15x12 Living Room

15x12 Living Room

Rose is a full-time freelance writer who frequently writes about education, special education, DIY projects, food, Milwaukee, and more.

How to Decorate a Small Living Room

Every small living space offers design challenges. While it's important to make all of the rooms in your home functional, the living room is especially key because many people spend a lot of their time at home in the living room. From selecting furniture that is an appropriate scale for the space to maximizing hidden storage solutions to strategically placing a mirror to add depth and light, there are an extensive range of practical and easily attainable design ideas that will help you create the living room of your dreams in your small space.

6 Small Living Room Ideas

1. Select Furniture to Fit the Existing Space

2. Consider Hidden Storage

3. Create a Focal Point

4. Add Light and Depth

5. Don't Be Afraid of Color

6. Take Advantage of Vertical Space

The trunk serves as a coffee table and storage piece while adding a funky vintage touch to the living room.

Amanda Holstein via Advice From a Twenty Something

1. Select Furniture to Fit the Existing Space

• Determine Scale and Configuration

When you're working with a compact living room, large-scale furniture often isn't an option. Be realistic about the space. For example, if an oversized recliner won't fit, choose a pair of smaller chairs. Many people also get hung up on common furniture configurations. For example, nothing says that you need a full-sized sofa in your living room. A love seat paired with a bench and an armchair may work more naturally in your space.

• Think Multifunctional

Choosing multifunctional pieces will also make the most of your living room. For example, a bench with storage will provide seating while housing pillows and blankets. A coffee table or console table makes a great addition to a living room but only when it makes sense for the space. Your small living room may be better suited for two small tables that open up the space and can be moved as needed to accommodate different functions.

• Consider Floating Furniture and Low Seating

Floating furniture and low seating can make all the difference when it comes to keeping the space open and flowing. Design a floating furniture arrangement in the center of the room instead of pushing pieces up against the walls. Install shelves and other built-in components off the floor to create the illusion of space. If you choose low seating, select pieces that don't distract from the focal statement in the room. For example, a pair of low stools in front of the mantel will keep the fireplace as the focus of the living room.

The wall length built-in keeps this narrow living room streamlined and clutter free.

Tory Kingdon via House and Garden UK

Concealed storage is a great way to house items in the living room without creating a cluttered space. Furniture pieces that boast concealed storage, such as an ottoman with built-in storage, are a great option. You may also want to consider decor pieces that do double duty as storage, such as colorful baskets or jars. Do you have a hard time finding concealed storage pieces that don't take up a ton of floor space? Think about biting the bullet and devoting a single wall to built-in storage. To further streamline the storage, keep your items in the built-in hidden behind doors or curtains.

Read More From Dengarden

The living room layout showcases the focal fireplace and mantel.

Kendyl Young, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.com

3. Create a Focal Point

A focal point is ideal for drawing people into a space while making it more uplifting and even sophisticated. Think about focusing your living room around a fireplace, sofa, coffee table, artwork, or mirror. Once you've settled on your focal point, design the rest of the living room around your statement piece to pull the entire look together.

The mirrors reflect the whole space, making it appear larger, while bringing more natural light into the room.

Brunet Souet via Milk Decoration

4. Add Light and Depth

Small living rooms with flat features and dark corners look dreary, even when they boast unique furniture and wall hangings. Maximize the natural light in the room, and don't be afraid to add artificial light sources as well. You'll bring even more light and depth into your compact living room with wallpaper and strategically placed mirrors and plants. Purely decorative mirrors still pack a visual punch and draw extra light into the space.

The floral theme ties the colored items in the room together.

House to Home UK - link no longer active

5. Don't Be Afraid of Color

Many people steer clear of color in small living rooms, believing that it will overwhelm the space. While there is nothing wrong with designing a small living room that features neutral shades, color can make the space appear larger. Select a color scheme with a maximum of three shades to create a unified aesthetic. If you want to use additional colors, incorporate them as accents. Typically lighter shades make a space look larger, but careful use of darker shades takes the style and drama in the room up a notch.

When you paint a small living room, select a satin or semigloss finish to reflect the light. If you want to tie the color scheme in the room together without painting or buying new furniture, consider an area rug. Layer a rug over carpeting to make the room feel cozier or conceal dark flooring with a brightly colored rug to lighten up a dark space.

This set of floating shelves draw the eye up while adding room for knick knacks in otherwise wasted corner space.

Sarah and Joshua Rhodes via A Beautiful Mess

6. Take Advantage of Vertical Space

Build up instead of out to maximize the available space. When you hang curtains, place the curtain rods right below the ceiling. Then choose curtains that extend all the way to the floor to make the ceiling look higher. If you're selecting art or other wall hangings, consider designing a gallery wall or choosing a few large pieces that fill the whole space. Do you have an odd nook that currently serves little or no purpose in the living room? Think about constructing shelves to simultaneously add storage and draw the eye upward.

Small Family Room Design

Finally, creating the ideal flow for your small living room is an ongoing process. It often takes weeks, or even months, of living with a living room arrangement to determine what is and isn't working. Don't be afraid to keep making tweaks and adjusting the layout until you find a arrangement that suits you and your family.

Additional Small Home Resources

• Frugal Storage Ideas for Small Homes: Creative, Unique Organization Methods
  Creating functional storage for a small home is simple when you're equipped with the right organizational tools. Pick up purchasing resources, general organization tips, and much more.
• How to Make the Most of a Small Kitchen: Simple, Affordable Kitchen Solutions for Every Budget
  Organize and brighten up your small kitchen space with practical solutions to create a functional yet inviting space for family and friends.

© 2016 Rose Clearfield

Riffat Junaid on June 30, 2020:

Very good article you wrote very helpful tips and pictures are so beautiful you added.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on April 05, 2016:

Excellent hub!

I enjoyed going through your tips and suggestions to design and lay out a small living room. Using the place below staircase is a very nice idea. Very attractive pictures to complement your interesting and useful hub.

Thanks for sharing!

15x12 Living Room

Source: https://dengarden.com/interior-design/How-to-Design-and-Lay-Out-a-Small-Living-Room

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Beautiful Rugs For Living Room

Beautiful Rugs For Living Room

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Living Room Rugs400 Rugs Found

Here at Rugs Direct, we've got a huge assortment of beautifully designed traditional and modern living room rugs for sale. You'll find a multitude of styles and colours, from trendy modern designs with sophisticated geometric and Moroccan-inspired patterns, to classic Persian and oriental rugs with a more traditional feel.

Size

XS - 80cm x 150cm 2'7" x 4'11"

S - 120cm x 170cm 3'11" x 5'7"

M - 160cm x 230cm 5'3" x 7'7"

L - 200cm x 300cm 6'7" x 9'10"

XL - 240cm x 340cm 7'10" x 11'2"

XXL - 280cm x 360cm 9'2" x 11'10"

Brand

Nourison Delivered in 6 weeks - USA

Romo By Louis De Poortere

Villa Nova by Louis de Poortere

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The living room is one of the best places to relax and unwind in any home, and a rug is perfect for adding an extra dose of warmth and comfort to your space. For a truly luxurious underfoot feel, go for one of our thick-pile shaggy rugs, which will feel gorgeous under your feet after a long day.

This collection includes small, medium, and large living room rugs, so you should have no problem finding a size that will suit your home perfectly. If you'd like to see an even larger selection, shop through our ranges of modern, traditional and plain rugs.

Buy a living room rug from Rugs Direct today, and you'll qualify for free delivery to the UK mainland.

Rated 5-stars by over 60,000 happy customers

Beautiful Rugs For Living Room

Source: https://www.rugsdirect.co.uk/living-room-rugs/

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Turning Living Room Into Bedroom

Turning Living Room Into Bedroom

When you have a small home, the living room is often used also as a bedroom. This means you have to find a way to use that room as a living area during the day and as a bedroom at night. However, this is not the only reason why someone would want to turn their living room into a bedroom. There's also the possibility that the layout of the apartment is not exactly how you want it. In this case, maybe the living room would be more apropriate to serve as a bedroom and what was formerly a bedroom can be turned into an office or maybe a games room.Whatever the reason is, let's see how you can successfully transform this room.

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If the transformation needs to be complete, meaning that you want to permanently turn the living room into a bedroom, than the process is very simple. Just start decorating it as you wish in order to obtain a bedroom decor of your choice. If, one the other hand, this room will have to have a double function, than things are a little more complicated. In order to be able to preserve the living room-like look during the day but to also be able to use the room as a comfortable and cozy bedroom during the night, some of the furniture pieces will have to fulfill a double function.

View in gallery

The sofa, for example, should be a convertible bed. This way you can have a sofa and a bed, all in one. The coffee table can then be used as a nightstand. This function can also be fulfilled as a side table. Anyway, the idea is to have multifunctional convertible furniture. As for the rest of the decor, you should try to make the room as inviting and relaxing as possible. Some curtains would be a very good idea. They will keep the sun away in the morning and they also have a stylish look.

View in gallery

View in gallery

Finally, you should consider painting the walls in a soft, maybe pastel color. It should be something that will work both for the living room and the bedroom. Tones of beige, white, peach, light blue or even yellow would be nice choices. Also, consider including some plants in the decor. They will create a fresh and airy atmosphere.{picture sources:1,2,3,and 4}.

Turning Living Room Into Bedroom

Source: https://www.homedit.com/how-to-turn-your-living-room-into-a-bedroom/

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Living Room Centerpiece

Living Room Centerpiece

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1. A Focal Point in the Living Room

The living room is usually the most used room in the house. It makes perfect sense to focus on this high-traffic area when you wish to add some fresh style to your home. If you feel that your living room lacks a certain something, it's probably a focal point. It's important to have a way to anchor the room to create a pleasant atmosphere, whether for conversation or comfortable entertainment.

A centerpiece in the living room can accomplish precisely that purpose. There are a few interesting ideas you can try, but some of them are better than others. We've tried to assemble them on a convenient list that you can browse at your leisure. Finding the right inspirational centerpiece to draw everyone's attention in the living room should be an easy task.

2. Fireplace

The fireplace is one of the obvious solutions if you want to establish a firm focal point in the living room. There are hardly any other elements that can bring so much warmth and coziness to a room aside from a stylish fireplace. You can choose a rich wood type or a dark black fireplace to set the right mood for your environment. Pick a neutral-toned brick frame for some cozy vibes.

3. Sectional Sofa

Oversized sofas can easily take the center spot on the stage of your living room. Sectional models, in particular, are recommended considering how they offer adequate space for your entire family and guests. An elegant sectional sofa is sure to become a central point of interest in any living room. This furniture piece makes a big visual impact, so it's a good idea to stick to minimalist touches for the rest of the room's décor.

4. Conversation Area

The centerpiece in the living room doesn't necessarily have to be a specific object that instantly captures the attention. Consider having an entire area of the room as a centerpiece. A dedicated spot for conversation and guest entertainment represents an excellent solution. Go for a particular seating arrangement in that regard, and maybe add surrounding decorations to create a welcoming ambiance.

5. Coffee Table

A large coffee table might be successfully used as a living room centerpiece. It's all about choosing the right model to enhance the style of the room without compromising on functionality. The coffee table is a solid way to anchor the living room and it can provide a good opportunity to create a personal statement and keep everyone's focus in the center of the room.

6. Lighting

While lighting is usually used with more of a supportive role – to emphasize a particular element in the room – it can actually become the main focus by itself. Bold lighting can become the centerpiece of the living room. You just have to try out some different lighting fixtures to figure out which works best for your living room.

A breathtaking chandelier is a safe bet when it comes to designing a memorable centerpiece. Big lamps can achieve a similar effect, but there's something about chandeliers that make the viewer mesmerized at a first impression. With the right furniture pieces and decorations, any living room can be elevated with the help of a chandelier centerpiece. Take a look at this stunning model from Amazon to get some inspiration.

7. Large Rug

If you're looking for an easy way to add some more depth to the room, bringing in a large rug represents a great idea. Sometimes bigger means better, and that's true when it comes to rugs in the living room. Rugs give you some interesting opportunities for creativity allowing you to experiment with patterns or bolder splashes of color.

When the rug becomes the centerpiece of the living room, it doesn't necessarily have to be due to its striking colors or patterns. The size and rich texture alone can turn it from a simple accent piece to the central element of the room. Alternatively, if you don't like the idea of one big rug, there's also the layering option which can be handier to try if you want to play with different types of fabrics and styles.

8. Statement Wall

If you paint all the walls in the living room with fresh color, that becomes a complete makeover. In case you only wish to create a centerpiece, accenting a single wall could be a more suitable solution. Whether through bold painting or artistic wallpapers, any wall in the living room can become a statement wall.

This blue living room is a good example considering how the blue wall contrasts with the beige sofa and dark navy artworks. It's interesting how the blue wall makes a bold statement, but without looking out of place in the room. It's seamlessly integrated into the design of the rest of the room as the color scheme includes healthy doses of blue shades.

9. Built-In Bookshelf

A built-in bookshelf can in some instances act as a centerpiece for the living room. If you want to draw some attention to your book collection, placing your home library in the living room seems like the obvious solution. To take it a step further, it's also recommended to opt for a colorful design, like this turquoise bookshelf which offers pleasant contrast with the room's furniture.

10. Artwork

A striking piece of art is capable of becoming the main focus of attention in the living room. The trick is for it to be oversized like you can see in this example. This tall artwork looks imposing and majestic in this simple-looking living room. Handmade paintings like this one can get quite expensive when purchased in particularly large sizes, but the resulting visual effect could be worth it in the end.

Living Room Centerpiece

Source: https://rhythmofthehome.com/living-room-centerpiece/

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Full Intention Simply Living

Full Intention Simply Living

30 Tips for Living Large in a Small Space

Photo Courtesy: Gabriel Beaudry/Unsplash

A small living space can still be stylish. All you need are the perfect products and accessories to liven up your studio or one-bedroom apartment, while maximizing your space. Of course, efficiency and comfort are important as well, and don't worry — we haven't forgotten your tiny kitchen and bathroom. Here are 30 products that will help you live large in your small space.

Get Creative with Storage Space in Your Bedroom

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

If you don't have a lot of closet space, you can always put things under your bed — unless, of course, your frame sits too low to the floor. If that's the case, it's time to place DuraCasa's bed risers under the legs to gain an additional boost of 3 inches of space for boxes, suitcases and anything else you want to keep hidden away. The risers are built to hold up to 2,000 pounds distributed across your bed.

"This is exactly what I was looking for," says one satisfied Amazon customer. Others praise the risers as "sturdy" and "nice and thick and strong." Something worth noting: A few people say the risers don't always stay put on hardwood floors.

Don't Just Throw Everything Under the Bed

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

StorageLAB's shoe organizer can help you keep shoes tucked away in an orderly fashion. With two of these containers, you can pack up to 24 pairs of shoes and adjust the size of the compartments to accommodate larger shoes or shoes with long heels. This handy organizer is also great for scarves, gloves and numerous other things.

"I wanted something that looks good and keeps its shape," says one reviewer. The firm siding on these containers ensures they hold their form, and handles make it easy to pull the unit out from under the bed. The clear zippered top allows you to easily find the shoes you want. "An A++ for design!" raves another happy owner.

When You Don't Have Room for a Nightstand

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

Sauder's Orchard Hills bookcase headboard fits a queen-size bed frame snugly or leaves a bit of space on each side for a full. Constructed of "very sturdy" particle board, the headboard attaches directly to the rails of your frame, providing additional stability while taking up minimum floor space.

It arrives unassembled, and although reviewers say it is "easy to put together," many also mentioned that the package is quite heavy and hard to move from the front door to the bedroom. Once the headboard is put together, however, you have plenty of room for an alarm clock, reading lamp, a stash of books (or a reading device) and stuffed animals or room decor.

The Extra Fancy Bed Storage Space Solution

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

If throwing boxes under a regular bed frame feels too basic, take a look at the Dakota platform bed with drawers from DHP. It sits on an elegant frame, with an upholstered headboard and two drawers on each side, allowing you to store just about anything in an orderly, efficient manner.

"We were concerned about the sturdiness," one reviewer admits, "but were quickly relieved once the bed was tested." Others praise the easy-to-follow assembly instructions, and one reviewer is particularly fond of the time it saves on cleaning, noting, "There's no space under the beds for dust bunnies to gather."

A Small but Powerful Vacuum Cleaner

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

The 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner from VonHaus is "not much larger than a broom," but it has more than enough power to keep your entire place clean. You can go over all your floors, just like any other vacuum cleaner, or you can remove the floor vacuum head to turn it into a handheld for cleaning furniture and spills on tables and countertops. When you're finished, just detach the container and throw away the dust and debris.

"I can't believe how good the suction is on this little vacuum," says one buyer. Other owners are delighted with its light weight and small size for easy storage. Several, however, suggest the filters need to be cleaned more frequently than the once-a-month routine VonHaus recommends.

A Classic Modern Storage Solution

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

Over the door shoe organizers like the one from MISSLO have become classic features in modern home storage design — so simple and obvious, once you think about it. Of course, many people use them for more than shoes. "I have one in my linen closet that I use for medicines, lotions, extra toothpaste, special hair creams — you name it," one reviewer reports. "I've gained an entire shelf for towels."

The organizer is "easy to hang," with four metal hooks that fit most standard-sized doors. Once in place, "It doesn't slip or slide around," and the 24 large mesh pockets can hold 12 pairs of shoes easily — more if the shoes happen to be sandals!

Keep Your Drawers in Order

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

"No matter how neatly I fold my bras and underwear," one reviewer complains, "they always seem to become a big jumble in the drawer." The solution? Simple Houseware's organizer set comes with four cases designed to hold ties, scarves, underwear, bras or socks in individual compartments, allowing you to easily spot items at a glance.

No more losing a favorite pair of socks in the back of the drawer, where it could stay buried indefinitely. "My only complaint," one reviewer says, "is that I would like to be able to get another 24-compartment organizer without having to buy the whole set."

Create Shelf Space in Your Closet

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

The hanging closet organizer from Simple Houseware is "easy to set up and super lightweight, but extremely durable," according to a satisfied buyer. When hung on the clothing rod in your closet, the fabric drops down to reveal five shelves, with an extra three pockets on each side.

You can put a lot of weight on the shelves, including jeans, sweaters, bath towels, bed sheets and pillow covers. (The lower compartments can even hold heavy boots.) This organizer is "the hardiest I've seen," says one reviewer, adding, "It does not strain at all."

Store All Your Jewelry in One Place

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

Are you constantly hunting through several different boxes on top of your dresser to find the necklace or pair of earrings you need to match an outfit? Maybe you need AOOU's jewelry cabinet and dressing mirror combo. The full-length mirror on the front opens to reveal enough storage space (including hooks) for just about any jewelry collection, with additional shelves for makeup and perfume.

"It is made well, very sturdy and hangs very neatly on my closet door," one reviewer says. (It can be wall-mounted as well.) Magnets keep the door securely shut, and a set of blue LED lights along the top light up when the door opens, making it easy to find what you need.

Take All the Hassle Out of Laundry Day

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

When floor space is at a premium, a full-sized hamper can be a bulky eye-sore. Smart Design's pop-up hamper can sit unobtrusively next to your dresser or tucked away in the closet. The mesh siding allows damp and sweaty clothes to dry faster, reducing the risk of funky odors.

"These hold waaay more than I thought they would!" exclaims one reviewer — enough to do two loads of laundry in a single trip, in fact. Plus, when laundry day does come around, the sturdy handles make it easy to carry, and there are side pockets for detergent and fabric softener.

It's a Lamp! It's a Display Case!

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

The Etagere floor lamp with shelves from Simple Designs Home is the sort of thing you never think about until somebody points it out — then you can't get over what a great idea it is. It's a floor lamp that stands just over 5 feet high and features sleek, sophisticated lines, but it also sports three shelves perfectly spaced for holding a telephone, small planter, cherished figurines and more. In the bedroom, it could easily double as a nightstand and a reading light.

"It took me all of 15 minutes to assemble by myself," one reviewer reports, adding that you need to have a Phillips screwdriver on hand. "You can't go wrong with this one," another reviewer adds. "It really does bring the room together." Some owners, however, note that the electrical cord can dangle awkwardly down the length of the lamp stand.

You Can't Go Wrong with a Good Rug

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

Home Dynamix offers a variety of rugs that feature soft, Persian-inspired decorative motifs in neutral colors. The Royal Clover contemporary rug is one example that blends nicely with nearly any decor. Whether you're looking for an area rug to pull the living room together, a runner for the hall or a small round rug for the bedroom, the company offers the size you need.

Many reviewers are delighted with how easily these rugs can be cleaned, with many stains coming out using only a damp cloth and some spray. "They vacuum really well," a reviewer adds, even in a household with multiple pets.

It's Okay to Drink on the Sofa Now

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

If you're watching TV and you want to enjoy a drink but don't have a coffee table, what do you do? Maybe it's time to consider the CoachCoaster, a gadget that fits easily over the arm of your sofa or armchair to provide a secure base for everything from beer cans to coffee mugs.

The sleeve is weighted on both sides for stability, and the drink holder keeps containers firmly in place — even if you accidentally brush it with your arm. (Although one reviewer did mention that it's still vulnerable to jumping cats.)

No More TV Dinner Trays

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

Maybe you'd like to have something to eat while you're watching the big game. You could put your plate on the coffee table and bend over to eat, or you could hold your plate and risk spilling food on the couch. Sauder's lift-top coffee table offers a better solution. The table top is actually a lid that raises several inches and slides forward, allowing you to eat — or work — comfortably on the couch with the top in front of you. Underneath, the table has plenty of storage space that is perfect for stashing items you don't want out in the open.

Reviewers describe this coffee table as "very sturdy and heavy." They also recommend you have somebody on hand to help you put it together.

The Comfortable Way to Sit Up in Bed

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

Do you spend a lot of time hanging out in your bedroom — reading, watching a movie on your tablet or checking on social media? You could jam a bunch of pillows against your headboard or wall to support your back — or you could get the ComfortSpa reading pillow. A comfortable 18 inches high, the foam pillow provides excellent back support.

"This helps me feel like I'm more laying on the couch than in bed," says one happy reviewer. "It's very comfortable, no matter how you lay on it!" The armrests even have pockets so you don't have to leave your glasses or smartphone on the bed, where they could be crushed if you roll over.

The Comfortable Way to Work on Your Lap

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

They call it a laptop computer, but have you ever tried actually holding one in your lap? They sit uncomfortably, and you have to keep your head bent to read the screen, potentially causing back and neck pain. The adjustable laptop desk from Mind Reader takes care of several problems. It's cushioned along the bottom, so it rests comfortably and smoothly on your legs. The smooth plastic surface can be adjusted to eight different angles, accommodating whatever position you choose, from sitting up to lying on the couch.

Although it's designed to work with laptops and tablets — and comes with a clip to keep them from sliding off when the desk is angled — it also makes an excellent writing desk. "No more hunching over for long periods!" one buyer says. Many note the plastic material is thin but say it's more than sturdy enough to hold various electronic devices, even a thick hardcover book.

Start Your Wine Collection in Style

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

Maybe you want to be a wine connoisseur — but you can't find anywhere in your cramped kitchen to store more than one bottle. Take a look at the Sorbus wall-mounted wine rack. Many customers describe the rack as "easy to install," although they also recommend that you use longer mounting screws than the screws that come with the product, especially if you're hanging it on drywall.

Once it's on the wall, people love the "clean, functional, simple design" of the metal rack, which holds up to nine normal-sized wine bottles securely. If you're not a wine drinker, you can also use it for cooking oils or set it up in the bathroom as a towel rack.

Plan Everything Out on Your Fridge

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

"We have almost always had a white board on our refrigerator for grocery lists and messages," says one consumer. Another says the magnetic whiteboard from cinch! is "the absolute best one we have ever had." It comes in two sizes (17 inches by 11inches and 20 inches by 13 inches) and includes markers — also magnetized to stick to your fridge — in four different colors.

The dry erase board cleans easily, even if you leave something written on it for a month, and the thin design, with "clean and smooth" edging, means it blends seamlessly on a white refrigerator, an effect another buyer describes as "almost disconcerting!"

Declutter Your Pots and Pans

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

Are you fed up with taking every pan you own out of the cabinet to get to the one pan you need? Maybe it's time to get rid of your frustration with the Simple Houseware pan rack organizer. Place the rack on its side to hold four pans in a row, or stack five pans horizontally without worrying about scratching them.

"You could not even see the bottom of my cabinet before," one reviewer says, but the unit still leaves rooms for pots in many cases. The racks are strong enough to hold heavy cast iron pans, although deep frying pans will only fit on top. It can also be screwed into the cabinet wall or the bottom for additional stability.

Give Your Pantry a Simple, Streamlined Look

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

One of the biggest problems with keeping your kitchen organized is everything comes in different size boxes and bags, forcing you to create improvised pyramids on your pantry shelves. DRAGONN's 10-piece airtight food storage containers set offers an elegant alternative, with containers in a variety of sizes to handle everything from spices to spaghetti.

Shoppers praise the containers as "high quality and very durable" and note they also look great on the kitchen counter and are easily hand washable. The airtight seals keep everything fresh and dry and are an excellent deterrent against ants and other insects that could invade your kitchen.

Have You Ever Looked Under Your Sink?

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

When it comes to kitchen storage, the cabinet under the sink is the space most people don't like to think about. It's easy to just throw all the bottles of different cleaners in there and slam the door, but the adjustable shelf organizer from STORAGE MANIAC offers a better solution. You can return order to the chaos and make it easy to find what you need when you need it.

Reviewers say this two-shelf unit is "very well made," noting that the length is adjustable to fit the size of your cabinet. The shelf's surface consists of steel panels, which can also be moved to make space for the sink's pipes. "Under my kitchen sink looks wonderful now!" one owner declares. It's also perfect for under your bathroom vanity.

Use Your Kitchen Wall to Establish Mise en Place

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

Great chefs run their kitchens with an impeccable sense of mise en place — the principle that positions everything exactly where you need it before you start so you can prepare any dish smoothly and efficiently. An empty kitchen wall provides a big opportunity to pull essentials together in one easily accessible spot — with the help of Wall Control's pegboard organizer.

It's the same kind of metal pegboard you might use to hang tools on the wall over a workbench, which ensures the board is sturdy enough to hold even your heaviest pans. "If you want something that will last a lifetime," says one reviewer, "then I highly recommend Wall Control boards." You can choose from a range of colors.

A Colorful Foundation for Food Prep

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

A well-stocked kitchen needs an assortment of mixing bowls and measuring tools.

Joseph Joseph's nine-piece set features all the basics, including four measuring cups and a tablespoon. The set is made of colorful plastic that will brighten up any kitchen, and the bowls don't lose their sheen, even after multiple trips through the dishwasher.

The mixing bowls are extremely sturdy, with no-slip bottoms. "On family movie night," one reviewer reports, "three bags of microwave popcorn fit in the large mixing bowl." The small mixing bowl can hold a dozen eggs at once, with no problem.

Get All Your Spices in Order

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The hard part of becoming a more adventurous home cook isn't finding unique ingredients — it's keeping track of them once you pack them away in your pantry. YouCopia's Chef's Edition SpiceStack has drawers that slide out from their frame and tilt forward so you can view the contents at a glance. There's enough room for up to 30 regular-sized spice bottles.

Reviewers call the SpiceStack "a total dream," praising the "sturdy plastic drawers" for their "amazing spice storage." It even comes with blank and preprinted labels for the front of the drawers if you want to take immediate stock of your inventory.

You've Got to Hide Your Knives Away

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When you've got a small kitchen counter, a chunky knife block can take up a lot of valuable space. Wusthof's under-the-cabinet knife block is the perfect solution, giving you easy access to eight knives (and a honing steel), then swiveling out of the way when you're done.

The beechwood block screws into the underside of a kitchen cabinet with just three screws, and many reviewers describe it as "very solid" and "excellently detailed with a smooth finish." They also note that the knives are held in their slots magnetically, but "they will fly out if you're not careful." Then again, you would always be careful with knives, right?

No More Fumbling for the Conditioner

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"This shower caddy is epic!" raves one user who bought Simple Houseware's hanging shower head organizer. It has a deep basket for shampoo, conditioner and other bottles, with a shelf beneath that can hold razors, sponges and bars of soap, plus hangers for a loofah or a back brush.

When you don't have a window ledge next to your shower or space in the corners of your tub to hold stuff, just hang this caddy over your shower head to keep everything in reach. Other customers praise it as "super sturdy" and "very stable... exactly what my husband and I needed."

Making Bath Time Lots of Fun

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If you don't feel comfortable hanging a caddy on your shower head, you can always try the mesh shower curtain organizer from Yihoon. It hangs securely on your shower rod or towel rack and has mesh pockets big enough to hold everything you need, from washcloths to shampoo bottles.

"We have a small shower, and I hate the look of bottles all over the place," says one reviewer. This organizer offers an ideal solution. The mesh pockets dry quickly, and you can always throw it in the washer if it gets a little funky.

Keep Your Cool — and Your Quiet

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In a small room, every inch of floor space counts. Bulky fans take up too much room — and usually make too much noise. Lasko's oscillating tower fan stands discreetly in a small space and boasts a woodgrain finish that blends in with most decors.

More importantly, as one reviewer observes, "It's quieter than any tower fan I've ever owned," even at its highest speeds. A remote control allows you to change settings without getting up, and a nighttime mode allows you to slowly taper from high to low while you drift off to sleep.

So Many Cables. So. Many. Cables.

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The TV, the cable box, the DVD player, the video game console, the high-speed modem, the base for the wireless phone — you've got tons of devices to plug in and very few outlets. Belkin's 12-outlet power strip and surge protector can help you keep everything up and running.

The power strip has six outlets running down the middle and another three on each side, especially designed to hold those oversized power adaptors that always cause you to lose the adjoining outlet on normal power strips. The internal circuitry can even gauge how much power each device is using and spread the voltage accordingly. "If I need more power bars in the future," says one satisfied reviewer, "these are what I will buy."

Get All Those Cords Out of Sight

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Even if you have a power strip big enough to handle all your electronic devices, you still have to deal with all those cords and cables, which can create an unsightly mess along your floor and walls. A few cable concealers from SimpleCord can take care of that problem. The plastic units are designed to blend with most wall colors, leaving a streamlined path from devices to an outlet.

Reviewers praise these concealers as "easy to install" and "very sturdy." Once you have your wires laid down in the raceway containers, slide the plastic cover on, and you're all set. Add-on units allow you to turn corners easily, and you can even lock them into place along your baseboards with adhesive strips or mounting screws.

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Source: https://www.consumersearch.com/home-garden/tips-living-large-small-space?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740007%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex

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Family Matters Living Room

Family Matters Living Room

The "Family Matters" House Looks Really Different Now, and Twitter Is Upset

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Credit: Ben Schumin

Paging Carl Winslow! If you spent your Friday nights in the '90s curled up with popcorn watching the iconic TGIF lineup, hold onto your hat.

A unit in the house that served as the exterior of the Winslow family's home on "Family Matters", a sitcom about Chicago police officer Carl Winslow, his loving family, and their annoying neighbor Steve Urkel, just sold last week for $1.005 million, according to the listing. But if you're expecting the same classic house as the one the Winslows lived in, you're in for a surprise.

It turns out that the house was demolished a couple years back in order to replace it with modern condos, and the look is quite different. Naturally, when the Twitterverse came across the transformation, people were shocked by the changes, which look a bit out of place in the neighborhood:

Located at 1516 W Wrightwood Ave in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the unit that sold last week is a 3-bed, two-and-a-half bath condo with a full-floor private roof deck, an open living room with a gas fireplace and a 75″ built-in TV. The ultra-luxe kitchen features quartz countertops, top-tier appliances, and exceptional finishes. Wide-plank hardwood floors continue throughout the home, which has touches ranging from motorized window shades, walk-in closet, and garage parking. Toto, we're not in TGIF-land anymore.

It was first reported that the iconic house would be demolished and replaced by condos in 2017. Realtors for the then-owners told DNAInfo that while they looked into saving the house, they "ultimately determined renovating the home wasn't a viable option." However, they did add that to honor the site's history, they planned "to decorate the entry with framed photographs of the original house and the show's beloved cast." While there aren't any photographs dedicated to the show in the listing photos, you can see a small carved plaque on the bottom right of the building that reads "Family Matters" in the font used in the show's credits. Guess you'll have to turn to YouTube if we want to hear the iconic theme song. ("It's a rare tradition, in this day and age, to read any good news on the newspaper page…")

Interestingly enough, another TGIF show, "Full House", had its famed property preserved. That house, a 3,728-square-foot Victorian on San Francisco's picturesque "Postcard Row," sold for $5.35 million back in November, according to TMZ.

Megan Johnson

Contributor

Megan Johnson is a reporter in Boston. She got her start at the Boston Herald, where commenters would leave sweet messages like "Megan Johnson is just awful." Now, she's a contributor to publications like People Magazine, Trulia and Architectural Digest.

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Family Matters Living Room

Source: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/family-matters-house-36874236

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