A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.

Home Organization Ben Soreff Home Organization Ben Soreff

How To Increase Storage Space in Your Living Room

Are you running out of places to stow your belongings in the living room? You can maximize storage space with these simple but effective tips.

A white, open-shelf storage cabinet, with assorted storage boxes, binders, and baskets on the shelves.

Ever feel like your living room is bursting at the seams? As a homeowner, you might find yourself occasionally accumulating more than you can store. But don’t worry, there’s hope! Discover how to increase storage space in your living room.

Declutter and Organize

The first step to increasing storage space is to declutter and organize. Start by going through all the items in your living room and getting rid of things that you no longer need or use. This will free up space and make it easier to organize the items that you want to keep.

Once you’ve decluttered, start organizing your remaining items by grouping them into categories. This will help you determine how much storage space you need for each category.

Utilize Vertical Space

You might usually think about storage in terms of floor space, but utilizing vertical space can greatly increase the amount of storage available in your living room. Invest in tall bookshelves or wall-mounted shelves to store books, decor items, or even small baskets to hold various items. You can also use floating shelves above furniture pieces like sofas or desks to create additional storage without taking up any floor space.

Another great way to utilize vertical space is by installing a pegboard on your wall. This versatile storage solution allows you to hang items like hats, bags, and even small shelves to hold knick-knacks.

Find Dual-Purpose Furniture

Investing in dual-purpose furniture can save you both space and money. Look for pieces that come with hidden storage compartments to hold anything from extra blankets and pillows to board games and magazines.

Coffee tables are a must-have for living rooms with limited storage space. Consider a coffee table with a lift-top or drawers to stow away items you want out of sight but still accessible. Ottomans are also great multifunctional furniture pieces, as they provide extra seating and hidden storage.

Invest in Baskets and Bins

Baskets and bins are excellent options for providing storage space while also adding style to your living room. Use larger baskets with lids to store items like extra throw pillows or blankets.

You can place smaller baskets on shelves or coffee tables to hold remotes, magazines, or other small items. And if you have open shelving units, use woven bins to conceal clutter and keep things looking neat.

Maximize Underutilized Spaces

Consider the potential of underutilized spaces in your living room. For example, you can transform the space under your stairs into a storage closet. You can also add shelves or cabinets above door frames or windows to maximize vertical space in these areas.

And don’t forget about the space behind your sofa. You can turn this empty wall into a storage area with the addition of shelves, cabinets, or even a built-in desk.

With some creative thinking and a little effort, you can increase storage space in your living room. And with more room to store your belongings, you can enjoy a clutter-free, cozy living space.

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Timeless Charm: How to Style Your Living Room Vintage

Adding a touch of vintage flair to your living room can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that is both unique and classic. The key to achieving this look is to mix old with new, incorporating vintage pieces alongside modern elements to create a harmonious blend of styles. This blog post will explore how to style your living room with a vintage aesthetic.

Adding a touch of vintage flair to your living room can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that is both unique and classic. The key to achieving this look is to mix old with new, incorporating vintage pieces alongside modern elements to create a harmonious blend of styles. This blog post will explore how to style your living room with a vintage aesthetic.

Start with a Neutral Base

To create a vintage-inspired living room, begin by choosing a neutral color palette as your base. Opt for soft, muted tones such as cream, beige, or light gray to provide a subtle backdrop for your vintage elements. This will allow your antique pieces to stand out and shine as the focal points of the room.

Mix Old with New

The key to successfully styling your living room with a vintage aesthetic is to mix old with new. Incorporate vintage furniture pieces such as a distressed leather sofa, a weathered wood coffee table, or a retro armchair alongside modern accessories like sleek metallic lamps or abstract artwork. This juxtaposition of styles creates a visually interesting and eclectic space.

Showcase an Antique Grandfather Clock

One of the most iconic vintage pieces you can incorporate into your living room is an antique grandfather clock. These timeless timepieces add character and charm to any space, and serve as a functional and decorative element. Place your grandfather clock in a prominent spot in the room, such as against a wall or in a corner, where it can be admired and appreciated by all who enter. Don’t forget to have grandfather clock maintenance to make sure it’s always in the best condition. 

Add Vintage Accents

In addition to furniture pieces, incorporating vintage accents such as ornate mirrors, antique rugs, or vintage-inspired textiles can further enhance the vintage aesthetic of your living room. Look for unique pieces with intricate patterns, rich textures, and aged finishes to add depth and character to your space.

Personalize Your Space

To truly make your vintage-inspired living room feel like home, be sure to add personal touches that reflect your unique style and personality. Display family photos in vintage frames, showcase treasured heirlooms or collectibles, or incorporate handmade items that have a sentimental value. These personal touches will make your living room feel warm and inviting, and truly reflect your individuality.

Styling your living room with a vintage aesthetic is a wonderful way to infuse charm and character into your home. By following these tips and incorporating an antique grandfather clock as a statement piece, you can create a timeless and inviting space that is sure to be a conversation starter. Remember to mix old with new, add personal touches, and most importantly, have fun with the process. Embrace the beauty of vintage style and watch as your living room transforms into a space that feels both familiar and unique.

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

How To Make Your Small Living Room Feel Bigger

You should make your living room feel large to accommodate guests and feel more comfortable. Here are some ideas to maximize your small space!

Does your home have a small living room that you often struggle to decorate? There are tons of tips and tricks to be able to make your area look more spacious. If you’re looking for some design inspiration, here are some ideas on how to make your small living room feel bigger.

Build Shelving

When you want to adorn your room with photos, vases, and other knick-knacks, finding places to put them can be challenging, especially when dealing with a small area. To achieve this, install built-in shelves on the walls. This saves space while putting your special items on display.

Add a Large Mirror

One of the oldest tricks in the book is using a mirror to make a room feel bigger. If you have a free wall, add a large mirror to open up the space. This creates an illusion of more space due to the mirror reflecting light throughout the living room.

Use a Light Paint Shade

If you want to do a complete redesign, opt for adding a light shade of paint to the walls. For example, light gray, sky blue, or tan are great choices. Consider matching your ceiling color with the walls to extend and elongate the room even further.

Maximize Storage

When dealing with a small area, adding as many well-placed and hidden storage compartments as possible is important. An ottoman or coffee table with drawers are practical options that double as furniture and storage solutions.

Furnish With Intent

Select furniture that both enhances the room and saves space. Consider using a loveseat instead of a large sofa since a couch often takes up most of a living area. If you have a television, mount it on the wall to avoid the need for a large stand and cable box.

When designing your gathering space, be sure to follow these tips on how to make your small living room feel bigger. This will allow you to maximize your free area and make your guests more comfortable.

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Tips for Cultivating a Functional Living Room

Your living room is one of the most important spaces in your home, and you can make it the ultimate area. Explore these tips for a functional living room.

Tips for Cultivating a Functional Living Room

As a homeowner, you probably want your living room to look nice and tidy. On the other hand, being a busy mom can make it more difficult to keep a clean home. Although it may not always be possible to have a spotless house when you have kids, you can keep a tidy but lived-in space. You don’t have to choose between style and functionality. Check out these helpful tips for cultivating a functional living room.

Declutter the Space

The first step to creating the ultimate living room is decluttering the space. If you have too many items in the room, it may be impossible to transform the space into what you want it to be. Consider removing everything unnecessary from the room and starting over to cultivate your family’s perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Sell or donate anything you don’t want or need to add to the finished room and organize everything you plan to keep accordingly. Decluttering is the most effective way to start fresh.

Determine the Best Layout

Deciding on the layout is one of the most important steps in creating a functional living room. After all, it may not function the way you want without the proper setup. If you want the room to be suitable for conversation and visiting with friends and family, consider putting your sofas, armchairs, or ottomans around the coffee table to make it easier to chat with others in the room.

Use Multifunctional Furniture

There are many things to consider when choosing living room furniture, but one of the most important factors for a comfortable living room is using multifunctional furniture. If you have a small living area, you may need to choose a sofa and coffee table with hidden storage space to house your blankets and other living room essentials. Furthermore, selecting a couch that transforms into a bed is an excellent choice for those who have frequent guests.

Place Your TV Correctly

Your TV is most likely the room’s focal point if you plan to use the space to watch shows and movies, but you should be sure to place it correctly. Positioning your TV and sofa can be challenging, but putting your couch at least 5 to 10 feet away from the TV is the best choice. Additionally, set the TV at the right level—your eyes should naturally hit the center of the TV when sitting on the sofa.

With these tips for cultivating a functional living room, you can make the best space for your family to spend time together. You’ll most likely spend most of your downtime in the living room, so make it into a space you want to spend time in.

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