Quick Tips to Freshen Your Home
No one likes to enter a stuffy, slightly smelly house, and so take a minute to follow these quick tips to freshen your home! 
Quick Tips to Freshen Your Home
Open Your Windows
This may not work if it’s too hot outside, but throw open as many windows as you can and let the fresh air into your home.
Stove Simmer
This may be something you’ll want to do this fall when the weather cools down, but by simply simmering water with citrus and herbs in it you’ll be able to fill your home with a delicious smell. Try lime, rosemary, and vanilla for a more summery smell or cinnamon, apple peels, orange rinds, and cloves for this fall.
Clean Out Your Garbage Disposal
If you catch a whiff of something every time you pass the sink, it might be time to clean out your disposal. Try squirting some nice smelling dish soap into the disposal while the water is running and the disposal is on. You can also put some lemon or lime rinds through the disposal - just make sure you run a lot of water through as well.
Bring in House Plants
Not only do plants look great, but they can naturally clean the air as well. Check out some of these ideas for the best plants to have indoors.
Essential Oils Diffuser
If you have an oil diffuser you can simply fill it with water, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils, and turn it on.
Clean Up After Your Pets
It may sound simple, but vacuuming up pet hair, cleaning up any accidents as soon as they happen, and cleaning your carpets will keep the pet smell out of your house.
What are some ways you freshen your home?
|
like blog
|
Outdoor Lighting Ideas
There is nothing like sitting outside on warm summer nights, and by adding outdoor lighting you’ll be able to keep the party going! Outdoor lighting is so important to the overall look of your yard. Lighting immediately adds charm and festive feelings, so pick one or two different lighting ideas and get your yard ready for this summer.
Outdoor Lighting Ideas
via Bright July
STRING LIGHTS
Whether you go for twinkle light or vintage bistro lights, this is an easy outdoor lighting option. Just string them up, plug them in, and enjoy!
via Daily News
LANTERNS
The benefit of lanterns as your lighting option is that they come in a variety of styles and are easy to move around.
via MIT24
HIDDEN LIGHTS
Placing LED strips under furniture or at the base of stairs will brighten your yard and give it a modern look.
UPLIGHTING
Strategically place lights under trees, plants, or at the base of walls and aim them upwards to create a dramatic lighting effect.
via Atta Girl Says
PENDANT LIGHTS
If you have a dining or seating area under a covered patio or large tree, hang a pendant light above your table.
What outdoor lighting ideas would you choose?
|
like blog
|
How to Style a King Size Bed
The overwhelming size of a king bed can be intimidating to decorate. Do you just throw in a few pillows, toss a blanket on top, and hope it looks ok? There is a better way!
How to Style a King Sized Bed
I found a blog post on Old Brand New that describes three different options for styling your king size bed that I thought I would share with you. After reading the post, I assessed my own bed and realized that it definitely needs help. Here are the three ideas of how to style they describe.
via Old Brand New
Minimal
2 King Pillows + 1 Lumbar Pillow
via Old Brand New
Maximal
3 Euro Pillows + 2 Standard Pillows + 2 King Pillows + Accent Pillows
via Old Brand New
Messimal
2 King Pillows + 1 Euro Pillow + 1 Standard Pillow + 2 Accents + 1 Lumbar Pillow
Read the whole post for more details and don’t forget that if you’re looking for a new mattress, RC Willey is the place to go!
|
like blog
|
Cool Dog Beds
I’ll be honest, this is a little bit of a random blog post, but have you seen some of the cool dog beds out there? I needed a new bed for my dog, Milly, and what started as a simple search for an affordable dog bed turned into me scrolling through image after image of unique, strange dog beds. Check out some of them below!
Cool Dog Beds
via Catharnach
via Korrect Kritters
via DIY Network
via Freshome
via Hugohd
via Antihero
Do you have a cool dog bed? I ended up with a pretty boring one, but if I could have that little dog trailer, I 100% would!
|
like blog
|
Home Office Paint Colors
Do you need to pick a home office paint color? While it may seem like an easy process, the color you paint your walls really does have a huge impact on your productivity and overall mood. It’s important to think through how you use the room and what vibe you work best with to help you determine what color will work for your home office. If you’re looking for ideas, I’ve gathered three different color ideas below.
Off-White
via Vanessa Francis
Stark white walls can feel sterile and inhospitable, but if you like the idea of a light, airy room, think about using an off-white like Benjamin Moore Gardenia. Your room will feel warmer while still giving the idea of a white room.
via Nash Painting
Yellow
Yellow is a color that promotes creativity, so why not incorporate it into your home office? This is a bold color choice, so consider using it as an accent if you’re worried about feeling overpowered by yellow. Yellow Marigold or Fresh Butter, both by Benjamin Moore, might be colors to consider.
Gray
Gray is king when it comes to paint colors these days! While it can be hard to find the perfect gray color, you won’t regret the time you spend on the search. Gray is a soft, neutral color that accents furniture and artwork perfectly. Try Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore for a more subtle look and Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore for a bolder statement.
What color do you think you’ll paint your home office? Don’t forget that RC Willey has all the home office furnishings you need!
|
like blog
|
Transitional Living Rooms
Chances are you’ve heard the term “transitional design” floating around, but you may not know exactly what it means. It’s even possible you’ve decorated your home in this style without even realizing it! Transitional design is meshing modern and traditional elements together. You may love the traditional look of wainscotting but you also love that geometrically patterned accent chair. With the transitional design, you can have the best of both worlds.
Transitional rooms generally have minimal, soothing color, like gray, tan, blue, brown, and cream. Fabrics should be full of texture, however, to give your room some interest. Leather, corduroy, and cotton can all live side by side in this design style. In transitional design, furniture has straight, simple lines.
Below are some different ideas of how to make the transitional style work in your living room. I’ll bet as you scroll through you’ll see some elements you’ve included in your own home!
Transitional Living Room
via Freshome
via HGTV
via House Beautiful
via HGTV
Are you having trouble knowing where to start designing in your room or home? Did you recently move to a new place and your old decor just isn't working with the new space? Are you recently living with a new person and running into a design disaster? RC Willey's trained design consultants are here to help. We have an amazing staff of interior design consultants who will help you with anything from furniture layout, color therapy, accessories, or even a whole home makeover! You're only five simple steps away from having a home that reflects your personal style and incorporates those things you love the most. Click here to get started!
|
like blog
|
Outdoor Umbrellas
How often have you found yourself staying inside on a nice summer day because you can’t get the sun out of your eyes on your patio? You need an outdoor umbrella! Whether you keep your umbrella in your table or on a stand near your seating area, you’ll be able to put up shade quickly and aim it wherever you need to. Doesn’t that sound like a dream?
At RC Willey we have a variety of outdoor umbrella styles and colors to choose from. You’ll easily be able to find something that will work in your yard.
Do you think you’ll get an outdoor umbrella this year? I’ve got my eyes on this one!
|
like blog
|
Interior Design Basics: Decorating Corners
Chances are there is an awkward corner in your home that is crying out for attention. There are so many ways to decorate that corner that it would be a shame to leave it empty!
Decorating Corners
Make a small office space with a corner desk. I love this washed gray desk and this black desk with a hutch.
Turn the corner into a reading nook with corner bookcase. I would love to have this library wall in my home! For smaller spaces this baker's rack would be great.
via Bodega Bistro
If you’re looking for more storage and have an empty corner, a corner armoire is a great way to keep the clutter hidden.
via HGTV
Draw intentional attention to your corner by making it a part of your gallery wall. Click here for tips on how to hang a gallery wall.
For smaller corners bring in greenery and plants.
In a large room, use an L shaped sectional to make the most of your space and fill the corner.
via Thou Swell
Create more seating by putting a fun accent chair and a floor lamp in the corner.
Are you having trouble knowing where to start designing in your room or home? Did you recently move to a new place and your old decor just isn't working with the new space? Are you recently living with a new person and running into a design disaster? RC Willey's trained design consultants are here to help. We have an amazing staff of interior design consultants who will help you with anything from furniture layout, color therapy, accessories, or even a whole home makeover! You're only five simple steps away from having a home that reflects your personal style and incorporates those things you love the most. Click here to get started!
How have you filled the corners in your home?
|
like blog
|
Wedding Gift Ideas
It’s the season for weddings! Finding a gift that is thoughtful, useful, and unique can be tricky. Of course you can always follow the registry, but if there isn’t much left on the registry it can be hard. Just showing up with a dishtowel might not be your style. If you’re looking for a great wedding gift, RC Willey has what you need.
Wedding Gift Ideas
If you can't find something you think will be exactly right, why not let the couple decide? RC Willey has gift cards available in different amounts for any occasion, even weddings!
|
like blog
|
Things To Do In Summer
If you’ve suddenly realized that school is out and you are now responsible for filling your children’s days with activities, don’t panic! With just a little planning and brainstorming together you’ll be able to have a summer you’ll be sad to see end. I spent the morning planning and scheduling out my family’s summer activities the other day and I can’t wait to get started! Here are some tips for planning out your summer and ideas of things you can do.
Things to do in Summer
First, remember that boredom is not bad. One of my favorite blogs, The Workspace for Children, explained boredom this way - “Some of the best ideas are born from boredom. Creativity thrives after a period of boredom. Our children need the opportunity to hear their own thoughts. That listening happens after a period of ‘boredom.’” Don’t feel like you need to plan out and schedule every moment of every day! You don’t want that and chances are your kids don’t either.
Here’s how I scheduled our summer.
I started by picking two days a week for scheduled activities. Tuesdays we are going to a new park or splash pad and Thursdays we will do an adventure outing. This might be an entire day spent in a city farther from home or it might be a short hike. This leaves the rest of the week for spontaneous playdates, park trips, errands, house chores, and downtime.
Next, I made a list of everything I wanted to do this summer. My kids are too small to have an opinion right now, so I did this part alone. If your kids are older though, have a planning session with them involved. It’ll get everyone excited and brainstorming together. If someone isn’t excited about an activity, show them that they have a say in other things you’ll be doing this summer.
Finally, I pulled out my calendar and schedule in our activities. Actually writing them down will help you plan for them and make it happen!
Take a look at this list for some things to do this summer to help get you started!
- Run through sprinklers
- Visit the zoo
- Go hiking
- Have a picnic in the mountains
- Go camping
- Have a water balloon fight
- Go on a road trip
- Visit an amusement park
- Watch an outdoor movie
- Go swimming
- Find a new splash pad
- Watch fireworks
- Go to a baseball game
- Find a new playground
- Cook a dutch oven dinner
- See a parade
- Go on a long bike ride
- Swim in a lake
- Library storytimes
- Go to a farmers market
- Eat snow cones
- Have a lemonade stand
- Tye-dye shirts
- Visit a museum
- Fly kites
- Go to the movies
- Camp in your backyard
- Play laser tag
- Feed the ducks
- Go out for milkshakes
- Finger painting
- Do an art project
- Go to the State Fair
- Make homemade pizzas
- Take a picnic to the park
- Go to a water park
- Go bowling
- Play mini golf
- Movie in the park
What are you going to put on your list of things to do this summer?
|
like blog
|