues.

Greige: The perfect mix of gray and beige, greige is the hottest neutral in home decorating today, working equally well in a contemporary or traditional kitchen or bath.

White / Cream: Clean, crisp and timeless, white is like a blank canvas that stunningly showcases your décor, while cream does the same with a touch of warmth.

Written by Tiffany. Tiffany honed her skills as a writer and editor working in the fast-paced newspaper, magazine, and television industries. Tiffany is also an award winning graphic designer, with extensive experience in the worlds of mass media, publishing, and advertising. As a designer, she also has a strong eye for interior decorating and color. Tiffany has a BA in Communications and a minor in Fine Art. She is a natural cook just like her mother, and rarely uses a recipe. She also enjoys reading, photography, painting—and most of all, spending time with her husband (a skilled DIY’er) and two sons.

Designing A Kitchen For Entertaining

The kitchen is a common hub for entertaining guests — and for good reason. It’s as close to the food and drinks as you can get, has tons of countertop space for setting up appetizers, and is typically right next door to the dining and living room. But a kitchen doesn’t become a great place for entertaining on its own. The evolution starts with the floor plan and ends with what you do when your guests arrive.

Create Your Kitchen

A good kitchen design will of course be the foundation of your space and the key indicator to whether or not your kitchen is built for a party. Use Willow Lane Cabinetry’s free kitchen design service to help you create a floor plan that will fulfill your daily needs, and be the ideal design for entertaining your family and friends.

Give Your Guests Somewhere To Sit

While standing and chatting is all well and good, some guests will prefer to take a seat, and you won’t want them to have to leave the room to get comfortable. Tall bar stools are the perfect solution to position on the exterior of your countertop (if you have an open concept floor plan), or around your kitchen island. A breakfast table can also be transformed into a cozy corner with a tablecloth, some candles, and a plate full of treats.

Splurge On Technology

Don’t stop at those stainless steel appliances — there are so many more additions that will make your party the talk of the town. A wine cooler is obviously a must for keeping vino at just the right temperature (anyone who has had a slightly chilled glass of Cabernet knows what we’re talking about). Refrigerator drawers offer extra storage space for keeping food cool, and also help you organize dishes that are ready to be served. Likewise warming drawers make sure no appetizer or entrée is ever served cold again. Stop juggling between what’s in the oven, what’s on the stove, and what’s in the refrigerator. Refrigerator and warming drawers let you take your time organizing every course, and put you at ease knowing everything will be served as it should be.

Fall Back On Portable

You don’t need to have a huge kitchen to have a good party. All you need is a few portable fixtures to extend your countertop space or build a bar area. A portable kitchen island, wine cart or bar, are all great accessories to have on hand when you’re hosting extra guests. They can be stowed away on regular days and brought out when you need them.

Set The Mood

Don’t assume that your guests will automatically have a good time just because you decide to throw a party. Make sure there is entertainment ready, whether it’s a flat screen TV mounted on the wall and playing the big game or a wireless speaker system streaming music. Having games on hand also never hurts, and can be a lifesaver if conversation takes a nasty political turn or two guests clearly aren’t getting along. Part of hosting a party is being a host; so remember to do everything possible to make sure each guest is having a good time.

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design service. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your new kitchen. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!

Healthy Spring Slow Cooking

The weather is warming up, but that doesn’t mean you have to pack away the slow cooker. Just swap out those hearty stew and soup recipes for lighter fare! These healthy spring recipes feature fresh seasonal vegetables, and are perfect for an easy, breezy and delicious meal.

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Homemade Coleslaw

Traditionally made with pork shoulder (Boston butt), these sandwiches take a lighter twist with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. In a slow cooker set to high, season a family pack of chicken breasts with two teaspoons of salt, a teaspoon of pepper, a teaspoon of mustard powder, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar. Cook for four to six hours until done (chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°). When thoroughly cooked, your chicken should shred easily using two forks in a crisscross motion.

Serve your pulled chicken on crusty Kaiser rolls cut lengthwise, topped with homemade coleslaw and a dollop of your favorite BBQ sauce. To make homemade coleslaw, finely chop raw carrots and a small head of green cabbage into thin ribbons. In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of sugar, and toss the dressing with the cabbage ribbons until well coated. Or try slices of fresh, seasonal pineapple instead of coleslaw!

Lasagna Primavera with Tomato Basil Sauce

Spring vegetables like carrots, asparagus, sweet onions, zucchini, spinach, garlic, and peas pair perfectly with noodles, cheese, and a light tomato-based sauce. Start by whipping up a quick and simple tomato basil sauce on the stove top, in a medium saucepan. Melt 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat, and add a small, diced sweet onion. Cook until the onion begins to soften and turn clear, and then add a clove of fresh crushed garlic. Next, add a large can of crushed, organic tomatoes. Chiffonier a handful of fresh basil leaves to finish off your sauce, and simmer for 30 minutes.

In a bowl, combine a large container of ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and one and a half cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. On a cutting board, julienne zucchini, carrots, and asparagus and place in a separate bowl. Add sweet raw peas, and fresh baby spinach leaves.

Set your slow cooker to low, and coat the bottom with a thin drizzle of olive oil, and a large spoonful of homemade tomato basil sauce. Layer dry lasagna noodles (do not use the no-boil variety), your cheese mixture, and your veggie mixture. Add more sauce and repeat the layers until you reach to your desired thickness. Add one last layer of dry noodles and top with tomato basil sauce.

Cover and cook on the low heat setting for four to six hours, or until the noodles are tender. Add ½ cup of shredded mozzarella to the top of your lasagna, and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

After a busy spring day, it’s nice to come home to a delicious, easy, and healthy dinner the whole family can enjoy!

Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design service. We offer all wood, semi-custom kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free, with standard features like soft closing doors and drawers, and 6-way adjustable steel hinges. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your new kitchen. We give you more and save you money! Visit our website to see our beautiful products today!

Tiffany honed her skills as a writer and editor working in the fast-paced newspaper, magazine, and television industries. Tiffany is also an award winning graphic designer, with extensive experience in the worlds of mass media, publishing, and advertising. As a designer, she also has a strong eye for interior decorating and color. Tiffany has a BA in Communications and a minor in Fine Art. She is a natural cook just like her mother, and rarely uses a recipe. She also enjoys reading, photography, painting—and most of all, spending time with her husband (a skilled DIY’er) and two sons.

Willow Lane Cabinetry’s Top 3 Kitchen Styles For February

In honor of Valentine’s Day, this month we are featuring three of our favorite kitchen cabinets in red! Aside from being a symbol of passion and love, red is a classic color choice that can easily add a pop of excitement to any kitchen. From tradition styles to more modern choices, red cabinets complement almost any kitchen theme. Scroll down for our top picks and get ready to experience love at first sight!

Roosevelt Red

From the Roosevelt Series, these bright red kitchen cabinets are as timeless as it gets. Doorframes feature a raised panel design with solid maple construction, and will maintain their relevancy, as well as quality, for years to come. Incorporate a few pieces into your existing set to create dimension and an interesting mix-and-match design, or choose a complete set of cabinets in this finish for an eye catching and creative look.

Society Shaker Red

These shaker style cabinets are part of the Society Series and put a new spin on an old favorite. Shaker style cabinets are simple and timeless, so they gel seamlessly with almost any floor plan, home, or kitchen theme. Shaker style doorframes are recessed and classic, but are given an instant lift with this warm red finish. The striking color gives the understated design a modern twist, creating the perfect balance of old and new. Society Shaker Red cabinets look amazing when used in a cottage or vintage style kitchen.

Society Shaker Red with Brushed Chocolate Glaze

Red is not limited to just one shade, and this cabinet set from the Society Series proves that. The addition of a brushed chocolate glaze softens the red, making it subtle and sweet. Complement your kitchen with this unique finish, which blends the muted essence of brown with the exhilarating qualities of red. Simple Shaker Style kitchen cabinets get a touch of color and pizazz with this beautiful color combination of Society Shaker Red with Brushed Chocolate Glaze.

The Power of Red

In our recent blog, Color And Comfort: 2 Things To Consider When Decorating, we discuss how color can affect your mood. Red is the perfect choice for a kitchen because of its power to stimulate the appetite. Red energizes the mind and body, increases circulation, and encourages lively conversation around the kitchen table.

Fall In Love With Your Kitchen

In addition to red, there are many other possibilities when it comes to cabinet styles and finishes. Once you have an idea of what you want, take advantage of Willow Lane Cabinetry’s free kitchen design service and discover the best kitchen for your home and budget. Just fill out the contact form, and one of our designers will reach out to you and put together your custom kitchen layout within 48 hours. Now that’s love!

How To Organize Your Pantry Like A Pro

Is your pantry out of control, stuffed to the brim, without any semblance of order? Stop the madness and start the New Year right by giving your pantry a much-needed makeover! Here at Willow Lane Cabinetry, we know an organized kitchen is a happy kitchen. Follow these helpful tips to organize your pantry like a pro!

Step 1: Sort And Purge

Before you can tidy up your pantry, you need to sort and purge. That means pulling everything out of your pantry and sorting like items: Pastas in one pile, canned goods in another pile, cereals in the next, and so on. Toss out anything that is stale or past its expiration date. And since it’s the New Year, the same goes for anything you really don’t need, such as unhealthy snacks and sweets.

Step 2: Clean And Spruce

Now that your pantry is empty, pull out those cleaning products and thoroughly wipe down all surfaces and crevices. You may also want to spruce things up by adding some decorative shelf liner, and if necessary, giving the walls a fresh coat of paint.

Step 3: Zone And Label

Once you have eliminated any expired and unwanted pantry goods, and sorted everything accordingly, it’s time to assess what is left. Identify the categories that your remaining items fall under, and create designated, easily accessible zones in your pantry to contain everything. These zones might include breakfast items, baking necessities, jars and sauces, healthy snacks, breads and grains, or whatever suits your needs. Sort canned goods into sub categories such as fruits, vegetables, soups, and beans, and group them neatly on a lower shelf. Place items you use on a daily basis at eye level, and items you use the least often on the top shelf. Once you are finished, label each zone so you can stay organized and quickly find what you need.

Step 4: Organize And Accessorize

Here is where the fun begins! Professional pantry organizers advise that you store your dry ingredients in clear, stackable, airtight containers. This includes flour, sugar, rice, pasta, cereal, and dried beans. Plan your meals at the beginning of each week, and group non-perishable recipe ingredients in separate bins, one for each day. Bins are also great for corralling paper goods, potatoes, onions, coffee and tea, bags of pretzels and chips, and even breads. A well-organized pantry also makes room for cooking necessities, like oils, dried herbs, and spices. These staples should be readily on hand in your pantry. Or better yet, install a door mounted spice rack inside a cabinet door close to your stove for easy access. In addition, our vertical door rack fits an 18” wide wall (or base cabinet), and is the perfect solution for housing foil, plastic wrap and zip-top bags.

Once your pantry is in tip-top shape, you may want to take it step further and organize your kitchen cabinets with additional storage solutions. Visit Willow Lane Cabinetry and browse our online selection of inside cabinet accessories, including cutlery trays, pull out waste containers, tray dividers, cookware organizers, and more!

The Secret To Incorporating Colorful Appliances Into Your Kitchen

While appliances typically come in traditional colors such as black, white, or stainless steel, many modern appliances can be found in a variety of bright, colorful hues. If you want to add a pop of color to your kitchen, but you’re not sure where to start, here are a few things to consider before you begin:

Add Contrast To A White Kitchen

Have a kitchen that is mostly white? Try adding a few bright colors such as navy blue, lime green, or orange. Small appliances such as toasters and stand mixers in matching shades will give some needed contrast in an all white kitchen. Using just a few bright colors will make your white kitchen pop without being overwhelming.

Compliment Your Color Scheme

If you already have a touch of color in your kitchen, choose a single bright color that compliments your overall scheme. For example, bright red appliances such as a red kettle, coffee pot or blender can look great against cooler colored backgrounds. Consider spreading the color full circle by painting a single wall red or finding patterned Roman shades in red for your windows.

Makeover Larger Appliances

Black, white, and bisque appliances have held their own over the years, but stainless steel is by far the most popular choice for contemporary homeowners. Today’s stainless comes in a variety of color options that go beyond traditional silver. Opt for Slate Gray, Sunset Bronze, or Black Stainless finishes if you want to add rich color to your kitchen. If new appliances are not in your current budget, but you love the look of stainless steel, you can update your kitchen with stainless steel paint. Perfect for large appliance that are bland and out of date but still in great working condition, DIY paint-on stainless finishes can help you achieve the look you desire at a fraction of the cost.

Go Retro

Want to add a punch of color and style at the same time? Consider newly manufactured appliances with a retro look as a way to brighten things up! Older appliances can be difficult to find, difficult to restore, and sometimes even dangerous to use, but thankfully there are several companies that reproduce vintage appliances in hues of green, red, baby blue, and orange.

Traditional Appliances in Bold Colors

Maybe retro is not your thing, but you still love the unique look of colorful appliances. Many modern appliance manufacturers offer color options in rich shades of blue, red, green and even plum. If you are having a difficult time finding colorful appliances online, consider speaking with representatives from your local appliance store to see if the models you are interested in come in other colors than those represented on the floor.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with color to liven up your kitchen, through the use of colorful appliances both large and small! Other ways to incorporate color into your kitchen include wall paint, tile backsplashes, countertops, and colorful kitchen cabinets in hues like Red, Tidewater, Sage, Dove Gray, Steel Gray, and Khaki.

Written by Bridgette. Bridgette Wagner is a freelance writer and English M.A. student with an interest in writing on DIY, travel, and family fun. She loves reading, spending time with her two kiddos and living near the beach in Wilmington, N.C.

Top 4 Decorating Tips For Renters

Choosing to rent over buying a home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice personal style. While your rental may be temporary, there are still plenty of creative ways you can decorate the space and make it your own! Here are the top four decorating tips every renter should know.

Emphasize Lighting

Lighting sets the tone in your space, and makes a huge impact. Find floor and table lamps that brighten your room, while adding to your aesthetic style. Or hang a pendant lamp to create a pop of color in an otherwise beige area. Battery operated under-cabinet lighting is a great addition to any kitchen, and is easy to install.

Dress Windows

Consider taking down generic vertical blinds or hiding them under curtains, but remember not to toss them out! You’ll need them again when you move out to get your security deposit back. Make sure you measure the width and height of your window before shopping. In addition to providing privacy and décor, many drapes have thick liners that will help insulate your rental’s heating and air – meaning lower utility bills. For smaller rooms, long curtains will give the illusion of taller ceilings, while sheer or linen curtains allow more light to enter a darker room. Choose decorative rods to complete the look.

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

If your landlord will allow you to paint, create a strong color scheme throughout and find accessories to match. Paint is inexpensive and is the easiest way to change the look of a room. If painting is prohibited, add color and personalization with beautiful throws, pillows, and decorative objects to match your style. Using a few consistent pops of color around the room helps to unify the space, and keeps the focus on the areas of your rental you can control. Complete your design with artwork to tie it all together.

Little details make a big difference, so be sure to replace pulls and knobs in the kitchen and bath to update existing cabinetry. Remember, you can take them with you, so save the old in case you decide to move.

Invest In Area Rugs

Finding the right rug is worth the investment: go for a sturdy rug with natural fibers, or thicker rugs with rubber backing. Not only will your rental appear more stylish and pulled together, but also the rug will help with the noise level if you’re on the second or third floor.

Renters have plenty of options when it comes to decorating. With a little creativity and personalization, your rental will start to feel like home!

How To Get The Custom Home Look In 3 Easy Steps

Building a custom home allows the buyer to play a major role in the design process and create a living space that accommodates every possible want and need. While budget restraints hinder many from taking this route, there are steps you can follow to get the custom home look in any space — no matter the age or condition of your home.

Alter the floor plan to feature an open concept design and custom features.

If your home is on the older side, the floor plan may be less than favorable. Traditional homes tend to feature many divides, while more modern models boast a natural flow of light and an open concept floor plan. Even if your house was built decades ago, you can still achieve the layout you love by simply knocking down a few non-load-bearing walls. Break down borders to join your kitchen, dining room and living room. This will create a spacious, airy “great room” that will make your main living quarters feel larger and appear more modern. Additional custom features, such as a window bench or breakfast nook, can be achieved with minimal construction and really add a homey, custom feel to your home. Speak with your contractor about how you envision your new floor plan so that you can set realistic goals and get the best results.

Upgrade finishes to transform the look of any room.

Take away the finishes and your home is really nothing more than walls and floors. By upgrading the main finishes, you can make any room feel custom made. If you’re remodeling on a budget, start with the most permanent finishes. Kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, hardwood floors — these are the big-ticket but long-lasting additions that will have the most impact. If you have more money to spend, light fixtures, sinks, faucets and hardware (knobs, pulls, etc.) are all important details that can further enhance your home. While many of these improvements are solely surface fixes, they make a remarkable difference. Once incorporated into your current design, your home will instantly seem newer and more modern.

Be creative with design elements.

Thinking outside of the box is what makes a home unique and gives it that custom feel. Don’t be afraid to try something new, like open shelving in the kitchen or hardwood paneling on your bathroom walls. Seek inspiration from interior design magazines or images of celebrities’ houses, which feature some of the most elaborate custom homes in existence. Even though replicating these high-end designs wholly may be unrealistic, they can serve as a guide to which home improvements you should make. Find a balance between fabulous and functional. While some interesting design additions could really complement your home, others may skew more towards outlandish. It’s important to consider the rest of the room and home when choosing tile, paint colors, furniture and other design elements. Before bringing a design idea to life, ask yourself, “Do I love this look for my home or do I just love this look?”

Color And Comfort: 2 Things to Consider When Decorating

Regardless of age or square footage, your home should be your sanctuary and your own personal dream come true. How you decorate says a lot about who you are. Here are two important factors that will help make your house a home, and your absolute favorite place to be.

Step 1: Consider How Color Affects Your Mood

Color is deeply personal, and we all have a favorite. However, Psychologists (and Interior Decorators) have long believed color can affect our mood, and this is something to keep in mind when choosing paint for your walls.

Red: Reds stimulate the mind and body, and increase circulation. You often find red in the kitchen or dining room, because of its power to stimulate the appetite. Red also works well in a living room, encouraging lively conversation. It creates a strong impression when used as an accent wall, especially in an entryway, but because it has been shown to speed up respiration and raise blood pressure, it may be too bold a choice for a bedroom.

Orange: Orange is energizing. It stimulates productivity and evokes excitement, and is therefore perfect for a home office, playroom, or workout space.

Yellow: Yellow triggers the nervous system. Because of this, yellow can make some people anxious and quick to lose their temper, although in general, it is considered a happy color and ideal for a four-season sunroom. Yellow also makes a sunny addition to kitchens, and can make an entryway feel more welcoming.

Blue: Shades of blue are considered soothing, serene and timeless. Blue is perfect for a bedroom, living room, or any place people go to relax and unwind. While bright blues works well in an elegant dining room, pale blues can turn a basic bathroom into a spa-like retreat.

Green: Green hues are cool and refreshing, and suited for almost any room in the house. Because they are fairly neutral, use them in place of beige when you want a bit of color without going too bold. Dark greens convey masculinity, while pale greens bring the calming effects of nature indoors.

Purple: Purple is rich and dynamic. Dark purples can be a luxurious choice for a bedroom or living room, while pale purples can add a touch of whimsy and creativity to a kitchen or bathroom.

As a general rule, light colors are airy and expansive, and make a room feel larger, while darker colors can be sophisticated, and make a room feel warm and cozy. If you prefer tones of white, beige, or paler colors on your walls, consider using a pop of bold color in throw pillows, rugs and/or accessories here and there throughout the home.

Step 2: Keep In Mind That Comfort Is Key

Your dream home should be comfortable, seeing that you will be spending a majority of your time there. Of course you also want your home to reflect who you are, and with that said, it should also accommodate your lifestyle. If you love to cook, a beautiful kitchen with quality appliances might be the priority. If you have young children, a designated play area may be in order. Or if you entertain often, an open concept floor plan would fit the bill. Make a list of must-haves if you are in the market for a new home, before you begin a renovation project, or even if you are just updating your décor.

Decorating in one day, with items purchased all at one store, can make a room look too matchy-matchy and impersonal. Trends come and go, so surround yourself with things you love, collected over time, that reflect your own personal decorating style and have special meaning to you. Creating a dream home takes time and should not be rushed. Again, you want to be comfortable and feel at home in your surroundings.

When it comes to furniture, chose pieces that are both functional and stylish. Consider the scale of the furniture in relationship to the space, and whether or not it accommodates your lifestyle. For example, it would be wise to choose leather or washable slipcovers if you have children or pets, or a kitchen island with a bar top if you host a lot of get-togethers. Again, don’t rush things. Hang on to what you have until you find something you love that fits within your budget.

Most people would rather live in an empty space than one that is filled with clutter. Pay attention to organizational solutions, and get rid of anything you don’t like, use or need. A tidy home can make all the difference.

There’s no place like home!