p img src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6822 easy-landscaping-ideas.jpg alt easy landscaping ideas width 778 height 567 p p span style font-weight 400 I rsquo ve been looking for some easy ways to landscape my yard. I want it to look nice but I also don rsquo t have the time or budget to go all out at this point in my life. Right now my goal is a clean nice and low maintenance yard. I rsquo ve mentioned that we rsquo re starting from scratch in a lot of ways with the landscaping in our yard and I rsquo ve been looking up some ideas to make it easy. Some of these ideas require some initial effort but once they rsquo re in you rsquo ve got yourself a low maintenance easy to care for yard nbsp --more-- img class hidden src https static.rcwilley.com images more-tag.png alt span p p span style font-weight 400 img src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6822 easy-landscaping-ideas-edging.jpg alt edging width 778 height 648 span p p style text-align center span style font-weight 400 via a href target blank The Art in Life a span p p span style font-weight 400 Add edging to separate different sections of your yard. The time nbsp it takes to put in edging is worth it. Once it rsquo s done it rsquo s done and your yard will look much sharper for your effort. Whether you want to have an edging of stone or simple plastic dividers think about incorporating it into your yard. span p p span style font-weight 400 img src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6822 easy-landscaping-ideas-plants.jpg alt shrubs width 778 height 584 span p p style text-align center span style font-weight 400 via a href http yard.ericteske.com 2015 06 hosta-hail-damage.html target blank Eric Teske a span p p span style font-weight 400 They are a little more expensive to purchase but add some trees or shrubs to your yard. Using trees and shrubs creates a focal point in your yard and if you rsquo re looking for a way to fill a large empty space they rsquo re your answer. span p p span style font-weight 400 img src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6822 easy-landscaping-ideas-planter.jpg alt xeriscaping width 778 height 584 span p p style text-align center span style font-weight 400 via a href http landscapingcapetown.co.za landscaping-cape-towns-gallery target blank Landscaping Capetown a span p p span style font-weight 400 If you aren rsquo t into weeding is anyone into weeding think about a href https www.rcwilley.com blogs Room-To-Talk 34 2015 5 5531 What-is-Xeriscaping- target blank xeriscaping your yard a and including planters with greenery rather than planting them in the ground. Easy access no weeds and if you xeriscape your whole yard no grass to cut and a cheaper water bill span p p span style font-weight 400 img src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6822 easy-landscaping-ideas-flowers.jpg alt plants width 778 height 778 span p p style text-align center span style font-weight 400 via a href http www.gardengatenotes.com 2012 04 03 mass-plantings target blank Garden Gate eNote a span p p span style font-weight 400 Rather than fill your entire yard with greenery and plants focus only on one area and create a cluster of plants and flowers. This creates a focus point gives direction to how you rsquo ll be working in your yard and is not as overwhelming as having multiple places to weed and plant. span p p span style font-weight 400 img src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6822 easy-landscaping-ideas-pathway.jpg alt gravel pathway width 778 height 973 span p p style text-align center span style font-weight 400 via a href https www.gardenista.com posts hardscaping-101-pea-gravel target blank Gardenista a span p p span style font-weight 400 If you have a shady place in your yard where few things grow think about adding a gravel pathway. You can make a cool path lined with pots or plants that will cover mud and limit weeds growing in that area. span p p span style font-weight 400 I love working in the yard and being outside but having less to do than more so that I can enjoy other things as well sounds amazing to me span p p span style font-weight 400 br span style font-weight 400 What have you done in your yards Any tips on creating a low maintenance yard nbsp span span p

Did you know that you need to clean your dishwasher? Being completely honest, I had never really thought about it, but here is why you should be cleaning your dishwasher on a regular basis: 

You are putting dishes with scraps of food, grease, and oil on them in your dishwasher and some of those scraps end up getting stuck in the filter. The food scraps will build up bacteria and can create a funny smell in your dishwasher, which is the last thing you want to smell when pulling out plates you’re about to eat on!

 

The inside of your dishwasher can start to be discolored from hard water over time. It can also start to smell funky, so it’s important to clean the inside, as well as the filter.

Good to know, huh? You can see instructions on how to clean a dishwasher here. If your dishwasher is beyond saving with a good clean, or you’re looking to swap it out for something more energy efficient check out all of RC Willey’s dishwasher options.

How often do you clean your dishwasher? I read somewhere you're supposed to do it every three months. If that's true, I'm really due for a cleaning!

p img style display block margin-left auto margin-right auto src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6837 5-Designers-You-Need-To-Follow-On-Instagram-first.jpg alt width 747 height 383 p p You guys. nbsp If you love interior design and you aren t following these designers on instagram you are really missing out. nbsp Here are 5 of my very favorite follows nbsp --more-- img class hidden src https static.rcwilley.com images more-tag.png alt p p 1. Stuio McGee nbsp br studiomcgee br This is a husband-wife owned interior design studio based out of our very own Salt Lake City Utah nbsp They came onto the scene just a couple years ago and have exploded in the best of ways nbsp Every. single. project they do is perfection. nbsp Their designs are classic fresh and streamlined with just a hint of masculinity. My mind continues to be blown by this studio and I can t wait to see what they do in the future p p nbsp a href 20https www.instagram.com studiomcgee img style display block margin-left auto margin-right auto src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6837 5-Designers-You-Need-To-Follow-On-Instagram-08121.png alt width 478 height 597 a p p nbsp p p a href https www.instagram.com studiomcgee img style display block margin-left auto margin-right auto src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6837 5-Designers-You-Need-To-Follow-On-Instagram-76858.png alt width 521 height 521 a p p nbsp p p 2. Becki Owens br a href https www.instagram.com beckiowens beckiowens a br This Southern California based Interior designer has the best eye nbsp Her deisgns are brilliant and absolutely stunning. nbsp I constantly find myself saying WOW under my breath when her feed comes up. nbsp She knows what s up. br br p p a href https www.instagram.com beckiowens img style display block margin-left auto margin-right auto src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6837 5-Designers-You-Need-To-Follow-On-Instagram.png alt width 508 height 599 a p p nbsp p p a href https www.instagram.com beckiowens img style display block margin-left auto margin-right auto src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6837 5-Designers-You-Need-To-Follow-On-Instagram-58746.png alt width 558 height 561 a p p br 3. Emily Henderson br em henderson br She s been around the block for a long time now and there s a reason why she hasn t gone anywhere. nbsp Her designs are fun and playful and a tad more feminine than some of the others I ve mentioned. nbsp She can make a hot pink couch look so rad. nbsp She always showcases the most colorful happy artwork and overall her style is just awesome. nbsp Also she always has a lot of instagram stories p p a href https www.instagram.com em henderson img style display block margin-left auto margin-right auto src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6837 5-Designers-You-Need-To-Follow-On-Instagram-88317.png alt width 479 height 580 br br a p p a href https www.instagram.com em henderson img style display block margin-left auto margin-right auto src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6837 5-Designers-You-Need-To-Follow-On-Instagram-97412.png alt width 558 height 373 a br br br 4. Patti Wagner br patticakewagner br This Minneapolis mother and designer makes Minnesota living look pretty darn charming. nbsp You ll see lots of simple white walls minimalistic design and dreamy architecture. nbsp Every Monday she posts a house crush from her neighborhood and oh my word I think I need to move there. nbsp br br br p p a href https www.instagram.com patticakewagner img style display block margin-left auto margin-right auto src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6837 5-Designers-You-Need-To-Follow-On-Instagram-23183.png alt width 558 height 558 a p p nbsp p p a href https www.instagram.com patticakewagner img style display block margin-left auto margin-right auto src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6837 5-Designers-You-Need-To-Follow-On-Instagram-74196.png alt width 558 height 554 a p p br br 5. Amber Lewis br amberinteriors br Another California based designer in the lineup nbsp Her designs are so intentional and well thought out. nbsp They are clean fresh and she has a knack for never over-doing it but finishing at the perfect stopping point. nbsp Everything looks elegant timeless and sleek. nbsp br br br br a href https www.instagram.com amberinteriors img style display block margin-left auto margin-right auto src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6837 5-Designers-You-Need-To-Follow-On-Instagram-77910.png alt width 495 height 597 a br br p p a href https www.instagram.com amberinteriors img style display block margin-left auto margin-right auto src static.rcwilley.com blog 34 6837 5-Designers-You-Need-To-Follow-On-Instagram-31921.png alt width 558 height 388 a p p nbsp p p style text-align center nbsp What instagram accounts do you like to follow for great design inspiration p p style text-align center nbsp p p nbsp p p nbsp p

Picking calming colors to use in your home will help create an environment to relax and unwind. After spending a day overwhelmed by sounds, lights, responsibilities, screens, and so many other things, it’s important to have somewhere calm to escape to. If you’re looking to create a peaceful environment, these are the colors you should use. 

BLUE

via Apartment Therapy

via Apartment Therapy

via One Kings Lane

via Elements of Style

 GRAY

via Traditional Home

via Home Bunch

via Architectural Digest

via Apartment Therapy

GREEN

 

via Gravity Home

via Design Love Fest

via One Kings Lane

via Coco Lapine Design

 VIOLET

via Benjamin Moore

via Apartment Therapy

via Home DIT

PINK

via Apartment Therapy

via Style and Minimalism

via VKV Visuals

Don’t be afraid of going more bold with your colors. Pastels and pale colors aren’t the only way to have a calm room. Pick a color you love and create your perfect oasis!

Do you have calm colors in your home? Or do you prefer bolder rooms?

 

 

 

 

Baking (and eating!) cakes is kind of my thing.  You might say it's my love language.  Over the years, I have tested hundreds of recipes.  I've found that regardless of the recipe used, there is one simple secret to making the perfect, moist, delicious birthday cake.  Are you ready for this??....

FREEZE THE CAKE!

Yes, if you've never heard of this technique before this may sound strange, or crazy.  But, I promise you, it's the only way to go.  I'm not sure what the scientific explanation is, but something about freezing a cake literally changes the nature, and texture of the cake!  It comes out so moist and delicious, it'sjust incredible.  It's my fail proof go-to.

Here's how you do it:

1. Bake your cake, just like normal.
2. After pulling it out of the oven, let cake sit in tins for about 10 minutes to begin the cooling process, then remove them from pans and let them cool on racks or your counter completely.
3. Once cooled to room temperature, wrap cake tightly in 2 layers of plastic wrap.
4. Following the plastic wrap, cover with 2 layers of tin foil.
5. Place cake freezer.  

It's the easiest thing, but I promise you'll be completely and utterly wowed by the difference it makes!! The great part, is that you can keep it in the freezer anywhere from 8 hours to 6 months!  This is a game changer when it comes to party planning, or hosting a dinner party.  I think it's a great idea to keep several cakes in your freezer and then you are always prepared to serve a delicious dessert on the fly!  Just make sure to pull the cake out of the freezer 5 or 6 hours before you're going to be serving it, so that it can fully unthaw.  I have also found that frosting the cake while it's still frozen is a breeze because you don't have to work with loose crumbs!  

 

 
Also, for the record: this Coconut Cake by The Barefoot Contessa is amazing, and I like to pair it with this frosting recipe below.  It's so delicious, that even my husband requested it for his birthday this past week- pink frosting and all!

Sweet and Pure Strawberry Buttercream frosting
3/4 cup fresh strawberries
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 pounds powdered sugar

Over a large bowl, crush the strawberries in your hands.  Allow juice and pulp to fall into bowl.  Add remaining ingredients and beat well with an electric mixer.  Frost cooled cupcakes.

 

 

Now go get baking!!

 

 

Do you have a boring front porch you want to decorate? At my house, we’ve decided to ditch the flower bed in the front of the house and make it into a front porch instead. I’m so excited to have a sitting area out there! I’ve been looking at different ways to decorate a front porch and have found some really good ideas I thought I’d share. 

via House of Turquoise

If you have a ceiling over your front porch, don’t forget about it! Cool lighting fixtures add a whole lot of charm to a house. I also love the idea of painting the ceiling a different color.

via Lolly Jane

via Lonny

If you have space, add an outdoor rug. Just like inside your house, rugs outside add energy and life to an area! Gather your chairs around an outdoor rug and you’ll feel as cozy as if you were inside your living room. If you don’t have room for a rug, a door mat can have the same effect.

via The House that A-M Built

Use planters and fill them with flowers. Even just one or two flower pots creates an inviting area.

via Christina's Adventures

Just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you can’t accessorize! Add outdoor pillows, paintings, end tables, stools, etc. A front porch should be an extension of your home, so don’t be afraid to decorate it.

via Jenna Burger Design

If you have the room, add a chair or two. Having chairs in your front yard is inviting and welcoming. It also is the best place to sit and take off any muddy shoes before going into the house. Win win.

via Lolly Jane

Change or add decorations for the seasons. It doesn’t have to be an extreme change, but adding pumpkins, a wreath, or bunting will make your home ready for whatever season or holiday is coming.

What do you think about decorating a front porch? I’m always afraid things will feel too cluttered, but I think a couple of chairs and some flowers will be perfect. What have you done to your front porch?

 

If you’re redoing your kitchen and are wanting to have a more traditional look, keep in mind these design elements.

via HGTV

Use natural materials such as wood or stone. Man-made materials like metal or concrete fit in more contemporary kitchens.

via HGTV

Cabinets should be ornate and detailed. They may even have glass or metal inserts to add interest.

via Decorating Free HQ

Wood is often stained or glazed to look distressed. Distressing your cabinets makes your kitchen feel timeless.

via HGTV

Incorporate a unique range hood. These can become the focus of the kitchen and add a layer interest to the room.

via Home Bunch

Details are important in traditional homes. Think about crown molding, arches, unique lighting, interesting hardware, and a variety of textures.

What do you think? Do you like traditional kitchens? 

 

Happy Earth Day! RC Willey is committed to not only providing a great product to our customers but also to doing our part in protecting the environment. Check out all the ways RC Willey chooses to “go green” every day below! 

1. We recycle your old appliances. When we come to deliver your new appliances and take your old ones, we don’t go to the dump. Instead, we take the old appliances to our Inter-Mountain Distribution Center where the freon, copper, and scrap metal are all recycled.
2. In all our warehouses and offices we have switched from fluorescent lighting to more efficient bulbs.
3. We recycle all the plastic, styrofoam, and cardboard that comes into our warehouses. Because of our focus on recycling, we only take about 2 trips to the dump per week instead the multiple trips a day we were taking before we started using recycling bins.
4. In our warehouses, we have motion sensor lights that turn off after 10 minutes of inactivity, helping conserve a lot of energy.
5. Our ads are printed on paper that uses less chemicals and energy in the manufacturing process. We also have a recycling program in our corporate offices.
6. We offer ENERGY STAR certified appliances. If you are interested in doing your part to go green, consider purchasing an energy efficient appliance.

For more details on how RC Willey has gone green, click here.

How have you gone green?

When you consider how much energy and money is required to run all the appliances in your home, it is important to consider purchasing energy efficient appliances. In 1992, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) started a voluntary program called ENERGY STAR that identifies the most energy-efficient products on the market and labels them so that consumers are able to make informed choices to help save money and the environment. If you see the blue ENERGY STAR label, you know that product is one of the most energy efficient options available! It’s amazing what a difference it can make, both for the earth and your pocketbook. 

via RC Willey

If your dishwasher is older than 1994, you are wasting more than 10 gallons of water per cycle and paying an extra $35 a year on your utility bills. ENERGY STAR dishwashers are able to save water and conserve energy, which helps reduce air pollution.

via RC Willey

Your refrigerator is running non-stop to keep your food cold. Refrigerators that are over 10 years old use much more energy than newer fridges. You can use this calculator to see how much money you could save by replacing your old refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR certified model.

via RC Willey

Did you know that an ENERGY STAR approved washing machine only uses 13 gallons of water per load compared to 23 gallons other washers use? With an ENERGY STAR washing machine you would save over 3,000 gallons of water a year!

Check out this website if you are interested in reading more about ENERGY STAR certified products or come in and talk to someone at RC Willey. We have a huge selection of energy efficient appliances you can bring into your home! 

How are you conserving energy in your home? 

I've put a lot of time and energy into decorating our house to make it our own, but I realized the other day that I've been neglecting our poor entryway in a serious way. When we first moved in 7 months ago, I haphazardly threw a giant mirror on the wall across from our front door, and then moved on to bigger priorities. After the dust had settled, I decided it was time to show my entry a little TLC.  Can I just say, it has made all the difference in the world?!  It feels like an actual room now! 

The entryway isn't really at the tip top of the list when it comes to rooms you want/need to makeover, but it's the very first impression you give people of your home!  Whether it's a friend, your neighbor, girl scouts selling cookis, or the mail man- you are giving them a sneak peak into your world!  It's kind of a big deal!  What does your entryway say about you?  Is it warm and welcoming?  Does it reflect your style, and entice people to want to come in and see more?  Or is it cold, boring and easily forgetable.  

Read on to learn about 10 things to do/incorporate in your entryway that will bring it to life in a big way!  

1. A place to put your keys
The greatest of entryways are just as functional as beautiful.  If you use your front door regularly when leaving the home, make sure you have a spot carved out to store your keys.  Whether it's a little bowl on a console table, or a hook on the wall, I promise it will make your life ten times easier because you won't have to search the house regularly for missing keys!

via pinterest

2. Storage for Shoes 
I really like having my kids take their shoes off when they come into the house, but I hate hate hate (no loathe!) tripping on random shoes strewn about the floor.  It looks messy, and cluttered, and makes me crazy!  An easy way to tame the shoe chaos is to incorporate bins or baskets in your entryway. Cute on the outside, but they can also hold shoes inside and make your life simpler.  
 

via pinterest

3. A place to sit to take off/put on shoes
A bench or little chair gives off an inviting vibe, and it's always nice for guests to have a place to sit while taking off their shoes or setting down their bags.

via pinterest

4. Hooks for jackets, bags, hats, etc.
This is kind of a no-brainer.  Look how cute and functional these hooks are....

via pinterest

 

5. Great Art
Just because it's an entryway, doesn't mean you can't hang up fabulous art.  In fact, you definitely should!  Like I said before, first impression!

via pinterest

 

6. A Mirror
I am a firm believer that it's always a good idea to hang a mirror in the entryway, so that before you go anywhere you can pause for a moment to put on lipstick, and check yourself (say no to food in your teeth!) before heading out the door.  Also, mirrors give off more light, and make spaces look larger than they actually are! If you have a small entryway that you'd like to feel bigger, a mirror is a must!

 

via pinterest

 

7. Wallpaper
Wallpaper is an obvious choice when it comes to entryways!  It's an easy way to add personality and flair to a room.  Plus, it can serve as a great conversation starter.
 

via pinterest

 

8. Greenery
Bring the outdoors inside and try to display something green.  A beautiful plant or flower can go a long way in bringing balance and harmony to an entry space.

via pinterest

 

9. Patterned pillows
A patterned pillow is such a simple thing, yet it can often be the difference between a stale and vibrant entryway.  The brighter and more colorful, the better! 

via pinterest

 

10. A great rug
Whether you have a large enough entry to boast a big area rug, or you only have room for a teeny tiny runner, don't skip the rug!!  A good rug feels nice under your feet, stops dirt from being tracked through the rest of the house, and serves as a solid anchor for the rest of the room.  

via pinterest

 

And there you have it, my friends!

What elements have you added to your entryway to spruce things up?