How to get the most out of home decor apps

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Ready to start your next home decor project? Designing and decorating your home is easier now than ever. With the
latest apps on the market, you can plan out and organize your space conveniently on a room design app. 

Choose based on intention

Start by identifying what you wish to use the app for. Are you interested in furniture placement? Perhaps you’re
considering repainting a room and want to know the best shade to match your decor. Choosing an app specializing in
your needs helps you to get the most out of it. 

Does it utilize your floor plan?

When planning out the placement of your furniture, it’s important to keep the floor plan in mind. Some design apps
offer the option to upload your floor plan. This allows you to get a better picture of how much space your furniture
takes up. It also helps you figure out the best placement. 

Please note, many floor plan apps come with a free trial period. This allows you to see if the floor planner is up to
par with your needs.  

Room planner versus room decorating apps

A room planner and a room decorating app sound very similar. However, they each serve a slightly different purpose. A
room planner helps you organize and plan for a room you may already have. For example, you may have to redesign your
bedroom. You can upload your floor plan, and move furniture around virtually. 

A room decorating app can be used to plan out and design spaces that don’t exist yet. You can bring your ideas to a
drawing board per se, and bring your interior design ideas to life.

With the right apps, you can become your own interior designer. Make sure the app is compatible with your needs and
utilizes floor planning. Check out some of the room designer apps on the app service of your mobile provider.

What Is Cottagecore Style?

Cottagecore style has grown in popularity recently and is all over social media. The design style includes everything from home decor to fashion. Similar to shabby chic and farmhouse styles, cottagecore celebrates the comfort and charm of country life no matter where you live. If you’re interested in learning more about this fun and popular trend, here are the basic elements of cottagecore.

Comfy & Lived-In

For furniture, cottagecore is all about comfort mixed with a lived-in feel. Vintage or second-hand furniture is a popular choice, but only if it’s as comfy as it is attractive in the space. Elements you’ll find in cottagecore furniture include curved lines, soft upholstery and rich wood stains. Wood and metal surfaces that show their age with patina or imperfections from normal wear-and-tear are perfect for a cottagecore room.

Florals

In keeping with the theme of celebrating country life, floral patterns are key to the cottagecore aesthetic. This also includes using fresh or dried flowers as decor. Artwork depicting flowers, needlepoint throw pillows and delicate floral prints are essential. Mixing florals with the simple and comfortable furniture gives a cottagecore room a relaxed and natural vibe even with a mixture of colors and patterns.

Neutrals & Pastels

A key to creating the cottagecore aesthetic is the color palette. Mismatched furniture, prints and an emphasis on florals can combine to create chaos easily. However, the cottagecore style keeps neutral color palettes at the forefront to create a sense of harmony among the eclectic mixture. Opt for warm, neutral tones like beige, brown and woodsy green. Adding in pops of color, especially in pastels, will add vibrance and depth while keeping the foundation laid-back.

Vintage Decor

One of the basic philosophies behind the cottagecore style is the idea of collecting furnishings. This means that the more vintage decor, the better. Some of the best ways to add some vintage flair to a cottagecore room include chandeliers, fine china and decorative vases. Try hanging your favorite artwork in vintage frames with some patina to show off well-worn charm.

Is cottagecore style right for you? If you love the simplicity of the farmhouse style but want a little more detail and vintage flair, consider trying it in your space. Keep these major elements in mind and you’ll be able to make your very own version of cottagecore that works for you.

Building a Home? Consider Giving These 3 Areas Some Extra Customization

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As you make plans to build your own home, give yourself room for some customization. Your budget may not allow you to customize everything so will need to consider your priorities. Here are three key areas you should focus on to customize your home to make it more functional and enjoyable.

1. Customize the Kitchen

The kitchen is the hub of the home. This is not only where meals are made but where homework gets done, meetings take place and daily check-ins with family members occur. The kitchen is also a major selling feature of your home when you’re ready to move somewhere new. This room is worth spending some time and money customizing.

In the kitchen you might consider a variety of custom features:

  • Energy-efficient appliances

  • Custom cabinetry and countertops

  • Elegant sink fixtures

  • Spacious pantry and storage options

  • Useful kitchen islands

The more custom features you can add in the kitchen, the more functional your home will be to meet your needs.

2. Finish the Basement

Many floor plans include unfinished basements. If you have enough budget, take the time to customize this space based on your needs. A basement becomes a perfect family recreation or theater room. You can also make it your spot for entertaining, craft projects, or home school and office space.

Adding a bathroom during construction, or at least the plumbing for one, is always easier than trying to add this plumbing later. Setting up a wet bar makes getting a snack simple. All of these features will increase the functionality and convenience of the basement for you to enjoy while also adding significantly to the home’s resale value.

3. Add Customized Storage

Storage is one of the most important yet overlooked features in a new home. As you consider custom options for your space, make sure you add ample storage. In the kitchen you will want a pantry to store canned and boxed goods. You may also want specific cabinets for larger pots and pans or appliances. In the bathroom make sure there is shelving or a linen closet to store toiletries and towels. Consider built-in shelving and cabinetry or walk-in closets for bedrooms. All of these features will cut down on the amount of furniture you need as well as conserve precious floor space. If the home has two stories, talk to the builder about adding under-the-stairs cabinets and closets to utilize this extra space. You can never have too much storage and building gives you the chance to add quite a bit before you even move into the home.

One of the benefits of building your home is the opportunity to customize it, but you may need a little direction to see where to start. By focusing on these three areas of your new house, you ensure that you get the most out of your new-build home