Interior Design Tips: Ask Questions to Solve Design Dilemmas
I was listening to a podcast by Bold New Mom the other day, and the concept of having a healthy relationship with yourself came up. She talked about the importance of really getting to know, accepting and then embracing every part of yourself. The good things, along with the things you'd like to work on changing. As I was thinking about it later on, it hit me that this same line of thought applies when it comes to building/remodeling/designing/decorating a home. In order to create your personal ideal home, you HAVE to know yourself. Your ideal home is probably going to be different from my ideal home, and that is how it's supposed to be!
Many of us have a tendency to look to the experts when we have any type of interior design question. But the truth is, just because some fancy shmancy designer thinks some new home trend is awesome doesn't mean it's going to work for us! Yes, this might sound groundbreaking, but YOU ARE THE PERSON WHO'S OPINION MATTERS VERY MOST! Therefore, I have found that the very best way to solve design dilemmas and to make committed decisions is to simply ask yourself questions! 
Let's practice together. Here are a handful questions to ask yourself if you have a hard time knowing what to invest in when it comes to design...
Question: Do I like to take baths?
If YES, you definitely will want to plan in a big soaking tub in the master bathroom.
If NO, skip a big soaking tub in the master bathroom, save your precious pennies and opt for a nice shower instead. Or, build a large bathroom linen closet where a tub would have sat!
Question: Do I really like to entertain lots of people?
If YES, you are going to want a large open concept with a big great room so that hosting lots of people is never an issue.
via houzz
If NO, you won't necessarily need an open concept home. A big open room shouldn't be a deal breaker for you!
via houzz
Question: Do I really like to cook? Or do I pretend to like to cook?
If YES, double ovens and a huge kitchen are going to be top priority!
If NO, you can focus your efforts on other rooms in the home. A smaller kitchen will suite your needs perfectly.
via Studio McGee
Question: Do I have a lot of clothes? And do I really love them all?
If YES, a large closet should be at the top of your list!
If NO, closet size probably shouldn't be a big factor. A regular, or even small(ish) closet will likely do just fine.
Question: Do I like cooking/eating/entertaining outside?
If YES, you definitely want a home that has a nice, large, sprawling patio with plenty of room to throw a party.
HGTV via pinterest
If NO, patio size and function probably shouldn't be one of your main concerns. Little is nice.
Question: Do I anticipate growing old in the home I'm currently living in or looking to buy?
If YES, you might want to really consider finding a home with a master bedroom and bath on the main floor (or renovating the home you're already in) so that stairs aren't a concern later on in life.
via houzz
If NO, the sky is the limit. Don't limit yourself by looking for one type of home! It probably doesn't matter whether the master bedroom is on the main level or upstairs.
via houzz
Keep asking those questions!! Decisions come so much easier this way.
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Choosing Between a Loveseat and a Sofa: What You Need to Know
What's the difference between a loveseat and a sofa? Â
This question often comes up when people are shopping for furniture or reflecting on their living room arrangement. While the terms "loveseat" and "sofa" are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a subtle but significant distinction between these two pieces of seating furniture. Â
Both have unique qualities and serve specific purposes when it comes to interior design and comfort. In this article, we'll delve into the characteristics that set loveseats and sofas apart, helping you make an informed decision for your home.Â
Simply put, the main difference between a loveseat and a sofa lies in their size and seating capacity. Â
A loveseat is a smaller, two-seat sofa designed to accommodate two people comfortably. Typically, it measures between 48 to 72 inches in width, making it a popular choice for smaller spaces or as a complementary seating option in a larger room.Â
On the other hand, a sofa, also known as a couch, is larger and offers seating for three or more individuals. Sofas come in various sizes, with standard dimensions typically ranging from 72 to 96 inches in width, providing ample seating for multiple people.Â
How much should I expect to pay for a loveseat vs a sofa?Â
The price difference between a loveseat and a sofa can vary significantly due to several factors. Â
Loveseats are generally more affordable because they tend to be smaller and have fewer seats. However, loveseats are excellent choices for individuals who don't plan to host gatherings frequently or who want a cozy, intimate seating arrangement for two people, like a couple looking for a comfortable seating option for their living room or bedroom. Â
Sofas, on the other hand, come in larger sizes and can accommodate more individuals. They are perfect for people who love to entertain, as they provide ample seating for guests during gatherings and social events. Large families can benefit from the generous seating capacity of sofas, ensuring everyone has a comfortable place to sit. Â
At RC Willey, our loveseat prices range from $369 to $3,500. And our sofa/couch prices range from $400 to $4,000.Â
Both loveseat and sofa prices will vary based on additional features. For example, sofas with built-in recliners, sleeper sofa functionality, or premium upholstery materials will come at a higher price. Â
How do I know whether I should get a sofa or a loveseat?Â
Choosing between a sofa and a loveseat all comes down to your individual needs and lifestyle. If you have a smaller living area or prefer a cozier seating arrangement for two, a loveseat is a great choice. Sofas, on the other hand, are perfect for larger spaces and those who like to entertain, offering ample seating for gatherings. Think about how many people you want to accommodate regularly.Â
Your budget should also be taken into consideration when deciding between a loveseat and a sofa. If you have financial constraints or are working with a limited budget, a loveseat can provide comfortable seating without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you have a larger budget and can afford the extra cost, a sofa may be a more versatile and accommodating choice.Â
Fortunately, when it comes to choosing between a loveseat and a sofa, there's no wrong decision. Both options offer comfortable seating solutions that can enhance your living space. Whether you go for the more budget-friendly loveseat or choose the slightly pricier sofa, rest assured that we offer flexible financing plans to help you manage the cost. This way, you can make the choice that best suits your space, needs, and budget while ensuring you have a cozy and inviting place to relax and unwind in your home.Â
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Chocolate Desserts
What better way of treating yourself and the people you love than making homemade, gooey, chocolate desserts? Honestly, there aren’t a lot of things that would make me happier than someone presenting me with a piece of chocolatey goodness. I love chocolate and chocolate based desserts, so I thought I’d compile a list of some of my favorite recipes for chocolate desserts, as well as some I’d like to try someday, below!
Chocolate Dessert Recipes
First and foremost, my absolute favorite chocolate recipe to make is COCA-COLA CAKE from Jestine's Kitchen. Jestine's Kitchen is a restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina and the first time I tasted this cake I just about died and went to heaven. Seriously. If you could declare love to a piece of cake, this would be the one. In fact, I ended up sneaking over and getting a second piece the next day. Make this recipe. Love it. You're welcome.
A sheet cake is always delicious, and this specific sheet cake lives up to its name - THE BEST CHOCOLATE SHEET CAKE. EVER. I have never made this cake without ending up eating about half of it by myself. It's just a classic, easy to whip up and universally loved chocolate sheet cake.
The thing I love about these BROWNIE MARSHMALLOW COOKIES is that they take a twist on a brownie, which I love, and combine it with a cookie, which I may love even more. The marshmallow adds some great flavor and the chocolate frosting is completely delicious. I also love that these are individual cookies because they're even easier to share!
via Pinch of Yum
I almost hate to admit this, but I probably made this DEEP DISH CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE WITH CARAMEL AND SEA SALT every weekend while I was in college. What I would give to have that metabolism again. Oh well. This is seriously delicious. My favorite thing to do is to pull it straight out of the oven, dump a scoop of ice cream on top, and dig in with your friends. It's always a hit.
Some of the chocolate recipes that are on my list to make is this chocolate cake, this chocolate mayonnaise cake, and this homemade hot chocolate. I haven't tried them yet, but man those pictures make my mouth water.
Whatever chocolate desserts you decide to make, RC Willey has all the small kitchen appliances you will need to create the perfect desserts! What are your favorite chocolate recipes?
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6 Galentine's Party Essentials
Valentine's day is often thought of as being the day we simply celebrate romantic love, but I think it's so much more than that! It's a time to celebrate ALL of the people that you love, and the many different relationships that help to enrich your life! So go on a romantic date with your partner, have a fun v-day celebration with your children, and don't forget to plan a Galentine's lunch with your best girlfriends!
Never planned a Galentine's party before? Here are 6 things you'll need to throw the perfect Galentine's Party...
1. Your Best Gal Pals
Most importantly, you need your best gal pals! Good friends are sometimes hard to come by, so look around and really celebrate the ones that you have. Whether you send out nice invitations, evites, or a quick text, make sure that you have a time and place when all of your friends can come together!
2. A Well Dressed Table
This isn't necessarily a requirement, but most women love a pretty table, so why not? Having place settings out will make your get together feel special and different from a casual hang out.
via pinterest
via pinterest
via pinterest
via pinterest
3. Fresh Flowers + Love Day Decor
It's a Valentine's party, so why not celebrate with pink, red, white, and hearts?! Whether you go all out and make a heart balloon backdrop, or simply have fresh flowers on the table, you can't go wrong. I know roses are the traditional flower of V-day, but I prefer a vase of pink tulips over red roses any day of the week!
via the house that lars built
4. Delicious Eats
What's a good party without good food?! Now, before you start thinking you need to hire a chef to come whip up an eight course meal for you, STOP RIGHT THERE. Don't kill yourself! Keep it simple so that you can spend your evening connecting with friends, not worrying about the meal and if everything is cooked to perfection. Opt to serve yummy fingerfoods like fruit, little tea sandwiches, and cupcakes instead! No stress, and no forks needed! Bonus points for anything shaped in a heart!
via pinterest
via pinterest
5. A Pink Drink
Duh, you've got to serve a pink drink! If you're doing breakfast or brunch, strawberry milk might hit the spot. Any other time of day, pink lemonade is a sure fire win!
crunchy creamy sweet via pinterest
via pinterest
6. Party Favors
You don't need to come up with anything elaborate or expensive, but I always think it's such a thoughtful gesture when the host puts together a little party favor for guests to take home. Something like a pack of thank-you cards, pink or red nailpolish, your favorite lip gloss, or a sweet treat will be sure to impress your guests!
via pinterest
via pinterest
Now go celebrate with your gals!
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Valentine's Day Ideas
Coming up with ideas for Valentine’s Day can be tricky. You don’t want to be cliche, spend too much money, or end up waiting forever in crowds of people. Instead, think of doing something with just your partner or family. Think outside the box and have a great day celebrating the ones you love!
Valentine's Day Ideas
via How Does She?
Some fun Valentine’s Day activities that would work for two or for an entire family:
- Fill the room with balloons and make a fancy breakfast (complete with heart-shaped pancakes!)
- Stay in, turn on some music, and make a new recipe together
- Give the gift of a cooking class and learn something together
- Pick a neighborhood you’ve never walked through and spend the afternoon walking through it
- Pack a picnic and take a hike
- Eat appetizers at one restaurant, your main meal in a different one, and move on to the next restaurant to finish up with dessert
- Choose your favorite restaurant, bring the takeout home, and rent a movie
- Go out for ice cream and taste as many flavors as possible
- Turn on your favorite music, sit at a table together, and write your partner a letter telling them how much you love them
- Heart attack each member of your family
- Have a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt
- Build a fort together and watch your favorite movie together
What are some of your best Valentine’s Day ideas?
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Interior Design Basics: Awesome Color Combinations
Knowing and understanding color is one of the greatest tricks when it comes to interior design. Simply knowing why some colors work together and others don't as much can help you take your interiors from good to great! Being familiar with a color wheel will not only help you when designing or decorating your home, but it also comes in handy when picking out an outfit, making birthday invitations, putting on makeup, creating a menu for dinner guests, or buying new artwork. Color is everything!!
There are several tried and true methods to creating pleasing color combinations. Many of them are complicated and can require at least some degree of formal training, but one of my very favorite ways also happens to be incredibly easy to implement....... You ready for it?? Pair colors that are adjacent to one another on the color wheel! How ridiculously easy is that? While a first grader could figure it out, the result is always smooth, calming, and very pleasing to the eye. You're welcome!
So pick a color, any color, on the color wheel- and then move to the right or left and pair it with that color. For example, if you know you want to incorporate red in your design, you would look on either side of it to find that it combines well with orange or pink. If you want to use green, combine it with yellow or blue and you'll be good to go. Easy peasy.
Here are some examples of some of the best adjacent color wheel combinations...
PINK AND RED:
via pinterest
via pinterest
via sarah kwisombe
ORANGE AND YELLOW:
via pinterest
via pinterest
via zimbio.com
GREEN AND BLUE:
via studio mcgee
via nest nest nest
via Harper's Bazaar
What are your favorite adjacent color combos??
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How to Arrange a Sofa and a Loveseat
Knowing how to arrange your new sofa and loveseat can be tricky. You know that feeling when you walk into a room and you can immediately tell if something is...off? The way the furniture is sitting in the room just feels strange and unwelcoming? Don’t have that home! Obviously, things will change depending on the size and shape of your room, but there are lots of ways to arrange sofas and loveseats that will work in most any room. Check out some of our ideas below!
How to Arrange a Sofa and a Loveseat
via Home Talk
If your room has a focal point like a fireplace, window, or interesting architectural feature, you can arrange your sofa and loveseat around that. Arranged in an “L” shape, you’ll be able to appreciate what makes your room interesting while still having a functional seating arrangement. Make sure your room feels balanced by including an end table or lamp at the end of the loveseat.
via Decor Pad
With a larger room or a space that needs more seating, make a “U” shape by adding accent chairs. You’ll not only have more seating, but you’ll be able to add some more personality to your room. Nothing makes a statement like an accent chair!
via Style at Home
For even larger rooms, arrange your loveseat and sofa so they face each other. Add a couple of chairs on either end and situate all furniture around a coffee table or ottoman. You’ll have the perfect place for conversation with this layout.
Don’t forget that with all your furniture arranging you should leave walkways large enough that no one will feel like they have to slide past - usually about 3 feet. Also, if you are wanting to incorporate an accent chair but don’t have a ton of space, armless chairs are smaller while still offering a different seating option.
How have you arranged your sofa and loveseat?
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Cute Valentine Printables for Kids
Making Valentine's with little kids is the best, and also kind of the worst! It's all fun and games in the beginning, until it takes three hours for your preschooler to write their name on each and every Valentine and you want to cry, run, or eat a cupcake out of desperation. I guess the fact that my son and daughter are so determined to do it all by themselves is a good thing in the long run, but in the meantime I'm over here losing my patience and sanity! Valentines have come a real long way since I was a kid. Part of me yearns for the simple days of a few meager conversation hearts sprinkled in a little envelope --- but then I see all of these cute Valentine ideas on pinterest and I'm on board real fast. Cheers! The greatest part about these is that you can print them off at home- so easy! Our school has a rule that you can't send in candy with Valentines, so here are a bunch of cute free non-candy Valentine printables I've found.....
via smart schoolhouse
the best ideas for kids
three little monkeys studio
via pinterest
via pinterest
via my name is snickerdoodle
via must have mom
via the suburban mom
via crazy little projects
via lilluna
via pinterest
via three little monkeys studio
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Filing Systems
Coming up with a filing system that works for you and that keeps you organized can be a tricky thing. In all honesty, I haven’t found the system that works perfectly for me yet, so I’m still on the hunt. With all the options out there, I’m sure I’ll find something that works eventually! There are so many different ways and techniques to keep your files organized and we’ve gathered a few different ideas for you to try out yourselves.
Filing Systems
When you’re creating a filing system, it’s important to remember that the whole purpose of organizing is so that you can find things easily and quickly. Whatever filing system you choose to you, make sure it makes sense to you and how you think.
via Bless'er House
ALPHABETICAL
One of the most basic tried and true filing systems is naming your folders and keeping them in alphabetical order in your filing cabinet. If you only have a few files, this might be a great option. If you have lots of folders or files you’re trying to keep organized you may have a hard time finding what you’re looking for with things that are alphabetized.
CATEGORY
Sort each of your files into different categories like personal, finance, insurance, etc. Once you’ve gotten everything organized and categorized into the appropriate categories you’ll be able to find things quickly - as long as you can remember what category you put it under!
NUMERICAL
In this system, each file is assigned a number and is organized in sequential order. This is a nice system if you’re trying to keep things confidential or if you have multiple files under the same heading. You will have to keep a master key of what each number stands for so you can remember where everything is.
COLOR CODED
A step above organizing things by category, purchase folders in a variety of colors. Decide which color will stand for which category, and there you go! Easy to sort and easy to see the difference between them.
A COMBINATION
Use any combination of these filing systems to create your own!
If you’re looking for an actual filing cabinet to replace the box you’ve been keeping things in, RC Willey has you covered! Check out all the filing cabinet options available here.
What filing system has worked for you?
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How to Set Up a Home Gym
If you like working out on your own but never seem to find the time to make it to the gym or struggle to find someone to watch your kids, setting up a home gym could be the solution! While it may seem like something that will take up a lot of room and cost a lot of money, creating a home gym doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. With just a few pieces of equipment and a little bit of space, you’ll be able to set up a home gym in no time!
How to Set Up a Home Gym
The first thing you need to do is figure out where you are going to set up your home gym. If you have a room that you can dedicate to your gym, great! If you don’t, you’ll still be able to have a home gym. You may have to share your home office or even push aside the coffee table to make room for your yoga mat, but you can do it!
You’ll want to make sure you have the proper flooring for your workout. If you’re using weights, consider bringing in a mat to muffle the sound and protect your floors. You should also have speakers nearby so you can blast your favorite workout playlist. Whatever your space, make sure you create an environment conducive to whatever workout you choose.
Next, you’ll need equipment. This is where you could end up spending more than you planned, so make sure you start with the basics. A bench, some weights, and whatever else you need to start your basic workout. If you have space and budget, you may consider bringing in a treadmill or elliptical. Either way, just remember that you don’t have to have everything right at the beginning. Make this a process and add equipment little by little.
Once you have the equipment, you need to figure out how you are going to organize everything. If you have a room dedicated to your home gym it will be easier than if you’re sharing the space. Shelves with bins or baskets to hide your weights, or even a storage ottoman, will keep your exercise equipment out of sight.
Now that everything is set up and ready to go, you need to find the perfect workout routine for you! There are plenty of exercises you can do at home with or without equipment. Whatever you choose to do, remember that you’re making strides at being healthier, and that is a great goal.
Have you set up a home gym? What did you do?
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