7 Spring Decor Trends We're Excited for in 2023

Our homes reflect the changes in our lives. Spring is a time of renewal for the earth and your home and it’s reflected through emerging decor trends.

When you do your spring cleaning, consider swapping out some of your old decor for designs with more life in them. This year’s trends are about getting creative, embracing the environment and making a lot out of a little.

Here are seven styles we’re thrilled to see trending this spring.

1. Adding Plants as Accents

Living plants in your home have many benefits, from reducing depression and anxiety to purifying the air. Now, you can add trendy decor items to that list!

Being around nature has a calming effect on the mind and body. As people move towards homes that harmonize with the natural world, adding plants throughout the home becomes commonplace.

Large, potted plants work well to accent a sitting area, dining room or sunroom, while smaller ones tend to suit bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. You can choose flora in different sizes, shapes and colors to match your home aesthetic. With so many great options, you’ll surely find some greenery to enhance your home.

2. Using Mirrors to Enhance Lighting

While mirrors aren’t new in homes, the focus on using them for decor is coming back.

Mirrors can make a room look larger thanks to their ability to reflect light. Natural and artificial light travel through the glass and bounce off the back of the mirror, enhancing the lighting around the room, making the space look larger and more inviting.

This trick works well with any room and is perfect for brightening up a space. If you have a lot natural light in a room, you can add a mirror to brighten it up. Even if you don’t have a lot of natural light, placing a mirror opposite a window or light fixture will reflect any light around the rest of the room to make it feel warmer and roomier. \

3. Adding Rich Colors Around the Home

Gone are the days of monochromatic white interiors as more and more people are adding some color to their home.

Rich, saturated colors are on trend with deep purples, greens and other jewel tones popular as room colors or in accent pieces. If you’re not a fan of that much pigment, consider adding earth tones around your home for a warm and soothing effect. Even using small pops of color throughout the home can create a warm and balanced environment.

4. Utilizing Natural Materials for Furniture and Decorations

Natural materials are filling homes around the country — and for good reason. Wood, bamboo, stone and other natural materials are better for the planet and elegantly decorate your rooms with comforting tones.

You can use stone sculptures and countertops or wood and bamboo furniture or wall decor. Having natural materials around you can benefit your mental health, helping you relax and focus during your precious time at home.

5. Creating Colorful Kitchens

For a while, the hottest kitchen trend was to have clean white and gray surfaces, but a shift is occurring. Homeowners are trading in their monochrome kitchens for pops of color.

Blues, greens and pinks are warming up previously stark spaces as more people embrace a creative atmosphere. When you have a fun and energized kitchen, it can give you the creativity you want to incorporate into your recipes.

This doesn’t mean you need to change up your beautiful white cabinets, but small pops of color can help you embrace the bright colors of 2023. Try adding colorful appliances to liven things up, or add in fresh herb plants and colorful towels to accentuate the space.

6. Making Multi-Use Areas

Let’s face it — finding a new home is not in the cards for many families right now. With interest rates soaring, you might need to get creative if you want some extra room. That’s why one of our favorite decor trends for this year is the creation of multipurpose rooms.

There are so many creative ways to quickly transform a space, whether it’s adding a nice pull-down desk to your living or dining room for work, a large countertop to accommodate entertaining and homework in the kitchen or adding a closet to your bathroom.

When you assess the areas you have at your disposal, you can come up with unique ways to get the most out of every inch.

7. Creating Spa-Like Environments

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, our homes are so much more than where we rest in the evenings. For many, they now serve as offices and staycation locales — that means homeowners are focused on making homes more luxurious.

Dimmable lighting, plush linens and candles are just some of the touches now popular in bedrooms and bathrooms. Consider your ideal resort room and start adding those elements to your own bedroom and master bath to create a spa-like atmosphere.

Consider adding greenery, a white noise machine or even a spa tub to make your home feel like a vacation away every day.

Upgrading Your Decor for Spring 2023

With a new year comes new possibilities for you and your home. Major trends this season include bright pops of color, making the most of every space and treating your home like the luxurious oasis you deserve. You can use these decor trends to help you create the best home for you and your family.

Author

 Evelyn Long is a Baltimore-based writer and the editor-in-chief of Renovated. She publishes home decor advice and product roundups for readers in spaces both big and small.

TOP 8 BEST Christmas Matching Pajama Sets For Your Family This Holiday Season

Are you looking for a fun Thanksgiving tradition for your family? A tradition that can start after a belly full of Thanksgiving turkey and all the sides. What about gifting your family a set of Christmas pjs? What better way to spark the Christmas spirit! Sure, you might have to force your loved ones into them, but they soon won’t regret it.

It’s intimate, cozy, and a chance for you to spend quality time together before the upcoming holiday season takes over. There’s something so comforting about the moments with your family and what better way to enjoy the time than dressing up in matching pajamas? It not only shows your family how much you care for the but makes for some great photos that you can look back on for years to come.

So, if you’re looking for some fun this holiday season, it may start from the comforts of your home sweet home.  I have complied a list of my favorite matching pajama sets for your viewing and shopping pleasure.

Hanna Anderson

LAZY ONE.COM

Matching Set By Burts Bees

From SleepyHeads.com

AMAZON.COM

Amazon.com

PAJAMAGRAM

MACYS.COM

Your Guide To Incorporating Fall Colors Into Your Home This Season

In the month of October, we welcome dewy mornings and colorful landscapes with a verse from the talented poet, John Clare; "And I do love the varied hue, And I do love the browning plain:; And I do love each scene to view, That's mark'd with beauties of her reign." As the weather gets a little frigid, your sun kissed glow faids and your floral swimsuits are neatly tucked away, we will talk about this season’s emerging design trends.

You'll see the ever-evolving trends in home decor from season to season and there is no escaping them. Whether you feel totally unaffected or you live by them, we would love to give you a little insight on what's to come this Fall. We see the unavailing of a little luxury, earthy shades of green, rich hues of browns, warm neutrals, textures and organic nature that revolves around nourishing a toasty living environment. Stripes, natural woods and checkerboard patterns will be a the forefront in this and seasons to come.

I know that changing your decor from season to season can be costly, so it's my job to make it worth your while! Below you will find a few ways to make your home feel a little new again when a large design overhaul is just not possible. Sometimes adding a few key pieces can keep your home design on trend! Reach for your pumpkin latte, grab a warm blanket and imagine all the possibilities!

Olive Green Velvet Curtains

Faux Fall Grass Cream Collection By Potterybarn

Chunky Handknit Throw By Potterybarn

Hand Blown Vases In Fall Colors

Add a striped table runner to your tablescape. Stripes are hot this season!

9 Inch Clear Glass Dome Cloche with Rustic Wooden Base

Checkerboard Pattern Is Big This Fall 2022 Season!

Waves Are Having A Moment! Candleholders are the perfect way to incorporate this trend.

Metallics have been around the past two years, and they are here again this Fall season. Flatware is a great way to incorporate this trend into your home decor.

6 Game Night Ideas For Football Season This Fall

Fall and footballs are in the air when cooler nights and earlier sunsets arrive. Americans love their version of the sport, with over 75% of the country engaging with the National Football League.

From the beginning of September into February, there’s a collegiate or professional game every weekend, giving many opportunities to have a party at your house. When you’re the host, you’ll want to provide fun games and delicious food for children and adults. Here are six game night ideas for football season this fall.

1. Trivia Games

If you’re having a football party, chances are you’ll have some gridiron fanatics in the room. Test their knowledge to see how much they’ve been studying during the offseason. You could list trivia questions based on the teams playing, the players, their personal lives and more.

Help the non-football fans by incorporating pop culture into the sports trivia to give more diversity to the categories. You could make a special prize for the winner, such as a small trophy.

2. Money-Free Sports Betting

Sports betting has grown significantly in the past few years, but this doesn’t mean we’re encouraging gambling. Want to get competitive in a low-stakes way? For a house party, you don’t have to bet actual money, but you can still incorporate the fun of sports betting into your party.

Sports gambling is a terrific way to get people more excited about games because they have something at stake. Put bragging rights on the line or have a novelty prize for fun. Give guests a list of questions before the game and see how many everyone gets correct. For example, you could ask:

●        How many combined points will the teams score?

●        Which team will win? By how many points?

●        What team or player will score the first touchdown?

●        Who will win the coin toss and will it land on heads or tails?

●        How many field goals will both teams make?

You can also incorporate your fantasy football league, brackets and other games into a series of game nights.

3. Themed Food

If you’re throwing a party, you’ll want to assign a theme to make it more exciting and intimate for your guests. For football season, there are several possibilities you can do. Sometimes the idea comes naturally, like a Super Bowl-themed party when the big game comes in February.

One fun idea is to base the theme on what cities are playing. You could imitate pizza styles for New York and Chicago teams. If you’re watching Kansas City or Texas teams, try making barbecue inspired by the regions. Football teams from San Antonio, Phoenix and nearby cities would create an excellent opportunity to make a Southwest-style menu. These party options can help your guests get in the mood for football with fantastic food.

4. Themed Decor

Decorating your home is a surefire way to get everybody ready for the game. If you want to go all-out, you can put up the team colors around the house and serve your guests on plates of the same hues. One fun way to encourage the competitive spirit could be creating team-themed tables and including different snacks on each one.

Set up your kitchen with a big table for snacks, make sure the living room is clutter-free to allow for plenty of jumping and cheering and deck the place out as you see fit. You don’t have to spend hours on game night decor, but it can add a fun touch to what would otherwise feel routine.

5. Cornhole

Football fans love to tailgate, whether at a college or professional game. A classic game people enjoy playing outside is cornhole. This bean-bag toss is popular because it’s simple and easy to understand for all ages.

All you have to do is toss a bag as close as possible into the opposite hole. Cornhole has grown in popularity in the past few years and there are professional leagues with aspirations of turning cornhole into an Olympic sport someday.

6. Football Toss

Football toss is another classic game you may see at a tailgate or a fall carnival. You can make a board at home, order a premade one online or buy a blank canvas to decorate yourself. The fun part of this game is the different levels of difficulty.

Typically there are three sizes of holes — a large one in the middle with a couple of medium-sized holes and a pair of small holes. A smaller hole gives the most points. Another way to upgrade the difficulty is to make people stand farther back as the game progresses. Then you can see who’s been studying their Tom Brady films in preparation.

Game Night Ideas for Your Football Party

Fall nights watching football games are some of the most fun you’ll have with family and friends. These big games are a terrific time to invite people over for a party. Use these six ideas to ensure your guests have fun, whether they’re gridiron fans or only coming for the Buffalo chicken dip.

How to Cohesively Style Your Fall Décor to Match Your Home

If pumpkin spice lattes, denim jackets, and hayrides are your jam, you're in great company. A survey commissioned by OnePoll found that 56% of Americans are happiest during fall compared to the other seasons.

Between the changing foliage, backyard fire pits, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, there's plenty of reason to celebrate the return of brisk temperatures. Yet, of all the things to look forward to, decorating your home for the season should be the most exciting.

The best fall décor inspiration often comes from nature itself, as the season delivers a beautiful array of warm tones, textures, and soothing scents. From candles to wreaths, here are five ways to cohesively style your fall décor to match your home perfectly.

1.  Incorporate Fall Colors

When decorating your house for fall, lean into colors found in autumn landscapes – like pine green, rusty orange, mahogany, rich magenta, and gold.

While you can always tie actual leaves, pumpkins, and gourds into your design, some may prefer to keep their fall décor simple. Swap out the throw blanket on the sofa or cover your living room and bedroom pillows with fall-colored textiles.

Plaid is also reminiscent of harvest season for those interested in including patterns. Otherwise, wicker baskets can enhance the natural look and feel of the space.

Fall colors look great whether your home is more traditional or contemporary. It's all a matter of the quantities and the ways you use them.

2.  Blend Décor With Your Home’s Colors

Perhaps your home interiors follow a particular style, such as a modern farmhouse, which usually comprises neutral white walls, wood flooring, beams, black hardware, and plenty of natural light.

Fortunately, craft stores sell unique fall decorations that blend seamlessly into your design without too much pop of color. For instance, consider displaying:

●     White and beige decorative pumpkins

●     Wooden bowls that hold acorns

●     Wood beading strung around a chandelier

●     Mercury glass vases filled with dried oat grass

Homes with a more neutral color palette can still include saturated fall colors. For example, there was a 78.2% search increase for sage tones in 2021, making it the most popular color on the rise for monochromatic and muted palettes.

If you're lucky enough to live in a mid-century modern home, natural fall colors may blend in automatically. A mid-century modern home usually has bold yellows, reds, greens, and blues throughout the interiors, as well as wood and gold elements.

3.  Spruce Up Your Porch and Doorway

Don't get so wrapped up in decorating inside that you forget your home's exteriors. There are several opportunities to create a stunning, cohesive autumn look outdoors.

Depending on your home's siding, some decorations might look better than others. For example, your home might use Hardie siding that mimics how natural wood looks without the required maintenance of real wood.

You can pull off rustic décor nicely with a Hardie exterior – and white-painted siding creates a beautiful backdrop for any fall decorations. Consider hanging a gas lantern next to the front door or placing mason jar candles in a vintage caddy on a hay bale.

If your home has vinyl siding, as most houses do, there's an opportunity for more versatility. Just don't forget to hang a seasonal wreath on your front door – autumn wouldn't be the same without one!

4.  Infuse Fall Aromas

From Homesick

Fall decorations can be expensive, but there's an affordable way to tie seasonal décor into your home.

Scented candles create a fall ambiance, sending all your favorite warm and cozy smells throughout your home. Maybe you like the smell of baked apple pie, pumpkin pecan waffles, or a woodsy bonfire.

The fall and winter holiday season is the candle industry's hottest, with 35% of its sales occurring this time of year.

Other ways to create fall aromas are by filling bowls with autumn-inspired potpourri, burning essential oils, using reed diffusers, or sticking cloves into oranges.

5.  Layer Textures

Enhance the coziness of your home design for fall by layering textures. Some ideas might include:

●     Mixing faux fur and suede decorative pillows

●     Combining different patterns in subtle ways – for example, a black-and-white plaid duvet with a thin-striped white and gray bed sheet set

●     Layered rugs

●     Mixing matte and glossy finishes on decorative items

There are endless possibilities for layering textures, which will help ground the space and tie fall décor into your usual home design.

Fall in Love With Seasonal Décor to Match Your Home

Seasonal decorating always comes down to personal preference – some might want a blatant display of fall celebration, while others might be more interested in cohesively styling fall décor into their interiors. Regardless, allow yourself to fall in love with the colors, textures, and smells of everyone's favorite time of year.

5 Inspiring Design Styles for Your Patio

Beasley & Henley Design In Naples, Florida

We often spend a lot of time perfecting the interiors of our homes. From the kitchen to the guest bathroom, creating a cohesive look that suits our design tastes makes our space most cozy.

 Yet, the exterior of your home deserves just as much attention. A well-thought-out patio could become the ideal hangout spot for friends and family. Creating an enchanting outdoor area takes more than mowing your lawn and adding a few flower boxes, though. The color and texture of pavers, tile, furniture, accessories, and other unique features make a significant difference.

 Before designing your perfect outdoor sanctuary, you must decide what tone best matches the rest of your home’s architectural aesthetic. If you’re unsure of the look you’re after, these five inspiring design styles will turn your patio into your new favorite place to waste away a lazy afternoon.

1. Mediterranean

Create a more elevated, relaxed outdoor environment with a Mediterranean patio. The Mediterranean style comprises unique hardscaping with natural stone, terracotta pavers, and Spanish tiles inspired by Old World aesthetics.

 A small garden or potted herbs – basil, oregano, sage, and rosemary – can infuse the space with subtle greenery and all the right Italian aromas.

 Historically, Mediterranean regions like Portugal and Turkey are known for their drier conditions. This makes the Mediterranean style especially well-suited to homeowners who live in the American Southwest, where water conservation is critical. As such, adding succulents and other drought-friendly plants to your patio is another way to pay homage to the Mediterranean region, and they require very little water to thrive.

2. Countryside

A countryside patio should include rustic elements for a more casual atmosphere, with colorful flowers and plants surrounding the space. The key to perfecting this outdoor design is to ensure comfort, so you might consider incorporating brick or stone pavers to warm up the hardscaping.

 A firepit or table seating is conducive to this style, especially since the countryside feel should be welcoming enough for friends and family to gather for outdoor meals and conversation.

 Consider including wooden structures, either kept natural or painted white, and allowing trees and bushes to take over.

3. Spanish

Spanish-style homes are notorious for their brownish-red roofs and lighter siding, delivering ample opportunities for adding color and pattern to your patio.

 Porcelain Spanish tiles create visual interest as patio flooring or could be included in more subtle ways, like mosaic table tops, as a border, or in outdoor accessories. Opt for weathered pavers and ironworks, as well. Lanterns, mosaic pieces, and urns are also standard features you might want to include to produce a Spanish patio.

 Madrid, Spain, boasts 2,023 drinking water fountains and another 560 decorative fountains throughout the city. Consider adding one or more fountains to round out your Spanish-style outdoor area.

4. Cape Cod

Fewer things on this earth are cuter than a Cape Cod home, a style originating along southern Massachusetts’ infamous coastal communities.

 This architectural class is typically symmetrical with a more centered front door and chimney. Heavily-sloped rooftops with pitched dormers and shingle siding are other common features of a Cape Cod house.

 A Cape Cod patio exudes natural charm and elegance, incorporating neutral colors – light blue, gray, yellow, and cream – and only a few plants.

 Keep a well-manicured lawn to follow this design trend. Additionally, you might want to include comfortable seating, such as a wicker loveseat with chairs, thick-striped cushions, and a bar cart for cool drinks on a hot summer day.

5. Global Boho

Plant lovers and yoga enthusiasts might want to make a peaceful backdrop to channel their whimsical, avant-garde personalities. There’s a lot you can do to a global boho patio, such as including the following elements:

●        Lots of green plants in unique pots or vertical garden features

●        Decorative Moroccan lanterns and candles for romantic lighting

●        A hammock or daybed with comfortable cushions and several colorful pillows

●        String or market lights around the trees or patio features

●        Colorful textiles – outdoor rug, throw blankets, or mixed patterns

Including statues in the space is another way to create the boho vibe you’re going for. One popular component of feng shui is the Buddha. A stone Laughing Buddha represents nourishment and grounding and helps build a deeper connection to the earth.

Create a Patio Design That Makes You Happy

Beasley & Henley Interior Design

Whatever design style you decide for your patio should inspire you and generate a sense of harmony. Perhaps most importantly, it should function the way you intend to use it. Choose a look that reflects your individual preferences and transforms the space into a calming oasis.

5 Reasons Why You Should Be Wearing Organic Fashion

In today’s world, climate change is something that is on most people’s minds. We hear about so many factors contributing to climate change, such as plastic pollution, fossil fuel emissions, and deforestation. We recycle and switch to paper straws to try to do our part. However, our fashion choices don’t always come to the top of our minds when thinking about what we can do to help save our planet. But it should - the fashion industry is responsible for up to 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

The good news is that there is an eco-friendly fashion industry out there with clothing and accessories that you will love! Here are 7 reasons why you should make the switch to organic clothing:

1.  Higher Quality

Organic fashion is often made from better, higher-quality materials. There are specific guidelines in place that allow a shop or store to refer to themselves as organic, so you can be sure your items are made of the best materials. Not only will organic fashion look nicer, but it will also feel nicer on your skin.

Fast fashion - the trend of lower-end fashion companies replicating high-fashion designs for a fraction of the cost - can lead to the mass production of low-quality clothing. The goal of high fashion is to get fashion looks to retail while demand is still high. The quality of the clothes is not always taken into consideration when being made.

With the rise of slow fashion brands offering organic and eco-friendly options, you can ensure that your clothes are made thoughtfully and with consideration, leading to a higher-quality alternative. Slow fashion offers the art of carefully crafting each piece so you can buy fashion that is made to last long term, not just during a specific trend lifespan.

High-end fashion also offers creative alternative options when it comes to techniques and fabrics, like a soft hoodie made from micro sanded fleece.

2.  Raise Awareness

By buying clothes and accessories that are sustainable, you can help to create awareness about climate change. How great would it feel if someone complimented your sweater and asked where it was from, and you could respond that it was made from recycled water bottles? It can be a great conversation starter and a way for you to encourage others to think of buying organic and sustainable clothing options.

3.  Avoid Waste

Fast fashion often comes with a low price tag. And many fast fashion brands sell pieces that may be super trendy and in fashion right now but may be completely out of style in a few months. It can lead to overbuying, due to both the cheap price and desire for something super trendy, which can ultimately lead to hoarding or throwing away unwanted clothes. Buying high-quality, timeless fashion that is made to last will help you avoid waste – and your wallet may thank you in the long run.

4.  Support Better Labor Practices

The United States has federal laws in place to make sure workplaces are fair and ethical. Unfortunately, not all countries have laws like this. By buying from inexpensive fashion companies where everything is made overseas, you could be funding and supporting a company that follows unethical work environments and even child labor. It is sad to say but child labor is a big problem in today’s world. If a company labels itself as organic or sustainable, it’s likely that it will be able to prove that its fashion is made safely and ethically.

5.  Amazing Options

There are a ton of amazing organic, eco-friendly fashion options on the market. No matter what you are looking for, you can find a sustainable organic option. Organic fashion goes beyond just clothes – there are plenty of accessories available too. From eco-friendly jewelry to carbon-made diamonds, there is a sustainable option to shop for all your needs and for every special occasion or milestone.

Being sustainable can be fashionable too. Ethical and sustainable tote bags are one of the hottest trends in fashion. Tote bags are a great replacement for your plastic or leather bag, and these totes are made with material that is friendly for the environment.

Feel Good About Your Fashion Choices

Shopping organic will allow you to not only look good, but also feel good. You get to wear fashion and accessories that are high-quality and unique while also saving the planet – now that is a win-win!

If you want to see change, be the change. Making the switch to organic clothing can help you feel better and look amazing. What’s better than that!

Why Are Neutral Hues So Hot In 2022?

After the wild ride that was 2020, some home design enthusiasts chose to hit the reset button with a fresh coat of paint in 2021. Nature-inspired pops of color — orange, blue, teal, natural greens, rich jewel tones and dramatic black — sparking warmth and wellness suddenly replaced muted walls and furniture.

 According to Fixr’s 2021 Paint and Color Trends Report, 81% of people said staying home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic influenced their color preferences.

 However, neutral palettes remained at the forefront of home design despite gravitation toward bolder color choices. Perhaps it was the versatility of pairing classic neutrals with a vibrant accent wall or how moodier shades lend themselves to highlighting shadows and unique furniture pieces.

 A year later, neutral hues are more alluring than ever. Yet, some might wonder whether these soft, muted tones will ever truly disappear. Here are four reasons neutrals are so hot in 2022.

1. They Work Well With Different Decor

All of the most popular shades when selling a home are neutrals. Could it be that their versatility appeals to the masses or that these soothing colors work with multiple home decor styles?

 Neutrals foster imagination and design potential, whether you’re a homeowner or a buyer trying to envision your own furniture in a space. Depending on how much natural light comes in, one neutral paint color can run throughout an entire house and take on deeper or lighter saturations.

 In a way, neutral hues are a blank slate with just enough interest for design enthusiasts to easily swap out decorative pieces for a fresh look.

2. Warmer Neutrals Top Cooler Neutrals

Every neutral hue has a subdued undertone that determines whether it’s warmer or cooler. Cooler neutrals may have a slightly blue, green or purple undertone that induces a sense of serenity — a perfect reason blues look and feel good in a bedroom or why green tones suit living rooms.

 Likewise, warm neutrals hint at red, yellow or orange, making a space more inviting and cheerful. They also reflect natural light better than cooler tones.

 Interior designers have deemed warmer neutrals the color of the year. A recent survey found that 53% of designers picked sage green as the top color choice for living rooms in 2022. While sage does have subtle blue undertones, its muted yellow adds warmth and rejuvenation.

 In the same survey, cooler off-whites and creamy colors were the next favorite shades at 48% and 46%, respectively.

3. They Serve an Emotional Purpose

Over the last two years, your home has become the backdrop to nearly all aspects of your life — eating, sleeping, socializing, work and exercise. Almost every inch and crevice serve some purpose as people have had to get creative and change the functionality of certain rooms.

 Yet, many individuals seek ways to enhance their home’s emotional purpose. Home design experts have already noticed this trend occurring, as clients have opted for softer furnishings and nature-inspired accents to make their homes feel like a warm, comfy hug.

 Color psychology matches certain hues to one’s mood. In fact, the color you paint a room can evoke different emotions and feelings. This could be part of why people are moving away from cooler neutrals.

 For example, warmer white-based neutral hues are ideal for those interested in a fresh start or extra coziness. However, steer clear of stark white, which could make you anxious. A neutral green is also supposed to be stress-relieving and helps improve sleep.

4. Neutrals Are Timeless

Painting your walls aquamarine or terracotta may be exciting initially, but it probably won’t be long before you paint over it in linen white or a light sandy color. Maybe you also can’t wait to replace the bright red couch you purchased two years ago.

 Unlike colorful decor, you’re less likely to tire of neutral colors. That’s because neutral hues are timeless. If you need some color in a space, dressing up a neutral backdrop with colorful throw pillows or a new rug is simple enough.

 Although neutral and beige were interchangeable in the 90s, the color category has evolved to take on new meaning for modern design in 2022. Today’s neutral palette — while whites and beiges remain popular choices — includes shades many wouldn’t have thought to use before.

 Essentially, neutral hues have endured decades because they can easily translate into classic, transitional and modern looks.

Neutral Shades Are Here To Stay

Many home designers would likely agree neutral shades are perfect for grounding a space. As such, you can rest assured that their popularity will continue in 2023 and beyond. Neutral hues might be a hot trend now, but they always have been — and might always be.

Top 10 Most Common Household Dangers to Pets

Pets of any age can be nosy, often getting into household items. However, puppies and kittens generally get into these mischievous situations most frequently, as they are young and prone to explore. Because pets often investigate the unknown by tasting or smelling, they may be putting themselves at risk, especially if they are licking or sniffing toxic products.

Unfortunately, your home contains many items that are detrimental to your furry friend’s health. To ensure your pet stays safe, you must first identify these harmful products. Here are the top 10 household dangers that could make your pet sick.

1. Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter, human-grade drugs are safe for human consumption only. Some people believe these products are safe for pets, but many are extremely dangerous. If your pet ingests anti-inflammatories, cold medicine, or vitamins, it may suffer from any of the following: diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, reduced appetite, increased urination, stomach ulcers, or kidney failure.

Additionally, most people store over-the-counter medications in purses or tote bags, as they often need them on the go. To ensure your pet can’t get into these toxins, you should be vigilant about where you put your bag when you get home. For example, instead of tossing it on the couch, you could hang it in a closet.

2. Prescription Drugs

To ensure you remember to take your prescription medications, you might store them in a weekly pill organizer and set them on your nightstand. While this scenario may work well for you, it could be hazardous for your pet. If your furry friend can jump, it can grab your pills and ingest them before you even know they’re missing.

Make sure you keep all medications in a drawer, cupboard, or medicine cabinet. If you’re afraid you’ll forget to take your prescription drug, try setting an alarm or leaving yourself a reminder note.

3. Household Cleaners

While pet-friendly cleaning products are relatively safe, other cleaning items can be detrimental to your pet’s health if you’re not careful when using them. Even if your pet doesn’t lick up a cleaning product, it may get remnants on its paws and ingest the product when cleaning itself. Therefore, it is best to put your pet in another room while mopping the floor, scrubbing a rug, or using any other harsh cleaner.

Instead of storing bleach, toilet bowl cleaner, and detergent in low cabinets, you should keep them in higher locations. Your four-legged friend (especially a dog) may pull one out and chew on the container, ultimately causing it to break. Ingestion symptoms range from drooling and vomiting to difficulty breathing and death. Prevention is the best solution to keep your pet safe.

4. Laundry Detergent Pods

Unfortunately, laundry detergent pods look appetizing to pets. If your pet bites a hole in the pod but you intervene directly, your furry friend should be fine. Simply flush its oral cavity and wash the soap off its fur.

If the chemical goes into your pet’s eye, the matter becomes more serious, as it can burn your pet’s cornea and cause an eye infection. You must flush its eye out with clean water and contact your vet immediately.

Lastly, if your pet eats the entire pod, you should seek help directly, as there is no cure. Your vet will treat the symptoms and keep your pet safe and comfortable with IV fluids and respiratory care while this toxicity passes out of its system.

5. Xylitol

Many human products contain xylitol, a sugar substitute. These include sugar-free gum, breath mints, and some baked goods. Although xylitol doesn’t seem to have the same dangerous effects on cats as it does on dogs, it’s good practice to keep it away from all pets.

When a dog ingests something that contains xylitol, the xylitol gets absorbed into its bloodstream quickly, rapidly releasing insulin. This process results in low blood sugar. A dog suffering from xylitol poisoning may become weak, have seizures, or stagger around. Depending on how much xylitol a dog has consumed, it can even become comatose in as little as 15 minutes.

6. Plants

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Before buying plants for your home or yard, make sure you do your research, as many are toxic to cats and dogs. For instance, some lilies cause tremors or gastrointestinal issues. Sago palm and oleander are a little more dangerous, as they can trigger heart or liver failure in cats and dogs.

7. Chocolate

It turns out that chocolate isn’t only enticing to humans. Pets, especially dogs, also like it! Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine, as well as caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. While ingestion is rarely fatal, it can cause indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, and a fast heart rate. More severe cases may result in heart failure or seizures.

8. Garden and Grass Treatment

Be careful when using products on your lawn, especially if your pet goes outside. Fertilizers and herbicides contain hazardous compounds that, when ingested, can cause mouth burns and gastrointestinal ailments.

Make sure you follow each product's guidelines and keep your pet off the lawn for the recommended amount of time. Consider putting up a dog barrier fence to keep your pet away from the affected area.

9. Electrical Wires

Unfortunately, wires resemble toys. So when your pet sees a cord, it may be tempted to play with it or chew on it, potentially leading to a dangerous outcome. Pets who get shocked may suffer from oral burns, a fast heart rate, muscle tremors, shortness of breath, or seizures.

The best course of action is to keep cables out of a pet’s reach. However, if you cannot move a cord, try to hide it behind furniture or block your pet’s ability to get to it. You can also try a deterrent spray, as it will make the cable much less appealing.

10. Coins

Finding loose change between the couch cushions or your pockets isn’t unusual. However, if you have a pet, you may want to gather this change and put it in a piggy bank, as some coins contain zinc, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and birds, and it can be lethal when ingested in large quantities. Zinc poisoning may cause a lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage, heart failure, or severe anemia. Additionally, loose coins present a choking hazard.

As a pet parent, it’s your responsibility to ensure your home is safe for your fur baby by putting everything away that’s hazardous to your pet’s health. Knowing your four-legged friend is always protected will give you peace of mind and allow your pet to have a long, healthy life.

Our Best Mess-Free Design Tips for Homes With Kids

Toys all over the floor, stains on your couch and a refrigerator covered in artwork — ah, the signs of a home with kids. You love your children, but you probably don’t enjoy the mess.

 Parents know decorating your home can be a challenge. You need a kid-friendly design that cleans up easily and will last for years to come, but you don’t want to sacrifice on style.

Luckily, you don’t have to. We’ve gathered some tried-and-true tips other parents have used to create design-savvy spaces that will make keeping a clean home a reality.

1.   Create Storage Everywhere

The most significant change you can make to clear the clutter in your house is to create as much storage as you can. Built-ins look beautiful, hold lots of stuff and can boost your home’s value.

 You could use functional and beautiful furniture if you don’t have the space or money to add permanent storage fixtures. Console tables are a great decor piece — add baskets underneath to round up kids’ toys when not in use.

 Ottomans are an untapped resource for storage. Get a large round one with a hidden lid, so no one needs to know you tossed the changing pad, some crayons and your daughter’s Cheerios in there when the doorbell rang.

2.   Be Willing to Spend on Quality Furniture

Many moms fall into the trap of buying budget furniture because they figure it will get broken anyway, so why bother spending extra money?

 However, it’s cheap for a reason — manufacturers cut corners on quality, meaning you’ll likely need to replace it multiple times or live with shoddy-looking items. This is especially risky if the pieces are easily damaged by everyday use.

 Instead, invest in quality furniture that’s made to last and designed to stand up to spills, daily wear and accidents. You can always protect vulnerable materials with furniture covers, inexpensive throw blankets and regular cleaning.

You deserve to have a home that looks beautiful right now — you don’t need to wait until your kids are grown and out of the house.

1.   Choose Pre-Loved Pieces

Of course, quality doesn’t always mean new and pricey. Raising a family is expensive, after all! Buy secondhand if you don’t want to or can’t splurge on new pieces of furniture. Thrift shops, Facebook marketplaces and estate sales are great ways to find hidden gems that can last decades.

 The great thing about buying preowned items is they’ve already proven to be durable, and any new scratches or dings will blend in with the rest. This type of piece tells a story and is an aesthetic of its own.

2.   Be Picky About Carpets and Rugs

Carpets can make or break a home when it comes to looking clean. Nylon or frieze rugs wear well over time and come clean quite easily. You’ll want to choose an earthy tone or gray, which will hide dirt the best.

 Area rugs are even more family-friendly than carpeting since they’re easier to launder or replace. You can’t go wrong with a wool rug, which naturally repels moisture, or you could choose other natural materials like seagrass or jute.

 Another option for high-traffic areas like your entryway is an outdoor rug, which is made to get wet and muddy and wipes up easily.

3.   Get a Sofa With Attached Cushions

Building blanket forts is a great way to make memories, but those imaginary clubhouses may be diminishing the life of your couch. Cushions aren’t meant to be removed and used as a play toy. Even high-quality ones aren’t built to withstand that type of wear and tear.
Some parents avoid this situation by looking for a couch with attached cushions. That way, they won’t be an option during your little architect’s next project.

 Of course, there are other workarounds, too. If you find a model you like, couches with removable and washable seat covers can be the real holy grail — you won’t be doomed to a lasting stain if you can quickly throw the cushion cover in the wash.

4.   Establish Kid Zones

Your grandmother’s design advice may have involved having a room full of precious things children weren’t allowed to touch, but let’s be honest, nobody ever used those rooms anyway. Instead of focusing on off-limits spaces, take the opposite approach — create kid-friendly zones that invite children to be children.

These are locations specially designed with your little ones in mind, where the function of the area is for them. It might be a dedicated playroom or a simple craft table in your kitchen.

 Wherever it is and whatever it looks like, the important part is its function is just for kids. It gives them a place to put their things and try out activities where you won’t have to worry about your most delicate treasures getting in the way. Plus, they’re more likely to take better care of their space because they feel ownership.

5.   Frame Kids’ Artwork

A cluttered fridge seems to be an unspoken mark of parenthood. However, you can show your kids how proud you are of their work without compromising your kitchen’s aesthetic.

 Give each child one frame where they can display their latest work or a favorite piece. You could even create a whole gallery wall if you have the space.

Shift Your Mindset For a Kid-Friendly Home

The most important thing you can do is change your way of thinking when creating a beautiful home for your family. Keep these two things in mind:

 Furniture and decor are replaceable — your family isn’t.

1. Messes happen, no matter how hard you work to prevent them.

 These mess-free design tips will help you create spaces you love without sacrificing your kids’ needs. However, even if you incorporate every item on this list, you’ll still end up with messes from time to time. You’ll just have to learn to see the memories made when looking at damaged furniture or an untidy house.

Author

 Evelyn Long is a Baltimore-based writer and the editor-in-chief of Renovated. She publishes home decor advice and product roundups for readers in spaces both big and small.