We love rugs! They help complete a space by adding color, depth and warmth all at the same time. They can take a room from feeling cold and bland to warm and cozy in a matter of seconds. But knowing what size rug you need or how to place it in your space can feel daunting. We’re here to break down exactly what rug works in what space and how to place the rug in each room of your home.
The Ultimate Guide to the Right Rug Size and Placement in any room
Living Space (Living Room/Family Room)
*** Pro tip: If furniture is floating in the room and the room is big you can have a rug that is big enough for all furniture to sit on the rug.
Feet should always rest on a rug
Front legs of furniture always on rug
At least 6 inches should remain open on each side of the rug
Go to rug sizes: 8×10, 9×12, 10×14
Dining room
Keep all legs of chairs on the rug at all times, even when pulled out
At least 8 inches should remain open on each side of the rug
In room at least 12 inches of floor showing (6 inches from the each wall)
Go to sizes: 6×9, 8×10, 9×12
Bedroom
Rug in front of nightstands
Rug should should remain open on each side of the rug
Kings bed go to rug sizes: 9×12, 8×10, 6×9
Queen bed go to rug sizes: 8×10, 6×9, 5×7
Full bedgo to rug sizes: 6×9, 5×7, 2 @ 3×5
Twin bedgo to rug sizes: 5×7, 2 @ 3×5
Two Bedsgo to rug sizes: Runner down the middle of beds or in front of the beds
Yes, paint have finishes too. It’s always that tricky question you get hit with at the checkout once you finally landed on the perfect color they go ahead and through you are curveball asking you, what finish you’d like your paint to come in…like are you for real. You know we are here for you.
Today we broke down paint sheens and how we use them and what they look like. Please note some brands don’t carry all paint sheens. So it is important to ask when you get to the paint store. They will always be able to give you a recommendation as well!
Choosing the right paint sheen can be just as important as selecting the perfect color for your walls. Not only does the sheen affect the final appearance of your paint job, but it can also impact durability, ease of cleaning, and even lighting in your space. With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which paint sheen is best for your needs. In this article, we’ll explore the most common paint sheens and their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Flat Paint Sheens
Flat paint is a popular choice for interior walls and ceilings, as it offers a smooth, matte finish that hides imperfections well. However, this low-sheen paint is not ideal for high-traffic areas or surfaces that require frequent cleaning. Here are the pros and cons of using a flat paint sheen:
Pros:
Hides surface imperfections well
Offers a smooth, elegant finish
Ideal for low-traffic areas such as bedrooms and dining rooms
Does not reflect light, reducing glare and hiding wall irregularities
Cons:
Can be difficult to clean and is not very durable
May show stains and scuffs easily
May require frequent repainting in high-traffic areas such as hallways and stairways
Eggshell Paint Sheens
Eggshell paint has a slight sheen that gives it a soft, velvety appearance. It is a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and other areas that see moderate foot traffic. Here are the pros and cons of using an eggshell paint sheen:
Pros:
Offers a slight sheen that adds depth and richness to walls
Hides imperfections better than a flat sheen
More durable and easier to clean than flat paint
Ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms
Cons:
May show more surface imperfections than a flat sheen
Not as durable as a satin or semi-gloss sheen
May require touch-ups in high-traffic areas
Satin Paint Sheens
Satin paint has a smooth, velvety finish that offers a moderate amount of shine. It is a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that see higher levels of moisture and foot traffic. Here are the pros and cons of using a satin paint sheen:
Pros:
Offers a durable, easy-to-clean finish
Has a moderate sheen that adds depth and richness to walls
Resists moisture, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms
Hides surface imperfections well
Cons:
May show more imperfections than a higher-gloss sheen
Not as durable as a semi-gloss or high-gloss sheen
May require touch-ups in high-traffic areas
Semi-Gloss Paint Sheens
Semi-gloss paint has a shiny, reflective finish that is highly durable and easy to clean. It is a popular choice for trim, doors, and other areas that see high levels of wear and tear. Here are the pros and cons of using a semi-gloss paint sheen:
Pros:
Offers a highly durable, easy-to-clean finish
Has a moderate sheen that adds depth and richness to trim and doors
Resists moisture, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms
Reflects light, making spaces appear brighter
Cons:
May show more surface imperfections than a high-gloss sheen
May require additional prep work to hide surface imperfections
May be too shiny for some design styles
High-Gloss Paint Sheens
High-gloss paint has a highly reflective finish that offers a dramatic, eye-catching look. It is a popular choice for furniture , cabinetry, and other decorative elements that require a high-gloss finish. Here are the pros and cons of using a high-gloss paint sheen:
Pros:
Offers a highly durable, easy-to-clean finish
Has a dramatic, reflective finish that adds depth and richness to furniture and decorative elements
Resists moisture and stains, making it ideal for high-traffic areas
Reflects light, making spaces appear brighter and more open
Cons:
May highlight surface imperfections more than any other paint sheen
May require additional prep work to hide surface imperfections
Can be too shiny for some design styles
When selecting a paint sheen, it’s important to consider the function of the space and the amount of traffic it sees. Higher-gloss finishes are generally more durable and easier to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic areas, while lower-gloss finishes can be used for more decorative purposes.
In addition, it’s important to consider the quality of the paint and the surface being painted. Higher quality paints generally offer better coverage and durability, while lower quality paints may require additional coats and touch-ups over time. It’s also important to properly prepare the surface before painting to ensure the best possible finish.
In conclusion, selecting the right paint sheen can be a crucial element in achieving the desired look and feel of your space. Consider the function of the area, the quality of the paint, and the surface being painted to make an informed decision. By carefully selecting the right paint sheen, you can achieve a beautiful and durable finish that will last for years to come.
The winter blues set in for us this past weekend for sure. Since we were on a roll with the kitchen mini makeover we just kept on rolling right into our dining room. This project was incredibly simple. Paint was the answer to all our problems in our makeover needs in this space.
BEFOREAFTER
What we love so much about paint is that it completely transforms a space in a matter of hours and the price point is pretty consistent year round.
First we went through our process on how we pick interior paint. Here’s a full guide we created for you for you.
We knew we wanted to make the room warmer and have a two tone effect. To accomplish this we went with a warmer white on top with Alabaster by Sherwin Williams, and Creamy Mushroom by Behr on the trim molding. We’ve got a full list of my favorite white paints if you’re looking for more inspiration to pull from.
From there it was all about keeping the room clean and simple. The table we keep mostly clear for everyday use, but added a simple centerpiece with some greens to give life and a subtle pop of color to the room.
Finding the right table for your kitchen or dining room is pretty much life changing. Knowing how many people that table will actually fit is a whole other story. We’re here for you. Today we’ve broken down both round and rectangular tables to provide you with a guide on how to pick the right table for your space, and roughly how many people you can fit at a table based on its size. Please know this is a guide, clearly this can vary based on how many children or adults with gather in the space!
Choosing the right table size is crucial for creating a functional and inviting space. A table that is too large or too small can throw off the balance of a room and make it feel awkward and uncomfortable. Here are some tips for choosing the right table size for your space:
Measure your space: Before you start shopping for a table, measure the area where you plan to put it. Take into account the size of the room, the other furniture in the space, and any architectural features like windows or doorways.
Consider the purpose of the table: Are you looking for a dining table, a coffee table, or a side table? The purpose of the table will dictate its size and shape. For example, a dining table should be large enough to accommodate all the people who will be using it, with enough space to move chairs in and out comfortably.
Leave room for movement: Make sure there is enough room for people to move around the table without feeling cramped. Leave at least 36 inches of clearance around the table to allow for chairs to be pulled in and out.
Think about proportion: The size of the table should be proportional to the size of the room and the other furniture in the space. A small table in a large room will look out of place, while a large table in a small room will overwhelm the space.
Consider the shape of the table: The shape of the table can also affect its size. Round tables take up less space than rectangular tables and are a good choice for small rooms. Oval tables are a good compromise between the two, offering more surface area than a round table while still being space-efficient.
Don’t forget the style: The style of the table should also be taken into account when choosing its size. A modern, minimalist table will look out of place in a traditional, ornate room, while a large, rustic table may overwhelm a sleek, contemporary space.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose the right table size for your space and create a functional and inviting environment that is tailored to your needs. Whether you are looking for a dining table, coffee table, or side table, the right size will make all the difference.
Cabinet fronts are a crucial element in creating a stylish and functional kitchen or bathroom. There are many different cabinet front styles to choose from, each with its own unique look and feel. In this article, we will explore the most popular cabinet front styles, including shaker, slab, glass ready, and beaded.
When it comes to picking out kitchen cabinets often times we find clients feeling overwhelmed by the need to make a permanent decision. It’s not every 5 or 10 years that people redo their kitchen, especially cabinets. To make this process a little easier for you we’re going to break down the top 4 popular cabinet styles. From there we are going to provide you with a list of all things you need to think about once you’ve landed on your cabinet style. Let’s get right into it!
Often when looking at cabinets you can find what type of front is pleasing to your eye just by seeing it. We do not like to categorize the fronts into a certain type of design as we feel the love for a front can be worked into any design aesthetic that fits your home and your own personal style. Below are the four most popular types of cabinet front styles.
Shaker
Shaker cabinet fronts are a classic and timeless choice. They feature a simple, clean design with a recessed panel and a frame around the outside. Shaker cabinet fronts are versatile and can be used in a variety of design styles, from traditional to modern. They are available in a range of finishes, including natural wood, painted, and stained.
Slab
Slab cabinet fronts offer a sleek, modern look. They are made from a single piece of material, usually wood or laminate, and have no frame or panel. Slab cabinet fronts are easy to clean and maintain, making them a popular choice for modern kitchens and bathrooms.
Glass Ready
Glass ready cabinet fronts are a popular choice for those who want to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their space. They feature a frame with a panel that is designed to accommodate glass inserts. Glass ready cabinet fronts are available in a range of finishes and can be used to showcase decorative items or to add a pop of color to your space.
Beaded
Beaded cabinet fronts are a traditional choice with a decorative edge. They feature a frame with a raised panel that has a beaded detail around the edge. Beaded cabinet fronts add texture and dimension to your space and are available in a range of finishes, including natural wood, painted, and stained.
Here are a few things to think about once you’ve decided what style you are drawn to most.
Questions to think about once you’ve picked a cabinet front style
Are you going to mix cabinet styles?
Do you want painted or stained cabinets?
Do you want all cabinets the same color?
Do you want doors or drawers?
Do you like the style in the drawers as much as doors?
What type of hardware do you want on your cabinets? Pulls, knobs, or both? Here’s our full comprehensive hardware guide to help you out!
When choosing a cabinet front style, it’s important to consider the overall design style of your space. Each style has its own unique look and feel, and choosing the right one can make all the difference. Consider the materials, finishes, and hardware that will complement your cabinet front choice to create a cohesive and stylish look. With so many options to choose from, you are sure to find a cabinet front style that is perfect for your space.
Cabinet hardware is the jewelry to your space. It will complete the look, feel and vibe in any location you place it. And to pull off the perfect touch, you need to take the time to figure out exactly what you want to have in your space. Today we are going to break down all types of cabinet hardware by providing you with a full comprehensive guide to cabinet hardware.
Cabinet hardware plays an important role in the overall aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom. From drawer pulls and door handles to hinges and screws, the right type of cabinet hardware can make a huge difference in transforming a dull, outdated room into something elegant and inviting. In this blog article, we’ll discuss the types of cabinet hardware available on the market today so you can select the perfect pieces for your project.
The Types of Cabinet Hardware
Types of cabinet hardware can be broken down into two categories: pulls and knobs. Pulls and knobs deliver a unique look when paired together or separately.
Pulls
Pulls are simple…they allow you to pull out the cabinet. There are many different categories of pulls, such as bar pulls, bin pulls and ring pulls. Each pull does the same thing but the different designs create an entirely different look and feel. Pulls tend to be more expensive than knobs as they are larger and require more material to construct, hence making the price tag a bit bigger.
Pulls are measured from center to center, meaning you find the size of the hardware by measuring from the center of both screw holes. BUT, the size of the entire hardware does not equal the size from center to center. So be sure to keep that in mind when hunting for the perfect hardware.
When it comes to drawer pulls and door handles, sleek modern designs are ideal for contemporary spaces while traditional looks fit better in traditional settings. The most popular types of metal finishes are chrome, stainless steel, nickel, antique brass, pewter, and oil-rubbed bronze. However, if you’re looking for a truly unique look that stands out from the crowd try copper or gunmetal hardware. Wood pulls are also a great choice – especially if you want to match with existing wood elements in other rooms. Keep in mind that drawers come with two different kinds of pull holes – single-holed or double-holed – so take this into consideration when shopping for your new hardware.
Knobs
Knobs are a more basic form of hardware. When thinking about installing hardware of course knobs are easier because you only need one hole! No need to measure from center to center.
The same applies for hinges on cabinets – modern styles usually feature simple lines in polished metal finishes yet vintage ones provide more ornate detailing. Full-overlay cabinets require wrap-around hinges while partial-overlay require decorative surface mount hinge models. Make sure you measure your opening before making any purchases!
Screws
Screws play an essential role but often go unnoticed until they need replacing due to visible rusting or stripped threads. It’s always best to get new screws when installing new cabinet hardware so it is properly secured onto its surface without any problems (or headaches). There are several types available like pan head sheet metal screws (better suited for door frames), round head wood screws (ideal for face frames) and tapping anchors (great for sideways installation).
Types of Hardware Finishes
When looking and deciding on cabinet hardware finishes, expect it to be daunting. We get it. Gold hardware alone can fall into at least 10 different names. Not to mention each brand has their own unique finish color and name. The best way to find any hardware is to order samples and see it in person. We’ve done our best to categorize all finishes into 3 categories for you to digest: Black, Gold and Silver. From there we broke down how the finish can look different.
Black Cabinet Hardware
Popular names for black cabinet hardware:
Matte Black
Flat Black
Oil Rubbed Bronze
Black Iron
Bronze
Aged Bronze
Satin Black
Venetain Bronze
Black hardware can be broken down into two categories. While there will be variation inside each category we do believe it makes it more manageable to look at the finish this way.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze has a warm brown undertone to the hardware.
Matte Black is just that, a completely flat black hardware.
Gold hardware can be broken down into 2 categories. Please know there the finish will vary inside each category slightly based on who makes the hardware. We’ve done our best to break down the names to help you wrap your head around the finish you actually want.
Polished Brass is extremely reflective and brings lots of warm undertones to the hardware.
Satin Brass has a brushed look to it while still providing warm undertones and golden hues to the hardware.
Silver hardware is broken down into 3 categories. Again please keep in mind that there will of course be variation inside each category depending on the make and brand.
Chrome is bright and highly reflective hardware.
Satin Nickel has a brushed look to the hardware with cool undertones.
Polished Nickel has a warm undertone allowing it to mix well with other metals.
We hope this guide has helped you understand all of the different types of cabinet hardware available today! With the correct combination of materials and finishes, you will be well on your way to creating a stunning space that looks professional inside and out!
Just kidding! If you’ve followed along over the past couple weeks we have mentioned how reading is important to us, as well as, how we’ve made it a point to incorporate reading into our daily routine as of 2020. Just check out this post, and this one…and this one, too.
So what’s on our reading list right now? Good question. For the most part our book selection contains titles about business, growth, personal development and mindset. You may find the occasional biography in there, which you guessed it, are stories about super inspirational people in business and culture.
The collection is extensive (thank you Amazon Prime for making it easy to drop some dough 24 hours a day) but for now, here is what’s on our list this year!
As you can see the lists vary, but there is some carry over. We could go on and on about which books cover our shelves (or rotate out based on the season, because you know a book’s color brings the vibes) and we will absolutely revisit this list once we check them all off.
So, what’s on your reading list for the year? Shoot us a comment or DM and let us know some gems we need to look at. We love building a growing list together.
Proving to yourself that you can continuously move your body mile after mile is a major milestone! One that we believe should be truly celebrated. We truly believe everyone has time to workout in their lifestyle. It’s just a matter of proving to yourself you can find time to make that workout happen in your life. Struggling with that concept all together, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our ultimate guide on how to find time to workout. Below you will find two running guides. The first one is returning to running: if you are just starting out as a runner or returning from an injury this is the perfect guide to get you going. The second guide is a breakdown of exactly how many miles you need to get in to maximize your half marathon training!
We’ve all been there. The excuses, the reasoning, and ultimately the failure in achieving the goals we’ve set out to accomplish for ourselves. The most common…I don’t have time to workout. Ok, great attitude friend. But we can’t judge because we too have said that to ourselves. That is until we took control of our lives and our time.
For years we had gym memberships and always found the drive time an excuse as to why we didn’t have time to go. When we decided to take fitness and training seriously, we converted the Playroom to our Home Gym. We invested in a Peloton bike, a good variation of dumbells, kettlebells, medicine balls and a bench. This investment served as our holiday gift to each other and pays off every single day. And we promise, we will do a reveal post soon…we still have some work to do in that space.
Over the past 2 months we have been doing 2 a day workouts (one of them outdoors, even on the coldest of days) on top of all the things that come with being parents, running our business, managing a team, remodeling our home, and taking time to meditate, read and sleep. It is a lot but we have not missed a single workout. And it is because we made the time to do it.
So make a promise to yourself right now. Promise to move your body for at least 30 minutes a day. Say it out loud – “I promise I will move my body for 30 minutes a day.” Perfect, commitment made. Now it’s time to figure out how and when you are going to do it.
Manage Your Time
Your time is your most precious asset. Whether you work for yourself or someone else, your time is inevitably being demanded and allocated throughout the workday. That is fine because that is part of the game. But what about the hours before and after work? We’ve found that blocking 45 minutes in the mornings and 45 in the evenings works best to accommodate our workouts. Adding the additional 15 minutes gives you time to setup, plug in, stretch and get after it.
Mix It Up
You can’t do the same workouts every single day. Well, we suppose you could but that isn’t very inspiring. We’ve found that a variation of strength training, core and cardio works wonders for the soul, and the body. Here’s what our typical training week looks like:
Monday: Abs and strength training (AM), Outdoor walk
Tuesday: Abs and strength training (AM), Outdoor walk
Wednesday: Outdoor run (AM), Yoga (PM)
Thursday: Indoor cycling (AM), Yoga (PM)
Friday: Abs and strength training (AM), Outdoor walk
Saturday: Outdoor run (AM), Yoga (PM)
Sunday: Outdoor run (AM), Yoga (PM)
Layout Your Clothes
On the weekends we pretty much live in our training clothes. Monday through Friday is a bit different! We find that setting out our training clothes before we go to bed sets us up for success the following morning. We get up, slam some water, brush our teeth, get into our training clothes, make coffee, log an hour of work and then hit the home gym. By the time the alarm sounds to workout we’re already in the right mindset and ready to conquer the training session.
Find A Partner
For us, working out together is routine. We are live-in accountability partners. Not everyone has that. And not everyone has a home gym (albeit ours is small and nimble, but it’s perfect for us). Find a friend or a familiar face at your local gym who you frequently see and ask if they’d like to train together. Discuss the best times to workout everyday and make a schedule. Unless one of you is severely sick or caught up in an emergency you will be expected to show up and put in the work. Hold each other accountable, push each other and celebrate your successes along the way.
Set Personal Goals
What’s the point of doing all of this without goals? Here are some examples of goals to set for yourself, and how to address them when you go all in:
I will move my body for 30 minutes every day.
I will run a 5k in 30 minutes or less.
I will do a plank for 90 seconds.
You’ll notice each goal starts with “I will”. You could replace that with “I can” or some variation of accomplishment like “I did”. It all goes back to the mentality of going all in on you and your well being. This is what self investment is all about.
We know everyone’s circumstances look different, but we promise you do have the time to move your body every day. We hope that showing how we do it and offering tips on how to accomplish it in your life is beneficial to you in your fitness journey.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, we love how paint can completely transform a space. At the same time we also understand how overwhelming this process can feel for someone who doesn’t have an eye for color or feels that picking a color for their wall is daunting. We’ve broken down our go to gray paints by 3 brands: Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and Behr, with the hopes you can find the perfect shade for your own space.
