Blog posts of '2020' 'December'

8 Rules for Decorating Your Home with Bright Colors

Does your home need more color? Bright colors can add swagger to a living space. And there are a lot of people who are over-cautious when deciding the color scheme of their homes. After all, there's less risk in sticking with the tried-and-true, but where's the excitement and fun in that? Bright colors can add life to any home, but it’s a good idea to keep certain things in mind when working with bright colors. So, before you run off to the paint store, check out these tips.

1. The 60-30-10 Rule

The 60-30-10 rule is sort of a hymn among interior designers and it works like this:

• Use one color for 60% of the room (the walls possibly?)
• Another color for 30% of the room (maybe the window treatments and furniture?)
• And the third color for 10% of the room (a few accents)

2. Stick To a Color Scheme

Naturally, you don’t want to just pick any three random colors for the 60-30-10 rule. Some colors can’t be fixed by rule #1.

• When you choose your color scheme, keep in mind that complementary color schemes tend to make a room look more crisp and eye-catching. Complementary colors are colors that have the highest contrast when placed next to each other. Also called opposite colors, they can be found across from each other on a color wheel. For example, red and green or blue and orange.
• However, analogous color schemes make it more relaxing. Analogous colors are groups of three colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. An example would be red, orange, and red-orange. This type of scheme creates a rich, monochromatic look.

3. Black Balance

Professional video cameras have a setting called “black balance.” It corrects the camera to recognize true black. As a result of this, the other colors look more lifelike and have better contrast. In the same way, adding an element of black can bring out the best in any brighter colors you use.

4. Suit the Color to the Purpose

Colors have psychological effects. For example, some shades of orange and yellow might make you hungry, but blues can calm your nerves. This is also true for most shades of green. So, before choosing a color scheme for a room, examine how those colors affect you.

5. Get Inspiration from Nature

Mother Nature is a master at combining colors. Why not get your inspiration from nature?

You could use the colors of a day at the beach or the forest in autumn. If you have a view of nature outside your window, you might want to bring the natural colors inside.

6. Work With What You Have

Unless you are planning a major re-do, the last thing you want to do is replace everything in your living room because nothing goes with your wall color. Try to work with your existing items and include new ones to produce a cohesive color scheme with some bright new colors.

7. It's All About the Contrast

If you want to make a room look more modern and crisp, go with a high contrast color scheme. But if you want to highlight the softer qualities in your space, turn down the contrast somewhat. It doesn’t mean you can’t bring in bright colors. It just means that you will want to think about how they interact with the overall feeling of the room.

8. Try Before You Buy

Before you go all the way with your room, get paint swatches from the paint department. Get fabric swatches from the furniture, or bring in a pillow or cushion from the furniture you're keeping to match with new pieces. If you are replacing your carpet, bring a piece to match it up to new items. You may find a piece of art or new throw pillows to tie it all together. There are many ways to introduce new colors into your home.

Break the Rules

As they say, rules are meant to be broken. If your fashion sense tends to be more skeptical of rules, then write your own rules. It’s your home. In the end, your opinion is the one that matters most.

Ways to Add Color to Any Space

Sometimes you just want to add a little something to your mainly white, beige, or gray space. Don’t be afraid of going too bold because no matter what your comfort level, there is a way to mix pops of color into any space. Here are some ways:

Bright Color Accessories

• Buy a colorful rug—A rug with a colorful component will help you ease into a more colorful décor.
• Use bright accessories—A grouping of like-colored accessories can add impressive pops of color to your space.
• Mix in flowers and plants—A colorful floral arrangement or house plant will add a lively element to your home. And they are portable so you can try out different locations to find a spot that needs a shot of color and life.
• Get artistic—If you like to keep your furniture and accessories monochromatic, you can bring in pops of color through artwork and photography. Try out some bold prints or mixed media collages.
• Use a pattern for inspiration—A patterned rug or throw pillow often provides a foolproof color scheme. This will take all the guesswork out of pairing colors.
• Go with a saturated textile—This is designer-speak for adding a single patterned or colored piece to a neutral space. Opt for a single, attention-getting throw or blanket to brighten up a room without having to completely redecorate the whole room.

Colorful Statement Furniture

• Choose a statement piece—Bring in pops of color and make a statement with a single saturated piece of furniture. A bright-colored chair is a simple way to add color to a room with one purchase.
• Start with soft shades—If you are ready to move from a neutral color scheme but not ready for a bold array of colors, start with soft colors in small doses. Colors like peach, blush, mint, and pale yellow will give a change of perspective to your space without looking too out of place with your neutrals.
• Include a single accent color—Use a single accent color to make a neutral space look more interesting.
• Limit your colorful pieces to two distinct accents—If you are going to bring color into your space through accents and accessories, limit yourself to two different colors. This will keep you from getting carried away and prevent your room from becoming disconnected and unpleasant.
• Use bold window treatments—A step above a bold throw pillow is colorful curtains or drapes.

using Bright Colors in a Small Space

Okay, so how do you use bright colors in a small space? Emily Henderson of “Style by Emily Henderson,” says the “Small spaces allow you to commit to something that would normally scare you in a larger room. So have fun and allow yourself to make that room special.”

Painting

First of all, if you are going to paint the room, play around with paint samples. Go with a color that makes you feel good. Then, keep in mind when choosing a bright color for a small room, the paint chip will always look more subtle than when it’s painted on all four walls. A good way to test it out is to paint a poster board or piece of paper before committing to it.

Avoid Trends

Unless you love it, try to resist trends and pick a color and a style of furniture that goes with the style of your home. Because bright colors are noticeable, you might get tired of them quickly. Go with something that suits your preferences and the feel you want the room to give off.

Jewel Boxes

Small spaces can be treated like jewel boxes. Using dull colors can leave them drab and unused. Instead, highlight the space with pops of color. By doing this, you draw people’s attention to the style of the room as opposed to its size.

Experiment with Décor and Artwork

If you don't want to commit to painting, use colorful furniture, artwork, plants, and flowers to bring in the excitement. Throw pillows or a patterned colorful blanket are good ways to add color and easy to change out if you get tired of it.

Use Orange, Yellow, and Red in Small Touches

Although it's up to you what colors you use, some are better in small spaces. Orange, yellow, and red are the colors of fast-food restaurants because they cause hunger. They can be overpowering, so use them with caution. If you must have them, try the pastel version. Anything that feels too electric or vibrant will make the room feel small and cheap.

Balance it Out

Make sure if you use a bold or bright color, use a complimentary muted color (tone on tone) and then fill the rest of the space with neutrals. Using too many different colors won't work.

Let’s Get Colorful

Now that you are armed with tips and hints and the “rules,” it’s time to get out and get creative! Right? But where can you go to find the latest and traditional styles plus expert advice to get you started? At Badcock of South Florida, we are here to help you bring your ideas to life. And we have 11 locations in South Florida so we're close to you wherever you live. Or you can shop online at www.badcocksfl.com. Have questions? Contact us now.

If you have had trouble getting your kids to do homework or better yet, do their schooling from home, here are some tips and hints to help you out. Maybe all you need to jumpstart their habits is a change of scenery. Create a  homework and study space that is:

• Quiet for focus

• Colorful for inspiration and

• Organized to reduce distractions

These basics will make study time a pleasure for most kids:

• Color: Paint or wallpaper a wall or the shelf openings in a bold and stimulating color.

• Furniture: A desk with storage and/or a coordinating cabinet and a comfortable chair are fundamental.

• Lighting: Make sure to provide plenty of ambient and task lighting.

• Organization: Provide lots of organization and storage options like shelves, pegboards, containers.

• Personalization: Be sure to add some items that are personal to your child's style such as his favorite color, or personal artwork. 

9 Tips to Design the Perfect Study Room or Corner

Now that you know the basics, you are ready to start putting it all together. As you know, every room has specific requirements depending on how you're going to use it. In the same way, the study room has particular needs and you need to consider them while designing your room. Here are some tips on designing your study room at home:

1. Choose the Right Room (area)

Every room needs a certain amount of space based on its functions. Therefore, your first step is to choose the right room for your study area. If you are lucky enough to have a few possible rooms or areas, you have the chance to pick a room that gets a lot of natural light and has enough room.

For kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade, working in a more public space is better than working alone in a bedroom. Younger kids generally need more support at homework time, so a spot close to the kitchen or home office means you can be around to answer questions and give encouragement. 

2. Space to Move Around

You wouldn't want to enter a room that doesn't have enough space to move around easily. This is why you make it a point to put a limited amount of stuff in your study room. Putting unnecessary furniture in a room will increase the job of cleaning it and gives a cluttered feeling. You feel the vibe of not being organized.

3. Make sure you have a Decent Desk and Comfortable Chairs

At first, you might think buying a big desk is a good idea. But it might not be favorable for working at it for long hours. And maybe you need to buy two desks depending on the number of students working from home. Look for options before you buy anything.

Besides the desk(s), don't forget the desk chair. A comfortable desk chair is essential. It's also a good idea to buy a comfortable chair to sit in while taking breaks to keep them in the study area. Once they leave the room, they might not return. Choose a color, design, and style of chair that blends well with the desk.

4. Shelves and More Shelves

You need spaces in appropriate sizes to place books, projects, and perhaps a printer/scanner, supplies, and other necessities. A combination of storage types helps store items in an organized way.

Although eliminating clutter is calming for a student, many elementary-school-age kids enjoy displaying their collectibles to personalize their space. Find a windowsill, cubby, or shelf for your child's toys so the focus is on keeping the area organized and uncluttered.

5. Lights

Lighting is important in any room. If you have a sunny window in the study room it will be more lively and have a more positive feeling. But a dark and shady environment will give the room an intense look. Make sure to have the right lights so that you have enough. Task lighting, whether it's a desk lamp or pendant lights is a requirement no matter what the child's age.

Your best option is to allow natural light to flow in to take advantage of the optimistic feeling it provides. You can increase the light effects by installing mirrors and light colors on the walls. However, don't put the desk directly in front of a window overlooking something that could be a distraction.

6. Consider the Temperature

You need to provide a comfortable temperature to work in. Overly hot or cold temperatures can be a huge distraction. It might be necessary to install additional heating or cooling options. Desks close to a window can become chilly areas if you live in a cold winter climate and the reverse is true if you live in a more tropical area.

7. Choose a Corner

Constant talking and loud noises can be a main cause of distractions. Make sure you pick a quiet spot. If you can, put your study area towards the extreme corner of your house so no pets or visitors distract from the work. 

If your kid can hear every word that's being said in other rooms, he is more likely to be thinking about what's going on outside his room rather than focusing on his studies. You might want to consider headphones. A lot of kids like to listen to music while working. This includes those with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) who may do better with a quiet tune in the background.

8. Personalize

Don't overlook the preferences of the students who will be using the study. You may choose a favorite color for the wall in front of the desk or add a piece of art or any other element that inspires hard work.

9. Ease of Clean Up

It's important to be able to keep the area neat and clean. This means that all-important files, projects, and books are in their places. This way it's not necessary to search the area when something is needed and it also reduces distractions.

Study Areas in Small Spaces

Sure, you can do more with a large space, but you can still create a study area in the same place where the bedroom is by combining furniture solutions. Take advantage of those unused spaces in the bedroom or any corner of your home. Now that you're armed with the 9 tips, let's apply it to a smaller space.

Shelving and Storage

• Narrow columns of bookshelves on either side of the desk can keep books and supplies handy, tidy, and organized.

• A pegboard wall can give you an adjustable shelving option. It can be used for a kid's library or to store art and project supplies.

• Play around with cabinet and shelf arrangements to create a custom look. Modular units can be bought individually and arranged any way you like.

Kids Desk Ideas

• A "floating" or built-in desk promotes cleanliness and reduces clutter. If the floor space is clear of furniture legs there is less likelihood of clutter being stored under the desk.

• If space is tight beside the desk, then be sure to put the storage above it. Or, you might even want to put a bunk bed above the desk and open up the rest of the room for handy storage.

• Beds with storage drawers help free up space for the study area. There are also beds with built-in desk designs.

• Provide display cabinets to show off their best work. Pride is a great motivator.

Lighting

• As important as the desk and chair are the lighting. The natural light from a window keeps kids energized, so create the work area around the glass. And speaking of nature, add a couple of indoor plants.

• The right lighting for their study area is important to the health of their eyes. Try to build the study around natural lighting for daytime and give the choice of overhead lighting and focused task lighting on the desk.

Define the Areas

• It's important to draw a line between sleeping and work areas when creating a study area in a child's bedroom. You can use a room divider if there's enough space or you can use color zoning the mark the separate areas. Paint the wall in the work area one color and the walls in the sleeping area another. An area rug under the bed helps define the distinct area.

• If you have two children sharing the room and workspace, put shelves between the desk areas to separate the two. Also, keep as much stuff off the desktop as possible. There may be "border wars" if you don't. 

Create a "Cloffice"

As you've seen, you don't need a lot of space or a lot of money to make a study space. How about turning a closet into a study, or office? A cloffice, get it? With some medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and brackets, you can create a study in a closet. Use some pegboard on the door for more storage and organization. 

Badcock's of South Florida is Ready When You Are

Maybe you thought it would be a daunting task to create a study area for your kids. Now you see how easily it can be done. And Badcock Furniture of South Florida is here to help you along the way.  We have professionals that can answer your questions so you aren't in this alone. 

Take a look at our furniture on our website at www.badcocksfl.com. You can shop, apply for financing, make payments, and check out the sales, all online. If you're like most people, you want to come in and see and measure and visualize for yourself. And ask questions, plenty of questions. Contact us now. We have locations all over South Florida so one is probably near you.