Knowing the difference between mattress sizes is important when picking a mattress and bed frame. The size of your room, your needs, and your personal preference will all help determine which mattress size you choose. If you’re trying to decide on a new mattress size pull out your measuring tape, think about your ideal night’s sleep, and keep reading to get all the information you need to make your decision.

TWIN Mattress Size - 39” x 74”

Twin mattresses are the smallest mattress available and are perfect for one person, whether child or adult.

TWIN XL Mattress Size - 39” x 80”

Twin XL (extra long) mattresses are about 6 inches longer than a typical twin. These are common in dorm rooms or are a good purchase for taller adults.

via RC Willey

FULL Mattress Size - 54” x 74”

Full mattresses, also known as double mattresses, are slightly bigger than a twin but still not quite comfortable for two people to sleep comfortably. This is a good option for growing children.

QUEEN Mattress Size - 60” x 80”

Queen mattresses can comfortably sleep two people and are one of the most popular bed sizes today. If you have a small bedroom, a guest room that might sleep two people, or just like sleeping close to your partner, a queen mattress may be what you are looking for.

via RC Willey

KING Mattress Size - 76” x 80”

King mattresses are the widest bed available, making it a perfect option for couples who like lots of room while they sleep. Because these beds are larger and more difficult to move, bed springs are split to make it easier to move throughout your home.  

CALIFORNIA KING Mattress Size - 72” x 84”

California King mattresses are 4” narrower than a standard king, but 4” longer. While you do lose some width with this choice over a king mattress, it’s still much roomier than a queen and gives a lot more legroom for taller adults.

Remember that your bed frame will take up more room than just the size of the mattress. Make sure you have taken that into consideration before deciding on your bed sizes.

Every time I stay somewhere with a king mattress it feels like such a treat to sprawl out and have endless space. Someday, hopefully! What size of bed do you have?

In the Interior design world trends are always evolving and changing.  What's in vogue one day seems to be out the next, and sometimes it's hard to stay in the know!  Here are five hot new trends that you should be on the lookout for this spring...  

1. Matte Finish Appliances

Did you ever think the day would really come when stainless steel wouldn't be the hottest appliance finish around?  I sure didn't!  Matte finish appliances are a new modern take on everything we love about stainless steel.  You get the same rust-proof benefits of stainless steel, and then some! Black stainless steel and slate finishes are a warmer, much more fingerprint resistant and smudge proof option.  I'll be honest- when I first saw matte appliances several months ago I didn't think I'd ever be on board, but the more I see it, the more I really like it.  I think this is going to be the new normal...

via love grows wild

via pinterest

Check out RC Willey's black stainless steel and slate appliances! 

2. Modern Textile Art 

Macrome made a comeback, and now modern textile art is making it big as well.  If it's woven or fabric based, chances are it's on point this season!  If your grandma made it fifty years ago, it's probably cool again.  

via domino

3. Vanity Conversions in Bathrooms

Thinking about renovating your bathroom, but can't find any pre-manufactured vanity that you like enough to buy?  No problem!  The latest bathroom trend is to think outside the box!  Find an awesome chest of drawers, vintage console, or cabinet that you love, and BAM----turn it into a vanity!  You get what you want, and your bathroom has a whole lot of character.  

 
via pinterest

4. Acrylic Decor
Acrylic chairs have been on the rise for a while now and it looks like we are just getting started!  Look for cool acrylic furniture including chairs, tables, cribs and consoles.  I love how clean, modern, and expensive it looks.  

elle decor via pinterest

5. Satin brass

Polished brass finishes were really popular for a while, but recently the trend is moving away from the reflective & polished look towards a more muted satin brass.  It's a little bit warmer, a lot less busy, and bonus: satin brass goes well when paired with almost any color, so you really can't go wrong.

via pinterest

6. Indoor Plants

Based on the health benefits alone, indoor plants are one of those trends that should never really go away....but wiith the color of 2017 being green it's very favored right now to have as many plants inside your home as possible!  I don't think there is such a thing as too much- so bring the outdoors in!  Green plants make everything better.  

home beautiful via pinterest

What do you think of these current trends?

Love them?  Hate them?

Analogous color schemes sound more complicated than they actually are. Look at the color wheel, pick three colors next to each other, and there you have it! Using analogous colors in your interior design creates a harmonious room with enough contrast in color to keep things interesting.

The first step when deciding to use this color scheme is to pick the main color you will be using. Then, looking at the color wheel, choose two or three colors that sit next to your main color that you would like to incorporate into your design. It’s as simple as that! Scroll through below to see some examples of how you could incorporate analogous color schemes into your home. 

Yellow, Yellow-Orange, Orange

via Home DIT

  Yellow, Yellow-Green, Green

via Frenchy Fancy

Green, Blue-Green, Blue

via Apartment Therapy

Blue, Blue-Violet, Violet

via Darling Doodles Design

Violet, Red-Violet, Red

via Apartment Therapy

Remember that you can use shades of the actual colors, so if the idea of using bold colors intimidates you, think of using pastels or small doses of the colors. 

What do you think? Would you use analogous color schemes in your home? 

Have you ever thought about including open shelving in your kitchens? I’m not nearly organized enough to have all the dishes I use on a regular basis exposed to the world, but I love the idea of having a couple of open shelves as a display. Especially if they are filled with clean, simple displays. Here are some of my favorite inspirations for open shelving in kitchens. 

via Planete Deco

via Hooked on Houses

via Homey Oh My

via Sarah Sherman Samuel

via Bigger Than The Three of Us

What do you think? Would you use open shelving in kitchens?

If you could have your dream closet, what would it look like? My husband and I have always lived in older houses which are heavy on charm but light on storage. Our house right now has one small closet in the master bedroom that we share. Fortunately, neither of us have that many clothes, but it does get really annoying to find sweatshirts shoved in the box we store our socks in. The other day while I was putting away the laundry, I kept imagining my dream closet and then, like a fool, I looked up amazing closets online. Here are some of the closets that are making me drool with envy. 

via One Kindesign

via My Domaine

via Hidell Brooks Gallery

via My Domaine

Do you have your dream closet?

It’s important to know what paint finishes to use when painting your home. It really does make a difference! Here is everything you need to know about different paint finishes and when and where you should use them. 

FLAT:

This is a matte finish and has no shine. Because it doesn’t reflect the light, this is a good paint finish when you are covering walls with texture or damage. It is harder to keep clean, so keep that in mind when deciding where to use this paint finish.

Where to use: Ceilings

EGGSHELL:

With slightly more sheen than flat paint, eggshell is easier to clean than flat paint. There is more depth and a velvety look to paint with eggshell finish. This paint finish will not make your walls look shiny.

Where to use: Bedrooms, Living Room, Dining Room

via Protect Painters

SATIN:

This paint finish and offers the same depth and warmth as eggshell. Like eggshell, satin paint is easier to clean and resists scuffs, but unlike eggshell satin is able to resist moisture. This finish will not make your walls look shiny.

Where to use: Kitchen, Laundry Room, Bathrooms, Hallways

SEMI-GLOSS:

This is a tough paint finish that handles scrubbing and is scuff resistant. Using a semi-gloss paint finish will make your walls look shiny, which highlights any imperfections of your wall. This is a great finish for high traffic areas or places that require a lot of cleaning.

Where to use: Trim and Moulding, Kitchen Cabinets, Doors, Woodworking

via Painted

GLOSS:

This is a very durable and shiny paint finish. This scrubs clean without a problem and is scuff resistant. Like semi-gloss, gloss finish shows any imperfections it is painted on.

Where to use: Anything you want to have a lacquered look - be careful when using this paint finish! It makes a big impact. 

You’ll end up using different paint finishes throughout your home, so make sure you think through what you are painting before you make your choice. If you have any questions, the people at the paint counter will always help you.

What paint finishes do you use in your home? What are you painting right now? 

If you are like me and tend to procrastinate when it comes to picking up gifts for people (I'm usually the girl running around like a crazy person at the store an hour before the party starts), don't sweat it!  We've got you covered this time.  With Mother's Day coming up in just a few short days, if you haven't already picked up something special for your mom, here are a few last minute gift ideas that we think she'll love!    

Flower of the Month Club from Bloomsy Box
I mean, what girl wouldn't love a fresh boquet of flowers delivered to her door every month?

 
Instant Pot from Amazon
I have so many questions about this contraption.  From what I've heard it's life changing!

Perfume Sampler from Sephora
Trying to select a scent for someone else is like the worst.  Since picking perfume is a personal thing, this sampler is the perfect gift!  Let her smell and try a selection of perfumes, but then she gets the final say in the one she wants!

Oversized Metal Wall Clock from RC Willey
This is so darn cute.  Even cuter in person, I think.

 
Outdoor Throw Pillows from RC Willey
Perfect gift heading into patio season!

Galvanized Metal Cart from RC Willey
Your mom needs this for her next outdoor party!

Dishes from Crate & Barrel
Currently swooning over these lovely dessert plates.

 
Hanging Air Plant Terrarium from Amazon
Isn't this a fun?  I want one mainly out of curiosity!

What other ideas do you have?

Three cheers for all of the awesome mom's out there!

If you have a balcony you wish you used more, think about using these decoration ideas to make it into your favorite outdoor space! The only time I had a balcony was in one of my college apartments. It was covered in ripped industrial carpet, had a broken railing, and I never sat on it because it was disgusting. What a lost chance! I wish so badly I had created a place we could have comfortably spent time. Don’t be like me - make your balcony your perfect getaway.

via Homesthetics

First, cover up the ugly floor of your balcony. You can purchase wood tiles that will float on the floor of the balcony or get a bright indoor/outdoor rug to liven things up.

via Homesthetics

Have a comfy place to sit. You may only be able to fit one seat, but having somewhere to relax will encourage you to use your balcony.

via Architecture and Design

Add a privacy screen, especially if you live in an apartment complex with other balconies looking into yours. Curtains or hanging plants will help you be able to have a little privacy while you enjoy your view.

via Homesthetics

Include plants somewhere on your balcony. Just because you’re above the ground doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy everything the outdoors have to offer!

via Balcony Garden Web

Add lighting. Hanging twinkle lights or bringing out an outdoor lamp will create a relaxing mood for evenings on your balcony.

Most of all, keep it simple. You don’t want to feel like there isn’t room for you after you’ve set up all your decorations!

Do you have a balcony? What have you done to decorate?

If you are sick of a) Spending too much money on emotional clothing purchases b) Staring at a closet full of clothes, but feeling like you have 'nothing to wear' because you don't love most of them c) Thinking that buying stuff will make you happy, only to realize that it doesn't....then this blog post is for you!

I've heard about capsule wardrobes for the past few years now, and to be honest, the idea had never really appealed to me.....until now!  I realized the other day that I need a serious closet intervention, and I think this is it!  

What is a capsule wardrobe?
Minimizing your closet into a small collection of seasonally appropriate clothes, THAT YOU LOVE, that mix and match well together.  

What are the rules?
You limit your wardrobe for 3 months (the length of the average season) to 37 items.  Yes, you read that right.  Thirty-seven items. Included in this number are shoes, tops, bottoms, dresses, and jackets & outerware.  Not included are pajamas, work-out apparel, underwear, swimsuits, accessories, and special occasion outfits.  Also, you can shop during the week or two that you are planning for your next season's capsule wardrobe, but otherwise, ABSOLUTELY NO SHOPPING!

Here is a breakdown of the general seasons you want to get capsules for:
Winter (Jan-March)
Spring (April- June)
Summer (July- Sept)
Fall (Oct- December)

How do I do it?
Here are 3 quick steps that Caroline from Unfancy (the girl who we have to thank for starting this genius wardrobe capsule phenomenon), gives to help pair down your closet and build the perfect capsule wardrobe:

Step 1: Empty your closet. Seriously, take absolutely everything out of your closet and lay it out on your bed. Don’t cheat–taking everything out at once is the secret to style clarity. As you put your LOVE IT pieces back into your empty closet, your style will practically scream at you. But that won’t be the case if your closet is still being muddied with MAYBE pieces left hanging in there. So just take it all out, mkay?

Step 2: Sort each item into one of these four piles:

• LOVE IT AND WOULD WEAR IT RIGHT NOW!! Self explanatory. Put it back in your closet.
• MAYBE. This is for items that don’t fit quite right, the color is a little off, have sentimental value, you can’t put your finger on it but you just don’t wear it, or you’re keeping it because you paid a lot for it but you don’t wear it. Put all this stuff in a box and store it in the garage. You can always go get stuff out of it, but you probably won’t. If it’s still in the box at the end of your season, it’s time to say goodbye to it.
• NOPE. Self explanatory. Donate, swap with a friend, or sell it to fund new purchases.
• SEASONAL. Wool coat in summer? Probably don’t need it handy. But you’d never get rid of a staple like that–come on. If it’s not in season, but you LOVE IT, put it in a nice under-the-bed box and store it. You’ll definitely use it in your capsule wardrobe when that season rolls around.

Step 3: Assess what’s left in your closet–aka your LOVE IT clothes. You’ll want to have 37 season-appropriate items in your closet. Do you need to supplement? Time to plan + shop. Do you need to downsize? Put a few more items in your MAYBE box.

Caroline's site, Unfancy, is an incredible resource. Check out this awesome Capsule Planner to help you get started!  

Samantha Okazaki via TODAY

Why??
The whole idea behind building a wardrobe capsule is to do more, with less.  To find your true style by getting rid of the clutter of everything else that you don't actually love. To simplify and have time and money to find joy in life's many rich experiences, not things.   Doesn't it sound refreshing??  I can't wait to try my hand at simplifying my wardrobe this summer!  Also, one of the most common misconceptions about capsule wardrobes is that in order for it to work, you have to have only boring clothes.  This couldn't be further from the truth!  

Now, who is with me??

Landscaping your front yard this year? Me too! Each time I go on a walk I notice people’s yards and make mental notes of everything I want to include at my own home. I’m all about keeping things low maintenance, and I’ve noticed that there are a lot of simple ways you can up your curb appeal and make your yard more appealing. Check them out below! 

via Home Stratosphere

via Home DIT

Add a fence. If you don’t feel like a plain picket fence fits the overall aesthetic of your home, there are so many other options! I love how fences can add interest and depth to a yard. A low and inviting fence can still be neighborly while keeping your yard a little more private. 

via A Quiet Cottage Life

via Home Bunch

Think about the path leading up to your front door. If you are doing a total remodel think creatively about the materials and shape of the path. If you just want to dress it up, add lighting or flowers.

via HGTV

via Ella Claire

If you don’t have much of a yard or want to add interest to the front of a plain house, add window boxes. Color and flowers can make even the plainest home beautiful!

via DIY Projects

via The Place Home

Add a seating area. Even if you don’t have a front porch, find a nook to place a chair. I’ve seen some yards with chairs set up right in the middle of the grass and I love how they look.

What do you wish you had in your yard?