Decorating on a Budget

For some of us who prefer the finer things in life, living on a budget can sometimes be difficult. But decorating on a budget? Give me a break! At least that’s what I thought before I stumbled across some easy tips, a little creativity, and Furnish 123. After following these helpful tips below, I was able to turn my drab apartment into a fab apartment, without breaking the bank.

Be patient. Rome was not built in a day. Don’t be afraid to accumulate all the pieces vital to a room’s style over time. Just make sure that you have a vision for the room before you start buying the pieces!

Decide. Which pieces in a room are most important to you? The furniture? The accessories? Are you going for super chic? Or comfy-cozy? Once you feel you have a clear vision for the room, commit to it and start accumulating pieces.

Don’t feel pressured. Overpriced furniture is nice for those who can afford it! Don’t think that because the price tag has more zeros on it that the furniture is “better.” At Furnish 123, there are hundreds of affordable furniture combinations that look like a million bucks, but won’t break the bank.

Get creative. Some of the most stylish rooms are those that are the most original. Instead of hanging some overpriced wall art, paint your own! Let your creative juices flow! Instead of an expensive centerpiece for the coffee table, try a seasonal, always colorful fruit bowl or basket.

Stay organized. Keep a list of all of your purchases, and prioritize. Have a list of the pieces you want to accumulate, and prioritize from most important to least important. Clear the clutter; a clean place is a cool place.

For more information, I highly recommend that you check out what Furnish 123 has to offer. They have three San Antonio locations, and you can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Furniture Must-Haves for Small Spaces

Sleeper sofa. Not everyone has a spare bedroom for guests, but a sleeper sofa is the next best option! It is a must-have for small spaces because of its dual-functionality. Sleeper sofas usually come in a variety of styles and colors, so you don’t have to sacrifice your design in a small space.

Area rug. A large area rug will give a room the illusion of being larger. The area rug should also be light in color, and patterns should be small.

Mirrors. Mirrors open up a space by reflecting light around the room. By strategically placing mirrors where light can bounce off them, your space will feel larger. Mirrors are especially effective if plenty of natural light can be let into the room.

Pieces with storage. Since clutter is the enemy of a small space, using pieces of furniture that have ample amounts of storage is vital. Secretary desks are a great option because they have built-in storage above the desk space as well as in it. Desks should have plenty of drawers, and media stands need ample shelving for DVDs and other personal items. Even coffee tables can be purchased with extra storage space. Another great option is to use your ottomans as coffee tables. They can be moved easily and function as two different pieces.

Dining table. Round dining room tables save more space than square or rectangular tables. They are also very stylish and contemporary, so you won’t have to sacrifice style. Adjustable dining room tables are also a great option. For everyday use, they don’t take up too much space, but when family comes over, or you are hosting a dinner party, you can make them temporarily larger.

At Furnish 123, we understand small space design, and our affordable furniture will look great in homes of any size. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, with three San Antonio locations for your convenience and a friendly staff ready to help you. Come in and see us, or check out our online catalog and interactive “Create Your Own Space” page. We hope to see you soon!

Designing with Bold Color

Using bold colors in your home can really add the extra flair your design needs. However, it can also be risky. Design with bold colors keeping a few home decorating tips in mind.

Try it out. If you have decided on a bold color to incorporate into your design, it is best to test it out in your home first. Start by using your color on home accessories, such as a set of pillows or a vase. For an even more interchangeable option, change out flowers in the color of your choice to see which ones you like the best before making bigger purchases. It is better to see how you feel about the bold color on a few smaller things before painting your walls or buying a new set of chairs.

Consider your design style. Design style is very important for how you use bold colors in your home. In a modern design, you can use almost any bold color as long as it is minimal, and matched with more neutrals. You could also use brighter colors, such as lime green, in a modern design. However, if your style is more traditional, lime green would likely not flow with the rest of the design. It is important that, when designing with a bold color, it accents the rest of the design and doesn’t clash with it.

Room atmosphere. The use of color in a home can create a mood or atmosphere, especially the use of bold colors. Consider how you want the room in which you are using bold colors to feel. Colors such as blue and pink are calming, while red is more passionate, and yellow is a very energetic color. It is also important to consider the room size when designing with bold colors. If you are decorating a small space, painting the walls a dark bold color, such as red, could make it appear smaller. Instead, use the color in home accents and accessories, and keep the walls light and bright.

At Furnish 123, we have affordable furniture for any color scheme! Our staff is here to help you maintain style while decorating on a budget. Furnish 123 is the fastest growing furniture store in the United States, and we have three San Antonio locations for your convenience. Come in and see us, or visit our online catalog and interactive page where you can “Create Your Own Space.” We hope to see you soon!

Dorm Decorating Do’s and Don’ts

At some point or another in most college students’ lives, they are forced to tighten their belts a bit. But a tight budget is no excuse for an unfashionable dorm. Furnish 123 offers hundreds of affordable design ideas and affordable furniture combinations for the savvy student. A simple list of decorating do’s and don’ts allows you to keep your dorm looking and feeling like a million bucks.

Do’s. Pick a theme and color scheme, and run with it. If the dorm is unfurnished, check out Furnish 123’s wide variety of dorm-style furniture. Next, choose a bedspread and linen set that is versatile enough to match a variety of different styles—reversible ones are excellent options. That way, if you’re not sure what your dorm furniture looks like, you can be prepared for anything. Throws and throw pillows are an excellent way to spruce up any bed. Color coordination is key; a matching bedspread with an accent rug makes a great addition to any dorm room. If you have a roommate, talk with them about the style you’re going for BEFORE you go out and buy the goods. Hopefully, the two of you can agree on a look. Most importantly of all, have fun, and let your style, not your cash, dictate your decor.

Don’ts. Think twice about bringing all of your clothes/shoes/stuff from home. If you plan to go home for the holidays, you can swap your seasonal wardrobe there. Trust me: dorm closets are usually not large enough to hold all of your stuff, and a cluttered dorm room is a hassle. Don’t be discouraged by your meager budget. The best-looking dorm rooms are not necessarily the most expensive to decorate. Dorm rooms are not supposed to be stuffy, so don’t be concerned if your walls look a little crazy. Don’t be afraid to let your inner decorator out!

For more information, visit Furnish 123 in San Antonio. They offer simple, affordable pricing and will even deliver! You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Decorating with a Roommate

Whether it’s your childhood best friend, your significant other, or someone you just met, decorating with a roommate is a fun and rewarding experience, but, like anything else, it comes with its own set of unique challenges. Here are some easy and painless guidelines to ensure that your co-decorating and living experience is an enjoyable one.

Compromise. Realize that your roommate may have very different ideas about how the common areas should be decorated. If you can compromise on a theme, the sailing will be smooth. If you wanted a love seat, but you let your roommate buy a couch, know that the coffee table and area rug are your choice. Once you both have a basic understanding of how the room will be decorated, you can each decide on the different pieces to buy so that the room will be a fusion of multiple styles.

Make a list. Keep a log of who bought what. If it is something you bought or had before you moved in together, you will know that it will be yours when the time comes to move out. If you choose to buy the items together, decide beforehand who will get them when you move out (this step is very important and can help prevent awkwardness when your lease is up).

Avoid clutter. Any time you move into a new place, leaving the nonessentials is always a good idea, but it is a must when you are living with another person. Nobody wants to live with a pack rat; so before you move, clear the clutter, and respectfully convince your roommate to do the same.

Have “You” space. One of the most important things you can do is set aside an area, whether it’s your bedroom, bathroom, or office, where you have executive decision-making powers when it comes to decorating. Having a space that is all your own is vital when you’re bunking with a roomie.

Check out Furnish 123 in San Antonio; it’s a one-stop shop for all your decorating needs. They offer simple, affordable pricing and will even deliver! You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Furniture Priority List

When shopping for new furniture, it is important to know what to buy and in what order to buy it. Certain things take priority over others.

1. Somewhere to sleep. A bed is the most critical piece of furniture in your home. Since it is the piece of furniture that will get the most use, it should be the first purchase you make. Also, make sure you invest in a quality mattress.

2. A table to eat on. Another important aspect of the home is the dining area. You need to eat just as much as you need to sleep. At Furnish 123, we have a large selection of affordable dining room furniture.

3. A place to sit. A sofa and chairs should be your next investment. Chairs for your dining room table, because what use is a table if you don’t have anywhere to sit? A couch is going to be a main piece of furniture in your living room, so look into affordable living room furniture early on. A sleeper sofa is also a great option for a small space so you have a place for guests to sleep.

4. Lighting. If your house only has overhead lighting, then investing in lamps is important to keep your house properly lit.

5. Storage. Dressers and armoires are useful for storing your clothes, linens, and other personal items. Many times, small space living does not offer large closets, so furniture with storage is necessary.

6. A desk. A desk is important for keeping your life organized. A desk is not only a place to put your computer, but also a great place to go over your bills and stay on top of paperwork. A desk with plenty of drawers is a great option for small spaces and clutter control. Also, make sure you add a comfy office chair.

7. End tables. You’ll need a place to put those lamps and other home accessories!

Once you have accomplished the basics for your home, you can start incorporating your home accessories and other less important pieces of furniture. Look for more posts on our blog for more home decorating ideas and affordable design ideas.

At Furnish 123, we have affordable furniture options for everything on this list. We are the fastest growing furniture store in the United States and have three stores in the San Antonio area for your convenience. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. Come in and see us today, or check out our online catalog. We hope to see you soon!

Bachelor Drab to Bachelor Fab

Ever since man has been walking upright, his female counterpart has seen to it that his dwelling was decorated and neat. However, with evolution came a species who was discouraged from decorating and made to believe that having a sense of style when it came to decorating their living space was, well... not cool. This species was labeled: the bachelor. Whether you’re leaving your mom's house for the first time, or you just graduated from the dorm, chances are you’re behind the curve when it comes to having any clue what should be done with your new place. However, there are four easy ways a man can spruce up his pad without breaking the budget.

Walls. Unless you’re living in a gazebo, you have them, but chances are you have no idea how to make them your own. Start with picking a color, something masculine but not overpowering, and you need something you won't get sick of. Ask a buddy or, if you have no other choice, your mother, to help you paint. Make sure to cover your furniture and tape off the baseboards and ceilings. No Picasso? Forget stuffy overpriced paintings to fill those plain walls. Try finding some affordable wall art or even some inexpensive frames and filling them with your favorite movie posters.

Go basic. Clear the clutter. There are few things as liberating as getting rid of all that useless junk lying around your place. All the nonessentials can go. There's no need for anything that isn’t serving a purpose. If it’s not practical, it’s not worth keeping.

Match. Buy furniture in sets. Nothing says style quite like matching furniture. Plus, it makes decorating your space a whole lot easier. Put all that mismatched furniture back in mom’s garage, or sell it on eBay. It's time to upgrade: find a style, theme, and color, and run with it. Don’t do modern for the coffee table and Elizabethan for the armoire. It's your place; it should match your idea of style.

Don’t overdo it. Certain items on your nightstands and dressers are essential – lamp sets, coasters, and maybe a remote boat, but anything more than that is overkill. As a general rule, if it doesn’t turn on and off or keep your beer from ruining the furniture, there’s probably no need for it to be on your nightstand.

Check out Furnish 123 in San Antonio; it’s a one-stop shop for all your furniture and home accent needs. They offer simple, affordable pricing and will even deliver! You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter. No more excuses! Update your bachelor pad now.

Introducing…Our new blog contributor!

We are excited to announce that we are going to have a new contributor to our blog. Rob Miller, a 22-year old bachelor, San Antonio native, and self-taught, self-proclaimed “design dude” will be bringing both his sense of humor and his sense of style to our Furnish 123 San Antonio blog!

Rob came into our store a few months ago looking for some living room furniture and has since furnished just about every room in his home with pieces from Furnish 123. When he told us he would be blogging about some of the ways he has used our affordable furniture and home accents to take his bachelor pad from drab to fab, we knew we were onto something special.

Before we post any of his blogs, we thought we’d let you get to know the “design dude” a little better…

“Hi Furnish 123 followers! I’m Rob. I’m pretty much your typical 22-year old man (except for my affinity for furniture and design); I enjoy hanging out with my friends, watching the Spurs, floating the river, imbibing the occasional adult beverage, and playing a good round of golf. Why furniture? Well, why not? When I moved into my first apartment, I realized how much harder it is to have a nice looking place than I ever thought it would be. So, I began looking around for guy-friendly design advice, and there just wasn’t much out there. Basically, I taught myself, and now I want to share that with you! I’m really looking forward to sharing my blogs with you. Please feel free to leave me comments. I’d love to know what you think! Cheers, Rob.”

Look for Rob’s first post on our blog tomorrow, and as always, come visit us at one of our three San Antonio area locations for affordable furniture and affordable design ideas. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Living room color palette

Choosing a color palette for your living room is extremely important because your living room is the heart of your home design. When choosing a palette, it is important to think about the feel that you want your living room to express.

Light colors: Light pastel colors like blue, green, yellow, or purple are nice for a living room that lets in lots of natural light. They make the room feel slightly bigger and can be styled beautifully with cream accents or other light colors. If you choose a pastel color palette, it is complemented best by luxurious area rugs, many lamps, light-colored furniture, and patterned throw pillows.

Neutral colors: Popular for living rooms, neutral color palettes containing beige, dark yellow, and brown hues create a comforting and traditional look. Usually paired well with dark, traditional furniture, neutral palettes are relaxing and can be accented with complementary dark-patterned rugs, lampshades, and drapes. Rooms with these color palettes are usually sophisticated, but some people think of them as stuffy or overdone if they are too dark and uninviting. You can combat this by brightening up the room with touches of cream.

Deep colors: A more modern take on the living room color palette through the use of deep greens, reds, and blues is becoming more apparent in design. These rooms are sophisticated and inviting because they have a touch of warmth from the neutrals and some hint of the airiness of light colors. These rooms can be accented by either modern or traditional furniture and can be brightened up with modern and eclectic home décor, such as a patterned rug or bold throw pillows.

For more information on the right color palette for your living room and the perfect affordable furniture to fit into your design, visit Furnish 123. We are thrilled to be a part of the San Antonio community and look forward to meeting you and accommodating all your furniture needs!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter. 

How to pick a color palette for your bedroom

Decorating your bedroom is exciting and challenging. There are many things to consider when planning for the design, but the most important is the color palette that will work best for your space and your personality.

If there is a piece that you love, like an area rug or bedding set that has a great color palette, you can build off of that and harmonize your room around those colors. If you don’t have any colors in mind yet, the best thing to do is choose a main color and balance it with accent colors to create your perfect palette. Palettes usually consist of a couple of colors, so try not to go overboard.

First, choose a main color:

Pick a color you love. The first thing to consider when choosing a color palette you love is finding a color you love. You will be spending a lot of time in your room, and you want to love the look and feel of your space. If you think yellow is a good color for your room but you don’t necessarily like it, don’t choose it. Your room is about you, and any color you choose will look nice as long as you style it correctly.

Pick a color that’s available. It’s best to pick a color you know stores are going to carry. There’s no use choosing a color you know is going to be difficult to find or accent.

Once you have chosen a main color, choose your accent colors to complete your palette:

Balance your colors. If your main color is bright, choose neutral or light colors to accent it. If your main color is light, darker colors will balance it out the best.

Think of furniture colors as part of the accent. The furniture that you choose should also be a part of your palette. If you already have furniture in your room, incorporate their colors into your palette.

For more information on affordable home décor for any color palette, visit Furnish 123. We are excited to be a part of the San Antonio community and look forward to meeting you and accommodating all your furniture needs!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter. 

Dining room design trends

Dining rooms can be a hassle to decorate if you are unsure of what trends are out there.

Bright colors. Usually when people think of a dining room, they think nice china, stuffy furniture, and Thanksgiving dinners, but a big trend for this summer is a dining room with a fun atmosphere that is still suitable for those special occasions. A great way to liven up any dining room is to add bright-colored, affordable home accents. Traditional furniture with a modern edge is perfectly complemented by a brightly colored chandelier, a funky area rug for underneath the table, and bold paintings or other home décor. This pairing of fun accents with sensible furniture creates a relaxed atmosphere that is still appropriate for dinner parties or family gatherings.

Bench seating. Instead of sticking with the traditional chair seating, many people opt for comfortable yet luxurious bench seating. Not only does this accommodate more people, but it also creates a cleaner line around the table and can add some interest to the room.

Unique lighting. Traditional lighting is good for any room, but an affordable and easy way to keep your dining room modern is to add interesting light fixtures. As mentioned before, a brightly colored chandelier adds a splash of color and personality to the room, or hanging light fixtures from the ceiling above the table can create the perfect ambience for a nice dinner and  provide an elegant touch.

Keep it natural. Dark, natural wood for the table and chairs is always a classic look that will keep with any trend in the future. It’s also best to let natural light into the room through the windows. Accenting with flowers or plants is a great way to liven up the room and encourage a relaxing atmosphere.

For more information on affordable furniture and exquisite design, visit Furnish 123. We are excited to be a part of the San Antonio community and look forward to meeting you and accommodating all your furniture and design needs!

Designing the perfect game room for your kids

Your kids’ game room is a special place for them to have fun with each other and their friends. Designing the perfect game room will ensure both happy kids and happy parents.

Get the kids involved. Because this room is essentially for your children, it’s best to have them help with the design. You can ask them for some ideas, show them pictures of different game rooms, and take them with you to the furniture store.

Set a theme. The possibilities are endless when designing a game room for kids, so setting a theme is a great way to limit the design ideas and keep it cohesive and central. When choosing a theme, be conscious that your children will grow in and out of phases, so choose something that will grow with them. The broader the better when it comes to kids because you don’t want them to beg you to change the design after a year or two. Some classic themes that kids love can be achieved through colors instead of princesses or race cars.

Make it fun. There are a lot of fun furniture options to maximize the cool factor in your kids’ game room. Colorful shelving, patterned couches, fun beanbag chairs, and window-seat storage are great ways to accessorize your kids’ game room and utilize the space you have.

Let them accessorize. Children love to pick out their own decorations, so if they find a fun lamp set, a cute picture, or some graphic throw pillows, let them personalize the room with them. You could also designate a wall where your children’s artwork or accomplishments can be displayed. A cute idea is a magnetic wall board under some colorful wall shelves where you can place trophies, coloring book pages, or other things your children have made.

Organize into “stations.” In order to ensure a great space that maximizes your kids’ fun and productivity but is easy to keep clean, break the room up into “stations.” This could mean that one area has all the books and a little chair or some bean bags for reading, one area is dedicated to the TV and gaming system if there is one, another area has a small table for crafts or homework, and one area is dedicated to toys. The stations can be adjacent, but it will be easy for both parents and children if everything in the game room stays as clean as possible.

For more information on affordable furniture and innovative kids’ game room ideas, visit Furnish 123. We are excited to be a part of the San Antonio community and look forward to meeting you and accommodating all your furniture and design needs!

How to arrange furniture in a small space

Designing for small space living can be daunting and unpleasant, but there are easy and affordable ways to get the most out of your small spaces.

Plan before you buy. The planning stage of design is often the most important. Furniture and décor shopping can be overwhelming, but a plan helps you to know what you are looking for before you go shopping. If you already have a couple of pieces you want to use, you can design around them. The best way to plan is to draw your room and see what can fit. Then, purchase your essential pieces first, such as the couch, an entertainment center, and a coffee table, so you can see what else you have room for.

Open space looks bigger. The less cluttered your space is, the bigger it looks. The best way to create an open space is to push your furniture out to the walls and keep the middle section relatively open. Placing your couch and loveseat perpendicular to each other creates a nice, open space in the middle of your living room. Having a coffee table or ottoman that fits in the corners of the two pieces is a good way to give your room balance. If the small space is in your bedroom, you can line your bed, nightstand, dresser, and other furniture against the walls and create open space in the middle of the room that you can then accentuate with a nice area rug.

Think vertically. The easiest way to make your room seem bigger is by utilizing your wall space. Think of the pieces you can mount on the wall or stack on top of each other. If you want shelves or a bookcase in your room, look for a place where you would be able to add shelving to the wall off the ground or stack the shelving units on top of one another to create vertical instead of horizontal space. Integrating vertical design can also make your room seem larger because it draws the eye upward.

For more information on affordable furniture and ideas for designing for small spaces, visit Furnish 123. We are excited to be a part of the San Antonio community and look forward to meeting you and accommodating all your furniture and design needs!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Living room design trends

Designing your living room can be a fun and exciting way to express your creativity. Living room trends this summer are all about bright accents, fun patterns, and utilizing space.

Accent colors. One popular trend in living room design is the use of bold accent colors. Neutral, light-colored rooms are brightened with pops of color on throw pillows, lamps, and other affordable home accents. The fun and sporadic use of color is great for drawing the eye into the room without overwhelming you or your guests.

Pastel colors. For awhile, neutrals such as beige, yellow, and brown have been the popular go-to for living room décor, but lately lighter colors have been showing up in trends. Pastel blue, green, and even purple have been replacing the other colors for a cleaner and brighter look in living rooms. These colors in area rugs, couches, and accent tables create a much lighter and airier feel throughout the home, especially when paired with crisp white décor with a slight vintage edge.

Sleek design. For a more modern trend, people have started designing their living rooms with more minimalistic furniture and home accents. Wall mounts, cleanly designed furniture, and sleek accents have been popping up recently, creating living rooms that look very bright and open. The best way to accessorize this home design is with eye-catching home accents, such as a bold area rug and unique lamps.

Bold design. This popular trend incorporates bold graphics into the design but is balanced by the use of single-colored home accents. Graphic-patterned couches and bold area rugs create a fun and unique design for any living room. This bold design scheme is best used with accent pieces that subdue the bold designs.

For more information on affordable home décor and the latest trends, visit Furnish 123. We are thrilled to be a part of the San Antonio community and look forward to meeting you and accommodating your furniture needs!

Tips to protect your furniture during a move

Moving is an exciting time, but it is also very stressful. Save yourself some extra stress from worrying about your furniture being damaged and follow these tips.

1. Label EVERYTHING when disassembling furniture to protect yourself from losing pieces.
2. Make sure to label your boxes properly so movers know how to handle them. Is it fragile or heavy? Let them know! It’s also important so the people unpacking the boxes know how to handle what they are pulling out.
3. Securing stray items, such as brooms and mops, into one package is easier for storing and carrying.
4. Wax wood furnishings before the move to protect against scratches.
5. Place cushions and pillows in large plastic bags or trash bags. Doing so protects them from getting dirty, and they can also be used to cushion and protect fragile items.
6. Wrap mattresses and sofas with plastic covers to protect them from rips, stains, and moisture.
7. You can also use furniture padding, which can be rented from the mover and is a worthwhile investment.
8. Bubble wrap is the best option for plates, glass, and other breakables. Newspaper doesn’t always do the job, and the ink can stain your dishes.
9. Never apply tape or adhesive directly to paint or furniture surfaces.
10. Don’t worry about cleaning your furniture before the move. It is probably still going to get dirty along the way, and you don’t want to have to clean it twice.
11. Don’t use your own linens to wrap furniture. They can get ripped or stained. Try to use old towels and blankets.
12. Try not to use ropes. No matter how tight you tie them, they will probably still come loose during transport. Use heavy packing tape instead.
13. If an item is too heavy to carry on your own, don’t try to be a hero! You could not only risk dropping and damaging it but also risk injuring yourself. Use a dolly or partner up!

For additions to your new home, come in and see us! Furnish 123 has three locations in the San Antonio area for your convenience. We are the fastest-growing furniture store in the United States. Our affordable furniture will be a great addition to any home! View our online catalog or try out our “Create Your Own Space” page.  Good luck with your move, and we hope to see you soon!

How to go modern with your home design

Simplicity: Modern design is very minimalist. One of the first things to do when going modern is to get rid of the clutter and turn the focus onto a few statement pieces. A contemporary sectional sofa in a neutral color such as black or white is a great starting point. Add a glass coffee table or one with a geometrical design. The point of modern is that the space looks fresh and new, so worn-out furniture should be discarded or updated.

Color: A limited color scheme should be used when designing a modern space. For example, use a few neutral colors and one vibrant color. It’s much trickier to accomplish the simplicity required to pull off modern design when using lots of different colors and patterns. One way to go modern with color is to keep furniture in neutral colors and paint an accent wall in a bold color. Black, white, and gray are the most commonly used colors in a modern space, so use those as a base.

Structure: Structure is very important to contemporary, minimalist design.  Geometrical shapes automatically create a modern feel. Opt for pieces that have less intricate detail and more emphasis on the main shape. Metal, industrial-looking pieces are a great choice for their obvious modern design and structure. Pick out pieces that are sleek and clean looking. For example, replace a traditional-style bed with a platform bed, and use pillows sparingly. Add a dresser with simple lines and metal hardware, and you have a modern bedroom!

Drama: Go bold when you go home! With modern design, you are able to express your creativity with some really dramatic pieces. Try out a futuristic-looking lamp or a powerful piece of art. Don’t be afraid to make a statement.

With three convenient San Antonio locations, Furnish 123 would love to be your go-to furniture store for your modern design endeavor! With our great furniture deals, your modern design can be stylish and affordable. Our affordable contemporary furniture can be a great addition to your home. Check out our online catalog, and start designing your modern space with our “Create Your Own Space” page. We look forward to seeing you!

Furnishing your college dorm room

A college dorm room is a small space with a lot of responsibility! It is a bedroom, a study area, a kitchen, and a place for entertainment, all packed into a tiny 12-feet by 19-feet space. However, with the right tools and knowledge, picking out affordable furniture for your dorm room can be easy and fun.

Sleeping. We know that college can be exhausting, so having a nice place to rest your head at night (or in the middle of the afternoon for a quick nap) is very important. Your bed should be comfortable but also space-efficient. Creating a loft bed and leaving space underneath for a sofa, a desk, or more storage is a great space-saving idea. A sleeper sofa placed under a loft is a great place for relaxing and watching TV or for visiting friends and family to sleep!

Studying. It’s important to have an area of your dorm dedicated to studying and doing homework. Also, books and papers will pile up throughout the year, and a place to organize them will be very helpful. A desk is a must-have for every college student. Keep it simple! A smaller desk with lots of storage space is ideal. You can always put shelving above your desk to add extra storage without taking up precious space. Find a comfortable office chair and add a desk lamp for those late-night study sessions!

Small Space Design. Avoid feeling cramped in your dorm room by following a few decorating tips for small spaces. Adding one large area rug will make the space look and feel bigger. Keeping color themes light opens up space. Also, try to let in as much natural light as possible. Mirrors are not only necessary for dorm living, but they also create the illusion of a larger space. Keep decorating themes consistent so they flow as one large space, not as a bunch of small spaces.

At Furnish 123, we would love to be a part of your college furniture shopping experience.  We know students are on a budget, and our great furniture deals can help you stay on track. We have three convenient locations in San Antonio and a staff ready to help you. For more information, come in and visit us or take a look at our online catalog. We hope to see you soon, and good luck on this next chapter in your life!

How to use lamps in your home

With so many options for convenient overhead home lighting available today, using lamps is sometimes undervalued; however, overhead lighting is often too harsh and does not flatter the space. With lamps, you can not only create a better mood in your home but also contribute to its interior design.

Placement: Decorators recommend a minimum of four lamps in the living room, including smaller ones. In the bedroom, swing-arm wall lamps are a great choice when decorating a small space. Instead of a floor lamp or a table lamp on your nightstand, place a swing-arm lamp on the wall above it to allow more room for storage, books, or family photos! A floor lamp placed behind a chair is ideal for reading because the light isn’t limited to one side. Lamps should be easily accessible; keep in mind how your lamp needs to be turned on. Is the switch under the shade, or is it part of the cord? How will the switch’s location affect its placement and convenience? As mentioned before, lamps can create a different appearance and ambience for your space compared to overhead lighting, so use them to your advantage! Place them next to pieces in your home that you are proud of and want to bring attention to.

Design: Keep lamp selection in sync with design. A modern lamp may look odd in a traditionally designed space. Make sure your lampshade harmonizes with the lamp base. For example, square-shaped shades go well with square-shaped bases. Proportions are also important. A small shade will look off balance on a large base and vice versa. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your lamp selection! If you have neutral-colored walls and furniture, add a vibrant lamp or lampshade for a pop of color. It is also important to be aware of how your lamp or lampshade looks when it is lit, especially with lighter colors.

Come visit us at Furnish 123, where we have a wide variety of lamps to choose from and a friendly staff to help you with your selection. Our affordable home décor is high on savings and style! We have three San Antonio locations for your convenience. Also, check out our online catalog and get a head start on your design with our “Create Your Own Space” page. We look forward to helping you light up your home!

How to use home accents and accessories in your master bathroom

Is your bathroom looking a little lackluster? Do you want to add some design to the space, but don’t really know where to begin? Check out some of our tips and tricks to style your space with a few home accents and accessories.

Give it some life. Plants, real or fake, offer a great way to add some design elements to your bathroom. Try a tall, skinny vase filled with colorful flowers on the corner of your countertop. This will add color without taking up too much space. Also, a small plant in a basket can add some style to an empty shelf.

Don’t get cold feet. An area rug serves many purposes in a bathroom. To begin with, it can guard your feet from cold or slippery tile. Additionally, an area rug is a great way to bring in some patterns and colors to your bathroom.

Deck the walls. Typically people don’t think about hanging anything on the bathroom walls, but wall art can give your room some design flair. You can also look into options other than just paintings or photos.  Try hanging some sconces for candles, or even a piece of iron wall art.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest-growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and to buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises or hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon.

Get a 15% off coupon from Furnish 123!

What’s your home design style?

Do you want to update your home, but aren’t sure what design style truly matches your taste? We’ve compiled a list of some popular styles with descriptions of what they typically consist of. Read on to find out more!

Modern. This design style typically has a clean, sleek look to it. Colors are generally neutral and may include a lot of black and white. Shapes are geometric. Stainless steel, granite, chrome, and linoleum are common materials used in a modern home.

Traditional. This design style is tailored and timeless. Colors typically include deep reds, greens, warm yellows, tans, and browns. Furniture and décor are often ornate and may include floral patterns, stripes, or other small prints.

Cottage. This design style is comfortable and cozy. Colors typically include shades of white, pale blues, and greens. Furniture is typically painted wood, or perhaps even wicker. Most people tend to think of cottage style as light, airy, and serene.

Rustic. This design style is put together well, yet is unrefined. Colors are typically earthy and may include shades of brown, orange, red, and green. Natural elements are generally found throughout rustic homes. Furniture is usually made of leather and/or wood, and stone and metal is often used throughout the house.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest-growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and to buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises or hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Affordable design ideas for every room in your home: Kids’ room

Kids change their minds all the time, and the design of their room is no exception. So how do you meet their wants and needs without putting a dent in your pocketbook? Read on to find out!

Add their own artwork. As we mentioned before, art can cost a pretty penny, so why not let your kids create their own masterpieces? Buy some large frames and paper to fill them, and then let the kids have them! This way, they can change the room’s color, look, and feel any time they want with a simple art project. They can use paint, markers, crayons, or even make a collage. The possibilities are endless.

Invest in a desk. Your child’s desk is a place where they will hopefully be spending a lot of time studying and working on homework, so it is important that you invest in a quality piece of furniture. This may cost more money at the onset, but if it lasts them through the years, it is worth the cost. Again, there are affordable ways to help make the desk their own. If you have some old office supply containers and holders that you aren’t using anymore, try spray-painting them your kid’s favorite color to make them new again. If you don’t have any old supplies, check out your local dollar store and get creative.

Add pops of color. To keep up with their changing styles, add pops of color throughout their room with affordable home accents like lamps, throw pillows, vases, picture frames, and more. If you keep the rest of their furniture neutral, then you have a better chance of your investment lasting longer and growing with them. For a boy’s room try various shades of gray or brown, and for a girl’s room try a warm yellow or all white—if you dare.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest-growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and to buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises or hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Affordable design ideas for every room in your home: Game room

If you have a game room or playroom in your home, chances are it gets a lot of use from all your family members. So how do you decorate it to match all their needs? And how can you do that affordably? Read on to find out more!

Frame it. When it comes to picking out art to cover your walls, inexpensive usually isn’t the first word that comes to mind; however, there are some affordable options. For example, try framing some of your favorite movie posters with inexpensive frames from your local craft store. Have fun with it—try painting the frames yourself for a personal touch. If movie posters aren’t your thing, you can do the same with prints of your favorite artwork or even enlarged family photos.

Don’t forget the floor. The game room is probably the place in your home where more time is spent on the floor than in any other room. Whether it is time spent playing board games or watching movies, you want your floor to be comfortable and protected. So what do you do? An area rug is the perfect solution because it not only protects the flooring underneath, but is also a great way to update your floors without having to replace them. Look for a rug with a pattern that can easily hide stains, perhaps in dark colors.

Special seating. Because game rooms are used for so many different purposes, it is a good idea to offer a wide variety of seating. To do this affordably, invest in key pieces including a quality couch, recliner, and loveseat, and then add in less expensive options like large pillows that can be used for sitting on the floor.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest-growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and to buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises or hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.