Everyday Spaces Extra: Making room for game day

December 12, 2011 in Everyday Spaces

So you want to throw a football party (or two) but aren’t thrilled about the disruption and chaos that a house full of football fans may bring. Fear no more. We’ve put together a few tips and ideas to get you partying and BBQing your way through the football season.

| 1 | Be a mover and a shaker. – Move all items from the coffee table to the television wall unit. Shake things up a little and display those oversized coffee table books like they do in the bookstores: use book holders or even plate stands to create that Barnes & Nobles’ look. Fill in the gaps with your smaller pieces and photos.

| 2 | Get creative. – Get creative with your seating. – seating why not use ottomans and decorative step stools for additional seating? During the week, use those items as side tables or place them under your coffee table. Stop in the store to see our inventory of tables that will help you pull this off.

| 3| Cover up. – BBQ sauce, hot wings, and fizzy drinks can wreak havoc on your floors. Put an inexpensive area rug down during the season to keep your existing floors sparkling clean.

Everyday Spaces Extra: Getting back outside

December 12, 2011 in Everyday Spaces

Is it finally coming to an end? Summer, that is … it’s been so hot and humid out there for so long, so we know that you are all inside enjoying your fantastically designed everyday spaces. But to pull you back outdoors we’re giving you some ideas to make your outdoor grilling spaces more inviting for all those backyard chefs and your non-football fan friends (gasp!).

| 1 | Commentator Booth – Encourage conversation by creating smaller seating areas.

| 2 | Halftime – Make the grilling area chef friendly by adding a few side tables and work spaces so they can really get cooking.

| 3 | End Zone – Provide some shade, who knows people may stay outside for a while and spare your indoor spaces.

Everyday Spaces Extra: Empty Nest

December 9, 2011 in Everyday Spaces


Empty nesters, divert your attention to redesigning your newly vacant room. An empty room holds endless possibilities for your home. Get the most out of this new space by making it work double-duty. The Room Exchange team has compiled a few tips to help you create a space that functions as an organized home office and comfortable guest room.

 

| Replace the traditional bed for a double-duty piece like a daybed or sofa-bed. Futons are a great option as well, but look for ones that fold easily and have a firm mattress. Add accent pillows to the piece to enhance the look and add support for a fully functioning seating area.

| Transform the closet into a hidden office. Wall-mounted shelves and a counter can transform an ordinary closet into a neat and organized work space. Unsightly electronic equipment and wires can be kept behind closed doors as well. When guests occupy the space, simply close the doors and your office disappears.

| Re-purpose a piece. Tight spaces and rooms that have more than one function offer you a little leeway to be creative with the pieces of furniture that you choose. Dressers, wardrobes, and sofa tables are great pieces that can be re-purposed into additional storage, a television table, or a desk. Take a fresh perspective with you when you go shopping for your next great piece.