Whether you love them or hate them, I think it's always good to stay informed and know what the current design trends of the day are.   I have to be honest- some of these trends were surprising to me at first, but I'm really digging all six of them......

1. Black Marble
Am I the only person who had never heard of black marble until recently?  Everyone loves the look of white marble, but black marble is hot to trot right now!  It's just as beautiful as white marble but offers a deeper, richer, moodier feel.  Plus, it's easier to clean than white marble so obviously that's going on the Pro's list.  

 


via pinterest

2. Millenial Pink
Sophisticated pastels have been in the forefront this year, and they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Millenial pink (blush) is EVERYWHERE, and I'm eating it up.

 
via Mcgee and Co

via homeohmy

3. Pom Poms & Ruffles
If you follow the fashion world, surely you've been noticing pom pom's and ruffles as of late.  They are all over the place.  Interiors typically follow in the fashion industry's footsteps... so expect to see more of these feminine finishes in the home. Whether it's a Moroccan throw or a piece of furniture with ruffle-like trim, this home trend is just heating up!

 via Sarah Sherman Samuel

via pinterest

5. Woven Baskets
Woven baskets are so on point right now. I especially love the colorful African ones! The great part about incorporating woven baskets into your home decor is that they are not only cute but so functional. Whether you fill them with blankets, toys, or plants (or something else entirely!) say yes to woven baskets. 

McGee and Co via Pinterest

via pinterest

6. Fresh Greenery 
As much as I love a good floral arrangement in my home, fresh greenery is really front and center right now when it comes to accessorizing with plants.  The more greenery in every room, the merrier!  It's a simple way to freshen up your home and add a pop of color to any room.  

via studio mcgee

6. Tropical Prints
Whether it's fabrics, upholstery, wallpaper, or artwork framed and hung on the wall--- tropical prints are all the rage right now!

Etsy via pinterest
 

Have you ever wondered what the best washing machine for you is? As one of the most used appliances in your home, you’re going to want to make sure your new washing machine suits your needs. We want to help you make an informed decision on a new washer and find the best option for your lifestyle! 

Washing Machine Buying Guide

BEFORE YOU BUY

Measure Your Space

Make sure you measure your available space carefully before purchasing a washing machine. You will need at least 6” of space behind the machine for the water hook up and at least 1” of space on either side, including the space between the washer and the dryer. If you’re thinking of purchasing a top load washer, you will need about 20” of room above the machine for lid clearance.

With a front load washer, you will need to consider the swing of the door to make sure you will have room and it won’t bang into walls or cabinets. If you are limited on space or only have a small corner for laundry, a front load washer/dryer stack may be your best washing machine option.

Consider Tub Capacity

The size of the inside of the wash tub is measured in cubic feet. This is referred to as the tub capacity. The larger the tub capacity, the more laundry and bulky items the washing machine will hold. Front load or top load washers without an agitator have the largest tub capacity.

Depending on the number of people in your home and the amount of laundry produced, you will need to know what size of tub capacity you will need. If it is too small, you will be doing more loads of laundry a week than necessary. If it is too large, you will be wasting water and energy each wash cycle. For a starting point in deciding the tub capacity you need, 4 cubic feet can wash 12-16 pounds of laundry. A child’s outfit may weigh 1-3 pounds and an adults outfit is generally 3-5. Ultimately it’s better to lean towards the larger side than the smaller.

TYPES OF WASHING MACHINES

Top Load

As its name would suggest, a top load washing machine is loaded and unloaded by lifting the lid on the top of the machine. Many traditional top load washing machines have an agitator in the middle of the drum that shakes, rotates, and rubs clothes together to get them clean. These models are usually the cheapest washing machine option, though there have been some complaints that the agitator causes more wear and tear on your clothing.

There are high-efficiency (HE) top load washing machine options that do not include the agitator. These machines are more gentle on clothing than machines with agitators, use less water, and have more room in the drum for bulkier items that might be difficult to fit in a traditional machine. The cost is higher upfront for a high-efficiency top load over a traditional top load, but will save money on electric bills in the long run.

Top load machines with and without agitators both have shorter wash cycles than other washing machine styles. With a top load washing machine, it is also much easier to add clothing after the cycle has already started. Before purchasing a top load washing machine, notice how deep the drum is and remember that you’ll have to reach all the way to the bottom to get your clothes out.

Front Load

Front load washing machines are opened and closed by a door on the front of the machine. These machines clean better, are gentler on clothes, use less water, and are more energy efficient than top load washing machines. They are also more expensive than both the top load with an agitator and a high-efficiency top load. Because the front door locks and seals to prevent leaks, it can be more difficult to add clothing in the middle of a wash cycle. There have also been some complaints of the rubber seal around the door collecting water and smelling moldy.

Front load washing machines have longer wash cycles than other machines but are able to spin much faster to get the most water out of the clothes. The high-speed spinning cuts down drying time, but also can cause some machines to vibrate more than other washing machine options.

Before buying a front load washing machine, remember that because the door is near the ground you will need to bend or stoop to get your clothes in and out of the washer. For an extra cost, there are pedestals available that will raise a front load washing machine to a more accessible height, making them great options for people with physical limitations who may struggle to bend over and reach into the drum of a top load machine. Some front load machines have the ability to be stacked with a dryer, allowing both machines to fit in tight spaces.

Twin Load

Acting as a pedestal to raise a front load washer, a twin wash is a small drawer-like washing machine designed for small loads of laundry. You can run both the large and small washing machines at the same time but with different settings, which makes it easy to separate bulky items from delicates. This machine can also be run independently of the larger washing machine if you have a small load that needs to be washed before you have enough laundry built up for a larger load.  

FEATURES

There are so many new features in newer washing machines that it's important to know what is available before you start shopping. In order to get the best washing machine for you and your family, decide on what you can't live without and make it a priority when looking for a washing machine. 

Built-in Sink

Rather than soaking your clothes in a sink and creating a mess when you transfer them to the washer, you can purchase a washing machine with a sink built in. Many of them have water jets and scrubbing boards included as well.

Automatic Soap Dispenser

Some washing machines come with automatic soap dispensers. These dispensers allow you to fill a cartridge full of soap, insert it back into the machine, and then wash a specific number of loads without having to worry about adding soap. The control panel will alert you of when it is time to refill the dispenser.

Automatic Temperature Control

Because water temperatures vary depending on location or season, having an automatic temperature control will adjust the hot and cold water to match the temperature setting. Without this feature, the washing machine will just mix the hot and cold water available, which does not create a constant or reliable temperature  

Extra Rinse Cycle

This will rinse your clothes with clean water twice, which completely rids your clothes of detergent residue. This feature is beneficial to those who have sensitive skin.

Auto-Load Sensing

Your washing machine will sense the size of the load and will only use the amount of water necessary for that size.

Stainless Steel Tub

Stainless steel tubs are the best option for a washing machine. The stainless steel stands up to high-speed spin cycles and is stronger than a plastic counterpart. Because there are fewer pores in stainless steel than in plastic or porcelain, these tubs resist odors and stains. It is also the smoothest surface of tub options, which makes it the most gentle option on clothing.

End-of-Cycle Signal

Many machines come with the option for a signal to sound when your washing cycle is completed.

Steam Setting

The steam setting on a washing machine uses hot water vapor to achieve a deeper clean, sanitize clothing and reduce allergens, and minimize wrinkles.

Delay Starts

You will be able to set a timer for you machine to start with a delayed start, allowing you to get your washing done exactly when you want.

Automatic Water Level/Auto Sensing

With this feature, your washing machine will automatically sense the size of your load of laundry and will adjust the water accordingly, limiting water waste.

Make sure you do your research and you'll end up with the best washing machine for your needs! If you have any questions or are interested in looking at a large variety of models, RC Willey is the store for you. 

Just because you have a small bedroom doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a relaxing, peaceful escape at the end of the day. We’ve talked a lot about decorating tricks for small spaces, but today we’re going to focus in on small bedroom ideas. At RC Willey, we have everything you need to make your small bedroom perfect. 

Small Bedroom Ideas

via RC Willey

If you want to have a seating area in your room as well as a place to sleep, think about getting a daybed. A sofa during the day and a bed at night will give you a place to relax and sleep soundly. This is a great option for a guest bedroom or a room for a teen.

via HGTV

With small spaces, it’s important to find multiple uses for your furniture. Having somewhere to sit other than your bed is so nice, but there’s not always room for a chair. Bringing in something like this wooden trunk will give you a place to sit with storage underneath.

via My Domaine

It’s a well-known fact that bringing a mirror into a small bedroom tricks the eye into thinking the space is larger than it is. A mirror over the dresser or a floor mirror in the corner will help your room feel much bigger than it actually is.

via My Scandinavian Home

Having a nightstand is a useful luxury that might seem impossible in your small room. If you can’t fit one on both sides of the bed, try finding a small nightstand like this to fit on just one side.

via Home DIT

Storage is the biggest problem that comes along with small bedrooms. Using shelving, or a narrow bookcase like this, will give you extra places to store anything you need. Baskets or bins will hide socks, belts, shoes...anything you want!

Whether your bedroom is tiny or huge, RC Willey is the place to find everything you need. 

What have you done in your small bedrooms to make them functional? 

One of the trickiest parts about decorating your home is knowing where exactly to start.  It's extremely helpful if you already have an idea of what kinds of furniture, colors, artwork, and decorations you are drawn to, and those you prefer living without.  But that can be easier said than done. Unless you're a designer working with different interiors every single day, how do you really know for sure what your style is??  

This is when I'm grateful for smart designers!  Emily Henderson developed a great home style quiz to help you get started in figuring out what your own personal style preference is.   I found it the other day and had to share!  Go check it out!

My oldest child started Kindergarten yesterday.  I swear he was just born, and then I blinked and he's in elementary school?  How did this happen?!  I won't get into how much I've cried over the past month, or how my heart almost exploded when he told me the thing he was most worried about when it came to going to full day Kindergarten was missing me.  Or how I about died as I watched him (carrying a backback bigger than him) climb onto that big yellow schoolbus and blow me a kiss before it drove away.

But I will talk about how I've been eating my feelings!!  

Growing up, every year on the first day of school my mom would bake the most delicious Peanut Butter Fingers and have them waiting for me when I got home from school.  We would eat them together while we talked about my new teacher, new friends, etc, and it just sort of became a thing.  She never missed a year.  I loved it.  I decided to carry on the tradition, and had these waiting for my boy when he got home.  He approved!  Here is the recipe...

Peanut Butter Fingers 

1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups peanut butter (divided)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a large bowl, cream the sugar, brown sugar and butter together. 
3. Add the vanilla, eggs, and 1 cup peanut butter, and combine.
4. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix together.
5. Spread dough on a greased jelly roll pan (18x13x1").  Bake for 15 minitues (or golden brown).
6. While hot spread the other 1 1/2 cup of peanut butter on top.
7. Once completely cooled (and peanut butter is solid), spread frosting on top.  

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter, softened
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla
Cream butter, then add all additional ingredients and beat until smooth.

I told you, we can't stop eating these babies.
Time to take some to the neighbors:)

Do yourself a favor and make a batch!

Tempur-Pedic mattresses are some of the best memory foam mattresses available. When you lay on a Tempur-Pedic mattress, the specially designed Tempur material conforms to your body giving support and relieving pressure where needed, giving you the perfect night’s sleep. These mattresses also minimize motion, so if you have a partner who tosses and turns all night you won’t even know they’re there.

If you’ve thought about purchasing a Tempur-Pedic mattress, we’ve given some helpful information, as well as some frequently asked questions, below. 

Tempur-Pedic Buying Guide

 TYPES OF TEMPUR-PEDIC MATTRESSES

There is a Tempur-Pedic mattress created for every kind of sleeper. Think of your sleep preferences before deciding which Tempur-Pedic mattress is right for you.

TEMPUR-Flex - This mattress has coils under the TEMPUR material, making it the most similar to a traditional coil spring mattress while still giving the benefits of the TEMPUR materials.

TEMPUR-Contour - This is a classic memory foam mattress and is a more firm option than other Tempur-Pedic mattresses.

TEMPUR-Cloud - As the softest of all Tempur-Pedic mattresses, this mattress has extra plush layers to make it as comfortable as possible.

TEMPUR-Breeze - To minimize overheating, this mattress is designed to be ultra-breathable.

Within Tempur-Pedic mattress collections, you can find different varieties of each mattress - Elite, Supreme, Luxe, and Prima. The difference refers to the amount of TEMPUR material and comfort material on each mattress. Generally speaking, the amount of added comfort material mirrors the price - the more you spend, the more material you’re getting.

For more information the different types of Tempur-Pedic mattresses, click here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can you flip a Tempur-Pedic mattress?

Because Tempur-Pedic mattresses are designed to have one side meant for sleeping, you should not flip your mattress.

My Tempur-Pedic mattress has a smell. What can I do to get rid of it?

Your Tempur-Pedic mattress may have a slight odor after it has been manufactured. Don’t be worried! The smell is normal and will go away after a week or two. To help get rid of the smell quickly you can air out your mattress by leaving the sheets off when you’re not sleeping on it for a couple of days.

How do I wash a Tempur-Pedic pillow?

Most Tempur-Pedic pillow covers are removable and can be machine washed. TEMPUR material should never get wet, but you can tightly roll up the pillow like a sleeping bag, release, and repeat the opposite direction. This will freshen your pillow and let in fresh air.

How long do Tempur-Pedic beds last?

On average a Tempur-Pedic mattress will last about 10 years.

How do you clean a Tempur-Pedic mattress?

Most Tempur-Pedic mattress covers can be removed and machine washed for quick cleans. If you have spilled something on your mattress, press a towel to the mattress to soak up any extra liquids. Remember, TEMPUR materials should not get wet, so don't scrub at the spot with a wet towel. Once you’ve been able to soak up as much liquid as possible, let your mattress air dry. 

What is the warranty on my Tempur-Pedic mattress?

Your Tempur-Pedic mattress has a 10-year warranty. Make sure you keep your proof of purchase and, if your mattress has a defect covered under the warranty, your mattress will either be fixed or replaced.

Remember that sleeping on a Tempur-Pedic mattress will feel much different than sleeping on a traditional mattress with springs. You need to give your body time to adjust to sleeping on a new mattress, but once you have gotten accustomed to it, you’ll notice a huge difference in how you feel each morning! Come to RC Willey and test out a Tempur-Pedic mattress for yourself!

The benefits of laminate flooring make it one of the best, most affordable flooring types out there. Cheaper than hardwood and easier to clean than carpet, laminate floors have become more and more popular. If you’ve been wondering whether or not laminate flooring is for you, check out all the reasons you should consider putting it in your home! 

Benefits of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has come a long way from where it first started. You can find laminate that matches the look and texture of lots of different wood, ceramic, and stone floors. By using laminate instead of these other floor types, you’ll be able to save a lot of money! Laminate is a much more affordable flooring option.

via RC Willey

If you have kids or pets, laminate flooring is exactly what you need. Laminate is one of the most durable flooring types available. Because of the clear wear layer, laminate floors are scratch and dent resistant. Moving furniture, dropping heavy objects, pet’s nails, and everyday wear and tear won’t affect your laminate floors. In addition to being such resilient floors, laminate doesn’t fade when exposed to UV rays like hardwood floors do.

via RC Willey

For anyone who wants to save even more money by installing flooring yourself, laminate is your best option. Each board clicks and snaps into place without needing to be glued or nailed down. Because the floor is essentially floating, you can install it over almost any existing floor.

via RC Willey

Cleaning laminate floors is simple. All you need to do is sweep and use a damp rag to wipe down the floors. No wax, soap, or polish is needed. The wear layer that protects the laminate from scratches and dents also helps protect from smudges, which keep your floors looking nicer longer.

via RC Willey

There are so many benefits of laminate flooring that it makes sense to seriously consider it for your next flooring remodel. RC Willey is the place to find exactly which laminate floor you’re looking for!

Do you have laminate flooring? What benefits of laminate flooring have you experienced?

Have you ever thought about switching out the chairs at your table for bar stools? While you may not want to use bar stools in your formal dining room, a breakfast nook or kitchen table with bar stools will give your kitchen a fun, casual twist. RC Willey has all the bar stools you need to create your own mix and match kitchen table look. 

Tables and Bar Stools

via Gravity Home

If you’re short on space, using bar stools instead of chairs is the way to go. Barstools without backs can slide completely under the table and out of the way.

via RC Willey

via RC Willey

Sitting on a stool can be uncomfortable, especially if there isn’t a back. Fortunately, there are lots of barstool options with backs as well. Check out some of my favorite options below!

via RC Willey

via RC Willey

via RC Willey

via RC Willey

There are lots of barstool options at RC Willey that will fit both standard and counter table heights. Check them out and let us know which barstool is your favorite!

I recently wrote a post detailing ways to get rid of the physical clutter in your home, but making sense of the mental clutter in your head should be even more of a priority.  I am the kind of person that has a calendar, plus about 10 different post-it notes full of weekly to-do's, daily to-do's, ideas, recipes, shopping lists, and goals floating around all the time.  It's hard to keep track of it all!  Especially in one place!  I love feeling organized, and have tried dozens of planners over the years, but not one has been able to keep track of it all for me.  Not one!

Am I the last person on planet earth to be introduced to the concept of bullet journaling??  After doing quite a bit of research, I'm convinced it's the best system in place to help you keep track of EVERYTHING.  Essentially it's your own journal/planner/organizer that you create and customize to work for your life.  Not only does it hold your schedule and to-do lists, but it also allows you to keep track of the important stuff, such as goals, ideas, impressions, etc. Basically the sky is the limit.  And it's all in one book! Ryder Carroll, the man who developed the system, is a genius.  He said the idea behind bullet journaling is to reduce complexity and provide clarity.  I can't be certain yet, but I think it will do just that!

Want to try it out?  There are very few rules.  You aren't confined to spaces and lines like regular dayplanners.  Instead, you start with blank pages, and go from there, figuring out what works best for you.  

Here's a video that explains how it works better than I can...

The great thing about bullet journaling, is that you can be as creative or simple as you'd like!  I'm feeling a little intimidated to start, but think after a little (or a lot) initial effort, it's going to be awesome.  Check out BulletJournal.com to get the whole scoop on how to begin and maintain your own bullet journal, and #bulletjournal on instagram to see some amazing examples!  

Despite taping off, laying tarps, and being as careful as possible when painting a room, accidents happen. If you’ve unintentionally spilled a little (or a lot!) of paint while trying to give your room an update, it’s time to learn how to get paint out of carpet. 

Getting Paint Out of Carpet

There are a couple of things that apply to all paint stains, regardless of whether it is a water based, latex, or oil based paint.

1. ALWAYS BLOT and never scrub. When you scrub the paint, you push it farther down into the fibers of the carpet which makes the stain harder to get out.
2. USE WHITE TOWELS when blotting and removing the paint. The last thing you want to do is transfer the color of your towel onto the carpet. Using white towels or paper towels will keep your carpets from getting even dirtier.
3. DON’T OVER USE WATER or let it soak into the carpet. If you let water sit on the carpet for too long, it can soak the carpet pad and end up mildewing.
4. BE GENTLE when you're working with the carpet. You don't want to damage your carpet further by pulling apart the carpet fibers while you are removing the paint.  

Now for actually removing the paint.

For Water Based Paints

If the paint is still wet, use a wet cloth or paper towel to blot up the paint. Keep blotting until the color is gone.

If the paint is dry, mix together hot water and dish soap to soak the stain until it is soft. Then, use a knife or a pin to scrape at the paint stain. Keep adding the soap water solution as you are scraping and be sure to blot up the paint and water as you go. You may have to use a steamer while you scrape to help you soften and remove the paint.

For Latex Paint

If it’s wet, blot up as much paint as possible to start. Mix 1 cup lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of dish soap and use the solution to soften and blot up the paint. Work from the outside of the stain in soaking, blotting and picking at the paint until the stain is gone.
 

For Oil Based Paint

Again, if it’s wet blot up as much paint as possible. If the paint is dry, use a steamer to soften it and pick at it with a needle or pin to slowly remove the paint. Keep going until the stain is gone.  

If all else fails and your carpet is damaged or stained beyond repair, RC Willey is the place to find a huge selection of carpet that will work perfectly in your home. 

What tips do you have for removing paint from carpet?