DIY Home Updates: Make an Old House Look Like New

There’s nothing more magical than a home full of character. It’s the reason we choose to buy older properties or stay in the same house for decades. The problem is, the more history your house has, the more likely it will need some DIY home updates. The good news is that you can give your home a facelift no matter how much time, money, and effort you have to spare!

From smaller jobs like changing out light fittings to larger projects like redecorating, read on to find out how you can make your old house look modern.

How to Modernize a House on a Budget

If you bought an older house because it was a more affordable option, the last thing you want to do is to pour all your savings into costly home improvements. Similarly, if you’re in love with your home’s special charm, you may not want to give it a complete overhaul. No matter whether you’re trying to keep to a budget or stick to a subtle refresh, these are the DIY home updates for you.

Do a Deep Clean

Dirt can build up over the years without us really noticing — even when we clean on a regular basis. If you have an older home, one of the best ways to spruce it up is with a thorough cleaning. 

Rent a carpet or tile cleaner to give your floors a seriously good wash. You can take your curtains to the dry cleaners and use a professional service to get your furniture cleaned. The cleaning shouldn’t be limited to inside your home, either. If you have vinyl siding on the exterior of your house, use a power washer to remove any moss, mold, and mildew. This may not be the most glamorous of DIY home updates, but it’s certainly effective.

Buy New Linens

Updating your linens is a great way to modernize your home on a budget. Replace graying towels and shower curtains with designs that make your bathroom pop. Choose bed linens that bring your bedroom decor together. Buy a new tablecloth that makes you proud to host a dinner party in your home. 

Another way to make an old house more modern is to switch out heavy window treatments for light drapes. This will also allow more light into your home, which brings us to our next DIY home update.

Let There Be Light

Nothing makes an old house look more modern than good lighting. You can easily tweak the lighting in your home by adding modern table and floor lamps to the darker areas of your home. Consider replacing old-fashioned fixtures and light shades or even installing recessed LED lighting for a truly modern feel.

You can also update the light switches and plates around your home for another simple DIY home update. The same goes for power outlets, door handles, and drawer pulls, as these can become damaged and outdated over time.

Prioritize Your Paint Jobs

Painting your entire home is a huge project that requires a lot of time and effort, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still use some paint to modernise your home on a budget. 

Select key items in and around your home that will really make an impact with a fresh coat of paint, such as cupboards and doors. You can also repaint the fence around your property and go bold with a new front door color to increase your curb-appeal.

Freshen Up Your Yard

Don’t forget about exterior projects when making your old house look more modern. If your yard has been left to do its own thing for a long period of time, it probably needs some TLC. 

Start by pulling out the weeds from your front and back yard as well as from the sidewalk in front of your home. You should also cut back hedges, trees, and creepers. Remove any dead plants or junk. To make your garden look extra fresh, replenish the mulch and keep your lawn in check. 

More Ambitious DIY Home Updates

Ready to invest more time and money into modernizing your home? Take a look at these tips for the ultimate makeover for your older home.

Create a Cohesive Decor

After years of being updated here and there, older homes can end up looking a little mis-matched. The best way to make an old house more modern is to opt for one simple decor style. That means you should remove the wallpaper that has become dated, damaged, and dirty, and choose a new color palette.

Not sure how you want to redecorate your home? Take our quiz to discover the right interior design style for you and your home!

Redo Your Floors

Just like your walls and decor, your flooring should also be consistent throughout your home if you want to make your old house more modern. Consider removing all of your carpets and updating your floors to match (with the exception of the bathroom, of course). Contemporary interior designs favor hardwood flooring for its sleek, natural look. 

To incorporate some cozy texture into your rooms, add patterned area rugs or luscious sheepskin rugs. If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood floors already, be sure to refinish them for a fresh look.

Take On the Big Ones: The Kitchen and the Bathroom

The two rooms that usually need the most DIY home updates are the bathroom and the kitchen. They’re subjected to heavy daily usage, grime, and humidity, which means that hardware and decor can quickly deteriorate. If you have a larger budget, plenty of DIY experience, or the chance to get some professional help, improving these rooms is the best way to make your old house more modern.

DIY home updates to prioritize in an older bathroom include:

• Installing a modern one-piece toilet
• Replacing the bathroom vanity
• Retiling the floors and walls

In some cases, you may want to recreate your bathroom from scratch with a new and more modern tub, shower, and basin.

When it comes to an older kitchen, focus on:

• Updating old appliances
• Installing a new sink (or even just the faucet)
• Retiling the backsplash

These DIY home updates will give your kitchen a clean, fresh, and functional vibe that goes hand in hand with modern living.

Invest in the Right Furniture

Once you’ve thoroughly updated your home, you’ll want to make sure your furniture fits with the new aesthetic. While you can give tables and wooden chairs a lick of stain, you may not be able to fix a lumpy, patterned couch so easily.

A new furniture group can make your old house look more modern and reinforce your interior design style. Top-quality furniture manufacturers combine the latest innovations and styles, which means a new sofa or recliner won’t just look better, it will also feel more comfortable. What’s more, if you choose furniture in stain-resistant and easy-to-clean fabrics, you can keep them looking like new for longer!

See how the right furniture can take your home to the next level in our infographic.

As moving season begins, you may find yourself downsizing — or rather, rightsizing — for a simpler home lifestyle. No matter whether you’re moving to a cozier house or downsizing from a house to an apartment, there are plenty of tips and tricks to maximize the size of your space. Read on to find out how you can celebrate the less-is-more-movement in your stylish new home.

Downsizing Home Checklist

As with any move, planning and preparation is key. This becomes even more important if you’re moving to a smaller space that cannot fit all your current belongings. Allow plenty of time to prepare for your move to keep stress to a minimum and use this downsizing home checklist to cover all your bases!

Step 1: Measure Your New Home and Large Belongings

If you’re downsizing from a house to an apartment, you likely won’t have the same number of rooms to work with. Remember, though, it’s not just about the room count. Even if you’re moving to a house, each area in your new home may be considerably smaller. Rightsizing is a great way to create a cozier space and prioritize what you love in life, but it may also mean that some of your furniture items won’t fit.

As well as knowing exactly how large each room in your new house or apartment is, you need to know exactly how much space your belongings take up, too. Furniture groups, sectionals, dining sets, dressers, and sideboards all require plenty of room, so measure everything well in advance. Understanding the amount of space you have to work with will be an important first step in a seamless move.

Step 2: Sort Through Your Stuff

While you can always use storage facilities to keep every item you own, why not use this opportunity to look through your home and keep only the items that spark joy? 

Rightsizing is all about less is more, so apply the same concept to your belongings in this next step on the downsizing home checklist. By keeping only what you love and use regularly, you can make sure your home stays tidier, more organized, and more enjoyable to live in. Go through each room and separate your items into three categories: Keep, Donate, and Trash. When it comes to large items that you love but can’t fit into your new home, take photographs that you can easily keep and treasure. 

Step 3: Redecorate and Renovate Before You Move In

In an ideal world, your new home would be move-in ready and you would have narrowed down your belongings so that they all fit perfectly into the space. In the real world, your new home may need updating to look more modern, to match your tastes, or to better accommodate your personal items. 

While you’re probably excited to get moved in as quickly as possible, taking care of decorating and renovations before you move in will be much easier. Whether it’s repainting, changing the flooring, or adding built-in storage space, take advantage of your empty new home. Once all your belongings are lining every room, it will be more difficult to make any changes and that might put you off improving your home all together.

Step 4: Invest in Smart Furniture Pieces

You may have to say goodbye to a lot of your furniture as part of the home downsizing checklist. While it can be tough to give up items you’ve had for years, now you can invest in the kind of pieces that will support your new lifestyle! 

Instead of replacing your furniture with smaller versions, opt for multipurpose and smart pieces of high quality. Think coffee tables with drawers, ottomans that open to provide storage, and beds with compartments. You can get creative and use a dresser as a TV stand or choose a wall-hugging recliner that has been specifically designed for a small room. Southern Motion’s Metro Recliner allows you to combine functionality, style, and comfort to a cozy room without sacrificing space.

Tips for Downsizing

You’ve prepared your new dream home, reduced and refined your belongings, and made the move. How can you make sure you get the most out of your cozier space for the years to come? Follow these tips for downsizing that can help you enjoy a more minimalist lifestyle on a day-to-day basis!

Get into the Habit of Decluttering

You may have purged your belongings before your move, but to keep your smaller home at its best, you need to declutter on a regular basis. As well as keeping piles of mail in check and making sure items always go back in their place, consider going through your belongings every season to get rid of anything you’re not using or enjoying. 

Don’t Save Anything For Best

One of the best tips for downsizing is to stop saving items for special occasions. Whether it’s your wedding china, guest towels, or Sunday best, you need to get your fanciest belongings out in the open — and not just for show. Using your favorite items on a daily basis doesn’t just free up storage space and ensure that you don’t need to double up on items. You’ll also feel more excited about living in your smaller home and getting the most out of life. 

Find What Works For You

You’ve got rid of the items you don’t want or need, you’re decluttering on a regular basis, and you’ve stopped storing all your best belongings. Now the real fun begins. You get to experiment to find out how your new home will work for you and your family!

This tip for downsizing takes time. You need to adjust to your new home to discover your preferences for the space. You might try different layouts or hone in on your priorities and remove even more items. Whatever it is, stay flexible, open-minded, and enjoy the ride.

Downsizing from a house to an apartment or smaller home is a liberating move. With these tips for downsizing, you can focus on what really matters to you and create a more functional living environment. To find high-quality furniture that works with your lifestyle, take a look at Southern Motion’s stylish collections now.

 

There are lots of things you’re probably doing right with your home decor, but there are also some common home interior design mistakes that even the most experienced homeowners make. By checking out some bad interior design examples, you can learn what to avoid and what to focus on to make your home even more enjoyable to live in. Here are the 7 of the biggest decorating faux pas to keep in mind as you develop your home interior design.

Decorating Faux Pas 1: Having Too Many Colors and Prints

Even if your home interior design leans more toward the eclectic side, you still need to have some cohesion with your overall decorating scheme. Too much variety in color, pattern, and print can leave rooms feeling busy and cluttered rather than clever and imaginative. 

Strive for a color palette of no more than three to four colors per room, using one or two main shades and the others as accents. Also, limit the number of prints or patterns in your home interior design. You can opt for more than one, but look for ways to make the elements flow together. An oversized print on a set of throw pillows, for example, can work with a smaller, more subtle print in the curtains, especially if they are in the same color family.

Decorating Faux Pas 2: Overdoing the Accents

You can’t have too much of a good thing — or can you? Even if all your decorative accents are incredibly appealing, it can be a decorating faux pas to cram too many of them together in the same room. 

Choose a few main pieces to highlight and accent so they’ll really shine. If you’re not in love with the remaining decorations, give them away. If you can’t bear to part with them, create an organized storage space for them and rotate pieces periodically to give rooms a fresh new feel every few months.

Decorating Faux Pas 3: Keeping Outdated Interior Design Details

Whether your home interior design is classic or contemporary, you probably have some outdated pieces or details in your design and decor. Maybe it’s a certain rug pattern that was more of a fad or a tired set of upholstered chairs that could use an update. 

Look over your existing decor and overall design with an eye toward what has a timeless feel versus what has come and gone. Sometimes a slight update to existing pieces can do the trick. In other cases, you may want to replace the decor altogether.

Decorating Faux Pas 4: Not Capitalizing on a Room’s Best Features

It’s easy to fall into arranging furniture in a standard way or using a methodical decorating scheme without really taking the time to make the most of each room’s best features. 

Maybe you have a room with a large window and lots of natural light. Maximize the light and view by hanging curtains high and wide to give the most exposure, or arrange the furniture in a unique way to make the window the focal point. 

Use oversized interior design details like wall art to draw attention to features like high ceilings or unique structural work. Capitalize on the coziness of a smaller room by adding creative nooks and soft textures. Once you focus on a room’s best features, you can use your decorating skills to make them work for you.

Decorating Faux Pas 5: Using the Wrong Furniture and Decor Sizes

The furniture and decor you choose for a room needs to have a good relationship with the area. This is a mistake people often make in living room design. Small furniture and tiny area rugs in a large room with high ceilings will be swallowed up and make the space feel uncomfortable. Similarly, oversized furniture or large sectionals could look out of place in a smaller room. 

Choose furniture, rug, and decor sizes that work in harmony with the size and structure of the area. The key is to find a proportionate look that makes the space feel inviting. Southern Motion has a wide range of furniture collections to help you find the perfect pieces for your home interior design.

Decorating Faux Pas 6: Forgetting Balance and Contrast

Another important aspect of home interior design is creating balance. You want harmony in your color and decor, but that doesn’t mean everything should completely match. A lack of balance and contrast can make any room feel off. 

The easiest way to avoid making rooms into bad interior design examples is by avoiding extremes and singular choices. A room done only in one color or a room with matching furniture, curtains, and rugs will lack the sense of contrast that makes a room feel lively and inviting. Even if you go with a monochromatic look, you can still add some of that contrast in with a subtly different hue and some varied textures.

Decorating Faux Pas 7: Not Personalizing Your Home Interior Design

One of the biggest home interior design mistakes is not personalizing your rooms enough. Fortunately, this is also the easiest decorating faux pas to fix!

Maybe your home’s furnishings are largely made up of items passed down through the family, and you’ve kept them even though you don’t love the pieces. Maybe your home is minimalist to the extreme, with rooms that have little or no decor or accents and need that personal touch. Maybe you’ve never really taken the time to figure out your interior design style, so your decor is a mix of pieces or gifts that don’t speak to you. 

Decide what makes you feel at home and incorporate the things you love into your decor scheme. From photographs and artwork to your favorite color and mementos, personalizing your space with these interior design details is easy and fun.

For more inspiration for your home interior design, take a look at our guide to interior design for beginners.

Summer break is officially here! This time of year offers a wonderful opportunity to spend more time with your family and enjoy all that the warm weather brings, but it also means that regular routines go out the window. If you’re already tired of cleaning up after everyone, we’re here to help. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can stay organized and relax all summer long.

Set Up a Simple Daily Cleaning Schedule

If you’re looking for ideas on how to keep your home clean and organized this summer, start by dividing up chores between your family members. Make a simple chart with daily tasks and enlist the help of the kids. They can help with watering the garden, sweeping the porch or patio, or folding beach towels. 

To make the chores less mundane, set a timer so the kids can try to beat the clock to get the job done. At the end of the week, consider a special treat like an ice cream outing to reward the whole family.

Create Beach Bags for Each Member of the Family

Going out for a swim often leaves the house cluttered with all the beach or pool paraphernalia. One secret to keeping a clean house in the summer is to have these items organized in advance. Consider making up a beach or pool bag for each member of the family. 

Stock each bag with a towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, sunglasses, sun hat, and a water bottle. Have a rule that each person is responsible for grabbing their own bag when it’s time to go — and for taking care of it when returning. It doesn’t take long for kids to hang up their swimsuit and towel and rinse out their water bottles. Hang temporary hooks in the entryway for each person’s bag to make it a breeze to keep things organized.

Make Summer Snack Bags

With the kids home from school, summer often means more snacking which can lead to more messes. When you’re tired of cleaning up after everyone, sweeping crumbs and wiping up spills is the last thing you want to do. To cut back on messes, set up snack bags at the beginning of each week and have the kids take their snacks out on the porch, backyard, or deck. 

Try healthy snacks that are easy to prepare like cut-up fruit or vegetables, homemade trail mix, cheese and crackers, or small containers of hummus with pita chips.

Create an Area to Organize Summer Games

One of the best secrets to keeping a clean house is to have a home for everything, so designate areas for all your summer yard games — and make sure your family puts them back after every use. 

Hang sturdy hooks on the wall of your garage or mudroom for items like baseball bags and tennis rackets. Use old laundry baskets, hampers, or storage bins to house items like balls, Frisbees, and squirt guns. Have pets? Set up a small area for Fido’s outdoor toys near the family sports and game gear, too.

Update Furniture and Decor

Another thing that might come to mind when considering how to keep your home clean and organized over summer break is your furniture. Summer heat can be tough on furniture and home decor. 

Invest in quality furniture with comfortable, worry-free fabrics, like Southern Motion’s Smart Solutions, that will stay looking great. You can also buy indoor-outdoor rugs that are easy to wash and hold up to wear. Go simple with summer decor styles that do double-duty. Stylish woven baskets, for example, can hold beach towels by the door. You can also use washable summer tablecloths or placemats for easy-to-clean table decor.

Pre-Pack a Picnic Tote

Instead of having picnic items all over the kitchen, pack a picnic tote in advance that you can keep stored out of sight. Place items like plates, napkins, disposable cutlery, hand sanitizer or wipes, a picnic blanket, and mini-packages of condiments, so your picnic essentials are ready when you are. It’s a great way to keep your home clean and organized and ensures you don’t forget any items.

Start a Load of Laundry Every Morning

The house can quickly become overrun with grass-stained play clothes, sticky sweatshirts, and wet swimsuits and beach towels in the summer. If you’re tired of cleaning up after everyone when they get changed, consider switching up your laundry schedule. 

Toss a load of laundry in the washing machine each morning. This will keep bedrooms and bathrooms neater and prevent stains from setting into clothing. You can also make the most of the warm weather by hanging the laundry outside to dry instead of running the dryer. This will save energy and leave your close smelling like the fresh summer breeze. 

Use these secrets to keeping a clean house to stay sane and on top of the household tasks this summer. This can help you free up valuable time to spend out in the sunshine with your family. Take a look at our blog post on fun summer activities to try with your kids!

Decluttering is an essential part of spring cleaning that can make your home feel refreshed and vibrant. The living room is one of the most important areas of the home to clean out and organize, but sometimes it can be tough to know where to start decluttering. Get help with this simple living room decluttering list with tips for keeping an uncluttered living room the whole year round.

Take Care of Tech Accessories

In today’s world, tech is fun and functional — but it often spills over into living spaces and creates clutter. Start your decluttering list with all the tech gear and accessories in the living area. 

First go through items like TV remotes, earbuds and headphones, video game controllers, charging cords, and any other accessories and make sure they are in good working order. For an uncluttered living room, try these creative storage tips for all the items you want to keep:

• Store remotes upright in a decorative pencil cup, wide-mouthed vase, or jar
• Use end tables with storage drawers to corral tech and accessories when not in use
• Place decorative lidded storage bins on top on entertainment centers or end tables to house tech gear in style
• Create hidden DIY pockets or panels with durable fabric pieces and Velcro strips on your furniture
• Consider investing in a wireless charging station to cut cord clutter

Tackle Books and Magazines

Next on the decluttering list are books and magazines, a common source of living room clutter. Start by tossing outdated magazines and consider digital versions. Go through your living room book collection and donate any books that aren’t loved by the family. Remember the KonMari Method: one of the best ways to declutter is to keep only the items that spark joy.

Arrange the books you decide to keep according to color and size for a stylish and organized look. Consider adding floating shelves to display books and place books in the same color family together.

Decluttering Papers and Mail

Papers and mail can be a source of living room clutter, especially if you don’t have a designated home office. Create areas to keep paper and mail contained, so they don’t create clutter. This could be as simple as a storage drawer with a divider for incoming and outgoing mail, or a hanging mail organizer. 

For families, use standing files or desk organizers and designate a place for each family member’s papers. A corkboard or magnetic whiteboard are other simple solutions for an uncluttered living room.

Taming Toys

Toys can take over the living room for families with young children. To keep the area clean and clutter-free, first go through your children’s toys and determine which can be tossed or donated. 

Once the collection is pared down, choose one small decorative bin or basket for the living room that kids can keep favorite toys in, and then store the rest of their toys in their rooms or playrooms. Cube shelving or storage is another smart solution — just use cloth bins or woven baskets to keep the toys out of sight.

Think About Pet Toys, Too

If your family includes a four-legged family member, your pup’s or kitty’s toys could be cluttering up the space as well. Choose a sturdy bin or basket to house Fido or Meow’s playthings, and only have a few toys available at one time. Toss any pet toys that are too worn or frayed. You can also try raised pet beds that will allow for toys to be stored under the bed and out of sight when not in use.

Corralling Craft Supplies

If adults or kids in the family are on the crafty side, craft supplies may have migrated to the living spaces and caused clutter. Even if you do projects in the living area, there are simple ways to organize them to keep an uncluttered living room. 

Start by looking at all the supplies and tossing any that are worn, dried out, or that you won’t use. Schools or daycare centers are a good place to donate craft items you no longer use. Once you’ve culled the supplies, arrange them in a set of rolling storage drawers or stackable bins.

Throw Blankets and Decorative Pillows

If you don’t know where to start decluttering your living room, the sofa pillows and throw blankets are an easy place to start. Sort through decorative pillows and toss, repurpose, or donate any that are not needed. Keep only a reasonable number out at one time. Swap cushions or cushion covers out as needed for a seasonal change. Keep throw blankets organized by rolling them and placing them in an oversize decorative basket. You can also fold them and store them in an ottoman with a covered lid.

Assess Living Room Decor, Knick-Knacks, and Wall Art

The decor in a living space can quickly become overwhelming, so it’s important to go through it when you are spring cleaning. Determine whether you really love each piece of decor or if it’s meaningful to you. Otherwise, toss or donate old decor items. Keep only a few favorite pieces out at a time and swap them occasionally for a fresh look.

How to Organize a Small Living Room

If you are trying to declutter and organize a small living room, it’s even more important to keep things streamlined. Keep as few items as possible out in the main area. Use storage space in existing furniture wisely (such as creating dividers or neatly stacking items in drawers). Use or create hidden storage areas for everyday items. Try vertical storage to increase space.

Everyday Organizing Tips to Maintain an Uncluttered Living Room 

Once you’ve decluttered and organized your living room, use these everyday tips to keep your home uncluttered:

• Designate homes for common items
• Clear clutter “hotspots” daily
• Make it fun for kids by creating a reward system and giving them points for picking up their toys each day
• Use hooks to create simple hanging wall storage
• Plan time each week to clear clutter from the living space
• Get creative with DIY organizers made from recycled or repurposed items

Taking a little time to maintain routines with your decluttering list can go a long way in keeping your space clean, relaxing, and clutter-free. After your living room has been decluttered, see how you can take your interior to the next level.

 

Gravity means a lot, but when it comes to your comfort, less may be best. At least that’s the general concept behind the zero gravity massage chair. This innovative product replicates the reclining seats used by astronauts. Zero gravity chairs have quickly grown in popularity, both because of their comfort and ability to potentially relieve certain health issues.

But are these conceptual pieces right for you? You don’t need to suffer from aches and pains to enjoy the benefits of this comfortable chair. From healthy back furniture to eye-catching zero gravity styles, there’s a perfect zero gravity piece for every home.

Health Benefits of Zero Gravity Chairs

Zero gravity chairs are like no other recliner. What sets the zero gravity chair apart is its construction. It’s all rooted in the general concept of weightlessness. 

Where design is concerned, this translates into an ergonomic system that evenly distributes your weight when you sit. This minimizes pressure and strain on single areas of the body — an issue that’s common when seated on any average chair. This balanced effect reduces intensity in areas that might otherwise suffer from general or vague discomfort. It can also help with more serious pain in your muscles and joints.

If you’re looking for furniture that can offer deep relaxation and pain relief, here are just a few ways a zero gravity chair can help you.

Zero Gravity Chairs for Back Pain

Sometimes, when you settle into the average chair, you might feel a bit of pressure in your spine, or find that you fall into a slouching position without even realizing it. That can leave your muscles tight and your joints stiff — two issues that can derail your best efforts to unwind.

The zero gravity chair for back pain resolves all of that. It alleviates pressure placed on the spine and supports a more natural seating position. This makes it simple for you to keep your body aligned. Because it promotes better posture, it creates a supportive and healing environment for an uncomfortable or stiff back. If you invest in a zero gravity massage chair, you can enjoy even more back relaxation with one of the many massage programs available.

Improved Circulation

Zero gravity chairs aren’t just healthy back furniture, either. When you’re seated in a way that minimizes stress on a particular area of the body, your circulation naturally improves. This can drastically reduce swelling in the legs and lead to a general feeling of improved wellness. As blood flows throughout the body, you’ll feel stronger and more alert. Because your body is more relaxed you will likely experience less mental stress and anxiety. This makes a zero gravity chair the perfect place to put your feet up at the end of a long day.

Breathe Easy with Zero Gravity!

An unexpected advantage is that zero gravity chairs aid in lung function, too. When you’re seated in a position where there’s more even dispersion of body weight, your lungs have a chance to relax and expand to their fullest capacity. The result: More oxygen and a healthier, more energetic you.

Styling Rooms With Zero Gravity Chairs

The highly functional zero gravity chair is also a stylish centerpiece that adds the perfect finishing touch to any room. Think of it as the real hero piece of furniture — the one that prioritizes your comfort without sacrificing visual intrigue. 

There are many different types of zero gravity massage chairs available, which allows you to find the right furniture for your unique home. 

Zero Gravity for Every Sized Space

You may need to base your decision strictly on the size of your space, particularly if you have a small living room. Since the chair is ergonomically designed, it’s relatively easy to fit a smaller structure into your home or apartment with ease. You might opt for a sleek and simple A-Game Recliner from the Southern Motion Zero Gravity collection if you have limited space and want to add something effortless to your existing interior design. 

If you have more space, you can add an oversized zero gravity chair or a zero gravity massage chair to the room. Both of these types of chairs offer functional and style benefits alike. For example, Southern Motion’s Impulse Recliner features statement arms complete with cupholders, as well as SoCozi heat function, lumbar support, and massage system for luxurious comfort.

If you’re uncertain about how much space you have, take measurements of your room and compare your results to the size of the chair before you buy.

Finding the Right Style

Zero gravity furniture is more than just a mechanism. Once you’ve made your choice of zero gravity model, you can choose from a number of colors and designs, ranging from subtle to eye-catching. Southern Motion’s zero gravity chairs are available in over 350 fabrics and 45 leather colors. This helps you add even more style to your home!

Think about what your room specifically needs right now. Could it benefit from the addition of a classic piece in a neutral color, or would it be better served by something bold that’s more of a focal piece? Keep those priorities in mind as you decide on the most suitable zero gravity recliner for your living space.

You can also take your interior to the next level with Southern Motion’s stylish Next Level collection. Although not strictly zero gravity chairs, these recliners allow you to recline with your feet above your heart to improve circulation and reduce pressure on your neck, back, and legs. With three inches of extra length in full recline, massage system add-ons, and versatile stylings, these recliners, sofas, and loveseats, offer another relaxing option for any interior design.

Zero Gravity Quality

A top-notch zero gravity chair is built to last. As soon as you sit in the recliner, you should feel secure. Solid construction, rich cushioning, and durable materials are essential for the best zero gravity experience. 

If you’re looking for a zero gravity massage chair, be sure to get the heating functions and massage programs that are right for your needs. Southern Motion’s Turbo, for example, is available with the SoCozi air and heat massage system. This will allow you to get the most relaxation and rejuvenation from your furniture for many years to come.

Investing in zero gravity furniture is an investment in your health, wellness, and home design. For the highest quality zero gravity recliners, take a look at the Zero Gravity Collection offered exclusively by Southern Motion.

So you’ve decided you want to decorate your home! It’s exciting to develop your own personal interior design style, but if you’re new to home decorating, it can feel like a big step. Fortunately, this guide to interior design for beginners makes it easy to get started. Read on to learn about different interior design styles and principles to shape your decisions.

Step 1: Choose Your Interior Design Style

The first important decision you should make is selecting a style for your home interior. By choosing an interior design style to flow throughout your home, you can tie all elements of your space together into a unifying experience. Here are four popular interior design styles that are easy to get started with.

Modern

A modern interior design style is characterized by clean lines. This look comes from a neutral color palette with pops of color, a few different textures, and an asymmetrical balance of furniture. Try directing attention around your room with iconic furnishings, such as funky lamps and glass coffee tables.

Industrial

An industrial interior design style brings a raw feel to your home. This interior design style is known for its exposed brick elements and steel appliances. This stripped-down infrastructure paired with various muted shades of browns and grays captures a “work-in-progress” vibe. Incorporate rustic wood pieces and metallic accents to achieve this distinctive look. 

Contemporary

Known for its clean and tidy feel, a contemporary interior design style maximizes open spaces instead of adding clutter. To create a contemporary interior, work in neutral colors and subtle furniture with smooth edges. It won’t surprise you that this interior design style is often described as the crossover between simplicity and subtle sophistication. 

Traditional

A traditional decor style is built around a warm color palette and welcoming textiles. You’ll love this interior design style if you appreciate consistency, attention to detail, and any opportunity to entertain your friends and family! Pair your comfortable furniture pieces with accents such as lush trim and classic moldings to get the traditional look. 

Still unsure what to go for? Take our quiz to find the right interior design style for your home!

Step 2: Follow the Principles of Interior Design 

Once you’ve settled on your favorite interior design style, you can begin planning the changes you’ll make to your home. There are hundreds of do’s and don’ts surrounding interior design, but there’s no need to let that hold you back. Following a few key interior design tips can keep you from feeling overwhelmed and still allow you to achieve beautiful results. 

Use the following principles of interior design as a roadmap, rather than rules to follow. Remember, you want your home to look great, but you also want it to reflect your unique personality and suit your day-to-day needs.

Wall Hangings

Pieces of art can be great conversation-starters for your home. Place your wall hangings at eye-level to capture attention and bring your room together. Larger pieces of art or a series of smaller pieces are useful when trying to add additional character to large, empty spaces. 

Mirrors, on the other hand, can create the illusion of more space. Along with reflecting natural light, they can also reduce energy use significantly. This interior design tip allows you to make a smaller space feel bigger, brighter, and airier. 

Furniture and Large Home Items

Larger items in your home, such as furniture groups and modern fireplaces, are the most eye-catching aspects of a room. This means you should plan to spend a little more money on these items. Pick them out early on in your interior renovation process so you can treat them as your centerpieces and design around them. 

Place your furniture at least a few inches from the wall to prevent your room from feeling cramped. The size of your pieces should also be consistent with the ratio of your room. Make sure to leave white space between all the items in your room to create a feeling of balance and spaciousness.

Lighting

An important interior design tip when considering lighting is to think about how you use the room. What you do in that space will determine the type of lighting you implement in your interior design style.

• Low lighting like ceiling lights, table lamps, or floor lamps offer good, general lighting.
• Task lighting, such as under-cabinet lighting and desk lamps, provide stronger, direct lighting. This is ideal for areas where you cook, read, and study. 
• Accent lighting highlights specific areas or items in a room. For example, adding recessed lighting can illuminate darker corners or show off your wall hangings.

Installing dimmer switches throughout your home can help you change up the atmosphere in your space. This can keep your interior design style fresh and flexible for any occasion.

Pattern & Rhythm

By playing with patterns you can add layers and depth to your home. Choose your main pattern to anchor your space. This can be in the form of an accent wallpaper, a patterned furniture group, or window treatments. Any additional patterns should complement this first pattern. You can do this by using the same types of patterns but in different sizes. 

When playing with patterns, utilize rhythm to move attention around the room and give your interior design style its own unique character. You can repeat or alternate elements, such as patterned throw pillows across your furniture group, or lamps around the room. You can also build on your patterns by deepening the color of the same pattern across your walls.

Colors

Whether you’re thinking about adding a patterned wallpaper to your room or not, you’ll need to choose the colors for your interior design style. The colors should reflect your personal preferences and work with the size and vibe of your room.

Reds, oranges, and yellow are warm colors that bring liveliness and intimacy to a room. Greens, blues, and purples are cool colors that are often used to create a feeling of calm and relaxation. Another interior design tip is to be aware of the size of your room. Warm colors in smaller spaces can often evoke a claustrophobic feel while cool colors in a spacious room can leave it feeling empty. 

A new interior design project can seem like a daunting task, but with this guide to interior design for beginners, you have everything you need to get started. If you’re looking for home decor items you can make yourself, check out the DIY projects in this blog post!

Eco-friendly interior design aims to reduce the effects of harmful living by improving indoor air quality. It also helps to minimize the impact that our home purchases have on the environment. As a result, sustainability, energy-efficiency, and inclusion of all-natural materials are just a few themes you see throughout eco-friendly interior design. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that most Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where the concentrations of pollutants from our home decor are often two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.

Eco-friendly interior design can help us reduce our carbon footprint, but this movement doesn’t only benefit the planet. A green interior design concept can also boost your health and well-being, and it’s easy to get started! Read on to learn more about eco-friendly interior design and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

5 Tips for Eco-Friendly Interior Design

1. Shop Green

With eco-friendly interior design on the rise, there are plenty of options for safe and sustainable products. When you shop for new furniture, make a concentrated effort to research each piece before you purchase it. Any sustainable interior designer will source pieces from trusted vendors.

Another aspect of eco-friendly interior design is purchasing furniture that’s guaranteed to last for years. Choose pieces made from solid wood like oak, walnut, or maple, and upholstery made from leather, wool, and cotton. These natural materials are usually more durable and less harmful to the environment. Whenever you’re unsure of which textile to purchase, check to see if it’s made out of high-quality recycled or organic materials.

2. Harness Plant Power

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to foster eco-friendly interior design is by bringing plants into your home. Plants offer an attractive touch to any room in your house and they help to purify and filter your air by producing oxygen. This reduces the polluting effects of any harmful material in your home that you may or may not be aware of. 

By including plants in your environmentally-friendly interior design, you’ll be in line with one of the hottest trends in decor. You’ll also have the chance to develop a healthy new hobby. No matter whether you have a green thumb or not, you can find the perfect plant for your home and take pride in looking after it. Take our quiz to learn which plant would be ideal for your lifestyle!

3. Try Smart Landscaping

Although it may seem contrary to the name, eco-friendly interior design focuses on the outside of your home as well. Landscaping is a huge factor when it comes to being sustainable, so one tip to follow is creating a yard that is water-conserving. Don’t let the term “water-conserving” scare you because it’s not as limiting as it may sound. There are a bunch of different approaches you can take to make it happen.

Choosing drought-tolerant plants is a great place to start. Beard Tongue, Aloe, Fountain Grass, and Pride of Madeira are just a few hardy plants that can withstand little water. In addition to plants, you can set up a drip irrigation system, reuse greywater, and reduce your lawn as much as possible. If you live in the right kind of climate, a desert-themed landscape is one of the trendiest and eco-friendliest designs right now.

4. Use Water-Based Paint

Many paints contain VOCs that evaporate at room temperature. These chemicals have been tied to health problems like headaches, throat irritation, nervous system disturbances, and even cancer. Luckily, you can include water-based paint into your eco-friendly interior design to lessen your exposure to these harmful chemicals. 

Look for eco-friendly paints by reading the product labels. “Low VOC” or “low odor” lets you know that the paint is water-based and safer for you and the environment. Keep this tip in mind for other household products like furniture, wood, carpets, cleaning products, and air fresheners that are known to have VOCs, too.

5. Incorporate Efficient Lighting

Depending on what stage of design you’re in, there are multiple routes to take in order to create a space with efficient lighting. Natural light and LED light are the two main areas you should focus on.

Natural Lighting

If you’re designing your home from scratch, it’s a great idea to have your living room and kitchen face north where they will get the most exposure to natural light. If you’re past the point of construction, some easier fixes include installing energy-efficient windows and doors that reduce air leakage and provide secure insulation. 

Don’t forget to take advantage of your curtains as well. Trap in heat and warmth during the winter by keeping your curtains open during the day to let in natural light. Once night hits, close the curtains to conserve that heat. Follow the opposite method during summer to keep cool. This eco-friendly interior design tip is perfect for conserving energy and lowering your utility costs.

LED Lighting

While natural light is a simple and free way to brighten up your home and save energy, it can only get you so far once the sun goes down. 

Say goodbye to incandescent light bulbs and hello to LEDs. LED lighting is the most popular energy-efficient light source on the market and for good reason. These lights don’t contain mercury vapour and they last approximately 100,000 hours. To make it even better, LED lights use 90% less energy than other light bulbs. They are slightly more costly, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial investment.

The first step to becoming sustainable and energy-efficient is by utilizing eco-friendly interior design. Whether you start small with energy-efficient light bulbs or go big with furniture purchases and landscape design, you are helping the planet and yourself! For more eco-friendly inspiration, take a look at 7 ways to freshen up your home with plant decor.

Recliners are a classic addition to any living room, but there’s so much to take into consideration when you’re looking for that perfect piece of furniture. The best brand recliners offer a wide range of functions, design features, and styles, which means you can find something that supports all your personal needs. From recliners for smaller spaces to the best recliners for seniors, here are the top Southern Motion recliners to suit every kind of living space and lifestyle.

Best Recliner for Cozy Living Rooms: Wall Huggers

Looking for a recliner, but don’t have much space for it? Wall huggers are unique recliners that can be positioned inches away from the wall even when fully reclined. This saves you valuable space in your home, especially if you live in a studio or apartment, or have a snug living room area. Recliners like Southern Motion’s Fame have a power headrest option that can be combined with its power recline capabilities, which means you don’t have to sacrifice any comfort just because you don’t have a whole lot of space in your home.

Best Recliner for Seniors: Lift Recliners

Perfect for individuals who have injuries, disabilities, or for people who struggle standing up and sitting down on their own, the power lift is a motorized reclining chair. These recliners lift upward, helping you get out of your chair with ease. Lift recliners come in all shapes and sizes. Southern Motion’s Shimmer lift recliner offers contour through the arm pads and seat cushions, which can help support any aches and pains. You can also choose from 380 fabrics and leathers, because practicality and style should never be exclusive.

Best Recliner for Couples: Chair & ½s 

Like the name suggests, this type of recliner provides the space of one and a half chairs. It’s the ideal recliner for a romantic couple’s night in or just to enjoy by yourself! Southern Motion’s Excel Chair & ½ makes an afternoon reading session or movie night even more relaxing thanks to its intricate back cushion. The horizontal partition in the middle of the kidney back ensures stylish stabilization for long-lasting comfort. Unlike most recliners designed for comfort, this recliner has a cutting-edge style that will work in even the most modern home design.

Best Recliner for Millennials: Recliners with USB Ports

If there’s one thing this generation can’t get enough of its lifestyle-enhancing technology. Power recliners with USB Ports unite comfort with technological advancements that will resonate with anyone (not just millennials). Southern Motion’s Elevate Collection contains the perfect examples. The silent power motion recline and optional power headrest systems allow for an infinite number of settings, so you can get your recliner just the way you like it. USB ports come standard in all Elevate products.

Best Recliner for Families with Young Children: Gliders

Thanks to their sturdy steel frames, gliders allow you to gently glide back and forth while sitting comfortably. This can be very relaxing for anyone using a recliner, but especially for parents with babies and young children. Southern Motion’s Colby glider is a great example of this kind of recliner. With its oversized shape, clean track arms, and generous cushioning, it’s a practical piece of furniture that can lull anyone into a relaxing sleep. What’s more, with hundreds of special order fabrics and leathers to choose from, you can customize this recliner to match your interior design style or to be more child friendly.

Best Recliner for Relaxation: Zero Gravity and Next Level

Whether you suffer from back pain or just enjoy the opportunity to relax at the end of a long day, Southern Motion offers the perfect solutions. 

Recliners are a great way to incorporate comfort and support into your daily lifestyle. You can up the relaxation by adding the SoCozi massage system to a number of recliners, such as Southern Motion’s Full Ride recliner. This advanced technology combines air cell design, heat therapy, and lumbar support to help you unwind and renew.

Need to crank up the therapy? A Zero Gravity recliner could be just what the doctor ordered. By mimicking the position of astronauts in space, these Southern Motion recliners allow you to achieve the ideal weight distribution and reduce the stress on your body. This can help improve blood circulation and lung capacity while reducing joint swelling and back pain.

Southern Motion’s Next Level Collection makes the reclining experience even more comfortable and therapeutic. The innovative mechanism allows you to recline with your feet above your heart, as with Zero Gravity,  while the extended ottoman provides three inches of extra length in full recline. This optimizes your circulation and takes the pressure off your neck, back, and legs for an unparalleled furniture experience. 

The best brand recliners come in all kinds of shapes and sizes to match your needs and personal preferences. To find out where you can buy Southern Motion recliners, take a look at our retailers here.

Finding the perfect houseplants for your home comes down to your interior design style, plant preferences, and level of experience. With so many options out there, it can be easy to get lost in a sea of green leaves and colorful flowers. So which plants are right for you? Take this quiz to help you find the best house plants for your lifestyle and decor preferences – whether you have a green or black thumb!