Author: Andra DelMonico

How to Hang Pictures Without Nails

Knowing how to hang pictures without nails will save you from unnecessarily damaging walls. It also makes your life significantly easier.

No more trying to find a wall stud. No more getting a special bit to drill a hole in a concrete or brick wall. No more watching your plaster walls flake and powderize in front of your eyes.

With this list of nail-free picture hanging ideas, your walls will remain blemish-free and beautiful, no matter how many pictures you display.

1. Command Hooks

The easiest and fastest solution that is also similar to using a traditional picture hook or nail is command hooks. These are plastic and adhesive hooks (check out these available at Home Depot) that you adhere to the wall and hang the picture on.

They work best on smooth surfaces so that the sticky tape can make full contact with the wall. You’ll also need to check their maximum weight limit. These hooks come in different sizes and strengths, so get one that’s strong enough to hold well above your picture’s weight.

Also, pay attention to the size of the hook. Some are bulky, making it difficult to hook a small picture frame to look over it.

2. Command Strips

The second most popular solution for hanging pictures without nails is to use command picture hanging strips. Each strip comes with a paper cover on each side of the strip. You’ll peel one side off and adhere the strip to your picture frame. Then peel off the other paper backing and press the frame to the wall.

The adhesive strip will grip the wall and the picture frame, holding the picture on the wall. Using these special mounting strips is better than using painter’s tape or another type of adhesive tape because they help prevent damage to the wall.

Use Binder Clips

If you like the idea of using command strips but don’t want the strips to adhere to your picture frames, then use binder clips. Place the command strip on the binder clip and then adhere it to the wall.

Use the binder clip to grab onto the loop or hanging wire on the back of the picture frame. This is a nice solution if you want to create a gallery wall. You can easily move the pictures around on the binder clips without having to unstick and restick the command strips.

3. Velcro Strips

While command hooks and strips are great for lighter-weight pictures, they have their limits. If you have a heavy picture that you want to hang, you will want to up the holding power to hook and loop strips.

Velcro brand is known for making high-quality Velcro strips that are perfect for hanging pictures. To use, peel off the backing and here the strip to your picture frame. Then peel off the other backing and press the frame to the wall so that the other side adheres.

The Velcro will hold the picture in place to the wall. If you decide to move your pictures around, you can easily pull the picture frame off the wall and move it to another set of strips located elsewhere.

Should you decide to remove the picture completely, you can easily and cleanly pull the strip off the wall.

4. Suction Cup Hooks

If you don’t trust adhesive or are afraid it will leave behind a residue, then you have an alternative. Suction cup hooks like these available at Amazon are great for hanging lightweight pictures. You press them against the wall, removing the air underneath. The suction cup grips the wall, and you can hang a picture from the attached hook.

This method works best on smooth walls. Textured walls can create gaps in the suction cup’s contact with the wall. This lets micro amounts of air back under the suction cup. Eventually, too much air enters, and the suction cup fails.

5. Use a Shelf and Lean

You can place your frames on the shelf if you already have shelves instead of hanging pictures. You could stick with just one or two as a focal point with other decor. You could also try layering them.

Choose several pictures of different sizes and shapes. Start by placing the largest of frames on the shelf first. Then place the next largest and work your way through them as they get progressively smaller. The goal is to layer the pictures without completely blocking the ones in the back.

6. Set Up an Easel

If you have a picture worth a significant amount of money or is in a particularly heavy frame, you may want to avoid hanging it completely.

Set up a picture display easel like this REALlWAY 63″ Folding Easel Stand that you can place the picture on. This is ideal for giving use to a dead corner. It also makes it easy to move the picture around as you rearrange your furniture and decor.

The easel provides extra support, and there’s no risk of the picture falling when your nail-less hanging method fails. Try to match the style of the easel to the style of the picture frame and the rest of your decor.

A simple black modern frame looks best on an equally simple black or wood easel. An ornate gold gilded frame with a lot of detailing will look best on an easel that’s equally detailed and ornate.

7. Hang From the Mantle

If your home has a fireplace, it likely also has a mantle. This is like a built-in shelf that’s just waiting for picture displays. Of course, you can place pictures on the mantel. However, you can also hang pictures from it.

Use stocking hooks that are weighted to stay in place and are strong enough to hold a significant amount of weight. Then use picture hanging wire or ribbon to suspend multiple pictures from the hook in front of the fireplace.

Keep in mind that this approach is best for unused fireplaces. You’ll want to remove the pictures if you plan to have a fire.

8. Picture Rail Molding

Modern homes aren’t typically built with picture rails. However, if you are lucky enough to live in a home that has them, then you have a built-in solution for hanging pictures without the use of nails. All you need are some hooks and picture wire.

You’ll need two equal lengths of wire with a hook attached at each end. One set of hooks will hook over the picture rail, and the other will hook on the picture frame’s hanging loops.

You can hang as many pictures as you like from the rail. Adjust their height on the wall by changing the wire length.

9. Shower Curtain Rod

If your wall has an alcove or place where it’s indented, then you have the perfect place for adding your own picture rail. Use a shower curtain rod as a picture hanger. Adjust the tension rod to have a secure hold. Then use picture wire, twine, or ribbon to hang your wall art.

10. Use Nail Alternatives

If you are ok with making one or two holes, there are a few nail alternatives. These methods can minimize holes while maximizing the number of pictures you can hang. They can also be a simpler display method if you frequently move around or change out your pictures.

Hang a Display Board

Instead of hanging art and pictures directly on the wall, you can hang a single board. Then hang art from the board. This makes it easier to move the pictures around on the board. You only make two holes in the wall, but you can hang several pictures on it. This method works best when you have several small frames that you want to hang.

Press-In Hooks

Press in hooks will create a hole for every picture you hang. They work like a wall anchor that you hand push into the wall and hang your picture from the attached hook. They are different from nails because you don’t need a hammer to push them in. In addition, the hole they make is much smaller than a nail. Because of their small size, these hooks are best for small or lightweight frames.

Hang a Cork Wall

If you want to create a gallery wall, mounting a board may not be feasible. Instead, try covering your wall with cork. It comes in sheets that are varying thicknesses. Use removable adhesive to adhere the cork to the wall. Then hang your artwork from the cork. The cork gets full of holes, but you can easily remove it when needed to reveal the damage-free wall underneath.

December 30, 2021
What Size Rug Is Best for a Queen Bed?

Adding an area rug to your bedroom can give it a finished look. If you have hardwood, laminate, or tile floors, then a rug can add warmth and a sense of coziness to the room.

Buying a rug for your bedroom isn’t like buying a rug for the other rooms in your house. Fail to get the wrong size, and your rug could completely disappear underneath the bed.

Buy a rug that’s too big, and it’ll take over the bedroom, making it feel small and cramped. So, what size of a rug is right for a queen bed? This guide will help you buy the perfect rug for your bedroom.

Know Your Bedroom Size

Choosing the right rug size is about more than just the size of your bed. It’s also about making sure the rug looks good in your bedroom. You need to know your room size too. This is similar to finding out the size of your living room when buying area rugs.

To find out the size of your bedroom, measure the length and width of the room. Then multiply these two measurements together. Now you know the shape of your room and its square footage.

What Is a Standard Bedroom Size?

The average American apartment bedroom is quite small at about 132 square feet, which is large enough to accommodate a queen-sized bed. This would be an 11 x 12-foot room.

The International Residential Building Code states that a bedroom should be a minimum of 70 square feet. This would be a 7 x 10-foot room.

Bedrooms in single-family homes average 219 square feet. That’s about 14 x 15 square feet, which is considered a standard size. If your bedroom is close to or over 300 square feet, you have a large bedroom.

Know Your Bed Dimensions

You know you have a queen-size bed, but this isn’t the full story. There is a standard size for queen mattresses that is 60 x 80 inches. However, there are also nonstandard bed sizes, such as an Olympic queen, that measures wider than average at 66 x 80 inches. Or there is the California Queen, which is longer than the average.

Obviously, the right size you choose could change when you have a queen mattress that is bigger than the average.

Additionally, you need to measure your entire bed. Your queen mattress sits on the bed frame, so by measuring the outside dimensions of the frame, you’ll have a better idea of how large the rug needs to be to extend beyond the bed.

Common Rug Placements

Once you know the size of your bed and the size of the room, you need to decide on rug placement. This will help you compare different rugs. Your bedroom rug could go under all of the furniture, none of the furniture, or only some of it.

Anchored by the Nightstands and Bed

If you have a large bedroom, you have enough room for the bed and two bedside tables. Take advantage of all this space and buy a large area rug that can go under all four legs of both nightstands and the bed.

The rug will start at the wall behind the bed and nightstands but not extend out beyond the foot of the bed and to the left and right of the nightstands. This works well if you don’t have furniture or decor at the foot of your bed that would need anchoring.

It also works well for smaller spaces that may not have the space available at the foot of the bed for an area rug to extend far beyond the foot of the bed.

In Front of the Nightstands

If you buy a smaller rug that’s not big enough to go completely under the nightstands, then try placing it in front of the tables. This placement works well with an area rug size that’s slightly smaller.

Just be sure that the rug extends under the foot of the bed. Otherwise, it will look like it’s awkwardly floating in the middle of the bed. If you have a large room, you can buy a larger rug that extends several feet beyond the foot of the bed.

Middle of the Bed

A third common rug placement is to have the rug start at the middle point of the bed. This is ideal when you have additional furniture at the foot of the bed. That way, the rug extends beyond the bed far enough so that the furniture is also on the rug.

This placement is also ideal when you have a larger room with a long rectangle shape where the head of the bed is against the short wall. With this placement, you can use a vintage rug.

Having only half of the rug hidden under the bed means you will still see the majority of the gorgeous rug’s design.

Standard Rug Sizes

Area rugs come in standard sizes. Understanding how each size will look and when it is best to use each size will help you choose the right size for your bedroom and bed size.

4 x 6 Feet

A rug that is 4 x 6 feet is too small to place under the bed. These are small rugs and not large enough to visually balance the size of a queen bed. However, you can still use rugs this small if you use multiple rugs. Place one on either side of the bed where you would put your feet when getting in and out of bed.

5 x 8 Feet

If you plan to only use one rug, the narrowest it should be is five feet. This is a perfect rug for smaller bedrooms. Place it under the bed and in front of the nightstands. It isn’t wide enough to place it under the nightstands.

6 x 9 Feet

This slightly bigger rug fits better into an average-sized bedroom. It gives a bit more rug space on either side of the bed, making it the right size for most people. Despite it being a large rug, it’s still not big enough to extend all of the way under the nightstands. However, you could shift it to be just in front of the front legs of the nightstands. Additionally, if you have a nonstandard Olympic queen bed, the extra length will work well with your larger bed.

8 x 10 Feet

If your bedroom is slightly larger than the average, consider purchasing a bigger rug that measures 8 x10 feet, like this turquoise Luxe Ombre rug from nuLOOM. While you won’t get the entire bed and nightstands on the rug, you do have two placement options with this larger rug.

First, try laying the rug under the nightstands and head of the bed. This keeps the rug up at the head of the bed and works best if there isn’t a lot of space at the foot of the bed. The other option is to shift the rug down.

Start the rug a quarter of the way or halfway down the length of the bed. This leaves several feet of rug extending out from the foot of the bed. If you have a California queen, this is a good option because it accounts for the additional bed length. This is also a good placement option if you have a chest or bench at the foot of the bed.

9 x 12 Feet

A 9 x 12 foot or larger rug like this 9 x 12 Navy Indoor Geometric Southwestern Area Rug provides the greatest coverage. It will completely cover the entire carpet or bare floor in some bedrooms. It’s actually too large for small bedrooms.

If you have plenty of floor space, then this size of rug will be large enough to go under the nightstands and queen bed with plenty of space on either side and extending out from the end of the bed.

Round Rugs

Everyone automatically thinks of a square or rectangular rug when buying an area rug for their queen bed. However, they aren’t your only options. You could also place a round or oval rug.

This approach will create a custom rug look. You don’t want to place a round rug centered directly under the bed. Then it will barely peak out of the sides. Instead, the edge of the rug should start at the middle of the bed and extend out of the bottom of the bed.

This approach works well for a narrow bedroom because the round shape will complement the limited space. The round shape of a rug like this Imaria Southwestern Red Area Rug can give your bedroom a creative or eclectic look.

Runner

Runner area rugs are long and skinny, making them perfect for use in a hallway or placed in front of a long kitchen countertop. You can also use them in the bedroom. They are perfect for small spaces or if you have a limited budget.

If the long side of your bed is against the wall, you can place the runner along the side of your bed. If you have space on both sides of your bed, then you could place one runner on either side of the bed.

A third option is to place one at the foot of the bed. Never place a runner under the bed as they are not wide enough to ground the bed.

Animal Skins

An animal fur can make a plush and luxurious addition to your queen bed. Whether you decide to buy real or faux, furs come in a unique shape that is hard to measure. A single sheep’s skin rug or faux sheep’s skin rug like this BAYKA Small Faux Fur Rug works well as a small rug placed next to the bed.

Position it in front of the bedside table so that it’s the last thing your toes touch when getting in bed at night and first thing in the morning when getting out of bed.

December 30, 2021
What Colors Go With a Gray Sofa?

What colors go with a gray sofa? Well, the short answer is that almost any color can coordinate beautifully with your gray sofa. This gives you complete freedom to decorate your living room with your chosen color palette.

Unlike other colors, like blue or brown sofas, your creativity is not limited. When selecting your colors, think about more than just the colors. Consider the shades for a balance of light and dark and the interior design style you’re going for.

This guide will help you choose the perfect color palette for your room with a gray sofa.

1. White

White is bright, clean, and fresh feeling. It reflects the maximum amount of light, making it perfect for rooms that lack natural light. It’s also a top choice for those who like simple and modern designs. It doesn’t clutter up the space with unnecessary color.

However, the all-white aesthetic isn’t for everyone. This is where gray becomes an important addition. Adding gray upholstery to your white room softens the white and makes the room feel more comfortable and welcoming.

White works well with both light and dark shades of gray, so you can make your design work no matter what shade of gray your couch is. To really soften your white and gray room, add wood elements. Doing this gives you room a Scandinavian feel.

Try adding a light wood floor and furniture. This adds more warmth to the space and softens the white color’s brightness.

2. Black

On the opposite end of the color spectrum, there is black. It creates a moody and sophisticated feel. It also works well for a sleek and modern design.

You could commit to the black look and use it as the wall color on all four walls. However, this can be too much black for some people. Instead, try painting one wall black as an accent wall using a black wall paint like this one from Microblend, and leave the others white or a pale gray.

You could coordinate the light gray walls with a matching light gray sofa. The dark colors offset the light gray furniture. Be careful that the room doesn’t become too dark. Don’t block the windows with heavy curtains. Add light fixtures that can increase the amount of light.

3. Gray

Of course, gray decorative elements will coordinate with your gray sofa. Gray living room ideas are popular right now because gray is considered the trending neutral. It comes in a wide range of shades for versatile interior design options.

Don’t choose elements that match too closely. When you have gray walls, flooring, and furniture, everything blends to become one large bland blob of gray. It can look boring and dull. Instead, vary the gray tones to balance light and dark.

If you have a dark gray sofa, then choose light gray paint like this one from Prestige Paints for the wall, or vice versa. This creates depth in the room by making it clear that the sofa is separate from the wall and other furniture.

Choose textiles that have other colors in addition to gray. The pattern on the fabric and the weave of the material add texture to the room. This helps it to feel more cozy and welcoming.

4. Neutrals

Neutral may seem counterintuitive, but they can complement your gray sofa nicely. Choose neutral colors that are in the same shade family as your gray. For example, if you have a light gray sofa, then choose neutral shades that are also light.

If your gray sofa is darker, then choose shades that are also darker. This keeps the colors in the same family. It’s also good to choose either the gray or the neutrals to be the dominant feature in the room, and then the other color is a pop of color accent.

5. Earth Tones

Using earth tones with gray can bring some subtle and gentle warmth into the room. gray tends to be a cool color, so earth tones can make the gray feel less cold.

Colors that qualify as earth tones are ones that you would find in nature. For example, mustard, marigold, terra cotta, rust, burnt sienna, deep navy, and turmeric are all earth tones. These warm colors are a step up from the traditional neutrals.

Try using these colors with your gray sofa in the decor. This could be wall art, decorative pieces on a coffee table, pots for plants, or small items on a shelf.

6. Red

Red and gray don’t seem like they would go together, but this bold color can create a unique aesthetic in your home. The design choice tends to be hit or miss with people, so you’ll either love it or hate it.

Most people use a combination of bold, bright red with black and light gray. Balance the three colors in the room to create a balance of light, dark, and bright. Gray sofas are good for this because it provides a neutral furniture piece. Then you can add red accents.

If you decide you’re tired of this design, you can easily switch out the red decor for another color.

7. Pink

Pink and gray are a classic color combination that creates a design that’s the perfect balance between masculine and feminine design. Both colors work well together in light and dark shades, so you have a lot of freedom in choosing any color of pink that appeals to you most.

Darker shades of pink have a more sophisticated feel, while pastels work best in a rustic, farmhouse, or contemporary design. Mauve is a muted version of pink that works well for vintage-inspired designs like grand millennial decor.

To elevate your interior design, use more than one shade of pink. Choose one dominant shade for the room but then accent it with lighter and darker shades in the textiles with a multi-dimensional pattern. Florals like these decorative cushion covers work well for this because they naturally use varying shades of a single color.

8. Yellow

Using yellow in your interior design can help brighten your living space. It’s the color associated with the sun, so even if your room lacks light, this bright color gives the impression of more light. It’s a naturally bright and light color, so it will help reflect the light that is present in the room.

Pairing it with your gray sofa is a smart choice because the gray balances the yellow and gives it some softness. Pale yellow is perfect for farmhouse and contemporary designs. The light color adds some life to what would otherwise be a bland, neutral color palette.

If you like bold colors, choose a vibrant yellow that can balance nicely with a darker shade of gray. The contrast between light and dark makes for a bold interior design. Try to use equal amounts of each color so that your design is balanced.

9. Green

Bring a lush touch of nature into your living room by pairing your light gray sofa with rich green shades. Try adding a tropical leaf wallpaper to one wall and an accent. This will have multiple shades of green that will add depth to the room. You can then pick up those green colors throughout the rest of the room.

Add solid green curtains to frame the window. Dress the sofa with pillows and a blanket. Add an area rug that has a bold pattern that features green.

Finally, commit to the green nature aesthetic by adding actual live plants. Mount them on the wall opposite the feature wall or place one in a large plant in a dead corner.

10. Blue

Using blue with your gray couch is a smart choice if you want to create a calm and soothing aesthetic. Pale blue can brighten up a dark couch with a light throw pillow or a blanket.

Using light blue for the rug color is also good because it adds some lightness to the bottom half of the room, which keeps a dark gray sofa from absorbing too much light.

A charcoal gray color can also look beautiful with a deep blue paint color. The two dark shades will have a sophisticated and understated glamorous feel, especially if you accent it with gold fixtures and hardware.

Using blue, white, and gray can be a perfect color palette for a nautical interior design. It can also work well for a simple contemporary or Scandinavian design.

11. Jewel Tones

Choosing a jewel tone for your wall paint and color scheme will give your room richness and regality. These colors are highly saturated, and complement gray beautifully. Think deep peacock sapphire blue with hints of teal, deep ruby red that isn’t too bright but not dark burgundy either, and earthy emerald green that mimics the lush color of healthy tropical plants.

Inspired by the deep colors of gemstones, these jewel tones add life and vibrancy to your gray sofa. They work with both light and dark gray. Add metallic accents, and your plain gray sofa gets elevated into something that looks elegant or even luxurious.

Try pairing more than one jewel tone together for a coordinated look. For example, blue, green, and gray would look beautiful together and be a soothing design. Or red, orange, and gray can have an energizing but not overwhelming design.

12. Wood

Wood isn’t necessarily a color, but it’s an important element to discuss when styling your gray sofa. Adding natural elements to your living room helps bring warmth into your living space.

A common method for doing this is with wood flooring. However, having wood flooring typically means you’ll want to lay an area rug down. You’ll then need to consider the color carpet combination and how it coordinates with your gray sofa.

You can add more warmth to the room with wood end tables, a coffee table, or shelving. Choose woods that have cool undertones. This means avoiding woods like cherry with red undertones or oak.

Woods like ash, maple, pine, and popular all have cool undertones. These will pair better with the cool nature of gray. You could even further bring out these undertones by giving it a whitewash or graying treatment.

December 30, 2021
What Color Goes With a Brown Leather Sofa?

A brown leather sofa is a classic piece of furniture that looks beautiful in any home. The luxurious leather adds a sense of elegance and class that a fabric sofa simply can’t achieve. This is especially the case when you choose a classic upholstery design, like a Chesterfield sofa or a mid-century modern sofa.

Once you have your beautiful leather sofa, you now have to design the rest of your living room around it. So, what colors go with a brown leather sofa? This guide will help you find the perfect color scheme for your leather sofa.

1. Earth Tones

Pair your brown couch with a color scheme that features earth tones. These are colors that you would find existing in nature. Think rusty reds, burnt oranges, mustard yellow, sage, moss grey, and sandy beige. These colors pair well with your brown leather sofa because the sofa is also an earth tone shade naturally occurring in nature.

This KILZ TRIBUTE Interior Matte Paint comes in a range of earth tones including “Baked terra cotta”, “Haute red” and “Pottery beige”.

Choose a paint color that balances the shade of your sofa. For example, if your sofa is dark brown, choose a lighter earth tone for the walls. If your sofa is a lighter color, then skip the light beige for the walls and choose another color. This will create dimensions and depth in the room.

Classic earth tone color combinations are found in Southwestern design, the country cabin aesthetic, or even some mid-century modern designs. Do not try to use all of these earth tones in a single room as this is too much color. Stick with the 60/30/10 rule of three. You’ll choose three colors and use them 60%, 30%, and 10% in the room.

2. Warm Colors

Pair your dark brown sofa with warm colors like red, orange, and yellow. These warm-hued colors bring out the warm undertones in the leather. These colors can be overwhelming when painted on the wall, so be sure you are ready to make a bold statement before painting the walls red in your living room.

Instead, try using these warm colors in the accents and textiles. For example, keep the walls a soft neutral and hang red curtains, use a patterned area rug with red in it, and have red throw pillow combinations.

Also, try using different shades of red, orange, and yellow. Bright yellow can provide light and dark balance to a dark brown leather sofa. A soft mauve can add a delicate feminine touch to your brown leather sofa that has a masculine feel.

3. Cool Colors

Cool colors are greens, blues, purples, and greys. Certain shades of these colors compliment brown leather sofas beautifully by balancing the warmth of the leather. For example, deep navy blue or forest green color walls will look sophisticated and elegant when paired with crisp white trim and a dark brown leather sofa.

In contrast, a bright coastal shade of blue with a light brown leather sofa will look fresh and inviting. Be careful when using purple, though. Purples can be hit or miss with brown. Stick with purples that are pale or have grey undertones for a more sophisticated look.

Blues and greens look good together, so you can have a color palette that features blue, green, and brown. Or you can balance blue and brown with a soft cream color for accents. Finally, tie the room together with an area rug that uses all three colors.

4. Grey

Grey is the modern neutral, and you will see it in various interior design themes. This makes it perfect for pairing with your brown leather furniture. Dark charcoal or pepper grey will look slightly moody and sophisticated, making it perfect for a distinguished Chesterfield sofa.

In contrast, a soft pale or pearl grey will look right at home with a modern brown leather sofa. Choose honey or chestnut leather for this look. To keep the room from falling flat, use more than one shade of grey.

Balancing light and dark grey shades creates depth and definition in the space. You also need other brown accents in the room to ground the sofa in the space. This approach would look good in a farmhouse or rustic sofa.

Then you could have brown cowhides on the floor instead of a traditional area rug. Or you could bring out the brown hues of the leather with wooden furniture. Add matching brown leather hardware for the drawer pulls.

5. White

White is the ultimate neutral and the go-to wall color. It will act as a blank slate for your brown leather couch. You can then choose bold colors for the accents. This could be with throw pillows, a blanket, area rug, window treatments, or artwork on the walls.

White is bright and reflects light well, balancing darker brown leather shades. You are also free to choose brown leather sofas with more unique undertones, like reds and oranges.

Next, accent your white room and brown leather sofa with black hardware and fixtures. Finally, place wood furniture with your sofa, and you will have a rustic farmhouse feel that won’t feel old or outdated.

6. Cream

White can look crisp, but it can also look stark and cold. It can also reflect a high amount of light, which isn’t necessary for rooms with a lot of natural light.

A perfect alternative is to use a soft cream color instead. This lighter shade is perfect to pair with a dark brown couch because there are warm undertones in the white shade.

Pay attention to the undertones in your chosen shade, as some are pink and others are more yellow.

Don’t pick a shade where the undertones are too strong, or you will lose the cream look and instead have pale pink or yellow walls. It’s also best to pair your brown leather sofa and chosen shades of cream with a third color that matches the undertones of the cream.

7. Black

An outdated fashion rule states black and brown should never go together. This rule is out and one that you can ignore. A black wall and chocolate brown leather sofa can look beautiful together.

Keep the decor to a minimum for a clean design and pair your black and brown with white and light woods. Accent the sofa with a soft cream-colored blanket like this one to soften the look. This is a minimalist approach to Scandinavian design.

Your living room will have an understated feel that is spacious and cozy. This design works best when your leather sofa looks slightly worn in and has an overstuffed feel to the cushions.

8. Jewel Tones

Jewel tones are colors that are derived from gemstones, hence the name. These are stones like sapphire, ruby, and emerald. The colors are highly saturated and eye-catching – check out this gorgeous velvet barrel chair.

Historically, these gemstones were associated with the ultra-rich nobility and royalty. This association has carried over today, and when used in interior design, they give a sense of regal-ness and distinction. This makes them perfect for use with leather furniture, which is also associated with someone who is upscale and has wealth.

The richness of the brown leather provides a complementary color that won’t compete with the bold jewel-tone colors. This color combination looks complete when you accent it with metal fixtures.

While painting your walls, a jewel tone makes a bold statement; not everyone is ready to commit to this. Instead, you could choose a jewel tone rug color. It will pop even more with brown furniture placed on it.

9. Metallics

Brown colors can look a bit dull, even if they are in the form of a luxurious leather sofa. You can play up the elegant feel of your leather by pairing it with other high-end materials.

Try adding metallic accents to the room that will elevate the interior design. Change out the legs on the sofa for copper, gold, or brass, or rose gold legs. Then carry your chosen metal hue throughout the rest of the room.

You could hang wall decor, add metallic picture frames, use table lamps with metal accents, or side tables that have metal frames. Don’t forget about the curtain rod over the window. Avoid cool metals like silver and nickel; they make brown leather sofas look cheaper.

Black metals have their place, such as in a vintage-inspired, farmhouse-themed, or industrial design. Look for black metal accents and fixtures that match your chosen aesthetic.

10. Neutral Colors

You can’t go wrong with a neutral palette when decorating with a brown leather sofa. Whether you have a honey, caramel, saddle, chocolate, or darker shade, all of these are considered neutrals.

Take the color of your leather sofa and build the rest of your neutral palette around it. If your sofa is dark, add medium and light shades. If your sofa is a medium shade, add dark and light shades. If your sofa is light, add medium and dark shades.

You want a good balance of light and dark because it will add depth and dimension to your room. Everything will blend and look incredibly bland if you have beige walls, textiles, furniture, and flooring. Don’t be afraid to add white, cream, or even black to your neutrals.

11. Vibrant and Bright Colors

No, we are not talking about neon colors. Brown couches and neon colors do not mix. However, a dark brown shade is a perfect color to ground more conventional bright colors, like a bright sunny yellow, southwest turquoise, or vibrant magenta. These colors are highly saturated and need a dark color to balance them out.

Dark brown furniture is perfect because it has a softness that pure white or black lacks. If you have a light brown leather sofa, pair it with bright kelly green elements like these throw pillows. Try using bright colors in a maximalist design that embraces vibrant colors, shiny metals, and bold patterns.

December 30, 2021
9 Stone Patio Ideas for Your Backyard

Using stone to build the external structural elements around your home elevates the look and increases the value of your home. Having a brick patio encourages you to embrace the outdoor living lifestyle.

If bricks aren’t your style, you can modernize the look with paver stones. They come in endless shapes and sizes for complete customization of your new patio.

Check out these stone patio ideas and start planning your brick patio home improvement project.

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1. Increase Your Home’s Value with Brick Patio Pavers

Brick pavers are the traditional building block. Thousands of red bricks go into building walkways, front entryways, building facades, walls, and patios. A brick patio attached to your house can increase your home’s value by adding elegant outdoor living space.

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Using reclaimed or salvaged bricks is a great way to make your new brick patio look older than it really is. These are bricks that were previously used in other building projects. When those buildings are no longer needed, the building elements are then salvaged and repurposed for new projects.

Read more: Top 35 Brick Patio Ideas

2. DIY Steps for Installing Concrete Pavers in Your Patio

You don’t have to hire a contractor to lay your concrete pavers. This is a home improvement project that you can do yourself. Plan to spend some time on this project because it isn’t a fast improvement. Start by clearing out the landscaping where you plan to build your patio. It needs to be level but also able to direct water away from the patio for adequate drainage.

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Spread landscaping fabric down to prevent weeds from growing up between your stones. Even out sand and arrange the stones in your desired pattern. Finish by filling in the gaps with more fine grit sand. This secures the stones and keeps them from shifting.

3. Elevate Your Stone Patio with Firepit

Adding a firepit to your stone patio area gives you a centralized focal point to gather around. If it’s round, you can position patio furniture around the fire pit for easy communication among people. Another modern option is to skip the round fire pit on all sides and instead build an outdoor fireplace. You can then arrange living room inspired furniture around the fireplace.

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If you have enough room on your outdoor patio, you can add an outdoor kitchen. This lets you do more with your patio than just toast marshmallows and roast weenies. With an outdoor kitchen, you can prepare full meals and entertain all of your friends and family. The durability of the stone makes them a smart choice for the flooring underneath your fire pit or kitchen.

4. Bluestone and Flagstone for Your Patio

Bluestone and flagstone patios are popular stones for building natural stone patios because they are durable like tile but have a more natural look and feel. You can buy flagstone pavers in a cut square shape for a refined look and feel. These are also easier to place because they cleanly fit together like traditional tile.

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For a rustic look, opt for natural stone pavers. These stones are flat but have irregular shapes around the outside. They are harder to fit together, but when done correctly, they have a rustic appeal.

5. Achieve an Outdoor Oasis with a Tranquil Fountain

Adding a fountain to your backyard gives it a natural soundtrack that is calming and drowns out the outside sounds of the world. Try placing a pond or fountain liner and then using stone pavers to build a fountain around the outside. Using the same patio material for your fountain blends everything together and creates a cohesive design for your backyard.

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If you have a concrete patio, you can build any type of fountain you want. The easiest option is to place a premade fountain on your concrete patio. Buy one that is scaled to the size and shape of your patio. Don’t be afraid to add height by choosing a tall fountain.

6. Maximize Your Outdoor Space with Multi-Level Patios

Larger property can support multi-level patios. Start with a flat patio space that leads directly off of the house. You shouldn’t have to step up or down when walking out your back door. Then add steps that lead up or down from your main patio level to other levels. You may need to build retaining walls to create the necessary support for the varied levels.

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You often see this with wooden deck designs. The multiple levels are perfect for creating different use zones. One area could be for your fire pit or fireplace. Another area could be for your outdoor kitchen. Then a third area could be for your outdoor dining table. With these three zones, you can host a complete event where you prepare food and refreshments, serve, and hang out all while staying outside.

7. Elevate Your Patio Design with Creative Paving Patterns

Using patio pavers is a smart choice when you want to create a unique patio design. Simple paving stones come in basic geometric designs like squares, rectangles, and hexagons. But these are not your only options. Some are specially shaped to interlock with the surrounding stones. When placed, the stones create a larger pattern.

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It may not be unique, but you can buy plain rectangular pavers and then create a herringbone pattern. Lay the stones at a 45-degree angle and offset from the stone before it. This adds stability to the patio and creates more visual interest than laying the pavers in straight lines.

8. Seamless Poolside Elegance: Combining Pavers and Pool Design

Build a patio around your pool and keep your pool cleaner. This patio idea combines paver patio design ideas with pool designs. Doing this ties the design of the pool in with the design of your patio and home. You can extend the patio out further beyond the pool, creating more space for adding lounging chairs.

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For a clean design, plan to use a larger stone for the edge around your pool. This creates a finished edge and helps to secure the smaller pavers better. If you have oversized stone tiles, then you may not need this decorative edge because the stones are heavy enough to stay in place.

Read more: Top 41 Small Pool Ideas

9. Elevate Your Stone Patio Design with Curved Elegance

Adding rounded elements to your stone patio design elevates the look of your backyard patio and makes it seem more expensive. Rounded designs are more expensive because they are harder to build than simple straight lines.

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Cobblestones are good for this because they are round in shape. They are easier to form into curved lines and rounded shapes. Try placing them into scalloped shapes. Another option is to use wedge-shaped patio stones. They are perfectly shaped to make curved lines naturally. You can form them into a complete circle or make interlocking arches.

November 19, 2021
6 Garage Flooring Ideas

You’ve painted, decorated, and styled your entire home. It looks stunning from the front door to the back. However, you’ve left one room neglected and untouched.

It’s time to turn your attention to the garage floor. Right now, it probably looks like a plain concrete slab that’s a part of your home’s foundation. Upgrading your garage flooring and giving the walls a coat of paint can dramatically improve the looks and feel of your garage.

These garage flooring ideas will help you get started by starting from the ground up.

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1. Concrete Sealers

Concrete sealers on your garage floor can make it look nicer and be easier to clean. Concrete is a porous material, so if you spill anything on it, the liquid will sink into the concrete and become almost impossible to remove. Concrete sealers remove this problem by creating a smooth surface. Any liquids that are spilled will pool up and be easily mopped up.

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Use a garage floor coating that’s designed for use in the garage. You don’t want to use an interior urethane sealer because it won’t stand up to the abuse it receives in the garage. For the best results when applying your coating, keep your garage very clean during application. Otherwise, you risk the coating getting contaminated with dust, dirt, or bugs.

2. Epoxy

One of the most durable flooring treatments you can do to your concrete flooring is epoxy paint. With the proper floor prep, epoxy flooring can last for years and improve the look of your garage floor. There are several color options, making it easy to customize the look of your epoxy floor coating. Some epoxy coating systems come with paint flakes that you can sprinkle over the floor’s surface for a more colorful design.

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In addition to epoxy, you will also see another option called polyaspartic coating. This is a new product compared to epoxy in the garage floor options market. This makes it more expensive than epoxy floor coatings. Polyaspartic floor coatings are similar to polyurethane and are much more durable and protective than epoxy.

3. Hardwood

Elevate the look of your garage by going with a hardwood flooring option. This garage floor covering isn’t typically chosen because people have the misconception that hardwood flooring only belongs in their homes. This isn’t true, though. Using hardwood floors in your garage gives it a sense of warmth and a homey feeling. If you plan to spend time in your garage doing hobbies or turning it into a man cave, then this flooring option is a great choice.

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Choose a laminate or vinyl flooring that is more durable to moisture. Your garage is more exposed to the elements, and this includes increased levels of moisture. Choosing the wrong type of flooring can result in it buckling with changing temperatures or warping from moisture.

4. Interlocking Tiles

An affordable and easy-to-install floor covering is interlocking floor tiles. Once you install the tiles, you have a smooth rubber flooring that covers your entire garage floor. A rubber floor is perfect for turning your garage into a home gym. The rubber is thick, creating a cushion on the surface of the floor.

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Plastic tiles are also a popular interlocking tile option. They are lightweight and affordable, making them easy to install on your own. You can buy them in multiple colors to create a checkered, striped, or some other design. They have holes for drainage and feet underneath to encourage airflow.

5. Concrete Floor Paint

One of the simplest treatments you can give your garage floor is covering it with concrete floor paint. The colors are endless, and you can do the project yourself. This type of flooring is ideal if you plan to use your garage for something other than vehicle storage. You may find that garage floor paint isn’t as durable as other options if you plan to put your garage through heavy use.

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Vehicle tires get hot when you drive, and parking them on your floor paint can cause the paint to lift off the floor. You’ll end up with patchy paint removal in the spots where your tires typically stop in your garage. Vehicle fluids can also be caustic, which standard paint isn’t designed to withstand. This can cause a chemical reaction that discolors or removes the concrete paint.

6. Porcelan Tiles

Porcelain tile is surprisingly durable and easy to keep clean. This makes it a great option for your garage floor. Similar to the rest of your home, choose a garage tile that’s scaled to the size of your garage. Thinner grout lines reduce the amount of cleaning and scrubbing you’ll have to do.

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Carpet tiles are another option for your garage floor. They are typically a tight weave like Berber, similar to the type of carpeting you see in commercial settings and offices. The individual garage floor tiles will have adhesive on the back. Position the tiles where you want them and press down to activate the adhesive. What’s nice about these tiles is that you can easily replace one or two if they become damaged or stained.

November 19, 2021
28 Garden Pathway Ideas for Your Outdoor Space

Having a beautiful garden in your backyard is pointless if you can’t walk through and appreciate it. A garden walkway makes it possible to admire your flowers, marvel at your greenery, and harvest your produce. Your garden design should include a garden path that makes it easy to get from one side of your garden to the other. From romantic winding paths to functional straight lines, a garden path keeps your feet off the plants.

These garden path ideas will help you build a walkway through your garden so you can start enjoying the fruit of your labor.

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1. Grass Pavers

Grass pavers merge durability with eco-friendliness. Perfect for those who want a green look without sacrificing stability, these pavers allow grass to grow through them, creating a harmonious blend of natural and structured elements.

2. Pebble Pavers

Ideal for creating a relaxed, beachy feel in your garden. Pebble pavers offer a tactile and visual texture, creating a sense of movement and fluidity that contrasts beautifully with more structured elements in your garden.

3. Alternating Stone & Grass Path

Combine the elegance of stone with the lush green of grass. This pathway alternates between stone slabs and grass, offering a rhythmic, natural aesthetic that is both visually appealing and practical underfoot.

4. Patterned Stone Steps

Elevate your garden’s style with patterned stone steps. Whether in swirling designs or geometric shapes, these steps add a sophisticated touch and serve as a focal point in your landscape design.

5. Landscape Buffer Steps

Landscape buffer steps blend seamlessly into your garden, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. They create a gentle transition between different levels in your garden, incorporating natural elements like stone and wood.

6. Wood Slab Steps

For a rustic touch, wood slab steps are a natural choice. These steps bring a warm, organic feel to your garden, beautifully aging over time and blending with the surrounding greenery.

7. Square Steps

Square steps offer a modern, clean look. Perfect for contemporary gardens, they provide a sharp, defined path and can be made from various materials like concrete or stone to suit your style.

8. Pond Concrete Walk Path

A pond concrete walk path is both functional and decorative. It curves gracefully around water features, providing a stable and visually appealing walkway that enhances the water’s tranquil beauty.

9. Scattered Freeform Steps

These steps are ideal for a whimsical, natural garden. Placed irregularly, they mimic the randomness of nature, inviting exploration and curiosity in your garden layout.

10. Black Garden Steps

Black garden steps make a bold statement. They contrast strikingly with the greenery and other elements in your garden, offering a modern twist and a touch of elegance.

11. Zen-Style Layered Steps

Reflecting the tranquility of Zen gardens, these layered steps are perfect for creating a peaceful retreat. Their simple, clean lines promote a sense of calm and order in your garden.

12. Geometrical Steps

Geometrical steps bring a touch of modern art to your garden. Their sharp lines and shapes create a visually stimulating path that can become a central design feature in your outdoor space.

13. Pebble & Grass Islands

This design features small islands of pebbles surrounded by grass, creating a ‘stepping stone’ effect. It’s perfect for a playful yet natural look, encouraging a light, meandering walk through your garden.

14. Red Brickstone Path

Classic and timeless, a red brickstone path adds warmth and charm. Its rich color stands out against the greenery, evoking a sense of tradition and nostalgia.

15. Pebbled Floor With Concrete Stone Path

This design combines the loose texture of pebbles with the solidity of concrete stones. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a mix of textures and a balance between structured and natural elements.

16. Tiled Walk Path

Tiled walk paths bring color and pattern to your garden. They can be customized to fit any style, from Mediterranean mosaics to modern geometric designs, offering a unique and personal touch.

17. Herringbone-Patterned Walk Path

The herringbone pattern adds a classic and sophisticated touch. This intricate design is not only visually appealing but also provides a durable and stable walking surface.

18. Interlocking Paving Stone

Interlocking paving stones are versatile and durable, perfect for creating a cohesive look. Their interlocking nature makes them a stable and low-maintenance choice for any garden path.

19. Pebbled Path

A pebbled path is simple yet elegant. The sound of pebbles underfoot adds a sensory experience to your garden stroll, and the natural look integrates seamlessly with any garden style.

20. Oversized Rocks

Oversized rocks can create a bold, sculptural path. They add a dramatic, natural element to your garden, ideal for those looking to make a strong visual statement.

21. In-Out Walk Path

This path design alternates between indoor and outdoor elements, perfect for gardens that connect with indoor spaces. It blurs the line between the home and the garden, creating a seamless transition.

22. Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete offers the look of natural materials with the durability of concrete. It can be shaped and colored to mimic stone, brick, or other textures, offering a customizable and robust pathway solution.

23. Ascending Walk Path

An ascending walk path adds a dynamic element to your garden, guiding visitors through different elevations. It can be both a practical solution for sloped gardens and an opportunity to create stunning views.

24. Multi-Colored

A multi-colored path can be as subtle or as bold as you like. Whether it’s a blend of natural stone hues or a vibrant mosaic of tiles, it adds a playful and artistic touch to your garden.

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25. Creative Pebble Walk Path

Unleash creativity with a pebble walk path that features artistic patterns or motifs. This path not only serves as a functional walkway but also as a piece of art in your garden.

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26. Wooden Walk Path

A wooden walk path adds warmth and a natural feel. It’s particularly fitting for gardens with a rustic or cottage-style theme and can be designed to meander gently through your outdoor space.

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27. Cobblestone Path

Cobblestone paths evoke a sense of old-world charm. Their uneven surface and varied shapes add character and a timeless appeal to your garden, perfect for creating a storybook look.

28. Granite Scraps

Using granite scraps is an eco-friendly and unique approach. This path will have a mosaic-like effect, each piece telling its own story, perfect for an innovative and sustainable garden design.

November 19, 2021
9 Pool Fence Ideas for Your Privacy

“This life is like a swimming pool. You dive into the water, but you can’t see how deep it is.” – Dennis Rodman

Having a swimming pool in your backyard is a perfect way to enjoy the warm weather and make the most of your backyard. However, your pool also presents a risk. It’s enticing to others, and without a fence, you could end up with uninvited visitors enjoying your backyard oasis.

Even if you don’t have people coming over for a dip, you could attract the attention of your neighbors. What you need is a fence. Building a fence around your pool keeps people out and creates a sense of privacy.

These pool fence ideas will help you improve the look of your backyard and add privacy so that you can enjoy your property without the intrusive prying eyes of your neighbors.

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1. Bamboo Pool Fence

Give your backyard pool a tropical feel by using bamboo to build a privacy fence around your pool deck. This type of pool fencing can be built in one of two ways. The first is to plant bamboo plants. The bamboo shoots grow fast and dense to create a natural living wall. Plant your bamboo far enough away from your inground pool so that the living plants don’t interfere with the underground structure of the pool.

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If you prefer having a removable pool fence, then use bamboo sheeting. It’s made from thin bamboo shoots that are strapped together to create a solid sheet. You can then mount it on stakes to turn it into a wall.

2. Glass Pool Fence

A glass pool fence is a must for a modern look that doesn’t block your view. Glass fencing uses large sheets of glass that are thick and durable. The fence could have a black frame around the glass or have a frameless floating look.

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Only specific types of glass should be used for this type of fencing. It needs to be durable enough to not shatter or crack with changing temperatures or impacts with debris. Glass used for a glass fence also tends to be thicker to give it more strength.

3. Metal Pool Fence

Wrought iron fences are strong and solid, helping it to be a secure and long-lasting method for securing your pool. However, wrought iron fencing is heavy and expensive. If you want to add a wrought iron pool fence to your property, make the most of it by choosing one with decorative detailing at the top. This will give your fence an elegant and traditional feel.

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If you need a more budget-friendly metal fence, then consider an aluminum pool fence or a chain-link fence. These are both made of metal but lighter weight and easier on your wallet. Aluminum fencing is nice because it’s also corrosion-resistant, helping it to be more durable. The downside of this type of fencing is that it’s less attractive, which can take away from the appeal of your property.

4. Combine Tall Hedge with a Metal Fence

Transform your backyard into a private oasis by merging the natural beauty of a tall hedge with the sleekness of a metal fence. This ingenious combination offers the best of both worlds, providing privacy, security, and aesthetic appeal. Planting the hedge close to the metal fence creates a seamless transition, softening the harsh lines of the metal while adding greenery and texture.

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Opt for fast-growing hedge varieties like Leyland cypress or privet for quicker results, and ensure proper maintenance to keep your fence-line looking pristine year-round. With this fusion, you’ll enjoy a stylish and secure outdoor space that’s sure to impress guests and enhance your property’s value.

5. Combine Glass Fence with a Metal Privacy Fence

Achieve a modern and sophisticated poolside sanctuary by seamlessly integrating the transparency of a glass fence with the privacy provided by a metal fence. Even when positioned on different sides, these elements can work together harmoniously to create a stunning visual effect while ensuring security and seclusion.

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Position the glass fence around the pool perimeter to maintain unobstructed views and a spacious feel, while the metal privacy fence on the neighboring side acts as a solid barrier, shielding your oasis from external distractions. This combination not only enhances safety but also adds a touch of contemporary elegance to your outdoor space.

6. Pool Safety Fence

You are responsible for ensuring the safety of your backyard pool. In many places, it’s considered an attractive nuisance, which means it can be enticing for people. Instead of adding a safety fence just around the pool, you can build a perimeter fence around your entire property. This keeps people well far away from your pool, reducing the risk of an accident.

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Another risk to think about is the general landscape of your property. If it’s on a hill or cliff, then you have more than just your pool to think about. Your fencing also protects people from getting injured on the sudden drop in the landscape. A railing on a low fence can give you a beautiful place to admire the landscape from.

7. Solid Pool Fence

A solid stone fence is the most secure and permanent fence that you can build around your inground swimming pool. Unfortunately, it also happens to be the most expensive. Thankfully, once your stone fence is built, it’s incredibly durable and can last for decades. They’re also relatively low maintenance, requiring an occasional cleaning.

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Building your solid fence out of bricks will give your fence a traditional look with a beautiful red hue. Modern pavers that are more beige will create a contemporary look. Natural stones are more rustic in appearance with their wide variation in sizes and shapes.

8. Vinyl Pool Fence

When you want a fresh and contemporary look, consider adding a vinyl pool fence. They are a crisp, bright white, adding brightness to your backyard. They are durable and can last a long time. The biggest drawback of a vinyl fence is that it can stain easily. If you mow the lawn right next to the fence, the grass clippings will eventually stain the fence green, or hard water can stain the fence reddish-orange.

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A post and rail fence won’t give you the privacy and security that you need for a pool fence. Instead, look for a vinyl fence that either has a solid panel or rails that are positioned close together. This prevents people from slipping through the fence and getting onto your property.

9. Wood Pool Fence

A classic fencing material is wood. It’s durable, attractive, and affordable. You can also choose from a wide variety of designs, making it easy to customize the look of your wooden fence. You could hire a contractor to install your swimming pool fence, but you could also purchase fence panels and do your own fence installation.

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A picket fence will give your backyard a country garden feel but won’t provide you with much privacy. A lattice fence can create more privacy while also allowing for plenty of airflow. You could plant vine plants along the base of the fence and allow them to grow across the fence. If you aren’t ready to commit to a full lattice wood fence, then you could have a solid wood panel for the lower part and a decorative lattice topper.

November 16, 2021
17 Garage Man Cave Ideas and Inspiration

You need a place that you can escape to. It should be a place where you and your best buddies can relax, joke around, and have a good time. It should have privacy so that everyone can drop their guard, be themselves, and have a good time. Did you know that you have the perfect spot for a man cave already built in your home? All you need to do is turn your garage into a man cave.

These garage man cave ideas will have you cleaning out the old boxes and turning your garage into the hang-out place to be.

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1. Turn Into A Private Bar Area

From fun game nights to private bar areas and minibars, you can build the perfect private space without spending a fortune. Imagine playing pool on a new table surrounded by plush chairs and leather couches for maximum comfort.

Don’t forget to add that private bar area so you don’t need to go far for a snack or cold beverage during your private movie nights. With an array of unique design options, you can easily craft your custom garage man cave and enjoy plenty of memorable moments with friends and family.

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2. Showcase Your Vintage Wall Art Collection

Start by personalizing your walls with framed wall art collection that shows off your unique style – you could use artwork, vintage ads, or even custom plate numbers!

Accessorize with cozy furniture and fun accessories. A man cave is a perfect place to hang out in order to escape everyday stress and just chill. Achieve the true ‘man’s haven’ atmosphere of your dreams by letting your creativity run free and designing an environment you truly love.

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3. Set Up A Pool Table

Transform your ordinary garage into an extraordinary man cave by adding a pool table and creating an entertainment area. Whether you’re settling in with a cold beer with friends or pooling your resources to get the highest score, this man cave will become the ultimate hang-out spot.

What could be better than creating your own private place to escape, relax and unwind? Get started today on creating the perfect man cave of your dreams.

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4. Opt For An Industrial Interior

Are you looking for the perfect industrial interior to create your own personal man cave? Look no further than a classic garage. With just a few simple touches, it can be transformed into a stylish industrial haven. Start by covering the walls with an exposed brick facing, setting the mood and texture of your industrial man cave.

Find second-hand furniture that fits the style and bring in some favorites from home to complete the look. You won’t regret having your very own industrial wonderland to escape to after busy days!

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5. Give Your Car The Spotlight

Transform your car-themed garage into an awesome man cave and designate a special shelf for all your favorite racing merch! From car models to hats, flags, and car-themed artwork, you can create a personalized space that celebrates car culture. Add comfortable furniture and a flat-screen TV, some memorabilia from the racetrack or car shows, and voilà: you’ve got your own premier car enthusiasts to retreat.

Make it work hard and play hard with chic decorating ideas like bright rugs, muted walls, modern lighting, and a rocking sound system – perfect for a long night spent with friends around the track or car show on the big screen!

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6. Be Creative With Lighting

A garage man cave is the perfect creative and professional outlet for those who want to get creative with their living space. By taking the creative reins, a creative aura can be cultivated around the entire room.

The use of creative lighting, such as multi-colored string lights and LED strips, can instantly add a fun, creative ambiance to the room while still providing enough light to make it usable. With these creative touches and a few items added in for personal enjoyment, an ordinary garage can become an extraordinary man cave full of personality!

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7. DIY A Wall-mounted Bar Seating

With wall-mounted bar seating and stools, you can transform any small garage into a cozy and practical entertainment area. This space is perfect for watching the big game with friends or simply winding down after a long day.

You can make your man cave unique to suit all of your needs while creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re hosting guests or settling in for some alone time, wall-mounted seating makes it possible to easily enjoy your new oasis.

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8. Turn Into A Walk-In Closet

The perfect garage man cave is all about getting creative with maximizing the space. A walk-in closet and plenty of shelving can provide the perfect spot to store everything from tools and materials to hung shirts and jackets.

With some careful planning and design you can make sure that each moment spent in your man cave is enjoyable – whether it’s entertaining friends or indulging in a moment of solitude. Garages don’t just have to be places where one stores their car. Make yours a place where you feel proud of your accomplishments.

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9. Opt For A Checkerboard Flooring

A garage man cave can be a great place to relax, unwind and entertain. With checkerboard flooring and the right design touches, you can transform your ordinary garage into an extraordinary man cave in no time. Your guests will be wowed by the comfortably cool vibe of checkerboard flooring paired with other modern amenities like trendy furniture and home audio systems.

In addition to providing an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of life, a garage man cave offers a unique way to show off your style while still achieving that urban chic look. No matter what you decide, checkerboard flooring can add an instant boost of personality that both you and your friends will love!

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10. Try An Area Rug

An area rug can provide an area for you to entertain guests, relax with friends, or just get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With area rug options ranging from soft, comfortable materials to bold colors and designs, you can have a space that is truly unique and one-of-a-kind.

Whether you go with a vibrant design or something more subtle, your area rug will turn your garage into a place that’s all your own. Step up your game by taking advantage of this great opportunity to customize and make it yours!

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11. Set Up A Gamer Den

You can transform an ordinary garage into the ultimate destination for gaming and chilling. A garage man cave is an excellent place to set up a powerful gaming PC, a wide television to display visuals with the highest fidelity, and comfortable furniture to relax while enjoying your favorite titles.

Outfit your space with all the latest gamer gadgets such as surround sound speakers or high-end streaming equipment and take your game-playing experience to new heights. So get creative and start building your gamer den today!

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12. Install A Work Desk

If you’ve been searching for an inspiring workspace, look no further! A work desk is a perfect addition to any garage mancave for organizing tools and supplies. With these work essentials, you’ll have everything you need to stay productive and creative during work sessions.

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13. Utilize The Garage Mezzanine

If you have a garage with extra space, then why not utilize it to create the perfect man cave? Having a mezzanine built can transform the area into an amazing entertainment spot, complete with comfortable couches and a minibar.

You can easily expand your man cave into something unique that has never been seen before by adding special touches like arcade games and big-screen TVs. With this personalized space, you’ll never have to worry about having some alone time or inviting friends over for an unforgettable night of fun.

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14. Go For A Minimal and Modern Look

Investing in a few modern features such as modern garage floor tile and LED lights will instantly upgrade the space. With a modern and minimal interior, your garage can be converted into an oasis where you can relax after a long day or invite friends over for an exciting game night.

Transform your garage into a modern man cave with minimal design accents and effortless modern style. Create a modern industrial look by installing garage floor tiles and painting the walls in bold colors to bring out your personality.

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15. Opt For A Rustic Interior

Turning a rustic garage into the ideal man cave is a weekend project like no other. Start by creating a rustic interior with repurposed furniture, reclaimed wood for shelving, and vintage artwork as conversation starters.

If you’ve got some extra space, why not outfit it with a minibar and plenty of seating to encourage entertaining? There’s something special about turning a garage into your own personal retreat – one that combines rustic vibes, industrial accents, and all the comforts of home.

Make it happen – create your own garage man cave getaway that has friends and family wanting to come back time after time.

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16. Install Storage Units

A garage man cave is the perfect place to turn storage units and shelves into organized hobby equipment. This can be a great way to drop in after a long day and keep your most special items close. Whether it’s woodwork, carpentry, art, or any other creative hobby you specialize in–a garage man cave will give you the ideal space to relax without compromising on storage and organization.

With this kind of setup, both sides of your personality can harmoniously coexist the storage nut and the creative artist!

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17. Turn Into A Workshop Area

For the handyman and for any DIY enthusiast, a garage man cave is the ultimate workshop area. Fill it with tools, wood, an array of peg boards, and crates carefully fashioned specifically for various tasks. With this workshop setup, any project can be tackled with ease: from building furniture to restoring old automobiles.

Create an environment that inspires creativity and functionality – one where anything and everything is possible!

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Outfit your workshop with a work counter or desk and a comfortable seat. Then add organized storage solutions for your tools and materials. That way, you’ll spend less time hunting for what you need and more time actually working. Don’t forget about adding plenty of light and possibly a fan to circulate air.

November 8, 2021
11 Patio Flooring Ideas to Style Your Home’s Outdoor

”Spending time outdoors makes you feel great.” – Elizabeth Hurley

What does your backyard look like? If you have a dull and bland-looking outdoor patio, then you are overdue for a glow-up. The best way to approach it is from the floor up. Once you have your patio flooring handled, you can decide how you want to use the space. Start by comparing different patio design ideas to find the one that will look best on your patio. Perhaps your patio could benefit from tiles, wood flooring, or a fresh coat of paint. Consider the look and feel of your home’s exterior architecture and what will complement it best.

Which one of these patio floor ideas will improve the floor of your patio?

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1. Red Bricks

Brick pavers are a perfect patio floor for your outdoor kitchen. A brick or paver patio is durable and easy to clean should you drop food or grease. If you have a traditional home, then a brick patio will add to the look. A natural stone patio will create a more rustic look that’s perfect for blending in with the countryside. For a contemporary look, flagstone is a perfect option.

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The biggest choice you’ll have to make with your brick patio is how you’ll lay the bricks. You could lay them in straight lines. This could create an optical illusion in your favor that the patio is wider or longer than it really is. An interlocking design like a herringbone pattern can add visual interest to your patio.

2. Carpet

Cover your patio or porch floor with outdoor carpet and give your patio a living room feel. These modern carpets look beautiful and are durable enough to stay looking beautiful. Skip the carpet tiles and opt for a single large carpet for an elegant look and feel. You also won’t have to struggle with carpet tile corners lifting or the adhesive giving way when exposed to moisture, extreme heat, or cold.

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While you could cover your entire patio in carpet, you don’t have to. Covering the entire patio will mimic the look of the interior carpet. However, leaving the patio bare around the perimeter will create an area rug feel. This will be easier to keep clean, create more defined space, and be more affordable.

3. Concrete

The majority of patios have a concrete floor. This is because it’s easy to extend the home’s concrete slab out beyond the house’s exterior. It’s also easy to add concrete flooring should you not already have a patio built onto your home.

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While poured concrete is the most affordable, it isn’t your only option. Concrete pavers can give your patio a modern feel. Innovative concrete patio ideas lean towards using large square or rectangle pavers. Space them apart slightly and grow moss or use artificial turf between the pavers. This adds texture and greenery to what would be a plain concrete patio.

4. Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers offer a blend of durability and aesthetic appeal, making them an ideal choice for patio flooring. Their versatility allows for a variety of designs, from sleek, modern looks to more traditional patterns. The key is in the installation; a well-laid concrete paver patio can resist weathering and heavy traffic.

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Maintenance is straightforward, usually involving regular cleaning and occasional sealing. Plus, with the ability to mimic more expensive materials like stone, concrete pavers provide a cost-effective solution that doesn’t sacrifice style.

5. Stone Pavers

Stone pavers bring a touch of natural elegance to any patio. Each piece’s unique texture and color variations create a rich, organic look that’s hard to replicate. When choosing stone pavers, consider the local climate and the stone’s susceptibility to weathering. For instance, slate and bluestone are great for cooler climates, while limestone and travertine fare better in warmer areas.

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Remember, proper installation and drainage are crucial to prevent shifting and cracking. The initial investment might be higher, but the timeless beauty and longevity of stone pavers are well worth it.

6. Interlocking Deck Tiles

Interlocking deck tiles are a fantastic solution for homeowners seeking a quick and straightforward patio upgrade. These tiles snap together effortlessly, making installation a breeze without needing professional help. They come in various materials, including wood, composite, and stone, allowing for customization to suit any design preference.

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Interlocking deck tiles are especially appealing for renters or those who anticipate future moves, as the tiles can be easily disassembled and taken along. Their ease of installation and versatility make them a popular choice for transforming patio spaces efficiently.

7. Outdoor Tiles

If you already have a poured concrete patio, then consider covering it with outdoor tile. A tile flooring like porcelain tile is colorful and durable, making it a long-lasting option for your backyard space. Choose a patio tile that isn’t glazed or polished, as these become very slippery when wet. This creates a dangerous surface to walk on. Consider the size of the tile and the width of the grout, as this can also impact how much non-slip resistance there is.

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If permanent tiles aren’t in your budget, a more affordable solution is to use interlocking deck tiles. They come in a variety of materials, including wood, carpet, plastic composite, and rubber flooring. The tiles you choose need to be meant for outdoor use. These tiles are designed to withstand changing temperatures, UV rays, rain, snow, and ice.

8. Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tile arrangements are colorful, detailed, and simply stunning. Typically, they use small tiles of varying colors that are arranged into a large design. The designs range from simple to incredibly complicated. A well-done mosaic design takes a long time to plan and install. Because of this, they can be expensive.

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Most homeowners don’t try to cover their entire patio with a mosaic. Instead, you can use a mosaic design as an accent or a way of visually defining a portion of the patio. Try adding a mosaic design in the center of your patio or as a border around the perimeter. If you want the entire patio to be a mosaic design, consider using larger stones to scale the size of the design up.

9. Painted

If you’re looking for the ultimate in cheap patio design, look no further than paint. You can choose any color you want and have it mixed at your local home improvement store. Be sure to pick an exterior paint and one that’s designed to be used on the material your patio is made out of. Apply thin coats and allow to dry between each application.

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For the best results, clean your patio really well before you start painting. This will help your paint get the best adhesion and have a more polished finished product. If your patio is made of concrete and has a smooth finish, you may need to etch it first. You can do this with a chemical bath that will rough up the surface to help the paint stick better.

10. Concrete and Brick

Combining concrete and brick in patio flooring creates a visually striking and functional outdoor space. This approach allows homeowners to play with contrast – the smooth, consistent surface of concrete pairs beautifully with the textured, varied hues of brick. This combination not only offers aesthetic appeal but also provides practical benefits.

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Concrete areas can define dining or seating zones, while brick pathways can guide foot traffic through the garden. This blend is not only visually appealing but also durable and relatively low-maintenance, making it a practical choice for busy homeowners.

11. Wood

Covering your concrete patio with wood will give it a deck feel. The rich color and natural material will give your backyard living space a warm and welcoming feeling. You could use real wood flooring for a natural look to your decking. However, a modern and low-maintenance alternative is composite decking. It can have the look of a wood floor or be any color you want.

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Composite materials are made from recycled plastics, which makes them eco-friendly and durable. However, be careful where and how you use it; some varieties can get incredibly hot when exposed to the sun for extended periods. You could lay down a large outdoor rug to cover the majority of the decking and give your backyard a more living room feel.

November 8, 2021