Zero Gravity Recliners: Furniture of the Future [Infographic]

Our new Zero Gravity line of recliners are more than just well-styled pieces to add to your home. They feature some of today’s leading furniture technology to bring you the many benefits of zero-gravity relaxation. Let’s learn more about what zero gravity recliners are, the science behind them, and their many benefits.

What are Zero Gravity Recliners?

Despite the name, zero gravity recliners aren’t going to float off into space (even though zero gravity technology was designed by NASA scientists and mimics the posture of astronauts during space missions!). Zero gravity refers to the recliner’s ability to obtain the ideal weight distribution to optimize blood circulation, reduce pressure on your neck, back, and legs, and give you the perfect angle of full relaxation.

This reclined position is different than in a traditional recliner because it evenly distributes your bodyweight throughout the chair, which reduces the stress on different areas of your body.

Learn more about zero gravity recliners in the infographic below:

The Science Behind Zero Gravity Recliners

As mentioned above, zero gravity recliners were inspired by the position astronauts had to take during liftoff on space missions. During this intense and sudden increase in gravity, the astronauts needed to be in a safe position so escaping the Earth’s gravitational pull didn’t put too much stress on their bodies. The reclined “zero gravity” position allowed them to distribute the stresses of takeoff safely.

While this zero gravity position can be beneficial on its own, we have also combined our leading massage technology to further enhance this therapeutic experience. We married our Zero Gravity recliners with our leading SoCozi technology, which is a consumer favorite because of its revolutionary comfort and benefits. Our exclusive EXP™ technology was developed through a partnership with Cozzia, a leader in massage technology. This advanced system utilizes the latest in air cell design, heat therapy and lumbar support to relax the body and mind, improve health and renew energy — creating a massage experience like no other.

The Benefits of Zero Gravity Recliners

Zero gravity recliners are relaxing, but they also tote many other important health benefits. These include:

1. Improved Blood Circulation

One of the most obvious benefits of zero gravity recliners is that they can help improve your blood circulation. This is because when you’re elevated in the zero gravity position, your heart can easily pump blood throughout the body. When your heart doesn’t have to pump as hard, your whole body functions better.

2. Improved Lung Capacity and Function

Speaking of helping your whole body function better, another benefit of zero gravity recliners is that they can improve lung capacity and function. Not only will your lungs receive the blood that they need because of your improved blood circulation, but they will also function better because of the position itself. Your diaphragm helps your chest expand, which lets your lungs fill up with air. When you’re in a zero gravity position, your diaphragm can expand even more, meaning that your lungs can bring in more oxygen. These deep breaths are perfect for relaxation and bring more oxygen throughout the body. Deep breathing and relaxing in your zero gravity recliner can make you feel like a whole new person.

3. Reduced Joint Swelling

Improved blood circulation can also help reduce joint swelling and pain from conditions such as arthritis. According to the Northwest Float Center, which is a spa where people can float weightlessly in water, “patients in floatation chambers report significant improvement in muscle and joint pain, whether the pain is the result of injury, genetic predisposition, or is caused by stress.” A similar effect has been noted from zero gravity recliners.

4. Reduced Back Pain

If you suffer from back pain, a zero gravity recliner might do you some good. Because your weight is evenly distributed, you aren’t putting as much stress on your lower back as you do when you sit in a normal chair, stand, or go about your everyday life.

5. Reduced Spinal Cord Compression

Throughout the day, we put a lot of pressure on our backs and spinal cords. Whether you’re sitting for 8 hours a day at work, slouching in your car during your daily commute, are running errands, or standing on your feet all day, our backs go through a lot. All of this can lead to spinal cord compression, which can cause pain or stiffness in the neck, numbness in the legs, hands, and arms, and other symptoms. Zero gravity recliners help relieve this compression by taking the weight off of your spine.

Some Amazing Zero Gravity Recliner Results

All of these benefits are amazing and have the potential to change lives and our Zero Gravity line already has. One of our loyal customers, Mimi, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2003. She underwent chemotherapy, which was extremely hard on her body and caused her to have peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord and can cause weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. After trying her Zero Gravity recliner, this is what Mimi had to say:

“I just want to tell you how much this recliner has helped me. I have only had it for two days and my ankles are not swollen and my neuropathy is so much better. The needle-like pain and tingling in my feet and the pain I was having at night with my feet has decreased and I’m sleeping so much better. The last two nights I have been able to sleep almost pain-free from both the neuropathy and edema (the abnormal accumulation of fluid in certain tissues within the body).”

This is an amazing story and things continued to get better for Mimi. She continued to email us and three weeks later, she hadn’t taken her regular pills to treat her condition. Her recliner became her “new place to sit all the time because it’s so comfortable and helpful for [her] feet.”

We are passionate about creating motion furniture that’s not only comfortable and stylish, but that makes a difference in the lives of our customers and their families. We’re excited about the future of zero gravity and can’t wait to see it help more people. Choose the best recliner for your needs by browsing through our Zero Gravity collection.

Modern, contemporary, mid-century, boho chic, country cozy – there are countless design styles to choose from! Do you know yours? This quiz will help you understand your personal interior design style.

Summer is quickly coming to a close, which means it’s time to do one of our interior design trend roundups. Ring in the new school year or bid summer goodbye with these interior design refreshes that are all the rage.

Sustainability

We’ve seen major brands, such as IKEA, West Elm, and Pottery Barn, take major steps to become more sustainable and this is important for both production and design. This summer, we saw sustainability take a front seat in reused and recycled materials, upcycled or thrifted furniture, or simple design accents that don’t require replacing as often. Plants and other organic elements are also a great way to incorporate sustainability into your interior design this summer and fall.

Raw Materials

In continuing the sustainability trend, this summer we also saw a rise in raw materials, including unfinished woods, exposed beams and bricks and repurposed wood pallets or other rustic design elements. This raw material trend is likely because more and more interior designers are looking to do less with more and can use beautiful natural materials as the center of their design. If you don’t love the look of raw materials, simple designs can also create a similar feel.

Beautiful Textiles

In contrast to the rise of minimalist design and colder elements this summer, one trend that complements these is the rise of beautiful textiles. We mentioned before that raw materials and recycled elements are in this summer, but cozy throw blankets, super soft accent pillows, and fluffy comforters are also in and can help segue your home into fall. This lovely tactile trend focuses on natural materials, the love of slow living, and being cozy with the ones you love. To incorporate this late-summer interior design into your home, look for blankets, pillows, and accents in neutral tones or soft patterns to complement the rough, raw, sharp design trends mentioned above.

Experimental Patterns

Another late-summer trend that’s along the same lines as beautiful textiles is experimental patterns. For a while, most people thought of patterns as something only the quirkiest of designers incorporated. Today, we see patterns play an important role in interior design. They can liven up a space for the change of season, add a little personality into your room, and mix up your colors or themes without having to fully commit. Patterns are perfect for little accents like rugs, pillows, or even fun furniture.

Living Coral Meets Mango Mojito

At the beginning of the year, we talked about Pantone’s color of the year, Living Coral, and how it will be part of 2019 interior design trends. Living Coral “energizes and enlivens with a softer edge” and throughout the year, we’ve seen it incorporated in everything from wallpaper to accent chairs. While Living Coral is beautiful on its own, this summer we’ve seen it pair well with another Pantone color – Mango Mojito. Mustard-like yellows are growing in popularity and Mango Mojito “feeds our craving for pleasant comforts.” Mango Mojito also pairs well with millennial pink, teal and indigo blue, and crisp white for a clean look.

Mid-Century

Mango Mojito is also a great segue into our last late-summer interior design trend: the continuation of mid-century accents. Sleek lines, tapered table legs, and an understated simplicity are the key ingredients to mid-century design. Mid-century mood boards include light creams, whites, and grays, as well as statement greens, teals, and oranges. Tarragon, Tangerine Tango, and Bluegrass are all great mid-century inspo. Our Elevate collection features some classic mid-century design accents, such as stylized mailbox arms, arm panels with nailheads, and tall, tapered block legs.

Celebrate the summer and ring in fall with these tasteful late-summer interior design trends. If your budget is looking a little tight, keep in mind these interior design hacks to get the most bang for your buck.

Minimalism doesn’t mean limiting yourself, it means loving each piece that you own. Do more with less and embrace the KonMari Method to declutter your home and find joy in simplicity. From your favorite chair to your go-to outfits, learn more about how to declutter, love the pieces you have, and invest in quality over quantity to create the perfect minimalistic home that fits your needs.

What is the KonMari Method?

The KonMari Method is a tidying and organizing method developed by best-selling author Marie Kondo. This method is focused on creating a tidy environment by removing any items that no longer “spark joy” and instead create unnecessary clutter in your home. According to her site:

“The KonMari Method™ encourages tidying by category – not by location – beginning with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, sentimental items. Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go.”

There are plenty of other decluttering methods that others use, but the KonMari Method is a more rigid approach that many have found success in for organizing their lives and leading to a more minimalist lifestyle.

Minimalist Interior Design Tips

While the KonMari Method focuses on decluttering by category and not space, knowing how to tackle different parts in your home can be a big help in your tidying efforts. Compartmentalizing each room and practicing the KonMari Method in each can be a great start for your lifestyle shift into tidiness. Follow these minimalist interior design tips to help clear up space in your home and live a clutter-free life!

Tip 1: Minimalist Living Room Ideas

Your living room should be a place of relaxation and gathering, so focusing on having comfortable spaces and a bright, open space is ideal. If clutter resides in your main entertaining room, it could be a sign of blocking off your true self to guests. To tidy up your living room, focus on keeping pieces that maintain a light and welcoming vibe while showing off a few select pieces that spark joy and show off your personality. Choose your favorite piece of art or some conversational coffee table books to accent simple-but-beautiful pieces of furniture that maximize both space and comfort.

Tip 2: Minimalist Kitchen Ideas

Almost every kitchen has this one dreaded item: the junk drawer. Kitchens are a main hub for family life, from cooking to doing homework to feeding your pets, so it’s easy to accumulate random “junk”. When decluttering the kitchen, focus on prioritizing what you do and use most. For example, if you make more coffee than tea, store the tea kettle away until it’s needed. Take time to organize things like Tupperware and lids, as simple reorganization can free up 50% more space in your kitchen and make things easier to find. And yes, that means tackling your junk drawer! You’ll thank us later.

Tip 3: Minimalist Bedroom Ideas

Having a minimalist bedroom doesn’t mean minimizing your own style or comfort, it simply means only having things in the room that promote rest and relaxation. Falling asleep in a messy room can lead to distractions that keep you from getting proper rest. Keep your personality with pops of accent colors, fun bedding, plants, art, mirrors, and rugs. As part of your bedroom, having a tidy closet is necessary as well. Remove pieces that no longer spark joy and use proper folding methods to save time finding your favorite outfits and have clothes you’ll actually wear.

Benefits of Decluttering Your Home

Having a tidy home doesn’t just come with the perks of finding things easily and having a clean house to show off. There are more lasting benefits of decluttering your home that make the time and effort put toward it worthwhile, such as:

1. Better Sleep: Some studies show that hoarders, or people with too much stuff, are more likely to suffer from sleep issues and experience sleep disturbances. While hoarding is more extreme than a messy room, it’s easy to see that a tidy room can cut down on distractions or disturbances while trying to sleep and lead to a better night’s rest.
2. Clearer Focus: This decluttering benefit all depends on the person. For most, clutter equals stress. If you are someone who is more stressed by a messy environment than inspired by it, tidying up your environment can allow your mind to focus on a project or task at hand instead of focusing on the stress of the clutter around you.
3. Improved Air Quality: Clutter means more surfaces in your home for dust to settle on and allergens to accumulate between. By tidying up your space, you are forced to tackle the dust head-on and reduce potential spots for future accumulation. With a tidy home, you’ll spark joy with how little your allergies act up.
4. Reduced Anxiety: Running late because you can’t find your keys? Stressed because your measuring cups are buried deep within your kitchen? Can’t find an outfit to wear in your overcrowded closet? When you declutter, you remove the anxiety of information overload and uncertainty of knowing where to find things.

Whether you use the KonMari Method to go through the ultimate living room decluttering list or simply spend 15 minutes every day to tidy up a new space, taking the time to tidy up your house has many benefits. Try to incorporate the tips above to start leading a healthier and happier life at home!

The end of summer is an exciting and hectic time of the year if you are a parent. Back to school time can be difficult for moms and dads – it means schedule shifts, shopping trips, new house rules, and just overall running around to get everything in order so their first day back is as great as possible. Read on to learn what to do to get ready for back-to-school season and how preparation is any parent’s best friend during this busy time!

Back-to-School Tips for Parents

1. Define Boundaries

Whether your children are elementary or high school age, setting boundaries for the new school year will lead to a harmonious home. Sure, rules don’t sound like a lot of fun for your kids, but they help set expectations and decrease the chances of stressful situations.

Set boundaries on things such as screen time, curfews, homework rules, having friends over, house duties, or anything else that requires communication in your home. Be firm and precise in your boundaries, but try not to be too strict to keep a positive environment.

2. Enjoy the End of Summer

One of the biggest back-to-school tips is to enjoy the time before school starts. While many parents are probably ready to get back to a regular schedule again, it’s important to remember to take advantage of the free time and summer activities available before everyone is busy again.

Plan a quick weekend trip, visit museums and exhibits, enjoy time outside with a picnic or beach day, try to get in some last minute summertime activities as a family before free time is filled with school obligations.

3. Get Back on Schedule

The summer is notorious for making us lose track of what day of the week it is. With no schedule and long days of various activities, going back to school after summer break is a big schedule change. In the couple of weeks leading up to back-to-school season, try to get back on some sort of routine.

Set alarm clocks earlier and earlier on Mondays through Fridays, start having family dinners around the same time every night, and try to establish an earlier bedtime to make it easier to transition into the school year.

4. Make Dedicated Spaces

Similar to setting boundaries for actions, set up dedicated spaces in your home for different activities. As a parent, you’ve probably realized that your children can take up a lot of space in the house. To keep order and avoid conflict arising from different activities in the same space, decide where you want to do what and when.

For example, the living room is free space until 8 pm, which is when mom and dad get to watch their shows. Or, the kitchen table is a study space until 6 pm when dinner is served. If you need a true space of your own, consider a she shed or a man cave just for you!

5. Set Up a Smart Home

Making your house into a smart home is one of the easiest ways to simplify your life, and therefore reduce stress during back-to-school season. Smart home devices include voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, smart appliances like refrigerators and coffee pots, and even smart furniture!

Using smart devices can help you keep track of groceries, set morning alarms, make back-to-school shopping lists, brew a cup of coffee, relax and unwind, and even help your children with their homework. Connecting your home helps keep the whole family connected.

6. Take Time for Yourself

Being a parent is often a thankless job, especially when it comes to kids going back to school. From all the preparation you do before with schedule planning and back-to-school shopping to everything you do once the school year is in full swing, you deserve some rest and relaxation.

Take time for yourself whenever you can, whether it’s with a simple massage at home in your favorite SoCozi recliner or with a night out when your teens are out of the house with their own plans. It’s easy to get stuck in parent-only mode, but never forget to treat yourself!

7. Write a Shopping List

Last, but certainly not least, is the most important back-to-school tip! You may think you’ll be set by just grabbing a few notebooks, a fresh pack of pencils and pens, and some binders, but there is a lot more to back-to-school shopping than you’d expect.

Sit down with your children and see if they have received any supplies lists from teachers, then make a shopping list for back-to-school clothing or anything needed for the house such as desk supplies or groceries for lunches and after-school snacks. Being under-prepared on the first day of school is never a great first impression.

One final tip? Make sure to have family time every day if possible. Whether it’s cozying up on the sofa to watch a show or having breakfast every morning, family time helps ground everyone from the hectic days of work and school.

Surviving Back-to-School Season

Preparing for your kids going back to school can be a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be stressful! By following these tips for back-to-school season, you and your children will have an easy transition back into the school year. If you and your kids are looking for a comfy spot to practice reading, check out our selection of recliners that’ll make reading time one of the most relaxing activities of the day!

Whether you just bought a new home or want to refresh a current look, it can be tough to find a design you love at a price you can afford. But how do you know when it’s worth it to splurge and when you should save by finding similar items for less?

Here, we’ll share some of our simple furniture swaps that can amplify any room. Instead of turning to the traditional pieces, take our advice and splurge on pieces worthwhile and save on some designs that you can find elsewhere.

Buy a Custom Recliner Instead of a Mass-Market Chair

One piece of furniture that’s worth splurging on is a custom ordered recliner. Choose your style, upholstery, extra options, and enjoy the recliner made just for you! A beautiful chair can really bring a room together and isn’t something you want to skimp on, especially since you might spend a good amount of your relaxation time kicking back in your recliner. Plus, if you invest in a high-quality recliner now, it can last for years.

Buy Designer Look-Alikes Instead of the Real Thing

Sure, designers like West Elm and Pottery Barn have beautiful things, but depending on what you buy, you can find these pieces elsewhere for a lot less. The website Decor Look Alikes shows some of the most common items you can get that look similar to their designer counterparts. Decorative details can also be found at thrift stores, farmers markets, garage sales, and other affordable spots.

Buy an Overlay Instead of Expensive Dressers

Dressers and side tables can get expensive and even though they’re useful, they’re not a piece you have to spend big money on. But, many consumers get frustrated that the cookie-cutter furniture they can find on a budget lacks the personality they want to include. Enter, overlays. Overlays are custom-made texture piece that you can add to the face of dressers, nightstands, and even walls in your home. Check out this gallery to get some ideas that you can do with a simple overlay. Overlays range in pricing, depending on your style and size requirements.

Another way to spruce up a set of drawers instead of buying new ones is to add new hardware. You can easily replace the knobs on drawers, the legs on a sofa, or other accents.

Buy Wallpaper or Contact Paper Instead of Painting

That being said, if you don’t want to paint the whole room you can use contact paper or wallpaper to change up the look without having to spend a lot of money. Both come in a wide variety of patterns and colors, including marble, granite, wood, and fun designs.

Buy High-Quality Paint Instead of a Cheap Alternative

One of the best ways to spruce up a room is to add a pop of color, either to the walls or to a piece of furniture. But, if you’re embarking on this mission to spice up your interior design, make sure you splurge for a high-quality paint, rather than taking a shortcut with cheaper paint. The nicer paints usually come with a built-in primer, which will save you time and effort. Plus, their coats will last longer and look better on your finished piece.

Your interior design doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, but it can still look great. Splurge on some pieces, like a reclining chair or a paint color you really love, and find easy swaps for things you want to save on. To cut down costs even more, discover how to find furniture on sale throughout the year.

Moving to a new house is fun. Finding new furniture for your house is fun. Moving? Not so much. But we’re here to help. Our newest infographic is full of moving tips that can save you time and money. From repurposing things you already have as packing material to organizing your moving boxes, these tips are sure to make your move a smooth one. As for unpacking? You’re on your own there. Welcome home!

The spring and summer seasons offer the perfect time to reevaluate your interior design! As the seasons change, so do the trends and we’re here to be your source for unique interior design ideas to spice up the season. But changing the interior design of your home is no simple task. You have to develop a vision, a color scheme, furniture that matches your style and your vision, and a creative mind willing to explore the options. Let’s look at some new summertime and spring interior design trends to help get you started.

Unique Interior Design Trend #1: Mixing Masculine and Feminine

“For a house to be successful, the objects in it must communicate with one another, respond and balance one another.” -Andre Putman

The days of decorating a room based on girl or boy preferences has passed and we have entered a new design era. What exactly defines design as masculine or feminine anyway? Don’t let yourself get caught up in the definitions and mechanics of interior design, but instead look at your new room as a blank canvas for exploration and opportunity. To mix masculine and feminine unique interior designs in one, decide on a primary color and accents in the opposite. Southern Motion offers a variety of accents chairs so you can portray a feminine or masculine touch with your seating.

Whether you’re decorating a room for the whole family or a space that’s all your own, it helps to keep a few tips in mind. Color is probably the first thing you think of when starting on a new interior design project. When looking at colors and shades, we tend to see dark and earthy tones as masculine and bright and pastel tones as feminine. To design a room that combines both, work off of a two-color scheme to reach a happy medium.

A few other things to keep in mind when creating a room that mixes masculine and feminine design includes:

Accessories – If the colors and furnishings in your room are too masculine, add in some feminine items to balance the mixture of the two themes.

80/20 Rule – Using the 80/20 rule can also translate to spring interior design trends. and new trends as the seasons change. If 80% of your furnishings are in unison, then you can branch out and deviate from the main theme with the other 20%.

Textures – Adding in different textures keeps the eye moving as you enter the room, rather than forcing you to focus on that one masculine or femine furnishing. This is a great way to highlight your love for unique interior design and creates a cozier vibe.

*Hint: Masculine colors are good for walls and/or furniture, whereas feminine colors are good for accents and to add interest.

Unique Interior Design Trend #2: Navy is the New Black

“Design is not just what is looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” -Steve Jobs

Even though it’s time for summer and spring interior design trends and you’re thinking of pastels and sunshine, one of the hottest design trends that isn’t going anywhere is dark, Earthy tones. This season, though, navy blue is the new black. Whether you’re looking to switch up the bedroom, the living room, or even the kitchen, color is one of the most impactful ways to change the feeling of your overall space, according to Catherine French Design, LLC.

If you’re someone who loves color, but you still enjoy a deep, dark color scheme, navy is the color for you and will keep you up-to-date with the latest interior design trends in 2019. Navy creates that calming, masculine vibe like black does, but it also adds an extra layer of warmth and depth. When using navy in your home, have a game plan before you start. Remember that navy can make a huge impact in a small way. Painting an accent wall, a door, or even purchasing a navy comforter for your bedroom is probably the best route to take. That way, you can add in brighter colors with accent pieces to make sure your room is inviting and warm.

Here are some colors that create a great companion for your navy-inspired and unique interior design room:

Windsor Pink – This dusty pink is a great way to tone down the navy drama and neutralize the space.

Yellow – Statement walls can help balance a room and this bright shade will add depth and warmth.

Pale Purple – Adding pastels can help you live in warmer seasons all year long. Not only does a pale purple create a leisurely vibe, but it also combines youth and maturity.

*Hint: Adding in white decorations and features can really help balance all the colors.

Unique Interior Design Trend #3: Biophilia in Design

“Good design is obvious. Great design is transparent.” -Joe Soprano

2019 has brought a variety of new and unique interior design trends. One of these trends is Biophilia, or creating a close association and interaction with forms of nature. This form of design can be achieved through stone fixtures, natural lighting, plants, and wood flooring. These natural organic designs and interior design elements can remind you of the outdoors and nature, even when you’re inside.

Going along with our natural vibe for our home design, sustainability is a key trend this season, as well. Seeking out recycled materials for your floors or furnishings from a company that uses recycled materials is a great way to be eco-friendly when sticking to summertime and spring interior design trends.

Even though we are a machine and technology driven society, there are days when many of us dream of being outside. With this interior design trend, we can bring the outdoors in. When designing your room with this style in mind, classic accents are your friend. Classic shutters, tables, and comfortable recliners give off the impression of being more environmental rather than disposable. Keep the following in mind when starting your new project:

Vegetation – Incorporating greenery is the best way to achieve this interior design style. Consider adding a plant to your window sill, in your kitchen, or even adding a moss wall to your bathroom if you’re feeling crafty.

Natural Light – Let the light shine! Even if you don’t have a lot of windows to work with in your home, there are still ways you can achieve natural light. From paint colors to backsplashes, choosing the patterns that complement natural light will help you enhance the sunshine.

Natural Furnishings – Including eco-friendly materials into your home is the ultimate way of achieving a biophilic design. Everything from wood flooring to stone end tables is a great place to start.

*Hint: Biophilic design reduces stress and prompts creativity and an improved well-being.

Unique Interior Design Trend #4: Less is More

“Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style.” -Billy Baldwin

Source: Home Designing

Some design trends never change, and the minimalist style is one of those trends. Not only is this interior design trend practical, but it also screams clean, confident, and modern. So what exactly does minimalist decor entail? Simplicity is key. Look for minimal furnishings, neutral color tones, and only impactful accent fixtures throughout the area. Not only do you live by the motto “less is more,” but a minimalist style embraces the concept of “everything in the room needs a place and a reason.”

If you keep up with pop culture, then you’ve probably seen the many articles about Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s house, and how they’ve taken minimalism to a whole new level. But when it comes to your own home, there are plenty of ways to express your minimalist style. Take these unique interior design recommendations into consideration when styling your favorite room or your entire home:

Think Quality vs. Quantity – When designing your home, approach the room with function in mind. Instead of focusing on how much room you have to fill, focus more on the quality of your purchases such as technology driven furnishings.

It’s All in the Details – With a minimalist interior design, there are normally only a few items on display. Take the time to find the perfect accent features that truly represent what you want the room to say.

*Hint: Minimalism is simple. Simple furniture, simple decor, and simple storage. Design your home with simplicity in mind, but also design it with admiration in mind.

Unique Interior Design Trends #5: Bold Backsplashes

“The best rooms have something to say about the people who live in them.” -David Hicks

This interior design treat for the spring of 2019 is all about style, art, and statements. Incorporating a bold backsplash into your home, whether that’s in the kitchen or bathroom, is a great way to achieve an eye-catching home. Inserting the wow factor into your home through a bold backsplash is an easy but effective project.

Whether you’re looking for something modern and bold or your style is dainty and soft, a beautiful backsplash is a great way to achieve this. There are a variety of options such as marble, tile, a solid color, or even an intricate pattern. No matter what summer or spring interior design trends you’re going for, your kitchen will thank you once it’s done!

In addition to achieving a beautiful and unique interior design, backsplash locations in the kitchen and the bathrooms are often added to hide the possibility of water damage. Backsplashes are not only eye-catching, but they’re practical and dynamic additions to your home. Below are some of the additional benefits of including a beautiful backsplash:

A backsplash adds a personal touch to the room of your choice.

A backsplash can serve a double purpose, adding protection to the walls.

A backsplash makes cleaning easy and quick.

*Hint: Use glimmering backsplash tiles to create an optical illusion, making your small kitchen look larger.

Now that you know some of the newest interior design trends for this 2019 season, it’s time to look at your home as a blank canvas and implement these beautiful designs in a way that fits your personal style. And if you need additional inspiration, there are a variety of interior design blogs that you should start following right away!

When changing your favorite rooms to keep up with the trends, check out the chairs and sofas available at Southern Motion. At Southern Motion we have products that fit every style and trend!

Imagine this: you go to pick up your kids from the last day of school and as you approach, you to hear the final school bell ring. You see the stampede of kids come out and your kids pile into the car. The first question you ask is “how was your day?” The second question comes from the kids “what are we going to do this summer?” Immediately your mind goes blank as the summer stretches out in front of you. How will you keep them occupied?

Here, we’ve compiled some of our favorite fun summer activities at home. You don’t even need to leave the house to have a great time!

Indoor Activities

Depending on where you live, weather can play a key part in what fun summer activities you can do at home. Here are some ideas to keep the kiddos active and entertained inside if the weather is terrible:

Educational Activities

Just because the kids are out of school doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. Studies show that during summer break, kids lose about one month of overall learning and it takes them about two months to learn it all back. Help prevent this by taking an hour or two a day to read a book or do some math problems. Then, reward your kids with screen time or another fun activity they like. In addition to those, science experiments are always a fun way to keep your kids engaged. With just a few household items, you can make amazing projects like glow water, slime, invisible ink, a vinegar volcano, and much more.

Arts and Crafts

Have some creative fun with various items found around the house. You can use pipe cleaners to make different creatures, build a kaleidoscope of out of a paper towel roll and wax paper, or make some colorful homemade play dough.

Games

If your kids are still full of energy and the weather outside isn’t cooperating, make up some fun games to play indoors, such as paper plate horseshoes/ring toss or a scavenger hunt. There are lots of fun activities at home that you can do inside.

Quiet Time

After a long day, it’s time to have the kids wind down. Take this time to build a blanket or pillow fort and tell some stories. Or, if building a fort isn’t your thing, maybe you can all curl up on the sofa and watch a movie as a family.

Outdoor Activities

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, children between the ages of 6 and 17 should have 60 minutes or more of physical activity a day. With this in mind, these fun summer activities at home will help keep your kids moving.

Exercising

Being cooped up inside can make a parent and kid go crazy. To help prevent this, go for a bike ride or take a walk around the neighborhood. Getting kids outside in nature helps build them up physically and develop cognitive and social development. Another idea if you don’t want to view the community, create your own sandbox and have the kids play in the backyard. Sandboxes help kids with sensory integration and dirt can help improve their immune system.

Outside DIY Arts and Crafts

Love to draw? Try creating your own sidewalk foam paint and make some sidewalk murals. Or, make your own bird feeder with simple materials like toilet paper rolls, peanut butter, and bird seed. The birds will love your creation! Another fun summer activity at home is to fill an old water gun with watercolor paint and make squirt gun art on the sidewalk.

Backyard Activities

One fun summer activity you can do with the whole family is planting a flower, veggie, or butterfly garden! Or, if you want to relax and enjoy the sunshine, plan a picnic in the backyard. As the sun goes down, your picnic can turn into an outdoor movie night complete with popcorn, blankets and pillows, and a projector. There’s so much you can do in the backyard, from setting up tents and camping at home, to laying out blankets on the ground and stargazing.

Water Activities & Games

As the weather warms up, water activities are sure to provide some refreshing entertainment. Have a relay race with water balloons or play water balloon baseball with a plastic bat. Or, you can always run through the sprinkler or create your own slip ‘n slide in the backyard! Bring on the laughter and good times with these fun summer activities at home.

You don’t have to go on a big family trip to make lasting memories this summer. These activities are ones you can do at home with simple materials. Be creative, have a good time, and enjoy the sunshine.

Thanking the parents and parent figures in our lives is no easy task. Does a bouquet of flowers do it justice? Or a round of golf at their favorite course? While there’s likely no gift that is equal to everything that our parents have given us, we can try our best and get them something they really love. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, wondering what to get for Father’s Day, or want a gift idea just because, our quiz shares some fun and unique gifts for your parents. From a weekend away to an escape at home, find out what you should really get your parents next time you need a gift.