Loveseats are a great accent piece of furniture with quite the history. While they may seem like the perfect place to get cozy sitting side-by-side, a loveseat was originally made to fit a lady and all the fabric that made up her skirt. Thank heavens styles have changed and a loveseat can be a place to kick your feet up! Below are some loveseats I would love to add to my home. Click on the pictures for more information! 

Nothing says “I love you” like a seat built for two! Check out all of RC Willey’s loveseats this Valentine’s Day and let me know which one is your favorite!

When it comes to updating your home, a little paint and a little elbow grease make a huge difference. We’ve been renovating our home and it’s amazing to see how a coat of paint can completely change the entire room. It’s easy for me to get on board with painting a room, but not so easy for me to pick the actual color.  When we were deciding on a gray to paint our living room, I probably painted 10 swatches of color before we finally decided. Committing to a paint color is hard, so here’s so advice that might make the process of deciding a little easier. 

via PRNewswire

1. Before you decide on a paint color, decide on the mood of the room. Neutrals and cool colors (blues, greens, grays, etc.) create a soothing, peaceful atmosphere. Bolder and warmer colors (reds, oranges, yellows, etc.) are more dramatic and intimate.

via Home Bunch

2. Notice the features that are already part of the room. If you have a bold tile backsplash in your kitchen, you may want to go for a neutral paint color. Pay attention to the colors of your floors and decide what paint color will best match it. If you have molding or trim that is interesting, consider how you can highlight it.

3. Always, always, always paint a swatch of the color before you commit to painting the entire room. You can paint it directly onto the wall or onto a white poster board to see how it will look. Check on the color throughout the day as the lighting in the room will change the look of the color.

via Mix and Chic

4. Last, but not least, don’t be afraid to ask painting professionals for suggestions and help. They can give suggestions of trending colors and help you create a color palette for whatever room you are painting.

The most important thing to remember is that paint is not permanent! You can always paint over it later. Experiment and see what a simple coat of paint can do.

What colors are you painting your home these days?

Valentine’s Day was so fun as a little kid. I loved giving out Valentine’s to my friends and family, and especially loved making my own. There was something wonderful about creating something myself to give to the people I loved. Even now, it means so much more when I get a handmade gift. With that in mind, I’ve gathered together some fun Valentine Day craft ideas for you and your little ones to put together and give away to those you love! 

From I Heart Crafty Things - instructions HERE

From Homework - instructions HERE

From Momista Beginnings - instructions HERE

From Krokotak - instructions HERE

Have fun crafting with your loved ones this holiday!

After a long day’s work, after hearing your phone ring and beep with calls and texts, after talking to people all day long, take some time to treat yourself! Whether you choose to include someone or take it easy by yourself, having a cozy night at home is the perfect way relax. Listed below is everything you need for the perfect evening at home, so grab your warmest socks and softest sweater, and keep reading! 

Make sure your environment matches the mood you want. Pick a comfortable spot (my favorite spot is the corner piece of our sectional), light a scented candle, and dim the lights.

 Get a blanket and some pillows to really hunker down. If you can make sure everything you could ever want is within arm’s reach, that’s even better.

via Hummingbird Cottage

Turn on a good movie, open a good book, or turn up some good music.

Have a mug of hot chocolate or tea ready to sip. Whether you actually end up drinking it, just having something warm in your hand makes everything cozier.

Have a great Friday! What are some of your favorite things when you get ready for a cozy night in?

Should you buy a front load washing machine or a top load washing machine? This is one of the first questions you will need to answer when looking to update your laundry room. The answer really just depends on your laundry needs. We’ve gathered together the pros and cons of each top and front load washers to help you make the right decision for you. 

Front Load:

Pros -

• If you have limited space, a front load washer can be stacked.
• Front load washers are more energy efficient and use less water than top load washers.
• The spin cycle is faster than top load and gets more moisture out of the clothes, which means less drying time is needed.
• You can wash more at once with a front load washer, and bulky items such as queen-sized blankets are easier to fit inside.
• There are many more settings on how you can wash your clothes than on the traditional top load washer.  
• Studies have shown that your clothes get cleaner in a front load washer.

Cons -

• Front load washers are more expensive than top load washers.
• Because the door is so low to the ground, it can be hard stooping over to load and unload clothes. You can buy pedestals to raise the unit up, but that is an added cost.
• It is harder to add clothes to the washer once it’s started because the door locks to avoid leaks.
• Water and detergent can get trapped inside, creating a musty smell.

Top Load:

Pros -

• You don’t have to stoop over to load or unload your laundry.
• It is easy to add clothes to the washer mid-cycle.
• Because of its design, you are unlikely to have any musty odors.
• The controls on a top load washer are uncomplicated and intuitive to operate.
• The cleaning cycles are generally shorter than front load washers.

Cons -

• Due to the design and size, it may not easily accommodate large items like down comforters or blankets.
• It is not stackable and will need to be side-by-side with the dryer.
• More water is used when washing the clothes.
• It is not as effective at spinning out the moisture from clothes which mean you may have a longer drying time.

All in all, either option is a good choice. If you have lots of laundry that is very dirty, a front load washer may be the best choice for you. If you aren’t too fussy, don’t want to spend a lot of money, and just want a basic wash for your clothes, consider a top load washer.

Check out all of RC Willey’s washers and dryers, and let us know which style you prefer!

Thomas Jefferson said, “I cannot live without books." If you feel that way, or you want to feel that way, here are four books that I would recommend to anyone to read. 

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

If you are looking for: a book about a girl growing up

Why you’ll love it: I love books about strong, independent women and this is definitely one of them. Set in Brooklyn during the early 1900s, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn tells the story of Francie and her daily life living in the slums, dealing with other children, handling her family, and developing her own imagination. It’s a book I’ve read multiple times and one that I have always found a way to connect to.

Ready Player One

If you are looking for: a science fiction book full of 80s pop culture

Why you’ll love it: This book simultaneously looks at the future and the past. It’s the year 2044 and the way people deal with the ugly realities of their lives is to escape into a virtual world designed around the 1980s called Oasis. Hidden in this world are clues that lead to a prize that will give the person who finds it unlimited power and glory. I am not a huge fan of videogames and thought that I wouldn’t like this book, but I really enjoyed it. It’s an interesting idea and the storyline was full of action and adventure.

Jane Eyre

If you’re looking for:  a classic

Why you’ll love it: This is my favorite book so I had to include it on this list. I read it in Jr. High and loved it ever since. It’s very much a classic English novel, but included with the manners and concerns about status is a mystery and some eerie moments that make it much more interesting.

Peace Like a River

If you’re looking for: an adventure full of family, miracles, and an airstream trailer

Why you’ll love it: The characters in this book are my favorite part. The storyline is exciting - the oldest brother goes on the run after being accused of murder - but the character descriptions overpower the plot. I especially love Swede, the 8-year-old sister who is obsessed with the American West and writes cowboy poetry.

What are some of your favorite books? What are you reading right now? Please share!

A coffee table is not just a place to put your drinks or your feet. It’s also a surface to be decorated! Give your coffee table a new look following the tips below. 

via Brit+Co

Use books or trays as a base - especially if you have an upholstered ottoman. Stack a variety of books with bright colors and images to give height to your decorations.

via Studio McGee

Cluster things together in odd numbers. Most designers encourage groups of three. Odd numbers are more interesting and visually appealing than even numbers.

via Studio McGee

Include some plants to make your room feel clean and fresh. Flowers will add some interesting colors as well.

via Lark & Linen

If you’re stuck on what to do, a stack of books, a plant, and something shiny will never go wrong. Do you have any other ideas of how to decorate your coffee tables? Share below and check out all of RC Willey’s coffee table options!

Kicking your feet up and reading a book is the best way to relax. I love reading but have noticed that unless I have a comfortable place to read, I often end up laying on the couch and watching TV instead. If you have made it a goal for yourself (or your kids!) to read more this year, pick a corner in your home to transform into a reading nook. Below is a step-by-step guide on creating your own perfect nook. 

via RC Willey

Step one: Get a comfortable chair. Too comfortable and you’re likely to fall asleep. Not comfortable enough and you will never sit in that chair and only occasionally glance in its direction. Don’t be afraid to test multiple chairs before committing. This is a big decision.

via HomeDIT

Step two: Consider the lighting. Don’t strain your eyes reading in dim light! Do your best to be by a window for natural lighting during the day, and be sure that you have a lamp nearby for nighttime reading.

Step three: Be sure there is easy access to multiple pillows and blankets. One of the joys of a nook is that if you can position your body, your pillows, and your blankets just right, you may never leave again.

via Style Me Pretty

Step four: Bookshelves should be within easy reach. That way if you finish one book you can easily grab a new one (see step three).

Step five: A good book! Get a library card - they’re free!

Hopefully, with these instructions, you’ll be able to create your own ideal reading nook. If I left out anything that you’ve used in your own reading nooks, please share!

The type of light bulb you use in your light fixtures can dramatically change the mood of the room. Knowing this, it might be difficult to know which type of bulb you should use. As trivial as it might seem, knowing which kind of light bulb works in which light fixtures can be a small change that makes a huge difference. Below I’ve listed some common light bulb types, their characteristics, and the best place for them in your home. 

Incandescent: This is the most common light bulb we buy and has warm tones. They can be used with a dimmer, but generally are not the most energy efficient option.

Fluorescent: This light is best used in large areas like basements or attics. Generally, fluorescent lighting is flat, cold, and bluish which can make it unappealing for living spaces.

Halogen: These lights are similar to incandescent and are the closest to natural daylight. Usually this light is found in pendant lights and recessed canned lighting, and is more energy efficient than incandescent lights. This bulb burns at a higher temperature, which means you cannot touch it with your bare hands when changing the bulb. The oils on your hands can rub off onto the bulb, cause the bulb to get hot too quickly, and burst.

LED (light-emitting diode): These are extremely long-lasting and energy efficient, but are generally more expensive than other lighting options. Because their light is directional and not diffused, these bulbs work best as under-counter or task lighting.

Next time you’re buying a lightbulb, think about what fixture it will be in and what the purpose of the lighting will be. I think you’ll be surprised at what a difference your lightbulbs will make. Let me know if you’ve noticed a change!

Deciding how to renovate a bathroom can be tricky. When we first moved into our home, my husband and I knew that we would eventually want to redo the bathroom. It was dated and, frankly, a little bit gross. I didn’t realize how hard it was to visualize how everything we had picked out would work together until my husband had already gutted the room and we had to make some decisions. Fortunately, everything came together and we love our bathroom! If you’re thinking about completely redoing a bathroom, or even just hoping to add something new, I’ve gathered some of the pictures I used for inspiration for you below.

Flooring: 

via Amber Interiors

I love black penny tiles and luckily was able to convince my husband that’s what our bathroom needed. I think it helped that I was 8 months pregnant during the remodel!

via Home Adore

Our second choice were black and white penny tiles. We love the look of the small tiles, but if we hadn’t gone in that direction I would have loved to lay something like this -

via Paper Blog

Tub and Shower: 

via Homes to Love

I would have loved to use white subway tiles with dark gray grout on every wall of our bathroom, but 1. it was too expensive and 2. my husband looked like I had punched him in the gut when I suggested he tile our entire bathroom. Instead, we used it on the walls in and around our shower.

Storage: 

We reclaimed an old buffet table as our vanity, but in doing so lost most of the storage space. Fortunately we had enough room for a shelving unit to solve that problem.

via RC Willey

We went all out on our bathroom renovation, but even just changing out your towel or accessories can make all the difference. How have you updated your bathroom?