The Versatility Of The Ottoman Makes It A Must-Have

Published on: 11 August 2018 Last Updated on: 08 August 2019

The ottoman is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture available. You can use them in just about any room – living room, dining room, kitchen, den. An ottoman is comfortable, flexible seating for kids and adults, a handy footrest, a makeshift coffee table, and may also double as storage.

Ottomans were first introduced into Europe in the 18^th century from Turkey. At the time, Turkey was the heart of the Ottoman Empire, hence the strange name of this piece of furniture. Its comfort and flexibility meant that it soon took off in European parlors, especially in Britain. How many ways are there to use an ottoman? These are just a few ideas to get you started.

1. Coffee Table :

Whether your ottoman is leather, upholstered, or wicker, you can quickly transform it into a coffee table. Use a classic wood or metal tray to set down food and drinks and you can enjoy coffee or breakfast with a book on the sofa. This is a great idea for smaller spaces where both an ottoman and a coffee table would take up too much room.

2. Kitchen Table Seating :

Want to add some unique flair to your kitchen table? Use a pair of ottomans as kitchen table seating, especially paired with two traditional chairs on the other side to add some dynamic asymmetry and character to your kitchen table. Leatherworks well here as it’s easy to clean.

3. Movable Living Room Seating :

One of the great things about an ottoman is that many are lightweight and easy to move around. This makes them a great solution for adjustable living room seating. If you have kids or regularly invite over guests, they bring the flexibility you wish you had in a living room when you sit down to watch a movie or the game or gather around a table to play a board game. You won’t have guests sitting on the floor. The flexibility of the ottoman makes it a must-have in any living room. If you have a living room with limited space, you can also tuck ottomans away for everyday use and bring them out when you need extra chairs.

4. End of the Bed :

Need seating in your bedroom that’s not just the bed? An ottoman tucked at the end of the bed gives you a place to sit while you change or get ready in the morning. It can also become a convenient place to put all those outfits you pulled out of the closet and decided against at the last minute. Many ottomans also open and turn into storage space. A hinged top ottoman provides extra storage space in the bedroom when your dresser just isn’t big enough.

6. Footrests :

You don’t need to get creative with ottomans to enjoy them. Use your ottoman as a classic footrest and kick up your feet after a long day at work or with the kids. In fact, using a footrest when you relax might even help with back pain.

Bring an ottoman into your home and enjoy flexible furniture.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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9 Feng Shui Tips for a Calmer Kitchen

Everybody wants a little more health and prosperity in their lives. Kitchen feng shui is one of the ways to do it and it isn't as difficult as you might think. In feng shui, the kitchen symbolizes wealth and prosperity. As the place where your food is prepared, it also symbolizes nourishing and sustaining life. Try incorporating these 9 kitchen feng shui tips into your home. With good Chi energy flowing, things just might take a turn for the better. 1. Location : If your house is already built, you can't do much about the location of your kitchen. But if you're building a new home or planning to remodel, keep these location-related kitchen feng shui tips in mind. If you're remodeling in anticipation of a sale, read this blog for more ideas. The best location for the kitchen is not the same in every home. Feng shui principles consider the age of the home and the direction (on the compass) that the house is facing. They even consider astrological elements at the time of the home's construction. Because of this complexity, choosing the right location can be very difficult. It is best to ask for the recommendation of a reputable feng shui practitioner. 2. Colors : Feng shui has something to say about the color scheme that you choose for your kitchen. You want your kitchen to have a warm, inviting feel and good energy to it. An easy way to accomplish that is to pick the right colors. Yellow is an excellent kitchen feng shui color as it is thought to be good for digestion. Choose a shade anywhere from soft butter to vibrant squash. Many people like the freshness of a white kitchen. You can do it, but make sure you balance it with something warm, like warm wood tones. Earth tones make great, soothing kitchen colors as well. For an energetic pop, try combining earth tones with a gentle sky blue. It's easy to overdo the blue, though so take care. In an existing kitchen, it's easy to repaint the walls. And something as simple as adding your own tile splashback (in the right color, of course) can really change how the room looks. 3. Balance the Elements : The materials that you use when building your kitchen are important. In most kitchens, 4 of the 5 Chinese elements will appear naturally. These are: Fire Earth Metal Water Wood The stove brings fire and granite or tile countertops bring the earth. Many appliances are made of metal and there's water running from the sink. If you have real wood cabinets, you've got all 5. If you don't, it's as simple as bringing in a potted plant to balance them all. 4. Keep Things Working : The golden rule of feng shui is to ensure that Chi energy is flowing well. This is the universal life force and it is the power behind feng shui. In order to keep the energy flowing well in your kitchen, keep things working. If you have a leaky faucet, fix it. Check to make sure cabinet doors swing open properly. You should even take it so far as to throw out chipped bowls or cracked dishes. Plus, make sure your knives are sharpened. Taking care of your things helps good energy flow and helps you take care of yourself. 5. Keep it Clean : Along the same vein, you should keep your kitchen clean. There are several important tasks you should do every day. Keep the counters cleared off and clean. Only store appliances you use every day on the counter. We'll talk more about this in a minute, but your stove is important in feng shui, so keep it spotless. Wash the sink often and keep the fridge clean. On occasion, you'll need to do a deep clean. Pull everything out of your cabinets and clean out the back corners. You may even want to put down new shelf liners if necessary. 6. Keep it Orderly and Organized : As you put everything back, organize it. Put similar things together. For example, put sweet spices together on one side of the cupboard and savory on the other. Adjust the shelves to make the most of your storage space. Put taller items together in a tall space and fill a short space with little items. If you don't already have them, add some space savers. Lazy susans, stacking shelves and tray racks are all helpful items. Toss out items that you don't use any more. What is the point of cluttering up your cupboards with unnecessary stuff? 7. Fill It Up with Healthy Food : Promote health and wellness by filling your kitchen with healthy food. Organic, fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent choices. Not only is the nutrition good for you, but also they bring healthy healing vibrations from the earth. This type of energy is very good for your body. 8. Add Some Life : Bring life into your kitchen by setting out something living. This helps to bring positive energy into the mix. A petite potted plant, a vase of fresh blooms, or a bowl of fruit all work nicely. 9. Use a Mirror Over the Stove : In feng shui, the stove is a very strong symbol. Not only does it represent fire, but is a very powerful symbol of wealth. Treat your stove with respect by keeping it clean. Promote the flow of Chi energy by using all of your burners. To further magnify the effect, hang a mirror over your stove. This is a great way to effectively "double" your store's presence in the kitchen. Proper Kitchen Feng Shui : Proper kitchen feng shui is an important element in feng shui for your home as a whole. Thankfully, just following these simple tips will help Chi energy to flow more freely, enriching your home and your life. Try a few and let us know how it works out in the comments. We'd love to hear from you! Don't forget to check out our home and garden section for more great tips! Read Also : 10 Unique Kitchen Hacks To Save Your Time In Kitchen And Cooking 4 Tips For Choosing A Good Kitchen Tap Installing A Kitchen Tile Splashback – The Basics

Different Styles of Kitchen Cabinets

With so many different styles of kitchen cabinets to choose from, it can be hard for a homeowner to narrow down their options. Inevitably, the decision will come down to the individual desires of the homeowner. By taking the time to learn more about the following areas of concern, a homeowner is able to come to a decision far more easily than they would have otherwise: What Color Cabinets Never Go Out of Style? Since kitchen cabinets must be chosen in a way that allows for maximum durability and long-term aesthetic appeal, it is important to know which color cabinets will never go out of style. The experts recommend leaning towards neutral color schemes for this reason. This allows the homeowner to update their kitchen with various accents, as the neutral colors provide a simplistic backdrop. Homeowners who are looking to sell the home will also tend to choose neutral color kitchen cabinets because they give potential buyers the chance to make the necessary changes more easily. Instead of being hemmed into one particular motif, homeowners have the chance to add pop colors throughout the kitchen as well. Rugs and artwork can be swapped in and out at the homeowner’s leisure, making life much easier. Trends come and go but the kitchen cabinets offer a sense of normalcy. Are Wood Cabinets Better Than Laminate? Once it comes time to make a decision, the wood vs laminate battle is sure to be an interesting one, as there are experts who land on both sides of this topic. Each of them come with their own pros and cons. At the end of the day, the homeowner will have a few specific factors to take into consideration. Laminate cabinets are typically chosen by homeowners that are looking for certain reassurances. These cabinets give homeowners the chance to split the difference, giving them a modern, high gloss look that is very easy to maintain. Laminate cabinets come with a plastic coating that allows for a much easier cleaning process. For homeowners who are not looking to put in a sizable amount of time and effort when it comes to keeping their kitchen clean, this is a major bonus. On the other hand, wood cabinets will hold up much better from a durability standpoint. These cabinets are also chosen by homeowners who value a more rustic look. Neither cabinet is necessarily ‘better’ than the other so homeowners must base their decisions on what they value most. What are Veneer Cabinets? Veneer cabinets are not always considered by homeowners who have bought into the old horror stories. Wood veneer cabinets used to be avoided at all costs by the average homeowner because their reputation preceded them. These cabinets were a durability nightmare, as the wood would slowly peel away due to long-term exposure. The wear and tear were too much for them to handle. Now, things have changed significantly. They are similar to laminate cabinets because a manufactured interior level adheres to the thin wood, providing a stable and sturdy final product that functions in the same manner as real wood. These cabinets are more cost-effective than solid wood and are resistant to long-term warping. The easy maintenance appeals to a wide range of homeowners as well. In addition to these benefits, there is a sizable amount of versatility to be enjoyed when it comes to various aspects of the selection process. The homeowner can choose between various types of wood, door styles, finishes, stains, and paints. The process of matching veneer cabinets with specific features has never been simpler. Do Floors Have to Match Countertops? The answer to this one should be an absolute no-brainer for all parties involved. Of course, the kitchen should be designed in the most cohesive way possible. Starting with the countertops is the best choice that can be made in these instances. The floors and cabinets will be easier to match to the countertops when it is handled this way. Homeowners who attempt to match these items in reverse are sure to struggle. That’s why it is important for homeowners to thoroughly consider the materials and colors that they wish to include in their countertops. This is not a one size fits all proposition, as design and lifestyle preferences need to be taken into account. For best results, think of the kitchen in terms of three different colors. Two dominant colors need to be selected, colors that are able to accent one another. From there, a third color is chosen to serve as a backdrop to the first two selections. Dominant colors are typically simplistic, while the third color is more vibrant. It should add a level of interest to the kitchen without potentially overpowering the dominant colors of the room. What Makes a Kitchen Look Expensive? While the different styles of kitchen cabinets can make a kitchen look more expensive, there are other factors that come into play here. Those who are investing in their kitchen will want to make sure that they do it right and it has never been easier to make a kitchen look like a million dollars. By taking the time to invest in high-quality fixtures and materials, a homeowner is able to create a room that is every bit as elegant as the rest of the home. High-quality materials and fixtures are able to pass the test of time far more easily, keeping the kitchen looking like new for a longer period of time than ever before. Yes, the homeowner may be tempted to choose lesser materials as a means of keeping costs down. This is not advisable in most instances, though. In addition to the unsightly wear and tear that is caused by cheaper materials, the homeowner is also placing themselves at increased risk of having to shell out for costly repairs and replacements. Saving money in the short term is great but these savings tend to come at a far greater long-term cost. Read Also: Small Kitchen Storage Ideas Know About The Type Of Kitchens According To Different Size Installation of Kitchen Cabinets: Best Way to Give Your Home

7 Ways to Add Character and Style to Your Home

If you have experienced house envy after scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram, you are not alone. Beautiful homes with immaculate interiors crowd our feeds and can leave us feeling a little down in the dumps about our own dwelling. Interior decorating and remodeling can get expensive, but there are a few ways you can add style and character to your home without breaking the bank. Timeless, cost-effective changes will bring you the most long-term enjoyment. It can be tempting to hop on board with every home decor trend, but you should ultimately choose styles that make you feel happy in your home. These seven inexpensive interior design ideas will add beauty to your home that will withstand the test of time. Here are 7 Ways to Add Character and Style to Your Home: 1. Make a Grand Entrance: The feeling you create when designing the entryway of your home will carry through the rest of the house. For homes with a garden in their front yard, water features for your garden will definitely create the mood for a grand entrance. If you want a functional and cozy vibe, dress up your entrance with a storage bench and a mirror. Adding a chandelier overhead will create an air of elegance and luxury. This will be a spot in your home that you see every day, so decorate it in a way that welcomes you home each time you walk through the door. You can even replace your coatrack with a vintage armoire to conceal the clutter and add character to your entryway. 2. Accent You Home with Reclaimed Wood: Not into the farmhouse look? Reclaimed wood can still take your space to the next level without making it look country. This eco-friendly trend is popping up in homes everywhere as shelving, furniture, and accent panels. Reclaimed wood adds color and eye-catching detail to your living spaces. Shiplap is trendy right now and staying consistent with the type of wood you incorporate into your space will help you avoid the country look. Kitchens with white tile walls can benefit from dark wood shelving, as it contrasts wonderfully with bright colors. Reclaimed wood is a current trend in interior design, but the beauty it adds to the home is undeniable when done in moderation. 3. Do a Hardware Update: If you are looking for a simple and affordable way to add character to your home, start by replacing door knobs and cabinet handles with unique and interesting hardware. If you are doing urban kitchen renovations, you can include this idea because it is simple to do in a small space. Swap boring brass doorknobs with any hardware that catches your eye and matches with the vibe you want to create. You can often find great pieces of hardware floating around in salvage shops at affordable prices. It's a little thing that changes your space in a big way. Unique pieces can add character and style to your home without stealing the spotlight. 4. Cut a Rug: Rugs are very diverse in style and price. They can cover up unsightly stains on your carpet, tie a room together, or add a pop of color. Rugs in neutral colors can serve as the base for the rest of your decor. Timeless Persian and oriental rugs never cease to be conversation pieces. Most rugs are durable and will bring you enjoyment for many years. They can easily be rolled up and stored away if you want to swap them out throughout the year. A rug instantly adds a little spice to your home and warms up the room. 5. Add Molding: There's nothing like DIY molding to add flair to any room of your house. Beadboard and crown molding can add interest and detail to flat walls, creating a sophisticated look. White accents can brighten up a room and contrast beautifully with dark walls. You can add beadboard to the bottom half of your walls or panel out an entire wall to make your bedroom feel luxurious. The molding looks great in any room of the house. You can even accent your cabinets with it, use it to decorate the side of a staircase, or trim your windows. It inherently has a fancy look that can take any space from okay to amazing in a cost-effective way. 6. Try Out Wallpaper: Wallpaper has come a long way in the past few years. Styles and patterns have evolved to be classy, elegant, and bright. There are countless styles available to match any motif that isn't reminiscent of Grandma's house. Textured or patterned wallpaper works wonders to create works of art out of ordinary walls. Add oriental wallpaper to the DIY molding panels to create a unique wall that speaks to rest and relaxation. Interesting florals look great in the bathroom while tonal solids lend to peace and calm in the bedroom. Metallic and marble wallpapers can be a pleasant surprise to guests entering your dining room! 7. Add Character with Antiques: Target and Home Goods may be able to furnish your home with the trendiest ceramic pineapples and widely reproduced paintings, but there's something about one of a kind antiques that is timeless. Of course, there isn't anything wrong with buying trendy knick-knacks or the like, but the vintage pieces from antique shops and thrift stores will add much more interest to your home and make it feel more unique. This doesn't mean that your home has to look "old" in order to be stylish. Like a museum, pieces are carefully curated and displayed to tell a story. The pieces flow together and speak to one another. You can even mix curated antiques with on-trend finds to create an original look that's all you. Whether you want to liven up your home with unique wallpaper or simply change out a few knobs on your kitchen cabinet, adding character and style to your home doesn't have to be expensive or difficult. Small changes can go a long way, and over time you will create the home that you have always dreamed of. Simply work with the charm and character that your home already possesses and take it to the next level with these design tips! Read Also: 7 Tips To Increase The Value Of Your Home Experts Recommend: Top Interior Design Trends For 2017 Interior Designing: A Great Art To Make Your Home Look Beautiful

The Versatility Of The Ottoman Makes It A Must-Have

1. Coffee Table :

2. Kitchen Table Seating :

3. Movable Living Room Seating :

4. End of the Bed :

6. Footrests :

What to Know About Your Furnace Filters

Bathroom Remodeling Tips and Ideas

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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9 Feng Shui Tips for a Calmer Kitchen

Different Styles of Kitchen Cabinets

7 Ways to Add Character and Style to Your Home

The Versatility Of The Ottoman Makes It A Must-Have

1. Coffee Table :

2. Kitchen Table Seating :

3. Movable Living Room Seating :

4. End of the Bed :

6. Footrests :

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What to Know About Your Furnace Filters

Bathroom Remodeling Tips and Ideas

Tags

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Popular

Follow Us

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