This or That: Living Rooms

Planning on sprucing up your space for fall? One of the areas of the home that can see the most change on a seasonal basis is the living room. Throws and pillows are easy to replace, and are a great way to incorporate the latest trends into a room without making a major investment or commitment. The potential for fluidity within your living room means you can try new things out, get a little festive depending on the upcoming holidays, and continue to adapt your space as your family changes.

If you’re feeling inspired to make a change, we’ve got to ask: which of the two living rooms below would you try and emulate? Do you prefer Option A’s warm grays and welcoming art? Or are you more interested in the fun patterns and bright space that Option B presents? Where would you rather gather your family for game nights or host a book club?

OPTION A

Image via My Full House

OPTION B 

Image via Inspired By Charm

Our Choice: Option B

Although we can appreciate the coziness of Option A, our heart lies with Option B. Yes, it’s a little showy and the patterns are a lot for the eye to take in, but we find that charming. Option A is neutral and soothing and perfect for a small space, but our dream living room is a bit funkier.

Don’t agree? We want to hear from you! Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook and let us know what you think. 

Did you know that connecting with us on Facebook has perks beyond sharing your thoughts on home decor? It's the place to get celebrity style tips, home show updates, and ticket deals! Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets to the Marketplace Events Home Show nearest you when you visit our Facebook ticket deals. 

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Beautiful Basements: Inspiration For Your Basement Blues

Beautiful basements – is there really such a thing? You might be surprised. If you’re feeling prisoner to the damp darkness your basement seems to exude, consider the open and bright room inspirations below. Reclaim the space so often reserved for storage, unused exercise equipment (we’ve all had home gym aspirations), and older children who aren’t ready to leave the nest. Get excited to go downstairs again!

6 Basement Styles We Love

1. Downstairs living room - Create a warm space with rich fabrics, charming shelving, lush carpeting, and inviting furniture. (The fireplace is a nice touch!)

Image via House & Home

2. Lower-level guest room - Try turning your basement into an inviting space during the day and at night. Sleeping in the basement does not have to be something you dread! And there's lots to love about using a Murphy bed: it's easy to put away, doesn't take up much space, and is far more comfortable than your average pullout couch.

Image via House & Home

3. Endless entertaining - One of the best things about basements is that, when cleared of storage, there's usually lots of room for activities! Turn your basement into a fun place to have friends over or to spend time as a family.

Image via House & Home

4. Back to black - Although it's a good idea to keep your basement bright, you don't necessarily need white walls to do this. White accents and lighting will help you achieve the effect you want, while letting you get bold with color.

Image via House & Home

5. Modern TV room - Have fun with lighting, seating, and accent pieces. There's a tendency for basements to get stale. Keep yours fresh with earthy tones and plants to evoke life.

Image via House & Home

6. Office space - Basements tend to be tucked away from the busyness of the rest of the house, which makes them an ideal spot to put your home office. Make sure to keep things organized and dynamic; create an area that you'll look forward to retreating to and working in. 

Image via House & Home

Are you ready to tackle your basement blues, or is there an area of your home that you're more excited to upgrade? Let us know below! And for more home decor inspiration and renovation advice make sure to head to the Marketplace Events home show nearest you. We've got shows coming up across North America, check out what's in your area - US shows and Canadian shows.

There's lots of reasons to grab tickets to the show (celebrity guests, expert advice, exclusive deals), and here's one more (or should we say two): right now when you like us on Facebook you can get two tickets for the price of one to the Marketplace Events home show of your choice. Pick up your tickets today and bring a friend to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

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Solve Your Window Woes with Curtain Couture

When you think about the phrase “well dressed” usually fashion and food come to mind, but what about windows? Windows have the ability to transform a good space into a great room. They let in light, breezes, and gorgeous views. However, as any home stager or designer will tell you: curtains matter too. Although the scenery your window overlooks has a huge impact on its effect in a room, the way it’s dressed does as well. Are you suffering from window woes? Does your window need a new treatment? The doctor is in! Check out the curtain couture below and get inspired.

6 Wonderful Windows & Why We Love Them

1. Simplicity - These classic roman blinds flow nicely with the primarily white bedroom, and don't overpower the space.

Image via Lonny

2. Layering - Try mixing curtains with your roman blinds; this will add some depth (and drama if you use a bold pattern like they did here).

Image via Lonny

Note the "puddling" (the excess curtain fabric on the ground) - your curtains should fit this way, it'll help to make your room appear more spacious. 

3. Multi-use - If you have two windows close together, why not use one blind instead of two? This helps add clarity instead of clutter, especially when you're using a loud print.

Image via Lonny

4. Fabric - Sometimes a fun pattern is all you need to make your window pop. We love the bright floral fabric used for the curtain below; it really brings the room together.

Image via House & Home

If they had these curtains in The Sound of Music the von Trapp children would have looked fabulous!

5. Division - If you're feeling challenged by the idea of finding a proper treatment for bay windows, try decorating window by window. We love the way they've divided the windows below. There's symmetry and continuity without over-decorating. 

Image via House & Home

6. Definition - If you have a particularly irregular-shaped window, you're probably all too familiar with the difficulties of dressing it. Instead of using a custom blind or curtain, try creating your own shape like they did below.

Image via House & Home

Do you feel ready to tackle your curtain conundrums and create a winning window? Let us know how you plan to decorate your dormer below. 

If you're looking for more home decor inspiration, grab tickets to a Marketplace Events home show. Check out our upcoming shows and find one in your area - US shows and Canadian shows. And don't forget to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for renovation tips and ideas, as well as show information and ticket deals! 

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6 Mexican-Styled Spaces To Adore & Inspire

In keeping with our hot and summery Mexican-inspired theme, we're bringing you more of my favorite  rustic spaces today!  We couldn't narrow it down to one specific room, so we're talking you on a Mexican house tour. From bedrooms to outdoor spaces, take a look at some of these beautifully-designed spaces.

6 Mexican-Styled Spaces

Verana Hotel Room with Warm & Creative Mexican Space via One Kind Design

Eclectic Mexican-Style Bathroom via HGTV

Relaxing Mexican Outdoor Retreat via House to Home

Blue & White Rustic Mexican Kitchen via Lonny

Bold Accents in a Mexican-Inspired Kitchen via House & Home

Mexican-Inspired Accents via Lonny

Which Mexican-styled space would you want in your home?

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We're Saying YES to Symmetry in the Living Room!

We're proud to announce our love of symmetrical home decor, particularly in the living room.  With symmetry as a goal, a space ends up looking cleaner and more organized, it's also a great way to create a successful space without having rack your brain about what should go where.

7 Symmetrical Living Rooms

1. This space is extremely symmetrical, even down to the plants in the window! Notice how the symmetry in this room works to maximizes seating options.

Soft Colors & Varying Pieces - House & Home

2. While most of the items in this space are similar, notice the small differences in the table decor.  These subtleties are a unique touch!

National Home Show - Designed by Evelyn Eshun 

3. Notice how the mirrors in this classically designed space expand on the room's symmetrical layout.

Classically Traditional - House to Home

4. While these two zebra-print chairs make this space symmetrical, they're size allows them to moved easily if the space ever needs to be opened up for entertaining. 

Miami Retreat - Lonny

5.  The symmetry in this cozy country space makes it a perfect room for social events like afternoon tea or game night.

Country Cottage - Thistlewood Farms

6. Notice how the purple in the chairs is tied in with the purple lamps on the opposite side of the room.  This color helps to balance the space.

Pops of Color in a White Space - Anne Hepher

7. Notice how the rest of the space remains colorless in order to offset the bold color of the sofa.

 

Bold Yellow Bliss - House & Home

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Cushion Pushin'! 7 Fun Ways To Use Pillows

While placing pillows on a sofa or bed may seem like common knowledge, these little (or big) comfy puffs of joy can be used in many different ways.  Check out this hot variety of options below!

Stack 'em up.

via House to Home

Place them on the floor.

via House Beautiful

Overflow your sectional.

Make a headboard.

Image & Tutorial via IKEA Hackers

Place them on small stools or chairs. 

Create an outdoor seating option.

via House & Home

Place them around a small coffee table.

via Home and Garden Blog

Make a fun summer cabana.

 via House Beautiful

Do you use your pillows creatively?

Let us know how, leave us a comment!

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Reflecting on Metallic Home Decor: 5 Ways

Ever wanted to see your reflection in an end table?  It's possible nowadays! We've fallen in love with this classy trend.  From stunning decorative mirrors to coffee tables, it seems metallic pieces are popping up in every space (particularly at our home shows).   

Metallic Console Table 

Go Metallic on the Walls 

Aside from the obvious elegance this trend carries, we love that these reflective pieces match with any color palette.     

Expand Your Kitchen 

Why not mirror a wall of existing kitchen cupboards.  The combination of glass and metallic sheen will brighten up your space, particularly if it's on the smaller side.  

Combine with Bold Patterns or Colors 

An easy trend to incorporate in a room that needs just a little something special. 

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Retro Rewind in the Living Room

Recently featured at our Calgary Home + Design Show, this retro rewind "Newlywed" living room showcases function and style in a very creative way.  Designed by Cassie Reid, Emily Hoff, and Samantha McKay, this space incorporates the classic IKEA white sofa with an added fabric face lift.  

In addition to this easy makeover, the use of black and white in this space balances the stunning bold blue perfectly.  What ties it all together? For us it's the combination of the gold accents and the awesome area rug! 

What do you think about this space?  

Leave us a comment below, we'd love to know!

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La-Z-Boy Answers: How fix your drab drapery blues?

This weekend, in addition to bringing their stylish furniture to our Capital Home Show (Sept 20-22 at the Dulles Expo Center), La-Z-Boy will be bringing their design professionals to for FREE consultations.

QUESTION #2: Gennith's Drab Drapery Blues
Questions submitted by Alison A. from Chantilly, Virginia: 

What is your design dilemma?

"I live in a 900 sq foot apartment in downtown Silver Spring. I have a sliding glass patio door that desperately needs some help. I currently have two curtain panels that are a tad too short. I would love something dramatic- perhaps a floor to ceiling type drapery. Similar to what you might see in a luxury hotel. But not quite sure how to achieve this look. I've looked online but haven't found the best solution. Would greatly appreciate any suggestions!   - Gennith J.

Expert advice from La-Z-Boy:

"Hello Gennith,

I've got several suggestions for you to achieve your desired look: 

1. Analyze function first!  This will eliminate some choices - Do you need privacy? Do you need to block light? Do I need to worry about sun damage to the fabric?  What pieces in the room are not working or will leave? 
2. Fabrics/Prints -  Look at what you have -  If major upholstery is print, then use solid or vice-verse.  What colors would you like to pull?  What styles do you need to work with- are you more traditional? Contemporary? Ask yourself these questions. 
3. Length - Most ready made panels are 63-144.  Going long is very in style.  If you can't decide, try to go long- it will be easier for you to work with.  Going too short will look obvious!  Do you want it to hit the floor or let it run onto the floor?  Both are an options as both are very popular.  When it comes to width, make sure that it completely closes as well as has enough slack to not pull them too tight! Finally, hang higher than the frame.  This give the illusion on a larger window. 

Look at La-Z-Boy for ideas to complete your full space!  We have over hundreds of fabrics to choose from, perhaps we can coordinate a chair to your new window treatments?"          - La-Z-Boy Expert 

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