Balancing the Trendy with the Timeless When Creating a Perfect Bedroom

For designer Melissa Frederiksen, the idea of interior trends is a slippery slope that can lead to pricey looks and a short shelf life. “A trend generally doesn’t stand the test of time,” says Frederiksen “People don’t usually redecorate often, so it’s easy for décor to look passé if it’s oversaturated with trendy looks.” Through numerous Nashville and Michigan remodels and design consultations with her Atmosphere 360 Studio, Frederiksen has found bedrooms a common place where people are more prone to be drawn to trends. It would make sense that since you spend so much time there, your bedroom should …

Bedroom Trends

Sitting areas, statement headboards, and generally relaxing colors are the trend for bedrooms, according to industry experts. Kristie Barnett of The Decorologist says upholstered headboards in solid or patterned materials are very popular, as are fully upholstered beds and pairs of chests or small dressers in lieu of bedside tables. “We’re also seeing a lot of mixing of new lighting and fabrics with heirloom pieces, statement lamps, painted ceilings, and increasing embellishments in fabrics and casegoods.” Wallpaper is one solution to setting the mood in the bedroom, according to Bohnne Jones of Decorating Den Interiors. “You can select a lively, …

Property Brothers: Buying + Selling transforming lives and homes with TN Box Beams

There is a small group of little-known craftsmen in Franklin, Tenn.—but that’s about to change. This Wednesday, Nov. 14, HGTV’s hit series, “Property Brothers: Buying + Selling, ”will showcase the products of TN Box Beams. But, unlike the major brands typically featured on the show—the handcrafters behind these beams are local, 20-somethings—entrepreneurs and artisans–and this is their first foray into a national spotlight. But while they transform raw wood into high-quality products that add warmth and beauty to homes, TN Box Beams craftsmen really are about transforming lives. The young craftsmen behind TN Box Beams are, left to right, Sales …

Holiday Decorating Trends

This year’s holiday trends embrace traditional red, white, and green, as well as the natural themes found in previous years. Sophisticated designs might lean toward metallics in natural colors. I’ve seen a lot of colors from rich purple to teal in addition to black and white trees too! Wide ribbon is still very popular in many various textures from velvets to faux fur and suede. Combine natural textures and colors with sparkle to create that special Holiday magic in your home. Use vintage ornaments from your family and add new colors into your tree for an updated look. Blend traditional …

Keeping Your Natural Stone Looking Great

Here are 6 tips from a stone restoration pro for keeping it looking beautiful. 1. Dust Mop. Dust Mop. Dust Mop. Sand and grit carried in on shoes can cause tiny scratches when walked on, which is what takes that beautiful shine away. 2. Use Only Stone-safe Cleaners one of the most common, but very erroneous recommendations for cleaning natural stone is to use vinegar. The fact is, anything acidic will damage marble and other calcite base stones. Be careful to only use quality cleaners designated safe for natural stone. 3. Use Preventative Measures Easy, but effective habits, can make …

Interior Lighting

Reporting that customers are choosing to mix finishes and styles in interior lighting fixtures is Kelly Oakley of ReFresh Home. “You definitely see a good mix of pendants and chandeliers,” she says. “People aren’t afraid to stop out of ‘the rules.’ If a pendant is more size appropriate homeowners are open to that. Or using two pendants instead of one chandelier.” Oakley says recessed lighting isn’t going to disappear. “We almost always use both recessed lighting with other fixtures. The in-ceiling lighting carries out most of the lighting function, which leaves the homeowner open to choose a chandelier or pendant …

Hardwood Flooring Brings Nature to the Home

Hardwood flooring is authentic and a piece of nature in ones home. Combining the raw material with color and sheen creates a one-of-a-kind design suitable for expressing the personality of the homeowner, says Andrew Denny of Textures Nashville. Hardwood flooring provides a beautiful canvas for which the rest of the house is painted, Denny says. “Hardwood flooring integrates nature and fashion to create a timeless design element in today’s homes. Clients love the authenticity of hardwood flooring as it helps tell the story of their home,” he adds. According to Clark Hodgkins, director of hardwood and laminate categories for Shaw …

Home Improvements with High ROI

  (Family Features) If the ultimate goal of your home improvement project is aesthetic, the greatest benefit may come from your personal enjoyment of the new space. However, if you’re looking to add true value to your home, it’s important to consider which projects are likely to bring the greatest return on your investment. Flooring Much like hands reveal a person’s true age, flooring speaks volumes about a home. Replacing and updating worn floors can instantly add value. A timeless selection like wood flooring, particularly in heavy traffic areas, is durable enough to withstand wear and complements a wide range …

Bee responsible! How to attract pollinators to your garden and help them thrive

(BPT) – It’s been in the news for years now: the decline of pollinators such as honeybees and butterflies, and how it’s upsetting our world’s healthy ecosystem. We need pollinators for the growth of many of the foods we eat each day – according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, some scientists estimate that one in three bites of food we take result from the work of pollinators. Berries, apples, oranges, almonds, and scores of other foods, not to mention flowers, rely on pollinators. If they disappear, those foods will fade along with them. So, why are pollinators declining? They …

Wedding Planning 101

Wedding Planning 101 (Family Features) First comes the proposal then comes the wedding planning. There are dozens of decisions that need to be made before it’s time to walk down the aisle, which can be overwhelming for brides and grooms. To help make it less stressful, these tips from Macy’s can help couples through the entire wedding-planning process, from on-trend apparel and accessories for the entire wedding party to all the essentials to create a perfect registry. Dressing the Ladies When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, the mix-and-match approach is trending in popularity. Start by deciding on a color palette, …