Outdoor Furniture Materials

Home Decor & Furniture, Outdoor & Patio Ideas Published: March 5, 2024

Learn more about the different types of outdoor furniture materials, and which is best for your climate.

A Guide to Coastal Décor and Furnishings

Home Decor & Furniture Published: March 5, 2024 | Updated: April 19, 2024

Earthy Home Décor Essentials

Published: November 2, 2023

Want to achieve an Earthy aesthetic for your home? Get inspired and check out these earthy décor essentials for any room in your home.

Buying Guide: Fire Pits

How To, Seasonal, Winter Inspiration Published: August 11, 2023 | Updated: August 15, 2023

Check out XO Ashley’s guide to choosing a fire pit! Learn what to look for in a fire pit, what types of fire pits are best, and where to place your fire pit.

2023 Home Decor Trends

Home Decor & Furniture, Ideas & Trends Published: March 14, 2023

Stay trendy with Ashley’s round-up of 2023 home decor trends! Learn more about the styles and colors that will dominate next year.

How to Furnish Your First Home: Checklist & Tips

Home Decor & Furniture Published: March 14, 2023

Just purchased your first home? Learn how to furnish your first home quickly and on a budget with our checklist!

A Guide to Refreshing Your Master Bedroom

Bedroom Ideas, Home Decor & Furniture Published: March 7, 2023 | Updated: March 9, 2023

Makeover your master bedroom with these easy tips to create the bedroom of your dream.

How to Spruce Up Your Bedding

Published: March 2, 2023

Find the best tips for sprucing up your bedding to make the perfect cozy bedroom.

Spring Decorating Ideas & Inspiration for Your Home

Seasonal, Spring Inspiration Published: March 1, 2023 | Updated: March 7, 2023

Make your spring decor spring into life with these tips and tricks!

Balancing Old and New: Finding the Perfect Combination of Furniture

Published: November 10, 2022 | Updated: December 5, 2022

Check out how you can blend modern and traditional furniture for a cohesive look with these ideas from the XO Ashley blog.

How to Create a Peaceful Home

Published: October 19, 2022 | Updated: March 2, 2023

Read our tips for how to create a peaceful home that promotes relaxation for you and your guests.

Sofa Buying Guide: How to Choose Between Sofa Styles

Home Decor & Furniture, Living Room Ideas Published: May 5, 2022 | Updated: March 31, 2023

Read our Sofa Buying Guide for tips on how to choose a sofa type. Learn whether a loveseat, sectional, or sofa is best for your home.

Summer Décor Ideas

Guides, Ideas & Trends, Summer Inspiration Published: March 29, 2022 | Updated: March 31, 2023

Celebrate the arrival of summer with refreshing decor. Check out XO Ashley’s guide to decorating your home for summer.

Minimalist Decor Ideas to Brighten Your Home

Guides, Home Decor & Furniture, Ideas & Trends Published: February 14, 2022 | Updated: April 3, 2023

From minimalist neutral decor to lighting, learn how to brighten up your home for spring with our minimalist decor ideas.

How to Make a Gallery Wall

Home Accessories Ideas, How To Published: October 11, 2017 | Updated: June 1, 2023

Learn how to make a gallery wall! Get tips and tricks for how to choose your art and frames, as well as how to arrange everything.

Outdoor Materials Guide

Guides, Home Decor & Furniture, Outdoor & Patio Ideas Published: September 26, 2017 | Updated: March 16, 2023

Learn more about the different types of outdoor furniture materials, and which is best for your climate.

Boho Décor Essentials

Home Decor & Furniture Published: February 8, 2017 | Updated: April 21, 2023

Trying to achieve an effortless bohemian look for your home? XO Ashley shares our boho décor essentials and popular color palettes for this style.

How to Decorate a Bookcase: Ideas & Inspiration

Bedroom Ideas, Home Accessories Ideas, Home Decor & Furniture Published: November 18, 2016 | Updated: June 21, 2023

Have an empty shelf on your bookcase? Go beyond books and get inspired to decorate your bookcase with ideas from the XO Ashley blog.

All Posts Published: April 26, 2024

How to Organize Your Closet: Closet Organization Ideas & Tips

There’s a common theme with most closets — there’s never enough space! Clutter can be overwhelming, especially in small spaces. It might feel like no matter how hard you try to tidy up, your cleaning efforts never end. But each of our favorite pieces deserves a home.

Wondering how you can maximize our closet space? Don’t worry! You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re getting an early start on spring cleaning or your closet desperately needs a deep clean, we’re here to share our top tips and ideas to transform your storage spaces into the neatest areas of your home.

Closet Organization Tips

Organizing your closet is a lot simpler than it seems. The first and most essential step is decluttering. Decluttering is more than a physical task, it can also be emotional. We love to hold on to things that have sentimental or monetary value to us. That could be the $100 sweater you’ve only worn once or your favorite heels that can’t survive another walk in the park. Either way, it’s vital to take inventory of the pieces you need, want, and can’t live without. Everything else can go or be donated.

Once you’ve decluttered, investing in closet systems is one of our favorite closet organization ideas. Closet systems make it simple to compartmentalize your belongings. You’ll want a space for everything, like your clothes, shoes, bags, suits, and more. Depending on your closet size, you can purchase a simple shelf and drawer organizer, like our EasyFit Shelf & Drawer Tower Organization System. If you’re sharing a closet or have plenty of space, a larger system like our EasyFit Ultimate Corner Organization System is the perfect addition.

You can still effortlessly tidy up your space if your closet or budget can’t accommodate a closet system. Built-in shelves can serve equally as well. That way, you can customize your build to fit your space perfectly.

Proper closet organization also comes down to how you store your belongings. Simple tricks like efficient folding methods and dedicated spaces for items can make a huge difference in the amount of space you have. When it comes to clothing, hanging your things in a logical order can dramatically improve how tidy your space feels. But you can get creative with what this looks like. Here are some ideas for hanging your clothes:

  • Having subsections for your short-sleeve tops, blouses, dresses, and pants
  • Keeping your most-worn items on the most accessible side of your closet
  • Color-coding subsections or hanging items by color, with each color grouped together

Best Products for Organizing Your Closet

Closet accessories are a game-changer for revamping your storage areas. Hangers, laundry sorters, hooks, shoe racks, luggage storage racks, and baskets can all have their special place in your closet. You’ll want to organize your closet so everything is at arm’s reach. That way, you can avoid creating clutter by moving too many things around.

Prioritizing the items you use most often is another great approach. For example, if you’re creating a space for all your shoes, be sure to keep the ones you wear most often in an accessible shoe rack. The same goes for items you rarely use. If you only travel once a year, store your luggage on a rack in the back of your closet or find another spot outside your closet, like under your bed.

If you want to create an aesthetic for your closet, be sure your accessories complement each other. Having matching hangers is a must to create a feel of consistency and tidiness. Save your hanger space for items you want to prevent from wrinkling, like blouses, suits, and dresses. Adding small DIY spring décor or spring decoration ideas like baskets and canvas boxes can further create a look.

How to Organize a Small Closet

For those with small closets, organizing can seem a bit trickier. But, there are several ways to not only organize a small closet, but also make it feel larger. Hanging items is a simple trick to maximize space and keep your things easily accessible.

Since you won’t have much horizontal space, you’ll have to utilize your wall space and possibly your door. This could look like hanging shelves and using hooks or hanging closet organizers

All Posts Published: April 10, 2024 | Updated: April 12, 2024

Spring Planting and Gardening Ideas

Adding plants to your home is an excellent way to liven up your space for spring. Creating a beautiful spring garden or decorating with indoor plants can initially seem intimidating. You might be wondering what plants to get and how to incorporate them.

Keep reading to discover everything you need for decorating with spring plants.

The Best Plants for Spring

Selecting plants that bloom during this season is a must for decorating with spring plants. A thriving garden will be easier to care for while making your home feel lush and verdant.

Below are some plants that do well in spring and beyond.

Azalea

Azaleas are ideal for adding a pop of color to any outdoor space. They produce highly saturated flowers that will look full all spring long. You can find azaleas in various colors, from pink and purple to yellow and orange. These shrubs also vary in size. Some can get as tall as 20 feet, while smaller azaleas grow between 2 and 6 feet.

Tulips

These elegant flowers bloom between March and May. Ultimately, their bloom season and life span depend on the temperature. Tulips can last one to two weeks in cooler weather and bloom in late spring.

Rose Bushes

This timeless shrub typically blooms in the later part of spring. For that reason, rose bushes are wonderful transition plants when summer arrives. However, if you’re looking for a low-key garden, roses may not be for you. These plants require more upkeep than your average plant to remain healthy during the cold seasons.

Pansies

If you’re looking for an unstoppable color for your spring garden, pansies are a must. Although they require a lot of sunlight, they can still thrive in cold weather, so a little snow in the spring won’t hurt them.

Dogwood

The dogwood shrub features stunning, large white flowers that blossom in April and May. Plant them in your front or backyard to add a clean, contemporary look to your home for the spring. Help dogwood plants thrive by keeping them in shady areas and moist, well-draining soil.

Magnolia

Magnolia blossoms have become a symbol of spring. Their soft pink petals and teacup-shaped structure will grab anyone’s attention. The time they bloom depends on the variety you get, with some popping as early as March. Add this tree to your garden for beautiful flowers year after year.

Indoor and Outdoor Spring Plants

There is no right or wrong way to enhance your home with plants. But that can make choosing the right ones hard. The best place to start is by deciding if you want indoor or outdoor plants.

Outdoor Plants

Give your curb appeal an instant upgrade by adding spring plants. Even a small spring garden will add sophistication, style, and warmth to outside spaces. Still trying to decide what to plant? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Plant Flowering Shrubs

There are many springtime options when it comes to shrubs. Azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangea are some seasonal favorites.

Add a Seasonal Flower Garden

Tailoring your garden to match the season is a fun way to switch things. Install a range of annual spring flowers to enjoy heady scents and vibrant colors. Pansies, gladiolas, and tulips are all good options since they handle cold weather well.

Plant a Vegetable Garden

Early spring is the best time to start growing vegetables. Here are a few that are in full bloom:

  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms
  • Peas

Plant Fruits

Don’t limit yourself to vegetables. Spring is the ideal season for fruits too. Here are some that are perfect during this time:

  • Strawberries
  • Cherries
  • Plums
  • Blueberries
  • Apricots

Indoor Plants

Plants aren’t strictly for outdoor areas. They can uplift your indoor spaces as well. Add them to any room in your house for a calm and chic atmosphere. Even though you can’t have all the same plants that you would have outside, there are still a lot of great options like:

  • Orchids: These sophisticated flowers add minimal elegance to any space.
  • Lilies: Peace lilies and Calla lilies are both ideal for springtime décor.
  • Gardenia: Fill your home with the sweet smell of spring with gardenias.
  • Snake Plant: The snake plant is easy to care for and has a striking appearance.
  • Aloe Vera Plant: A low-maintenance plant with a sculptural structure.

Don’t feel like you must commit to one or the other. Having some greenery inside and outside will give your home an inviting appeal, inside and out.

How to Decorate With Plants in Spring

Decorating with plants is a great opportunity to be creative. Think beyond the basic planter pot or outdoor garden. Here are some unique ideas that will set your home apart this spring.

Ideas for Decorating With Indoor Plants

Get a Plant Shelf

Make your indoor garden the focal point with a plant shelf. A cascading one will add a waterfall effect to leafy hanging plants. Or you can use a tall shelf to display various flowers and succulents.

Get a Hanging Plant

Hanging plants are wonderful for small spaces. Not only do they save room, but they also give the illusion of a taller ceiling.

Create a Terrarium

Terrariums are a clever way to add style, and they’re ideal for plants that require little upkeep. Air plants, succulents, and cacti are all good options for terrariums. Custom design your own with pebbles, soil, moss, and rocks.

Ideas for Decorating With Outdoor Plants

Lined Walkways

Make your home more inviting by lining your walkway with flowers or shrubs. Depending on where you live, desert plants like lavender, yucca, and agave also work well.

Container Gardens

Container gardens have become increasingly popular over the last few years. By choosing outdoor planters over traditional gardens, homeowners are saving time on maintenance while adding a contemporary look to their yards.

Hanging Garden

Vertical gardens are the latest outdoor trend making its way into everyone’s backyard. Not only is it stylish, but it’s also a great space-saving hack.

Door Wreaths

Spring flowers and wreaths will make your home shout spring. Add one outside or indoors to create a welcoming environment.

Should I Use Fake Plants?

Fake plants are a good option for low-light indoor areas like bathrooms and foyers. Many high-quality imitation plants look as good as real ones and will last much longer.

What Do I Need to Decorate With Plants?

Whether planting inside or outside, you’ll need some gardening essentials before starting. These items include:

  • Gloves
  • Pruning shears
  • Garden fork
  • Hand trowel
  • Gardening spade
  • Watering can
All Posts, Dining Room Ideas Published: March 15, 2024 | Updated: April 12, 2024

How to Choose Dining Chairs

For many families, the dining room is an essential space to catch up with loved ones and enjoy a tasty meal together. The ideal dining room exudes an inviting atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. That said, comfy dining room chairs are a must!

But how do you know how to choose dining room chairs? Don’t worry! Today we’re sharing our top tips and tricks for finding the perfect dining room chairs to complete your vision.

What Makes a Good Dining Chair?

A good dining chair creates a harmonious balance of comfort, durability, functionality, and style. Proper dining room chairs are designed with your comfort in mind. From cushions to structure, the ergonomic design of your dining room chairs is vital, as you’ll spend plenty of time sitting in them.

The ideal chairs will provide the right back support. Often, it’s best to shop for dining room chairs in-store. That way, you can test out your options and get a firsthand experience of each chair’s comfort level. If you opt for shopping online, customer reviews can give you insight into the quality of potential chairs.

Functionality and durability are also essential. Search for dining room chairs crafted from and upholstered with top-tier materials that can withstand wear and tear. Here are some of our faves:

  • High-quality solid wood, like oak, maple, teak, and cherry
  • Metals like steel, aluminum, and iron
  • Upholstery: leather, cotton, linen, spider silk, and synthetic textiles

Your dining room chairs should set the tone for your other decor to complete your space’s aesthetic. The style of a dining room chair doesn’t necessarily determine the quality. But it can be a driving factor in the chairs you choose. If you’re searching for a specific style, make sure it also checks the other boxes for what makes a good dining chair.

How to Choose Dining Room Chairs

Choosing dining room chairs comes down to your preference and the interior design style you hope to achieve. The size of your dining room table typically plays a crucial factor. Your chairs should fit effortlessly with your dining room and provide a comfortable amount of space for each guest.

To determine the right size and number of chairs, start by measuring the size and shape of your space and table. For example, oval and rectangular dining room tables typically seat more people, and square ones provide a comfortable seating area for four. Pay special attention to the tabletop’s thickness and the overall table height, and choose your chairs following these tips:

  • Chair width is generally between 18 and 20 inches but can vary depending on whether it has arms.
  • When deciding how many chairs can comfortably fit, leave 6 inches between each.
  • Leave 36 inches between your other furniture or walls so you can easily push your chair back.

When deciding how to choose dining room chairs, consider your home’s aesthetic to create a cohesive story. Maybe the modern contemporary style speaks to you. If so, opt for chairs with clean lines and neutral colors, like beiges, grays, and taupes.

Arm vs. Armless Dining Chairs

Whether you opt for arms or armless dining chairs, the key is prioritizing comfort, functionality, and style. Each type of chair has its pros and cons. That said, it’s up to you to decide what works best for your lifestyle and space.

Armchairs

Experts agree that chairs with arms offer the most ergonomic support. These chairs not only provide a place to rest your arms but are stronger and more durable. Armchairs can make a space feel elegant and complete, especially at the head of the table. Still, armchairs take up extra space, so they can be more expensive and challenging to fit comfortably in smaller rooms.

Armless Chairs

Armless chairs are a current staple in modern dining room furniture because of their sleek look, ease of use, and convenience. They’re easy to move and perfect as a compact dining room chair option for smaller spaces. Armless chairs also make it simple to seat yourself and push in under the table when not in use.

If you’re going for a less formal dining room look, armless chairs might be the best choice. You’ll find countless eye-catching designs at multiple price points to complement your space. The main drawback of armless chairs is the lack of lumbar support. Without armrests, you’re more likely to feel uncomfortable and bothered when sitting on them for long periods.

How to Mix & Match Dining Chairs

When deciding how to mix dining chairs, the best part is — it’s all up to you! Still, understanding a few fundamentals in creating a visually appealing space is crucial. Like choosing a good dining chair, mixing and matching chairs is about preference. Many use three combinations with dining room furniture. You can choose matching chairs, match side chairs with different head chairs, or opt for an eclectic hodgepodge where each chair is different. The options are endless!

The simplest method is choosing matching chairs. Many dining room sets come with matching chairs, making it effortless to design a cohesive space. But maybe you prefer contrast. A popular choice for a table that seats six is mixing two armchairs at the head of the table with four armless chairs. Dining benches are another great furniture piece to elevate your space. Use a dining bench on one side of the table and armless dining room chairs on the other.

You can get more creative by mixing dining chairs of different styles that complement each other. Try pairing two upholstered chairs at the head of the table with rustic wooden chairs. From colors to styles to materials, your options for how to mix dining chairs are endless.

Revamp Your Space at Ashley

Understanding the basics of how to mix dining chairs and tables is just the start. Now it’s time to bring out your inner interior designer. So let’s get started! Ashley is the top spot to infuse your personality and style to create an equally functional and aesthetically pleasing dining space. Embrace creativity, experiment with different combinations, and trust your instincts to curate a dining area for cherished moments with loved ones.

All Posts, Home Decor & Furniture Published: March 5, 2024 | Updated: April 19, 2024

A Guide to Coastal Décor and Furnishings

Transforming your home into a haven is all about creating a space where you feel comfortable and at peace. Coastal homes exude an intrinsic charm, radiating a carefree, calm vibe. Whether you’re revamping your upstate beach house or bringing the coast’s soothing elements to your New York City loft, our guide to coastal décor and furnishings is everything you need to transform your space.

Difference Between Coastal Décor and Beach Décor

Beach and coastal décor are often used synonymously, but there are a few key differences. Picture the contrast between a tropical Aruban beach and the rocky seaside of Cape Cod. Both beach and coastal interior design draw inspiration from natural coastline elements but create a distinct aesthetic.

Coastal décor mirrors classic marine elements and the ruggedness of the shore. Think of a tailored, refined feel with darker colors and vintage elements. On the other hand, beach décor translates the feeling of seaside relaxation with flowy linens and lighter tones and textures.

Must-Have Coastal Décor for Your Home

Coastal decorating draws from the natural elements of the beach, like sun, wind, sand, sea, and sky. A tastefully designed coastal home encompasses a collection of rustic furniture and décor to create a tranquil atmosphere. Unlike beach décor, coastal décor leans more on the nautical side, emphasizing deeper neutral-toned colors, natural materials, and soft-touch experiences. You want to paint a picture of scenic landscapes, crashing waves, and sunshine through your décor.

That said, everything from wall art to decorative vases can help you turn your vision into a reality. Here are some of our top, must-have coastal and beach décor pieces from Ashley:

  • Chevron Pouf
  • Precia Rug
  • Dallson Floor Lamp
  • Monterey Wall Art Set
  • Colburn Wall Sconce
  • Jamon Table Lamp
  • Dorcey Planter Set
  • Jocelyne Tray Set
  • Irvetta Pillow
  • Coenbell Pendant Light
  • Leonita Throw
  • Belenburg Floor Mirror
  • Hannela Small Vase
  • Elian Basket Set

Best Colors for Coastal Decorating

Coastal decorating takes a simple, minimalistic approach. A coastal-style color scheme captures the serene beauty of seaside landscapes with different neutral shades. White or beige walls create a light, open ambiance. Deep greens and royal blues reflect the soothing tones of the sea and sky. Earth tones and natural materials like dark oaks, pines, and wicker create a feel reminiscent of the sand and shoreline. Grays and creams transcend you to a rocky beach. If you’re leaning more on the beach décor side, subtle pops of color like coral, seafoam, and turquoise can exude a graceful, tropical feel.

You can incorporate these coastal home décor colors in many ways and add your personal touch to make your space unique. It’s all about telling a cohesive story with interior design. For example, if you choose a white couch, add contrast with gray or royal blue throw pillows. Or display neutral-toned ceramic vases, vintage-style mirrors, and nautical motives throughout your home to compliment your furnishings.

Furnishing Your Living Room at Your Beach House

When furnishing your beach house living room, always keep things light and bright. Maximize the natural light in your living room with strategically placed wooden or vintage accent mirrors. A visually appealing coastal living room has a mix of dark and light tones and textures that blend harmoniously. Couches, sofas, and accent chairs should evoke the comfortable, calming feel of the seaside. Stick with whites and neutral tones for coastal living furniture, and add subtle pops of color as you see fit.

A natural wood or white coffee table will further complement your other furniture. If you prefer dark tones, create a balance of light features with your décor. Tasteful wall art, large plants, candle holders, and coastal motifs can all add to your seaside oasis. Use natural textures like wood and wicker to imitate the shoreline feel.

Coastal Living Decorating Ideas

Every space in your home can emanate an enchanting coastal vibe. Now that we’ve covered living room coastal furniture and décor, let us paint a picture to spark creativity with these coastal décor ideas.

Foyer

After a day at the beach, entering a coastal home should enhance that tranquil feeling. A deep oak entryway table adorned with plants, a lamp, and other seaside elements is the perfect start. Add a decorative mirror to open your space and a neutral-toned entryway rug to tie it all together.

Kitchen

Light, airy, and inviting should describe your coastal home kitchen. Keeping with the coastal home color scheme and elements, line your kitchen island with simple, chic wooden chairs or barstools and hang rattan pendant lights above. Add a natural decorative tray to hold your olive oil cruet and salt and pepper mills. Complete your island with a decorative vase filled with beautiful flowers.

Dining Room

Create an open feeling in your dining room with a standout table set in deep oak or pine. You can also create contrast with a lighter wood table and coastal-style white chairs. Get creative with centerpieces! Some of our faves are plants, glass vases filled with seashells, or vintage candle holders. Amp up your space with framed beachside wall art and decorative mirrors.

Bedrooms

Your bedrooms are the ideal space for coastal-inspired wall art, a cozy white duvet, and stylish throw pillows in deep blues or greens. White ceramic lamps are the perfect addition to your nightstands. A wooden accent chair near your window can add a cozy space for reflection. Adorn your bedroom with other earthy elements like hanging plants.

Bathrooms

Transform your bathrooms by integrating weathered wood and driftwood for a rustic coastal feel. Use light airy materials for your shower curtains. Blend nautical motifs like coral, forage, and seashells with woven baskets, rope accents, and framed coastal-themed artwork to create a visually appealing space.

Design Your Coastal Oasis With Ashley

Embrace the beauty and tranquility of coastal living by designing a home inspired by the timeless allure of the sea. We believe the best home décor lets your personality shine through. Ashley is the top spot to embark on this delightful journey, with hundreds of furniture and décor options to create your seaside haven.

At Home with Ashley

A blog by Ashley

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