Black + White Living Room

A black and white living room may sound a bit harsh, but done the right way, it can turn out beautifully. Below are some tips on how to achieve a black and white scheme while still maintaining a sense of coziness.

• Opt for slightly off-whites
• Incorporate gold or silver metals through table legs, lamps and other accessories
• Mix patterns (throw pillows and blankets are an easy way to do this)
• Warm up the room with an area rug
• Add artwork and / or framed photos
• Play with different shapes (ex. a round mirror, square frames, asymmetrical area rug)

Check out the round-up below of black and white living rooms done right!

Photo: Bloglovin

Photo: Centsational Girl

Photo: This is Glamorous

Photo: Decor8

Photo: Pop Sugar

Photo: Decor Pad

Photo: Decozilla

Photo: Design Sponge

Mixing Metals

Gold is back with a vengeance... But silvery finishes like polished chrome are still very in style. Hence where the trend of mixing metals has recently come into play. When done right, mixing metals in an interior can look very cool. It tends to create a bit of an eclectic feel, which is one word that describes my personal style perfectly.

The best way to bring this trend into your home is through accessories. Trends are fun to follow (not all of them), but follow them in a non-permanent way so that when they're no longer trends you can easily alter your look. Therefore, incorporate different metals through items such as lamps, candle holders, side tables, pillows, and mirrors. HomeGoods is my favorite place to look for reasonably-priced home accessories -- check it out!

Photo: Cityclectic Design

Photo: Decor Pad

Photo: Domaine Home

Photo: House Beautiful

Photo: Pure Home

Photo: Sadie and Stella

Patterned and Painted Closets

For most of us, our closet is one of the first things that we see bright and early every morning. So why not make it a more welcoming place? Select a fun wallpaper or paint color to add a pop of color or pattern to the walls. Coordinate the color and style of your hangers, baskets, bins, and shelves to complete the look. This is a great way to add style to any closet in your home. Greet guests with a fun, colorful entry coat closet, or make "getting dressed time" with your kids a bit more pleasant!

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Photo: Craft Your Home

Photo: Decor Pad

Photo: DIY Network

Photo: Interior Canvas

Photo: Wall Street Journal

Easter Table Decor

If you're hosting Easter this year, then it's time to start thinking about your table's decor. Easter eggs are the first thing that come to mind for many of us who celebrate the holiday, so try incorporating them into your table setting. An easy way to do this is to create a centerpiece that combines eggs with flowers, moss, twigs, or grass. Fill a large cylinder vase with decorated eggs and seasonal flowers for a refined and slightly more formal look. Stick with tulips, daisies, or daffodils as they are currently in season. To give your table a more casual feel, create multiple small arrangements in vases, nests, or egg cups. If you are assigning seats this year, direct guests where to go with homemade egg shell name cards. Simply write your guest's names on an egg and put one at each place setting. You'll be sure to impress!

Happy Easter all!

Photo: DecorPad

Photo: Centsational Girl

Photo: Boxwood Clippings

Photo: Martha Stewart

Photo: Everyday Occasions

Painted Walls: Chevron

The chevron (aka: zig-zag) is a well-known pattern that has definitely maintained its popularity over the years. One of my favorite ways to incorporate this pattern into a space is to paint it on an accent wall. It can instantly add bold personality to any room. A larger scaled chevron makes more of a statement while a smaller scaled version of the pattern is a bit more subtle. I would suggest sticking with lighter colors to achieve a calmer look that won't completely overpower your space.

Photo: Decor Pad

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Photo: The Glitter Guide

Photo: Papery and Cakery

Love Your Laundry Room

Bizarrely enough, I kind of like to do laundry. Us laundry-lovers are few and far between though. For those of you who dread laundry day, use these tips to create a laundry space that is functional, organized, and clean. Who knows, it may become a place that you actually want to spend time in.

• Organize laundry supplies on shelves, in cabinets, and in labeled bins.
• Stack your washer and dryer to utilize vertical space.
• Set up an easy-to-use drying rack. Hide a permanent rack with a small curtain, or set up an expandable rack that can easily be put away when not in use.
• If sitting your washer and dryer side by side, create a large folding area on top. Try not to cover it with "stuff", keep it designated for clean clothes only.
• Add a little color here and there to brighten your day.

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Photo: Decor Pad

Photo: Elle Decor

Photo: House and Home

Photo: Houzz

Photo: Young House Love

Painted Floors

Sometimes there's no need to replace your old floors for a completely new look. If you're looking for a big change but don't want to invest in replacing your current flooring, then paint might be your answer. For a pop of color, paint your floors a glossy solid color. For added visual interest try creating some sort of design. Stripes or a chevron pattern are simple yet eye-catching. If you're feeling really bold, go for a large geometric or floral pattern. Wood floors can easily be painted, and little did I know you can even paint a tiled floor -- check out Love Stitched for a great tutorial!

Photo: Decor Pad

Photo: Remodelista

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Photo: Love Stitched

Photo: House Beautiful

Photo: House Beautiful

Photo: Hues and Cues