I switched over to Wordpress in July, but have been keeping this site up for as long as I can. I'm officially shutting it down on Dec. 31st!! I'm on Wordpress under my company name: Whitney J Decor.
You'll get the same great info on my new site, as you've enjoyed on my Blogger site, but I've been blogging more often there and also have some cool new features. I host giveaways and contests and also have a newsletter. Subscibe below!! So, go ahead and drop by the new site and make sure you're following me on all your social media sites to keep up with all new info!
SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter. You'll get loads of great decor tips and tricks, be in the know of fun new contests/giveaways, and you'll get all the latest blog posts delivered to directly to your inbox. I promise there won't be any spam. Just enter your email address in the box at the top left.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
Moving over to Wordpress & WhitneyJDecor.com Domain
Hello lovlies!!
I imported my blog to Wordpress last night and will be working on getting the layout/look that I want over the weekend. Once this is done, I won't be posting into blogger anymore, and my entire decor site/blog will be under whitneyjdecor.com.
You can still visit the site now, all the blogs posts here are already live on the new domain, but many of the sidebar widgets available here on my Blogger site won't be there until probably Monday.
And, I'll still keep this blogger site live for as long as I can, so this will still be available, but I'd like you guys to bookmark me at whitneyjdecor.com.
I'd love for you to make sure you don't miss a thing by signing up for my newsletter!! Here's the link. No spam, just fun decor, tips, contests, and an update on all my blog posts!
So, let me know if there's something my site has been missing that you'd like to see me incorporate on the new site! I'd love to hear from you!!
I imported my blog to Wordpress last night and will be working on getting the layout/look that I want over the weekend. Once this is done, I won't be posting into blogger anymore, and my entire decor site/blog will be under whitneyjdecor.com.
You can still visit the site now, all the blogs posts here are already live on the new domain, but many of the sidebar widgets available here on my Blogger site won't be there until probably Monday.
And, I'll still keep this blogger site live for as long as I can, so this will still be available, but I'd like you guys to bookmark me at whitneyjdecor.com.
I'd love for you to make sure you don't miss a thing by signing up for my newsletter!! Here's the link. No spam, just fun decor, tips, contests, and an update on all my blog posts!
So, let me know if there's something my site has been missing that you'd like to see me incorporate on the new site! I'd love to hear from you!!
Did you like this post? If so, please share it! I would also LOVE for you
SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter. You'll get loads of great decor tips and tricks, be in the know of fun new contests/giveaways, and you'll get all the latest blog posts delivered to directly to your inbox. I promise there won't be any spam. Just enter your email address in the box at the top left.
Till next time,
XOXO
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Space-Saving Furniture from Resource Furniture: The Swing Sofa
Since we're talking small spaces this month, I thought I should share a very unique space-saving product from Resource Furniture, a company specializing in innovative, space-saving sofas, tables, and more.
The Swing sofa
Check out this quick video:
I love this!! The Swing sofa comes in many different colors and textures, features a Queen bed attached to shelving, and includes the 9 foot sofa with chaise shown in the below picture. The chaise has additional storage underneath the sofa seat. Just pull on the shelf above the sofa and the bed lowers. The shelf then becomes the foot of the bed without having to remove anything off it. How's that for innovative storage?? Perfect for the tiny apartment homes (with big budgets).
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| via Resource Furniture |
Price for the sofa/bed/shelf unit starts at $13,450, which is definitely a WHOLE LOT OF MONEY. But if you live in a small studio apartment, is it worth it? Yes, maybe...
If you want to daydream about the other cool, space-saving furniture at Resource Furniture, here's a link.
Did you like this post? If so, please share it! I would also LOVE for you SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter. You'll get loads of great decor tips and tricks, be in the know of fun new contests/giveaways, and you'll get all the latest blog posts delivered to directly to your inbox. I promise there won't be any spam. Just enter your email address in the box at the top left.
Till next time,
XOXO
Monday, July 22, 2013
Small Scale vs Large Scale Furniture
In a small space, it's important to get pieces that fit. No, your furniture shouldn't be mini, but they should... fit. Just because you've always wanted a 6-seat sofa, doesn't mean you should squeeze one in your living room if it's the only thing that can physically go in there. With that being said, I also don't think since you have a small space, you should have a room full of small furniture.
There should be balance in your room... a mix of both large scale and small scale furniture. If you have a King sized bed in your bedroom, then you could still fit end tables if you get a pair that are smaller in scale that match the bed in style.
Same thing works in your living room. If you want that large sofa, but also want a side table (or pair of side tables) get a side table that matches in style, but isn't as large in scale.
Don't put all large or all small scaled furniture in your home; the look is so Alice in Wonderland. (Click to tweet)
Here's some examples of small & large scaled furniture:
What's your opinion on using large scale furniture in a small space? Should all furniture in a small space be small scaled? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!
There should be balance in your room... a mix of both large scale and small scale furniture. If you have a King sized bed in your bedroom, then you could still fit end tables if you get a pair that are smaller in scale that match the bed in style.
Same thing works in your living room. If you want that large sofa, but also want a side table (or pair of side tables) get a side table that matches in style, but isn't as large in scale.
Don't put all large or all small scaled furniture in your home; the look is so Alice in Wonderland. (Click to tweet)
Here's some examples of small & large scaled furniture:
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| 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 |
Did you like this post? If so, please share it! I would also LOVE for you
SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter. You'll get loads of great decor tips and tricks, be in the know of fun new contests/giveaways, and you'll get all the latest blog posts delivered to directly to your inbox. I promise there won't be any spam. Just enter your email address in the box at the top left.
Till next time,
XOXO
Friday, July 19, 2013
Creating Separate Zones for Your Small Space
In my opinion, a great way to make a small space feel larger is to create zones. In really small spaces, like small studio apartments, it's probably best to have your one room have dual duty as a multi-space. I'll touch briefly on combining zones, and will dig deeper in a separate post, but for now let's concentrate more on creating separate zones for small spaces.
A good way to make your space feel bigger, is by creating as many functional zones (work, sleep, play, eat, etc.) as you can. Jot down all the things that you will need to do in your space and start planning to separate your room into areas to complete each of these tasks. Some areas can work double duty if needed, for example, eating and working can both be completed from the same small dining table.
There are many ways that you can section off each of these areas: with furniture, room dividers, curtain panels, rugs, empty floor space, etc.
Below are ways to create zones for your small space.
If you have a small space, but it's still big enough to separate your sleep and living zones, a good way to define the sleep zone and to give privacy is to curtain off the area. Ikea sells some great curtain panels that are track-mounted either to a wall or a ceiling.
Your sleep area should have at least a bed (or daybed) and a hard surface to put items on, like a lamp or books. If you can't fit a nightstand next to the bed, maybe you can fit a dresser or tall chest somewhere across from it.
If your space is really small, like I mentioned earlier, you may want to combine your sleep and living areas together. A tall armoire can hold clothes and things needed for your living room. The drawers of the armoire can be used for your folded clothes, while the section behind the doors can be used as bookcase (or even a bar), for example.
You may not want to use a curtain to hide your sleep area, if this is the case, and you still have enough room to separate your bedroom space, make sure you keep clutter at a minimum. You also want to make sure to find a neat way to store your shoes. If you have a closet, great, but if not, try using the cubby storage units.
What good tips do you have for creating separate zones in a small space? Do you prefer your zones do double/triple duty? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!!
A good way to make your space feel bigger, is by creating as many functional zones (work, sleep, play, eat, etc.) as you can. Jot down all the things that you will need to do in your space and start planning to separate your room into areas to complete each of these tasks. Some areas can work double duty if needed, for example, eating and working can both be completed from the same small dining table.
There are many ways that you can section off each of these areas: with furniture, room dividers, curtain panels, rugs, empty floor space, etc.
Below are ways to create zones for your small space.
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| via All Things Thrifty |
The Entry Zone
I think it's a great idea to have a determined "entry" in a small space. When walking into a home with a defined entry area, it definitely gives the illusion that there is a lot more "space" left in the home. One way to define your entry is by adding a rug right at the inside of the door or having a different floor treatment in this space that's different from the rest of the floor in the room. Although a rug may be less expensive than changing the floors, but if you're planning to be there long term, having a beautiful, contrasting floor treatment in the entry area of a small space creates a bigger impact.
Another way to define your entry is by placing a piece of furniture there that serves all the entry needs, like a tray to corral clutter and keys, a spot for mail, and space for cute accessories. You should also have some space to put dirty shoes and umbrellas, and hooks to hang jackets and purses.
I love to see a vintage chest of drawers in a bright color at the entry of a small space, because it brings a big pop of color and character as soon as you walk through the door. I also think that the entry is a great spot to add cute knick-knack decorative accessories that don't necessarily "fit" in with the rest of the space.
Make sure that there is sufficient lighting in your entry zone, too, like overhead lighting or a floor or table lamp.
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| via House Beautiful |
The Dining Zone
To create your dining zone, you can use a small table and four chairs. There is an unlimited supply of apartment sized tables. You can go simple with your table and bring pizazz with cute chairs, or get a crazy good table and tone down the wow factor of the chairs. It depends on your style and budget. Or, you can go all willy-nilly good for both your table and chairs, just make sure that it's a good fit for the space, style-wise and scale-wise. If you don't have enough space for a small table and chairs, look into a fold-away table or think about combining your work and dining zones in one space. You can do your eat and work from your laptop from at the dining room table.
If possible, get a rug under your table and an overhead light fixture to furthur define the space.
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| via Little Diggs |
The Living Zone
My favorite zone, and one of the easiest to define, in my opinion. It all starts with a great sofa. Make sure that it is the right size. You don't want a huge sofa in a small space, especially if you're trying to create other zones. It isn't necessary that your sofa has to have two side tables and a cocktail table, but you MUST have atleast one flat surface for you and guests to be able to place stuff on, like drinks and books.
In small spaces, I love to see two upholstered ottomans in the front of the sofa, because they work multiple purposes: they can be used as a table top surface and they can be used as extra seating. The best part is that they're usually lightweight and easy to move all around the space.
Another important part of the living area is lighting. If you have a small studio apartment that has one really good overhead light, you may not NEED another light elsewhere in the space. Yep, I said it, I'm telling you that you can break a major "design no-no" rule and forgo the extra lighting if you need to. With that being said... it's a really, really, good idea to have another light source where you'll be reading, writing, and/or working. If those tasks are done in the living space, you should get at least a small task light. Table lamps and floor lamps are easy and affordable ways to bring in more light and help further define the space.
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| via Free Home Decorating Ideas |
The Sleep Zone
In very small spaces, the sleep zone can consist of a daybed with a small dresser. That same daybed can function as a sofa. and that same dresser can function as an entertainment center, by housing a TV and other electronic components.
If you have a small space, but it's still big enough to separate your sleep and living zones, a good way to define the sleep zone and to give privacy is to curtain off the area. Ikea sells some great curtain panels that are track-mounted either to a wall or a ceiling.
Your sleep area should have at least a bed (or daybed) and a hard surface to put items on, like a lamp or books. If you can't fit a nightstand next to the bed, maybe you can fit a dresser or tall chest somewhere across from it.
If your space is really small, like I mentioned earlier, you may want to combine your sleep and living areas together. A tall armoire can hold clothes and things needed for your living room. The drawers of the armoire can be used for your folded clothes, while the section behind the doors can be used as bookcase (or even a bar), for example.
You may not want to use a curtain to hide your sleep area, if this is the case, and you still have enough room to separate your bedroom space, make sure you keep clutter at a minimum. You also want to make sure to find a neat way to store your shoes. If you have a closet, great, but if not, try using the cubby storage units.
 |
| via The Bold and the Beautiful blog |
The Work Zone
If you work from home (a job, business, or schoolwork), you'll need a functional area to complete your work tasks. It's a great idea to have a separate zone for this, but you can combine your work zone with your living, dining, or sleep area, if you need to.
If you have enough space to have a separate work zone, I suggest going with a small desk and chair. A parsons' desk is great for small spaces. Your desk can be placed on a wall if you have extra space, or behind a sofa if that works better. Your chair can work double duty by serving as extra seating in your living and/or dining areas.
So, there's a lot of ways to create functional zones in a small space. Depending on how small your space is, you may not be able to have all your zones separate. You also don't want your space to look "cluttered" with furniture. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you have at least 3' of clearance between all furniture in your space. If you want to have a separate living, dining, sleeping, and work zone, but don't have good "movearound" space, you may need to think about combining your zones.
What good tips do you have for creating separate zones in a small space? Do you prefer your zones do double/triple duty? Be sure to drop a comment and let me know!!
Did you like this post? If so, please share it! I would also LOVE for you SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter. You'll get loads of great decor tips and tricks, be in the know of fun new contests/giveaways, and you'll get all the latest blog posts delivered to directly to your inbox. I promise there won't be any spam. Just enter your email address in the box at the top left.
Till next time,
XOXO
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
What My Home Library Would Look Like...
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| via Elle Decor |
I love this space seen a while back in ElleDECOR. I hate that I can't find the exact link to it!
I'm a sucker for a gallery wall, but this vignette may be a little too vintage for me, though. I would have mixed in some modern art.
I think I'd do another color on the walls for contrast... maybe raspberry... or plum...
I love the floors. Rustic floors are right up my alley. I'd add a vintage kilim in browns and pinks... Or maybe a leopard print rug...
I'm a sucker for a gallery wall, but this vignette may be a little too vintage for me, though. I would have mixed in some modern art.
I think I'd do another color on the walls for contrast... maybe raspberry... or plum...
I love the floors. Rustic floors are right up my alley. I'd add a vintage kilim in browns and pinks... Or maybe a leopard print rug...
Although this furniture is great, I would have a large table in the middle of the room with a mix of different, but equally beautiful chairs. To be used for meetings or small conferences with my future design team... And a Chesterfield sofa... with Porter chairs...
Two walls would have floor to ceiling bookshelfs with built-in, sliding ladders, of course. There will be old and new, beautiful books, fabrics, client baskets, paint samples, cute trinkets... I'd fit my vintage drafting table in here, too...
Oh, to dream!!
Ever dreamed of your own home library or have one already? What would/does it look like? Drop a comment and let me know!
Did you like this post? If so, please share it! I would also LOVE for you SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter. You'll get loads of great decor tips and tricks, be in the know of fun new contests/giveaways, and you'll get all the latest blog posts delivered to directly to your inbox. I promise there won't be any spam. Just enter your email address in the box at the top left.
Till next time,
XOXO
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