Red, White, and Blue: How to Decorate Your Home for Fourth of July

Every holiday is better with the right decorations, and the Fourth of July is no exception. As the temperatures climb, get ready to celebrate one of the best holidays of the year with festive, patriotic decorations. These fun ideas for the Fourth of July decorating will help you get your home and yard ready in no time.

Pretty Patriotic Decorations With Flowers

Whether it’s an afternoon pool party or a Fourth of July barbecue, you can’t go wrong when decorating with flowers. Use them to make pretty patriotic decorations that are simple and elegant but still make an impact.

Use colorful red and white blooms with blue accents in mason jars for a rustic feel, or add them to a simple wreath to hang on the front door. Put together a larger group of red, white, and blue flowers to make the perfect patriotic centerpiece.

Balloons for Fourth of July Decorating

Balloons are an easy way to get festive for the Fourth of July. You can create red, white, and blue decorations with balloons by adding them to strategic spots throughout the yard and home, such as entryways, near food tables or drink stations, and by yard games or activities. Affix metallic “USA” letter balloons to walls, windows, or outdoor areas for an extra creative touch.

Classic Buntings and Paper Fans

Add a sense of classic style and fun Fourth of July decorating appeal with red, white, and blue bunting and paper fans. If you have some spare time, you can even create colorful paper fans and bunting with the kids to cut back on decorating costs. Use paper fans indoors as a wall or table decor and secure bunting across your porch, patio, fences, and mantle.

Red, White, and Blue Lighting

Who says that outdoor lighting is only for the winter holidays? Make the outside feel festive all evening long with string lights on the outside of your home. You can also drape bushes and shrubs with mesh lighting in patriotic colors. String star-shaped or red, white, and blue lights around the patio or light up the yard with a rope-light sign that says “USA.”

For more outdoor lighting ideas, take a look at our blog post on summer patio decor.

Fun Chalkboard Signs

Chalkboard signs are perfect for changing things up quickly while having a fun yet chic look that can’t be beaten. Set them around the house and yard with patriotic sayings or simple drawings with patriotic themes. Reserve a board for your family to write down why they love America or to put down fun facts about the holiday.

Ideas for Fourth of July Food Decor

The food you serve can also play a role in your red, white, and blue decorations. Consider using blue and red wrapped candies as party favors or treats — just place them in a clear cellophane bag with a silver or gold ribbon inside a decorative basket. This makes a cute centerpiece or entryway decoration as well as housing the favors so they stay organized.

Make your holiday buffet in Fourth of July colors, too. Watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries make fun summer desserts. You can also use festive frostings at the dessert bar and serve snacks with different colored dips, such as blue cheese, ranch, and salsa. Accents like star-shaped paper plates and colored straws and napkins all add to the decorative look of a buffet table with minimal effort.

Pool Items as Patriotic Decorations

Items that are normally reserved for fun in the sun can make great patriotic decorations! A red, white, and blue mini pool filled with ice can be a decorative and functional way to house cold beverages. Star-themed pool toys and floatation pieces can add an unexpected element to yard decor, while red and white striped umbrellas add a decorative look to outdoor tables as they offer some much needed shade.

Festive Flags Everywhere

Mini flags are an easy decorative accent, as they can be added anywhere. Affix them to napkin holders, place cards, or favor packages for a cute look. Place a group of mini flags in a vase or pretty container as a centerpiece. You can also use mini hooks to line staircases, deck railings, or entryways with these patriotic decorations.

Simple Spray-Painted Decor

A few cans of spray paint and a little creativity can help you make fun patriotic decorations with the family. Create some simple cardboard templates and use spray paint to add stars, stripes, and other accents to the lawn. Create a cute walkway accent by spray-painting spare bricks, pavers, or rocks in patriotic colors and lining the driveway or walkways throughout the yard.

Upcycle old plastic containers and buckets by spray-painting them in holiday colors and then adding letters to create a 3-D Independence Day sign. Or, use the decorated bins to house items like sparklers, sunscreen, and canisters of insect repellent for your family members to use as needed.

These Fourth of July decorating ideas can help you enjoy a more patriotic celebration. Be sure to read our blog post on how to bring fun summer vibes into your home around this special holiday.

As temperatures skyrocket, you may be inspired to breathe new life into your living space. Summer is just as much a season of renewal as spring, what with its brilliant sunshine, crisp blue skies, and rainbow of light, airy hues. A few little tweaks may be all that you need to transform your comfortable abode into a seasonal retreat.

Here are five summer decorating ideas that are destined to put you into a sunnier state of mind for summer 2020.

1. Swap Your Color Palettes

Look around. Does your home resonate with the spirit of the warmest months of the year? If at first glance you’re reminded of the holidays or if you’re just not getting those summer 2020 vibes, then the solution could be as simple as changing the color scheme.

The best choices? Think bright, radiant, and uplifting. Shades like turquoise, yellow, peach, and seafoam green are all great summer decorating ideas. White is always an appropriate pick for the season. It’s perfect for visually enlarging compact spaces, creating a feeling of openness, and cooling down your room in hot weather. This simple tone also serves as a great canvas. Imagine the impact of a few vibrant throw pillows in shades like jade and raspberry in an otherwise all-white room.

2. Introduce Some Natural Beauty

Summer is also all about energy — good, natural, pure energy that’s rooted in Mother Nature. For inspiration, you need only glance outside your window. Check out the trees swaying gently in the light breeze. Watch the way the sunlight bounces off blades of grass. Find peace in the colorful blossoms that dot your landscape. These are the wonders of the world  and adding them to your interior is an easy summer decorating idea.

Where earthy summer decor is concerned, you have many options. For effortless, low-maintenance plants, add a few succulents to different areas of the home. They look great as a dining table centerpiece, in the kitchen, or even in your home office. Introduce a few larger plants to your living space if you have a green thumb.

You can also incorporate elements like seashells, wood tones, and wicker furnishings into your summer decor. Make sure you let in as much natural light as possible by replacing heavy curtains with light drapes. The idea is to create a more outdoorsy feel inside your home so you can enjoy the summer wherever you are.

3. Revamp Your Sleeping Space

You’re probably more likely to refresh your living room and your entryway before you consider your bedroom. But think about the difference a little change of scenery could have on your mood and spirit. There’s no reason not to transform your sleeping space when it warms up outside, especially when you consider the abundance of summer decorating ideas that are perfect for bedrooms.

Start with the easiest place first: your bedding. It’s a good time to retire the heavy flannel sheets and the thick comforter in favor of lighter pieces. But “light” doesn’t only apply to color. You also want to make sure you aren’t adding too much weight to your bed, or you risk overheating at night.

A white quilt accented by colorful throw pillows will make your room look larger. A bedspread with a shimmery blue or green finish reflects the tones of the sea and adds a touch of coastal chic to the space. Stripes and nautical elements are also easy add-ons to your summer decor.

4. Focus on the Cooldown

If your home generates a sense of warmth and coziness, that’s great but it’s more the type of sensation you want to experience during fall and winter. In summer 2020, create an even cooler vibe throughout your home. More than just running the air conditioner and turning on ceiling fans, you can ensure a sense of airiness in other strategic ways.

First, consider your HVAC system’s efficiency. Draw the drapes closed when it’s especially sunny outside, as that additional heat will otherwise force your AC to work even harder to cool the home. If there’s a breeze outside after sunset, however, take advantage! Crack open the windows to invite some of that fresh air inside. And if you haven’t yet, it’s time to break up with your incandescent bulbs. This type of lighting creates a significant amount of heat while eating up energy. By contrast, LED bulbs generate the same lighting with less energy consumption and heat dispersal.

5. Elevate Your Summer Decor

The entire home can take on a more seasonal vibe for summer 2020 when you swap your existing accessories for more summery alternatives. It’s easy to accomplish this in any space — even those areas of the home that might be more difficult to enhance in terms of design.

Think about scent, which plays a prominent role in some of your most beloved warm-weather memories. Candles infused with notes of crisp, cool air, salty ocean breeze, fresh fruits, crisp greenery, or tropical notes can all transform the vibe of any room instantly.

Then take a targeted approach and tackle each room individually. What’s easiest to change? Swap that dark and dramatic shower curtain for something lighter and more playful, with a botanical motif or a beach print. Replace your existing throw pillows on the couch for more colorful alternatives. Place a bright area rug in your entryway. These little additions can make a big difference to your overall summer decor.

Take a look at our stylish collections to find the perfect furniture for your home in summer 2020!

Whether it’s big or small, your patio has the potential to transform your outdoor space into a true summer oasis. If you love grilling with the family, watching the kids splash around in the pool, soaking up the sunshine, and enjoying the sunset on balmy evenings, then it’s well worth updating your outdoor summer decor.

These patio decorating ideas will contribute to a more inviting, seasonal spot that you’ll look forward to using throughout the summer.

Amplify the Lighting

Summer days are long, but it’s not unusual for sun-soaked afternoons with loved ones to stretch well into the evening. Once the sun sets, you’ll want to make sure that the space is appropriately lit so you can keep the party going. Just as you would inside the house, create a layered lighting plan for your outdoor summer decor that incorporates ambient, task, and accent solutions.

Hanging string lights is a common patio decorating idea that makes good use of your holiday accessories year-round. Check out the space around the patio, too. Would it benefit from a few lights along the edges for added safety? This qualifies as task lighting. You can accent the yard, including flowerbeds and retaining walls, with spotlights to bring it all together seamlessly.

Add Floral Decor

Nothing speaks to summer’s natural beauty better than floral embellishments. Whether you love bringing fresh arrangements into your home or indulging your green thumb in your garden, it’s worth adding some of that same sweetness and light by introducing planters of different sizes to the patio. Add different flowers, shapes, and colors to really dress up the area.

You don’t need to be too “matchy” about it, either. This is a carefree time and your outdoor summer decor should reflect that. You can cluster a few plants by the patio doors, for example, or along the edges of the surface. Don’t worry about being too neat or structured with this patio decorating idea. Just consider grouping flowers by color family to prevent them from competing with one another.

Create Living Zones

Depending on the size of your patio, you can have some fun creating a more strategic layout for summertime. Assigning functionality can make it easier to use when your whole family is spending time outside. If you love to use the grill, then you can develop an area dedicated strictly to cooking and dining. If space allows, dedicate a space entirely to rest and relaxation.

The right outdoor summer decor helps define specific uses for areas, so think about how you can create division on a small surface like a patio. A dining table with an umbrella feels very precise, while a neighboring zone with a chaise longue, a sofa, and a table offers a space for respite. This patio decorating idea gives your backyard a more livable feel so it seems more like an extension of your home.

Accessorize Your Space

Colors, textures, and patterns can all transform the appearance of your patio in an instant. If you choose to use area rugs, consider both the size of the space and other summer decor options. Large patios can benefit from multiple rugs, especially if you use them to designate separate areas for lounging and dining. If your other accessories are bright and vibrant, you might opt for a rug in a neutral tone to allow everything else to stand out. A contrasting rug can also complement the space if you prefer a more colorful look.

Other eye-catching summer decor options can make a big difference to the vibe of your patio, too. Wildly patterned throw pillows and cushions in deep hues, like blue, green, yellow, and orange, are perfectly in line with the season and help convey a sense of summery bliss. Lanterns, wicker storage baskets, candles of varying sizes and scents, serving trays, lawn furnishings, and benches can all add stylish functionality to the area.

Enhance Your Privacy

If you tend to spend plenty of time outside, then you know how critical privacy can be to your family. You don’t necessarily want the neighbors to know everything you’re up to, or you may want to take extra precautionary steps for your children. There are many patio decorating ideas that elevate the look of your space while increasing your privacy levels. Adding some type of security creates a more indoor-meets-outdoor segment of the home.

You can add a pergola, for example, and hang curtains along the sides for a more enclosed appearance. This allows you to open and close the fabric depending on the time of day and your comfort levels. If you’re taking a nap, drawing the curtains closed makes sense and gives you a little extra shade, too. Outdoor screens also work well and are available in different colors and patterns providing you with the perfect outdoor summer decor.

Once you’ve got your patio space ready, don’t forget to bring the summer inside! Get tips and tricks on how to get summer vibes in your home in our handy blog post.

Looking for spare room ideas to help you make the most of your home? The extra space of a bonus room can be put to good use, creating a unique place in your home that can help you be more productive, creative, or relaxed. Take a look at these bonus room ideas and get inspired to start your own room makeover that makes a big impact!

1. An Indoor Garden

There is something wonderful about cultivating edible plants. With a little work, you can transform a spare room into an indoor garden and enjoy fresh foods all year round. This is a great spare room idea if you have limited outdoor space.

If the room has plenty of windows, you can utilize the natural light. Otherwise, use grow bulbs to help ensure plants have adequate light. You can use shelving or spare furniture to set up areas for the plants, and use a space heater and fan to circulate air to create the right temperature. Leafy greens and herbs are good choices for an indoor garden room.

2. A Media Room

Enjoy the magic of the movies and your favorite music right in your home with a media room makeover. A large-screen TV and surround system are a good start for giving a movie theater room its special feel. If you enjoy listening to or playing music, you can also set up your instruments and record collection here.

While you can get special home theater-style seating, you can achieve a similar effect with a reclining sofa or a group of reclining chairs. If you’re on a budget for your spare room ideas, consider comfortable pre-owned furniture, such as overstuffed sofas or even large bean bag chairs where you can relax. A mini-fridge for soda, a popcorn machine, and velvet blackout curtains will help complete the cinema style, while posters of your favorite music artists will create a personalized music room.

3. A Games Room

Take your free time to a new level by creating a family game room or a fun man cave. You can outfit this space with a pool table, foosball table, air hockey, and dartboard, depending on your favorite games.

For this spare room idea, add some simple shelving and line your favorite board games along the wall. Put in some comfortable seating where you can relax with your friends and family and a lightweight table so you can easily set up card games and board games. You can also add accents to the walls like prints of vintage board games and neon signs.

4. A Children’s Playroom

Children need a space to thrive and grow at any age, so why not try a room makeover to provide a fun area for the kids? Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, having a designated space where they can play, imagine, and have fun with friends is important and can also give the adults some extra peace and quiet.

Decorate the room with age-appropriate items that match your children’s interests. For teens, this might mean a space to make jewelry or play video games with friends. Younger kids might enjoy areas to build, have active play, or make art projects. Be sure to include plenty of storage to keep the area tidy.

5. A Pet Playroom

Kids aren’t the only ones that need space. Make your spare room into a pet playroom for your favorite animal. For this spare room idea, add cat condos or set up the area with pet toys and treats in sealable bins on the shelves. Choose durable flooring that won’t be harmed from active play. Having a designated place to bathe pets may also come in handy for keeping your pet well groomed.

6. A Reading and Writing Nook

You don’t have to be a professional writer to fall in love with a writing nook. Create a one-of-a-kind space that encourages the love of writing, whether it’s journaling, composing poetry, or focusing on your work.

Set up a desk and office chair in one area and comfortable seating areas in other parts of the room. Complete your room makeover with plenty of paper or notebooks, pens, and inspiring sayings or artwork on the walls. You can also add your own home library for easily accessible inspiration. If you will be sharing this space with your partner, consider creating his-and-her office areas.

7. A Happy Hour Haven

If you enjoy the occasional happy hour with friends, turning that little-used guest room into a happy hour haven might be the perfect room makeover. Set up a simple home bar and add a few different seating styles, such as bar stools and lounge chairs. Create a unique ambiance with dimmable lighting or using specialty bulbs in decorative lamps. Consider decor that reflects the feel of your favorite happy hour spot, whether it’s a tropical theme or an edgy vibe.

8. A Home Observatory

For those who love astronomy, creating a home observatory is an inspired spare room idea. You can run the gamut of style from breathtaking professional designs to roll-off roof products that you can easily install yourself. If your bonus room has a skylight, elevating a quality telescope can be the start of a simple space-themed room.

9. A Mini Museum

Do you own a lot of collectibles or items you love to display? Then try this spare room idea: Create a mini-museum for your beloved items. Whether the room showcases breathtaking antique furniture, a collection of prized trains, beautiful artwork, or other treasures, you can organize them in a way that allows them to shine. Utilize existing shelving, or add your own for maximum storage and display space.

10. A Relaxation Room

Everyone needs to unwind at the end of a long day but if you’re living with other people and pets, it can be hard to find some quiet space. Set up your spare room into a relaxing, inviting space with this room makeover. Use neutral colors or soothing tones like blue shades. You may also want to make this room a technology-free zone so you can let your thoughts flow without being interrupted by texts or emails.

How you fill your relaxation room will depend on your interests. If art and crafts help you unwind, have your tools and materials available for use. A meditation room with a massage chair and yoga space is another option. Whiteboards, chalkboards, and cork boards are perfect to use for mood boards and displaying mantras, prayers, and thoughts of gratitude.

No matter your budget, a little creativity can go a long way toward making your spare room one of the favorite places in your home. For furniture that is as unique as your spare room makeover, take a look at the Fusion Furniture collections.

The kitchen is an essential space for every home. Organizing your kitchen can help you make the most of this important room each day, from cooking a romantic dinner to prepping weekday lunches for the family. These kitchen organization ideas can spark your creativity and give you simple solutions for a more functional kitchen.

Kitchen Organization Idea 1: Use Baskets and Bins for Easy Storage

Plastic bins and baskets are a quick and affordable way to organize many kitchen items. Use them to organize spices or condiments, or corral items like vitamins or supplements together. Got a messy stack of plastic food containers in one of your kitchen cabinets? Organize them by stacking the containers in one bin and the lids in another. Now you’ll always be able to find the right sized lid!

Baskets and bins are also an ideal solution for organizing your kitchen items if you have deep cabinets. Instead of struggling to find things at the back of the cabinet, just pull out the basket to get to everyday items more easily. You can use different colored bins to organize your storage even more thoroughly.

Kitchen Organization Idea 2: Simplify with See-Through Storage

Use see-through storage so you don’t have to waste precious time looking for ingredients. Store dry items like rice, pasta, and beans in clear jars or storage containers, or bulk cereal in clear serial keepers. Baking essentials like sugar, flour, nuts, and dry fruit also work well in clear canisters. Whenever you need an item, all you have to do is open your cabinets and you’ll see it right away!

You don’t even need to buy new storage items for this kitchen organization hack, as you can repurpose or upcycle items for free and easy storage. Glass condiment jars can be washed and reused as the perfect storage containers.

Kitchen Organization Idea 3: Look to Labels

Labels are another way to organize your kitchen. From blank adhesive labels to fun chalkboard styles, labels can prevent confusion so you don’t grab powdered sugar instead of flour. They can also keep things streamlined and unified, especially for families. Simply label bins or containers for after-school snacks, lunch items, easy pantry meals, and more.

Kitchen Organization Idea 4: Make the Most of Magnets

Magnets are one of those kitchen organization hacks you might not think of right away, but they can transform your space. Use magnetic strips to hang items like knives on interior cabinets, or use magnets under the cabinet to store and hold jars filled with frequently used ingredients.

If you don’t have room for a spice rack, hang a magnetic strip and place a small magnet on the back of spice jars. You can even hang paper towels on the side of the fridge with a magnetic towel holder to free up space on your countertop.

Kitchen Organization Idea 5: Try Hacks With Hooks

When it comes to using hooks in the kitchen, you’re only limited by your imagination. These small items can really maximize space, especially in small kitchens.

Hang pots and pans from larger hooks, or use small hooks on the underside of the cabinet for coffee mugs. Use adhesive hooks on the inside of cabinet doors for utensils, strainers, or potholders. You can also use hooks for items like measuring cups or spoons, food thermometers, lunch bags, or reusable water bottles.

Kitchen Organization Idea 6: Create Different Stations

Instead of looking all over the kitchen for items you need for specific tasks or chores, store like items together and create mini stations where everything is in one place. Grouping like-use items together makes everything from food prep to baking easier. Try these ideas for organizing your kitchen into stations:

• Create a coffee station with coffee, sugar, and creamer in a cute woven basket.

• Make a lunch-packing station with paper bags, sandwich baggies, and lunch snacks in one place.

• Set up a baking station with the mixer, flour, sugar, and other common baking items grouped together on a shelf.

• Group frequently used food prep items like cutting boards, strainers, and knives together to make preparing dinner easier.

Kitchen Organization Idea 7: Don’t Forget the Refrigerator and Freezer

The refrigerator and freezer are important, too. These kitchen organization ideas will help keep your fresh and frozen foods neat and tidy.

Use Space Wisely

Group items together on the same shelf or in small bins, like burger condiments, sandwich supplies, salad dressings, or hot sauces. You can also use color-coded bins for similar items such as dairy items in green bins and meats in blue bins.

Place infrequently used items at the back of the refrigerator or freezer. Always keep one area of the refrigerator clear for defrosting meats and place a baking sheet under the items being defrosted. The baking sheet makes it easy to keep the space clear and clean as you defrost foods.

Stay Safe and Clean

Keep cut-up fresh fruit and veggies in clear keep-fresh containers. This helps keep healthy snacks organized and also allows you to see them, ensuring that you eat them before they turn bad. You can also place paper towels in crisper drawers under fresh fruit and veggies to keep them fresh and clean.

Always label leftovers or freezer meals with items and dates to avoid wasting food when you don’t remember how long it’s been around for, or getting sick from consuming spoiled food.

Kitchen Organization Idea 8: Keep Pots and Pans Tidy

Pots and pans can quickly become a messy pile in your kitchen cabinet but they don’t have to stay that way. First go through your pots and pans and get rid of any that are warped, in disrepair, or cook unevenly. This will ensure that you aren’t adding to the clutter with items that you don’t want or can’t use.

If you don’t have anywhere to hang your pans, reorganize your cabinet. Store functioning pots and pans nested neatly together on a shelf. You can use an adjustable rack to store pans and lids vertically, or hang a lid rack on the interior of the cabinet door. Standing file holders or dish racks can also be used to organize lids so you can always grab what you need without having to empty the entire cabinet.

Kitchen Organization Idea 9: Keep an Eye on Kitchen Drawers

Cull unused gadgets and items from the kitchen drawer, then organize utensils, can openers, and other items using shallow drawer organizers or clear baskets. Designate one drawer for less-frequently used items such as skewers or corn-cob holders. You can also use a stylish crock for larger utensils and spatulas to create more drawer space.

Kitchen Organization Idea 10: Purchase a Few Handy Products

A few simple everyday items can help you keep things neat and tidy even when you’re pressed for time. Besides small storage items like labels, hooks, and bins, try these products for organizing your kitchen:

• Use a rolling cart for less-frequently used kitchen items that can be stowed out of sight until needed.

• Try Lazy Susans in cupboards and in the refrigerator to make commonly used items easy to access.

• Add risers to increase shelving space and make items at the back of shelves easier to find.

These ideas can help you with organizing your kitchen quickly and affordably. Once you’ve organized your kitchen, take a look at our guide to the 12 best kitchen design trends.

If you work full time, it can sometimes feel like you live at your desk. With 40 or more hours spent at work each week, it only makes sense that your workspace should be personalized to you and your comfort level. Having an ergonomic desk setup is crucial for staying sane throughout the work week, and also for staying healthy.

Whether you are working from home or directly in the office, follow this office ergonomics checklist to create the ultimate desk space that will blow your coworkers away on your next video call.

Your Chair

When setting up your ergonomic workspace, the first item you want to keep in mind is your chair. This is probably the most important part of your ergonomic desk arrangement because your chair is what offers you support throughout your eight-hour workday. Research has shown that using a poorly designed work chair can lead to major back and neck problems over time.

As you search through the endless options of ergonomic desk chairs, it can be overwhelming knowing which one is the best for you. To help make the decision slightly easier, make sure to consider these factors.

Chair Height

If you can try out the chair before purchasing, sit in it and check to see how its height feels in proportion to your body length. You should be able to sit with your feet flat on the floor and your thighs roughly parallel to the floor. Picking a chair with an adjustable height option is great if you can’t try it out in person before buying it.

Lumbar Support

In order to give you the proper lumbar support you need throughout your workday, the shape of the chair’s backrest should have a natural curve to support your lower back. If you love the chair, but it doesn’t have this feature, consider using a lumbar support pillow instead.

Arm Rests

Arm rests are another important factor when it comes to picking the perfect chair for your ergonomic workspace. They’re not only important for when you aren’t working and need a comfortable place to rest your arms, they’re also helpful for tasks like keyboarding. Choose a chair with height-adjustable armrests that can also pivot inwards to offer your forearms full support when typing.

Adjustable Back Rest

One feature that is commonly overlooked when it comes to finding an ergonomic desk chair is adjustable back rests. Yes, adjustable chair height is very important, but ensuring that your chair can recline and tilt at an angle also needs to be on your office ergonomics checklist. Look for chairs that can recline at least 135 degrees back with synchronous tilt. Research shows that a reclined, ergonomic desk chair reduces pressure on your back and helps with back pain.

Your Desk

After you’ve found your dream ergonomic desk chair, it’s time to shift focus to the other various elements of your desk setup. From desk height to keyboards, here are more items to consider when running through your office ergonomics checklist.

Keyboard

While the type of keyboard you use is completely up to you, the placement of it in your ergonomic workspace is the real issue you need to tackle. Here are more details on how to arrange your keyboard on your desk.

Distance

Your keyboard should be placed at a distance where you can comfortably reach it with your elbows at your side. For keyboards with number pads, make sure you’re centering it based on the letters rather than the whole keyboard. The letter B should be directly in front of you.

Angle

To many people’s surprise, your keyboard should actually have a 15-degree, negative tilt away from you in order to properly follow suit with the office ergonomics checklist. Most keyboards don’t have this option (which is probably why no one knows about it), so you might want to consider investing in an ergonomic one or buying a keyboard tray.

Height

Deciding which height to set your keyboard at depends entirely on your desk height and posture. If you have a proper ergonomic workspace, your keyboard should be positioned so that your forearms are parallel to the floor and your wrists are straight, not bent.

Monitor

Because you stare at your monitor all day long, it’s quite obvious that this is another big item on your office ergonomics checklist. Make sure you’re considering all of these factors as you design your ergonomic workspace.

Distance

Take the time to place your monitor 20 inches in front of you or at arm’s length. You’re looking to find that sweet spot where the screen is far enough away to avoid eye strain, but easy to see.

Angle

The angle of your monitor should be around 10 or 20 degrees. Make sure it’s no more than this because it will lead to neck strain as you look up to see the screen.

Height

As with all of the other desk items, height plays a huge role in comfort. The top line of your monitor’s screen should be at eye level or slightly below in order to be comfortable to look at and prevent neck strain.

Lighting

Lighting is yet another imperative factor to adjust in order to achieve an ergonomic workspace. This is especially important if you’re working from home because you choose which room you work in and you may not have a dedicated office space.

Remember to place your monitor in a neutral lighting environment. As long as there isn’t any glare or direct light shining on your screen, you should be good to go. Next, make sure to calibrate your monitor to get the highest resolution picture and avoid eye strain. Additionally, clean your monitor regularly.

Desk Height

Last but not least, when setting up your ergonomic workspace, pay special attention to desk height. You should have enough space for your legs to not only fit comfortably underneath your desk, but you should also be able to cross them. Additionally, the angle between your forearm and upper arm should be between 90 and 110 degrees while your arms are resting on the desk.

Benefits of Ergonomic Desk Design

Designing an ergonomic workspace may take a little bit more time and effort, but the results far outweigh the extra hassle. There are a host of benefits associated with ergonomic desks, chairs, and the whole concept in general, so if you aren’t sold yet, take a look at these perks to find out why you should optimize your workspace today.

Increased Productivity

One of the best advantages to having an ergonomic workspace is that you’re more productive. Because you aren’t distracted by pain or discomfort, your mind is solely focused on the task at hand. You not only get more work done, but you most likely deliver better results because you’re feeling good and you’re able to concentrate.

Reduced Back and Neck Pain

As mentioned before, following the office ergonomics checklist helps to reduce back and neck pain through multiple methods. From proper desk height to keyboard positioning, every aspect of your ergonomic workspace has a purpose and that is to provide you with the most comfort. The quality of your desk products, in combination with how they’re arranged, provide your body with support to get through long days of work.

Boosted Morale

Spending hours at a desk is a hard enough task, so adding on discomfort can make for a quite depressing work day. Once you have designed your ergonomic workspace, you’ll most likely notice that you’re in a much better mood throughout the day. With zero to little pain and lots more comfort, it’s easier to stay positive, motivated, and happier throughout all of your hard work.

After going through your office ergonomics checklist, you should be ready to work the day away in comfort and style! With your ergonomic workspace finished and perfected, now it’s time for another project: home decor. If you’re looking for trendy furniture to freshen up your living room, take a look at these beautiful furnishings perfect for any home.

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to show your mom just how much you love her. We’ve come up with ten thoughtful gift ideas that are simple, elegant, and will deliver the perfect Mother’s Day surprise.

1. Have Her Favorite Meal Delivered From a Local Restaurant

Give Mom a break from cooking with a Mother’s Day surprise dinner delivery. You may want to give her a heads-up the day before so she doesn’t plan to cook or defrost food for dinner. But you can keep the actual food a secret, so she’ll get two surprises — one when you tell her about her gift and a second when the delivery arrives. Make sure to tip the delivery driver on your credit card in advance.

2. Give a Gift Certificate for Professional House Cleaning Services

A gift certificate for professional house cleaning services is one of the most thoughtful gift ideas; it’s helping support a small, local business while giving your mom a break from housework.

3. Give a Gift Certificate to Her Local Hair Salon

Many moms would appreciate a gift certificate to their local hair salon for a cut, color, and blow-dry — or a special treatment like keratin straightening for a fun, new look to kick off summer. A gift card to a local salon fits under the category of thoughtful gift ideas Mom will love that also helps support the local economy. What could be better?

4. Make a Potted Herb Garden

You can jump-start Mom’s garden this year with a collection of herbs. All you need is potting soil, fresh herbs or seeds, and a whimsical container. Anything from a metal pail to a decorative bowl will work.

Plant multiple herbs in one large container or give her a collection of containers with one type of herb in each. Create fun labels for the herb garden by painting wooden spoons with the name of the herb and sticking them in the soil. You can also use skewers and hand-drawn signs for a personal touch.

5. Get the Whole Family Together for a Surprise Zoom Call

If your family doesn’t live local, a Zoom call can help create closeness as you celebrate the holiday together — but apart. Create a theme for the night, ask everyone to pour their favorite beverages, bring a snack, and share childhood memories that will make Mom laugh and cry. Time together as a family is always a meaningful gift for Mom.

6. Put Together a Video Slideshow of Children and Grandchildren

Take time to gather family photos through the years and create a slideshow. Load it onto a smart digital picture frame, like Nixplay. If you won’t see your mom on Mother’s Day, ship the photo frame to her with instructions on how to use it. Schedule a video call so you can watch her open the gift — and walk her through setup, if necessary — and see her expressions as she enjoys the digital memories.

7. Order Custom Jewelry From Etsy

Does your mom have a favorite gemstone? Consider contacting a jewelry-maker on Etsy and ordering a custom piece especially for Mom. You may opt for a bracelet with her birthstone and those of you and your siblings, a necklace sporting her favorite gem, or a handmade ring she’ll treasure. This unique gift will make a great Mother’s Day surprise.

8. Give the Gift of Streaming

Consider a Netflix or Hulu subscription — or a gift card she can use to extend her subscription for several months to a year. Then invite her to a watch party to enjoy your favorite shows together. She’ll think it’s one of the most thoughtful gift ideas each time she watches a show.

9. Take a Class Together

Think you and your mom would enjoy learning how to paint, cross-stitch, or crochet together? Maybe you’d both like to learn a foreign language or have been meaning to try yoga. Taking a class together — either online or locally — is a great way to bond and create memories. Plus, it’s one of the most meaningful gifts for Mom because it means you’ll get to spend extra time together over the course of several weeks or months.

10. Chip in With Siblings and Treat Mom to New Furniture

Redecorating Mom’s home with some new furniture could be the best Mother’s Day surprise gift. A new living room set may be more than you can afford on your own, so consider chipping in with siblings. Another option is to gift her with a single piece of furniture, such as a comfy occasional chair, or some home decor items like pillows and throws.

These thoughtful gift ideas are perfect ways to surprise Mom and show her how much you love her. To get inspiration for a furniture item, take a look at Fusion Furniture’s exclusive collections.

The bees are buzzing, the flowers are blooming, and the sun is shining! It’s finally time to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring. As we transition into the new season, our homes are waiting to be given new life. The living room is the heart of our homes and where we spend most of our time, so this is a good place to start. Spring into the new season with these living room makeover ideas.

Bright Lights, Big Living Room

Nothing says spring time more than bright, vibrant colors. One easy way to start your living room makeover is by swapping out dark light fixtures with bright ones. Whether it’s a tall, yellow floor lamp or a “pretty in pink” table lamp, this spring living room decor will brighten up your space before you even turn on the lights.

Fresh Floral Walls

Looking for a bolder living room makeover? Floral wallpaper is a huge trend this year and a fresh addition to your living room. If this home decor idea is new to you, start small by picking an accent wall and see how you like it. For those ready to take the plunge this spring, spruce up your entire room by adding peel-and-stick wallpaper on all four walls.

Pretty Pastel Hues

When we think of spring, we think of Easter and the pretty pastel hues that go with it. Robin’s egg blue, soft pink, and lemon yellow are just a few colors you can incorporate into your living room makeover. For a tasteful burst of spring-inspired design, simply swap out your winter accessories with pastel-colored decor like pillows, throw blankets, and vases. This will bring softness and light to your room.

Refreshing Rugs

Carpets and rugs are a home decor necessity to begin with, so why not find a couple that refresh and revitalize your living room for spring? Leave the neutrals and dark tones to winter and focus your energy on colors that reflect nature in bloom. Greens for grass, pinks for flowers, blues for water, and yellows for the sun are vibrant tones that will bring the outdoors right inside your living room.

Light Curtains

Imagine the sunlight streaming through your windows on a beautiful spring day. You can see birds flying through the air and new leaves on the trees. If you have heavy, dark curtains, you can’t enjoy this view because they block everything outside.

Store those rich drapes away for cold weather and hang light curtains instead. Consider romantic, sheer curtains or any other light-weight, light-color curtain that fits your interior design style. This living room makeover idea is a breeze and will surely welcome all the beauty of springtime into your home!

Flowers & Plants Galore

Your living room makeover isn’t complete without a little flower power. While flowers are a beautiful addition for springtime, don’t forget about leafy plants as well. Decorate your shelves and coffee tables with spring flowers like orchids, tulips, and peonies, and leafy plants like ferns and Sansevieria. Adding plants won’t just freshen up your interior decor, it’ll also help you freshen up the air in your home.

Rejuvenated Shelving

Bust out your paint and brushes because this living room makeover idea requires a little creative effort. Free up your Sunday schedule and plan for a relaxing day of repainting your shelving!

Like many of the other spring makeover ideas, this one is all about transitioning your winter season colors with the warm tones of spring. Pick a hue that works for you and you’ll be surprised at just how much life is brought into your living room space. While you’re at it, do a little spring cleaning within your shelves for an added touch of stylish organization.

Blooming Art Work

A living room makeover can always be elevated with a few good pieces of art. Incorporate creative inspiration into your home by hanging up blooming artwork that resembles the new season.

The great part about this living room makeover idea is that it’s completely subjective. Find an art piece that shows signs of spring in subtle ways with colors and hues, or make your living room feel like the first day of spring with nature scenes and fields of flowers. No matter which piece you choose, you’ll brighten up your home for spring!

Blossom with Bohemian

Another 2020 interior design trend we’re loving right now is Bohemian style decor. Bohemian style is perfect for your living room makeover because of its relaxed spirit and nature-inspired materials. Warm woods and plush textiles will turn your space into a light and airy heaven where you can unwind at any time of the day.

As we say goodbye to the dark, cozy decor of winter, start prepping your home for the sunny days of spring. These living room makeover ideas are a great way to transform your living space without breaking the bank — or a sweat. For more home makeover ideas, check out the 12 best kitchen design trends of 2020 and turn your kitchen into a chef’s dream!

Decorating a large living room can feel overwhelming — there are just so many directions you can go in that you end up not knowing what to do. Fortunately, having too much space, too many options, and not much interior design experience doesn’t have to hold you back! By experimenting with large living room layout ideas and designs, you can make this important space feel warm and welcoming for all your friends and family.

Large Living Room Layout Ideas

Filling your living room is always tricky. You don’t want to overcrowd the room to the point where it looks cluttered and chaotic, but you also don’t want it to feel empty and lifeless. The more space you have, the more difficult this balance becomes. The secret is to use a smart layout that brings the entire room together.

Of all the large living room layout ideas, these are some of our favorite tricks for when you’re wondering how to make a big room feel cozy.

Consider Furniture Placement

When sorting through all your large living room layout ideas, be sure to focus on the placement of your furniture. Pull large pieces of furniture such as couches, armchairs, or tables away from the wall to show them off and make better use of your space. If you enjoy entertaining, a spacious living room can be a dream come true. You can position your furniture groups so they face towards each other for a more intimate feel.

Add Potted Plants

Another large living room layout idea is to place plants in areas that look empty. This can also keep your space feeling airy and fresh. Tall potted plants are perfect for rooms with high ceilings while smaller plants work better as centerpieces for large side tables. With such a wide variety of plants to choose from, you can add more of your own personality to your large living room design ideas.

Choose Oversized Ottomans

Replace your classic coffee table with an upholstered oversized ottoman for a unique large living room layout idea. Not only does this make furniture feel closer than it really is and make a big room feel cozy, but it also serves as a footrest and gives your guests more seating options.

Divide the Room

Just because you have a huge room, doesn’t mean you have to devote every square inch to classic living area amenities. By dividing up the room, you can take advantage of all your space and customize it to your needs. Have you always wanted a place to do crafts? Maybe you have an extensive personal library and would love a reading area. If you work from home, a home office space would be the perfect addition to your large living room layout ideas. Try adding stylish dividers or even splitting the space with an eye-catching L-shaped sectional.

Large Living Room Design Ideas

Once you’ve decided how you will lay out all your furniture, you can start thinking about the decor that will make the most of your large living room. Check out these suggestions we’ve compiled and see where your creativity takes you.

Dark Colors

Dark colors can help larger spaces feel smaller. Just be careful not to go too dark to ensure your room still feels welcoming. Use light color accents throughout your space and incorporate natural light as much as possible by keeping window treatments light and airy.

Different-Colored Walls

A unique large living room design idea is using more than one color of paint on your walls. This can be especially effective if you’re dividing your large living room into multiple different areas. Choose different colors for each area, but be sure that the colors work well together. Painting color on your walls only part of the way up can also help you make a big room feel cozy. The two-color tone tricks the eye into thinking the ceilings are lower than they truly are. Again, color combinations are key.

Art Placement

Art placement is the perfect large living room design idea when trying to fill blank walls. Try hanging pieces at eye-level to attract attention and keep the eye flowing around the room. Placing murals and other wall pieces lower on your walls can also help visually lower high ceilings.

Floor-to-Ceiling Pieces

If high ceilings are leaving your living room feeling empty, then floor-to-ceiling pieces are a great large living room design idea! Floor-to-ceiling windows and art pieces will give the room a cozier feel by bringing the ceilings closer to the rest of the room. Items such as floor-to-ceiling cabinets and bookshelves are other fun ways to give your space rich character.

Comfy Living Room Ideas

The best feeling after a long, busy day is coming home and curling up at home. You’ve got your furniture layout and decor planned out — now you just need to create a relaxing atmosphere in your living area. These comfy living room ideas will show you how to make a big room feel cozy.

Wood

Exposed walls and wood ceilings can give your living room a textured feel. You might be lucky enough to have wooden beams and tables already. If you’re looking for large living room layout ideas, consider adding in a fireplace or a rustic mantle. Large wood features can make a big room feel cozy by giving it a cabin feel. What’s more, a fireplace could help keep your living room warm in the winter.

Statement Wallpaper

Statement wallpaper is a simple way to make a big room feel cozy. Wallpaper can give your room its own personality through bright colors or funky prints and is a great comfy living room idea. If wallpaper is something you’d like to try, consider using it on an accent wall or to divide the different areas of your room.

Neutrals

Not quite ready for statement wallpaper or bold paint colors? Not to worry. Neutral colors such as muted grey, beige, ivory, and taupe can create a calming effect and give off the illusion of warmth. Paired with natural elements like wood accents, anyone who takes a seat in your living room will want to cuddle up and get cozy.

Layers

Another strategy when considering how to make a big room feel cozy is to fill it with layers. Add thick rugs, fluffy blankets, and rich throw cushions to your furniture groups, and just watch as your large room transforms into a cozy hideout. You can mix up the colors and patterns to suit your personality and style.

Decorating a large living room doesn’t have to be daunting. Follow these tips to position your furniture and style your space so you can enjoy a cozy yet functional living room. For even more inspiration on how to get started, take a look at 6 Home Renovation Tips!

Your home isn’t just a place to sleep at night. It’s a haven of respite from the stresses of the everyday world and a place to celebrate life’s precious moments. But if the lighting in your home is inadequate, it can put a damper on making those special memories. Make everyone from family members to guests feel welcome in your home with these simple tips for brightening up a dark room to make dreary interiors disappear.

Figure Out Which of Your Rooms Needs More Lighting

Start by assessing the lighting in each room of your home. Inadequate lighting not only makes it difficult to see and perform everyday tasks, but it can also make it feel dark, drab, and depressing. Go through the different rooms during the day and especially after dusk.

If your rooms don’t have any natural light, are they illuminated well enough for their purposes? Kitchens, offices, and studies need to have bright lighting for things like cooking, business tasks, and homework. Playrooms should have good lighting for safety and activities. Some rooms, like dining rooms and bedrooms, may need lighting options like dimmers or warmer bulb colors to provide the ambiance you want.

Once you know which rooms need more light, you can get to work on brightening them up!

1. Add Quick and Simple Lighting Additions

Make a list of the lighting needs for each room and consider the options. Here are some easy ways for brightening up a dark room with light fixtures:

• Add accent lighting with table lamps in main areas like living rooms, dining rooms, and entryways.

• Create a fresh, modern look with tall floor lamps.

• Look for light sources that have large, light-colored shades to add brightness and openness to the room.

• Install adjustable dimmer switches to vary the level of lighting.

• Add sconces or wall lights in darker areas like hallways, corners, or nooks that don’t receive much natural light.

2. Brighten a Dark Room With Light-Colored Furniture

If a room feels dark and cramped, updating your furniture could be the solution. Sofas, sectionals, chairs, benches, ottomans in soft neutrals or pastels will make the room feel brighter and more alive. Colors like white, cream, icy gray, pale blue, soft tan, and more can create a soft, airy ambiance.

Refreshing your existing furniture can completely transform a room and make the space feel lighter and more open. For areas where you may not want to add an entire set of furniture, incorporate accent pieces like end tables, benches, or chairs.

3. Make a Room Brighter With a Fresh Paint Color

A new paint color is another simple way to create a big impact when it comes to brightening up a dark room. Consider painting all the walls a light color or a pale neutral. You could also choose one wall for an accent shade and paint the other three in a lighter hue.

Choosing paint finishes like satin or eggshell are more reflective than flat paints and can also help make the space appear brighter. Don’t forget that a fresh coat of white paint on the ceiling can go a long way in creating a space that feels brighter and more open.

4. Use Accent Decor in Strategic Ways

Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big difference. Use accent pieces and décor items to create a feeling of more light in a room.

Consider adding decorative mirrors on walls to help reflect light or small accent pieces with metallic or other reflective finishes. Add light or bright accent pillows, rugs, and throws to living areas. Brighten up dining rooms with new shades of tablecloths, runners, or place mats. Add artwork to the walls that incorporate light colors or airy natural scenes to create a subtle outdoor feel. Choose frames made of light-colored or bleached wood as an alternative to darker wood.

This isn’t only helpful for brightening a dark room. It also adds a unique character to your space!

5. Get Creative With Curtains

Another easy tip for how to brighten a dark room is by getting creative with curtain styles. Heavy draperies can make a room feel dark and closed in. Instead, consider lighter colors and fabrics to make it feel more open. Sheers, linen curtains, and cotton curtains can all have a big impact on a room.

Look for contemporary styles of curtains in light colors or subtle patterns to ramp up the style. Blinds that can be opened to let the entire window show can also help open up a room.

6. Redo the Layout of the Room

An easy, budget-friendly way to brighten a dark room is to make adjustments to the layout of furniture and decor. Move furniture away from windows so that the pieces face the natural light instead of blocking it. If the furniture arrangement feels cramped, remove extra pieces or rearrange the area so there are more open spaces. Too many items will make the space feel small and dark, so only keep a few favorite pieces of decor out and store the rest.

7. Add Indoor Plants

Adding indoor plants won’t actually increase the light level in a room, but it will give the illusion of a more open space. The integration of plants or small trees indoors lends a feeling of natural openness that can make any room feel brighter and livelier. Just remember to choose plants that don’t mind a dark room with no natural light.

8. Use Candles in a Pinch!

Having guests over and don’t have time for a more long-term lighting fix? Brightening up a dark room is simple when you add some extra candles to your decor.

Place large pillar candles or oversized candles in unique shapes in safe, uncovered areas that will help provide more light and a relaxing feel. You could also arrange groups of small votive candles together on reflective trays or mirrors to create even more light. This will help create an intimate atmosphere and a cozier living space.

Lighten Up Your Rooms and Make Everyone Welcome

From larger changes like painting your wall and buying new furniture to smaller touches like strategic decorative accents and new lamps, there are lots of options for how to brighten a dark room. When you have limited natural light, get creative to make the most of your existing decor. Your home will be shining in no time.

Renovating your basement and wondering how to brighten up this dark space with no natural light? Get the inspiration you need to create a welcoming area with our basement decorating ideas!