Category: Interior Design

Have you been feeling bold lately? Rich, saturated colors have become increasingly popular in home décor. Depending on what colors you choose, they can liven up a room in a variety of ways. A few simple touches of color can make your home look more luxurious, more contemporary, or even more whimsical. We have a few simple tips for anyone who might want to experiment with bright, bold color.

 

Stick to a theme.

Bright accent colors should stand out in a good way! Pick a few key shades, and then build a color palette that complements them. The goal is for the color to look intentional, and a cohesive theme will help you accomplish this.

 

Bold color from the ground up.

A brightly-colored rug can transform the entire look of a room. Look for a patterned rug that uses the color palette you have chosen for the room, or a combination of bright color and neutrals. Are you crazy about one bold color in particular? A solid colored rug makes a bold statement. Take it up an extra notch with a textured rug.

 

Turn something old into something new.

If you have a piece of furniture that you love but aren’t crazy about the color, consider giving it a DIY makeover. A fresh coat of bright paint can turn an outdated piece into an eye-catching centerpiece. If you don’t feel up to refinishing any of your existing furniture, thrift store or yard sale pieces can be ideal candidates for a DIY makeover.

 

For the commitment-phobic decorator.

Afraid to commit to one of the options we’ve suggested? There are still plenty of temporary ways to get your color fix. Wall decals can give your room a pop of color and pattern. They’re a great option for anyone who wants to experiment with a bold look. Best of all, they’re easy to remove whenever you’re ready for something new. A few pieces of artwork with bold, saturated colors can also dress up an otherwise neutral room. An elegant frame will help tie them in with the existing decor.

 

With a few simple changes, you can give your home a bold new look. Framed artwork is the perfect way to complete your new look. Bring your bold artwork to Frame Warehouse for the perfect custom frame, or check out our selection of framed art. We offer a large assortment of professional framing solutions, all at the guaranteed lowest prices. Visit one of our 16 convenient locations, today.

 

Ask a few homeowners what they would like to change about their home, and it’s likely that they would tell you that they wish it had more space than it currently does. Small rooms can sometimes feel more cramped than cozy and present their own design challenges. Even if your home doesn’t have an abundance of large, spacious rooms, there are ways to create the illusion of more space. Here are some simple tricks to open up even the smallest room in your home.

 

Lighten up.

Poor lighting can make a room look even smaller. Shed some light on the situation by finding lighting fixtures that work for your space. Even a few small lamps can make a major difference. Focus on making sure that there aren’t any dark corners in your room. Try to avoid covering windows with thick, heavy drapes. Instead, opt for sheer window treatments that will allow filtered light into the room even when they’re closed.

 

Give it a fresh coat of paint.

Dark colors absorb light, making them a less-than-ideal choice for smaller rooms. For walls, choose lighter hues. They’ll reflect light and make even the smallest rooms appear more open. If you want to use some dark colors, try bringing in a few accent pieces in those shades.

 

Pay attention to placement.

Avoid placing furniture in areas that are used as pathways. Instead, place furniture along the edges of the room. This placement gives you more space to move freely and creates the illusion of more room.

 

Give it a lift.

Low, heavy furniture can weigh down a small room. Look for pieces that are raised up on legs, which will allow light to pass through and create the illusion of more space. You may have the option to raise existing pieces up by switching out the legs. A light, open sofa can make a huge difference in a small room. However, you’ll want to avoid stashing clutter underneath your airy new furniture, so you don’t cancel out the effect.

 

Keep it clean.

On the subject of clutter, keeping your spaces tidy will help them look spacious. Spend just a few minutes a week clearing up clutter, and you’ll notice a major difference.

 

Consider using a few of these tricks to transform a tiny room in your home. Looking for a really quick idea? Adding a mirror to your room will give the illusion of more space. Frame Warehouse’s experts can help you find the perfect mirror for any room. Stop by one of our 16 locations, today!

Having guests stay in your home can be a delightful experience, but creating the perfect space for your guests can be a bit intimidating. If you are expecting guests this summer and don’t feel prepared for their stay, there’s no reason to worry! We have a few simple ideas to help you transform a spare room into a relaxing retreat for your guests.

 

The basics.

A few simple tricks can help your guests feel more at home. Be sure to place a light near the bed, so it’s easier for your guests to find it and turn it on if they wake up during the night. You may want to add a few, small nightlights leading to the bathroom and kitchen, so navigating your home is easier. A few carefully-placed lights can make a huge difference for your guests.

 

You’ll also want to give your guests a landing spot for their phones and other accessories. A nightstand is the best option, allowing them to keep their necessities close to them. Make sure there are a few outlets accessible, as well, so they can easily charge any devices.

 

Creature comforts.

A few extra linens can make a guest room look incredibly lush and cozy. Don’t be afraid to place lots of pillows on the bed. Tossing in a few additional pillows gives your guests the option to choose how many they’d like to use. Provide a few spare blankets as well, so your guests can grab them as needed. You’ll also want to place additional towels in the bathroom your guests will be using, to make getting ready easier for them.

 

Elegant touches.

Create a welcome station for your guests. A few simple personal touches will make it easier for your guests to feel at home. Fill a basket or tray with some simple luxuries, such as snacks, bottled water, and commonly forgotten items such as aspirin and travel-sized toiletries. Bare walls can make an otherwise cozy room feel stark, so place a few framed pieces throughout the room to provide the perfect finishing touches. Remember that this space is for your guests, so try and select pieces that are neutral and soothing.

 

Try these simple tricks the next time you have overnight guests staying in your home. Your guests will enjoy a more relaxing stay, and you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that they have everything they need. Do you need help refreshing your guest room? Stop by your local Frame Warehouse store today! Choose from our selection of already framed pieces, or have our experts create a custom frame for you. Click here to find your closest store location.

 

A fireplace can serve as an elegant focal point in a room, and a well-decorated mantel can help it stand out. While a narrow mantel can present some decorating challenges, we’ve got some expert tips to create an impressive display!

 

Choose your theme

Select objects that fit the theme you want to use. Perhaps you want to go with a nautical theme, with seashells and ocean-inspired prints. Or, you might want to choose items based on colors rather than a set theme. Choose an assortment of items in different shades of the same color, or in complementary colors to create a cohesive look.

 

Start with a blank canvas

Before you place anything on your mantel, make sure you clear everything off of it. This gives you a totally blank canvas to decorate. Having even just one item on your mantel to start might not seem like a problem, but it could hamper your creativity.

 

Place objects in “triangles”

When you’re arranging objects, you’ll want to place them so that they create subtle “triangles.” Think in terms of one taller “anchor” piece with smaller objects on either side. This technique helps make the display more eye-catching. You don’t have to aim for a symmetrical look. In fact, we love some of the chic asymmetrical looks we’ve seen lately.

 

Create layers

It might go against your instincts, but try creating a layered look by placing a smaller framed piece in front of a larger one. Just be sure to stagger the pieces so that none are too covered. Layering is a great way to create a visual triangle on a narrow mantel where space is limited.

 

Switch things up

Fireplace mantels can be a versatile decorative space. Try switching up your mantel decor based on holidays or seasons. When you become tired with the current look, try swapping out a few pieces to update it. And, if all else fails, take everything off and start from scratch.

 

Don’t forget the hearth

A bare hearth can look unbalanced under a fully-decorated mantel. Place a basket with some pillows or blankets near the hearth for a cozy look, provided these items are placed at a safe distance from any flames.

 

Need some help pulling your fireplace mantel look together? Let Frame Warehouse help! No matter what look you’re hoping to create, we have the right techniques and materials to make it happen.

 

Whether it’s the paint on your walls or the design in your decor, color plays a key role when it comes to creating a cohesive look. However, you may not know that color can also play a role in how we feel when we are in a room. Here are some of our favorite mood-boosting colors, and some ideas for how to use them in your home!

 

Blue: Shades of blue tend to make people feel more active and productive. However, blue can also be very calming and serene. This fusion of calming and productivity-enhancing makes blue a great choice for your home office or craft room.

 

Green: If you’re wanting to create a tranquil, soothing space, then green is an excellent choice. Bedrooms are a great place to use green, even if it’s just a few small accents. You can also try using some green in your bathroom to give it a relaxing, spa-like feeling.

 

Lavender: Another calming, relaxing color is lavender. It makes a great alternative for anyone who wants to create a calm retreat, but isn’t a fan of green. Lavender also looks great in a bedroom or bathroom and is a nice complement to green if you want some extra impact.

 

Yellow: This cheerful, sunny color can be used to brighten a room and make you feel more energized. Yellow is a great choice for kitchens, or any room that needs to lighten up a bit. Just be careful not to go too bright, because too much bold yellow can cause eye-strain. If you are a fan of bold yellow, try adding a few accent pieces for just a pop of upbeat color.

 

White: While white may seem like a boring choice compared to the rest of the color wheel, it can be quite versatile. White walls or accents can give any room a crisp, clean look. For smaller rooms, lots of white can give the illusion of more space.

 

Want to add some mood-boosting color in your home without new paint or furniture? Framed artwork is the perfect solution! No matter what mood you’re looking to set in your home, Frame Warehouse can help. Our experts can create the perfect frame for your favorite piece. We also carry a huge selection of framed art, and can help you choose the perfect piece for your home.

 

Repainting a room is a great way to update it, but it can also be a major undertaking. Sometimes a color that looked so perfect on the swatch looks disappointing once it’s on your walls. Here are some tips to keep your next experiment with color from going awry:

 

Work with what you’ve got. A bold, contemporary color might seem appealing, but if your furniture and decor are more on the traditional side, the result might be a room with an identity crisis. Pick a favorite work of art or piece of furniture, and choose a color that complements it.

 

Pay attention to undertones. Even a standard-looking neutral can have some sneaky undertones that you might not notice at the store. If your room has lots of warm tones (red, orange, wood tones), paint with blue or green undertones can clash. While contrast can sometimes make a nice statement, it’s always best to see how the color looks in your space. Bring home a swatch and see how it looks next to your furniture, artwork, rugs, and flooring.

 

Lighting can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of your wall colors, so pay close attention to how any natural and artificial light in the room looks on the swatch. If you think you might be ready to take the next step, but don’t want to commit to painting the whole room yet, many retailers offer small sample containers of paint. These give you the opportunity to test the color in your home by painting a little bit in an inconspicuous area.

 

Sometimes safe is best. Paint color can be a big commitment. Sometimes a timeless, classic neutral is your best bet. Neutral walls can let your decor shine, and are much more versatile. If you like to change things up frequently, but don’t want to repaint often, neutrals are a great option. You can always switch things up with new artwork, a different set of throw pillows, or an updated rug.

 

The right paint color will help your artwork stand out, and the right frame can tie the whole look together. If yours could use some updating, stop by one of Frame Warehouse’s 16 locations. Our knowledgeable associates can help you find the right frame for your needs.

As temperatures start to warm up, many of us find ourselves spending more and more time outdoors. The fresh air, open sky, and the colors of nature are uplifting and are a welcome change following a long winter. If you find yourself longing for the beauty of the outdoors, even after you’ve come inside, there are some easy ways to add some natural touches to your home that you can enjoy year-round.

 

Go green. Houseplants are a great way to bring a piece of nature into your home. It can be surprisingly simple to find a plant that will flourish in your space, even if there isn’t a lot of natural light. Adding a few plants to your home doesn’t mean you have to commit a lot of your time to their care. Some of the trendiest plants, like succulents, are also very easy to tend to. Check out some of the low-maintenance options listed in our March blog. Your local garden center can also help you find the right match. If you don’t have a green thumb, it’s still possible to enjoy some indoor greenery. There are many attractive artificial options available, which require nothing more than an occasional dusting. A vase filled with lush greenery is another low-maintenance choice.

 

Incorporate some natural elements, such as stone and wood. Even a few small items can make your space more serene and elegant. Fill a clear vase with some polished stones for a unique centerpiece, or place a houseplant in a stone-textured pot. Wicker baskets are an inexpensive way to add the tone and texture of wood, and can double as a practical storage solution. If you’re looking for a simple way to add wood to the mix, a natural or weathered wood frame is also a great option.

 

Experiment with texture. Nature is filled with different textures: rough tree bark, smooth stones, and soft earth. Mimic this in your home by letting a variety of different textures play off one another. Place a sleek glass vase on a weathered wooden table to add some unexpected contrast.

 

Try subtle touches. If you prefer a natural color palette but don’t want to make any drastic changes, adding a few small pieces to your room can help you achieve the look you want. A forest green throw pillow or a framed botanical print are simple ways to bring a hint of nature into your home.

 

Think beyond a rustic hunting lodge, as ‘outdoorsy’ can still look chic and sophisticated. A few simple touches can transform your home into a beautiful retreat. If you’re looking to change the look of your home, let us help. Frame Warehouse has a wide selection of custom and ready-made frames in a variety of colors, and our experienced staff can help you choose the right one.

 

It can take some time to choose the perfect hutch or shelf for your space, but sometimes the real challenge is deciding how to fill it. Empty shelves can be intimidating, but we have a few ideas to help you style yours like a pro.

Try a theme. Choose a color scheme that complements your room, and fill your shelves with items in those colors. You can also showcase a prized collection, or choose a favorite item and build a look around it.

Play with pattern and color. Adding a coat of bold paint to the back panel of a hutch or shelf can really make things pop. If you’re feeling more daring, patterned wallpaper is another great option. Just be sure that the colors or patterns you choose work with your items, instead of overpowering them.

Pay attention to scale. A mix of small, medium, and large objects will add depth and variety to your shelves. Group items of varying sizes together for a more interesting look. You can also use a box or a book as a riser to give smaller items a boost.

Don’t worry about the big picture, at least not at first. Think of it like writing a book; the full story comes together one chapter at a time. Instead of trying to make the entire set of shelves look perfect, divide your shelves into smaller sections and focus on each one individually. Once you’re happy with one area, move on to the next. Just be sure to keep your overall theme in mind, unless you prefer a more eclectic look.

Go vertical. It can be tricky to display items that normally lay flat, like a coin collection or shells from a beach vacation. A frame or shadowbox is a great way to transform your items into eye-catching works of art.

With these tips in mind, you can think of an empty set of shelves as a blank canvas full of possibilities. If you’re looking for a little something extra for your newly-styled shelves, stop by Frame Warehouse. With our custom framing services, we can help you create the perfect accent or centerpiece for your home.