When you find something you like, bring your ideas to Becker Furniture World. We have everything you need – including helpful, expert advice – to make your dreams a reality.

Let us know what you think at blog.beckerfurnitureworld.com.

Home Decor Design Trends for 2010!

Wouldn't you sleep better if you knew the sheets your body is lying on was produced socially responsibly? I've always sought ways to live more conciously by incorporating elements into my life which are in line with my beliefs. Boy, am I glad that such responsible living movements are on the rise. Check out other home decor design trends likely to be huge this coming 2010!

Article taken off thedecoratingdiva.com
Home Decor and Interior Design Trends 2009
Written by Carmen M. Natschke
It's that time of year again! Design trends for 2009 have been compiled and are ready for showing. I picked the top ten decor, furniture and design trends that I think will have a major impact through 2009 and onto 2010.

1. UNIQUELY ME CHIC Personalized and eclectic approach to design. Re-emergence of styles like Hollywood Regency where furniture and decor is mixed and matched to suit the homeowners personality and showcase decor they have collected "along the way".

2. ARTISTIC LOVE Desire for one-of-a kind items and an appreciation for the artisan, hand-crafted products for the home.

3. PATTERN PRIDE An increasing movement toward Art Deco and Art Noveau inspired shapes and patterns, paisleys, geometrics, floral, botanicals, animal prints and birds.

4. STYLE SHOCK Mosaics and patchworks on everything from soft textiles to furniture. One of my favorites and rather ambitious mix of styles, materials and patterns is the Bellini Chair from Versace Home.

5. LUXURIOUSLY GREEN Silky eco-bedding and other high-end objects get the Green Treatment. Green goes Luxe will be huge for 2009 and beyond with companies like Anna Sova and SDH Linens bringing to market eco-linens that feel like and look like silk.

6.MODERN EMBRACE Not really a new trend, in itself, but rather a continued movement toward contemporary design at home. A fun stylistic twist gaining prominence and becoming "mainstreamed" is the re-interpretation of class period pieces in new , fresh vibrant forms and designs. One personal favorite is Louis XVI Medallion Chair (Gilles Nouhailhac) painted a modern color and wearing an updated 21st century upholstery.

7. FASHIONISTA FINERY Dressmaker details on soft textiles brings the glamour and beauty from the fashion runways home. Accent pillows will be wearing belts, crystals, sequence, 3d floral embellishements and other details that will make the Fashionista in you swoon.

8. DESIGN WITHOUT BORDERS Merging of multi-cultural designs - Inspired from cultures and nations across the globe - with specific focus on China, Russia, Morocco, several Latin American countries and India.

9. LIVE RESPONSIBLY Green, Sustainable and Fair Trade in products for the home. Consumers want more than a "Green" label they want the story behind the product. They want proof that what they buy meets their Green Standard and allows for societal responsibility. One company of several that I like to highlight that produce "Live Responsibly" products is Malaika. Their linens are created from organic cotton that is grown, spun, woven, sewn and embroidered in Egypt by underprivileged women who are taught how to embroider.

10. SANCTUARY HOME Designing and decorating the home in soothing earth inspired colors and creating a serene, secure and happy environment (through design) in which to retreat from the crazy economic upheaval, global conflicts and the multitude of stresses outside the door of your home.

At Becker Furniture World, we’re always looking for new sources of ideas for home decorating ideas, and we’ve found a great one. The website is http://www.thehomelook.com, and it’s packed with information on how to enhance every room in your home. Here’s a sample article on how to take maximum advantage of a balcony in an apartment or condominium, but a lot of these ideas would also work on a patio or deck.

Let us know what you think at blog.beckerfurnitureworld.com. We’ll be visiting with our friends at thehomelook.com from time to time and we’ll pass their ideas on to you, so keep checking back. In the meantime, enjoy the article.

10 Design Tips for Decorating a Balcony

I love sitting at the balcony with a good book and a pot of tea Sunday mornings. It sets the mood for the rest of the week. It's like you're watching the rest of the world as they go about their day. Bliss. And it's about to get better with the tips below.

Article taken off http://landscaping.suite101.com

Condo and apartment balconies often go unused. Even worse, they end up as an extra storage space for bikes and cluttered junk rather than being used as an outdoor living space. But with a little creative planning and a little elbow grease a balcony can be turned into a beautiful outdoor paradise.

10 Design Tips for Decorating a Balcony

Gather some seating - A balcony can be seen as an extension of the living room. Adding a few key furniture pieces can make a balcony seem warm and inviting. It's important to consider the size of the balcony before purchasing patio furniture. If the balcony is small, choose a couple chairs and a small table. Bistro sets are perfect. Add some design flair and color with patterned, weather-resistant cushions. For larger balconies a patio table and umbrella makes for the perfect getaway. With comfortable seating balconies can easily become a great place for entertaining guests.

Add some greenery - A balcony is outdoors after all. Therefore it should look like the outdoors by bringing in some green. Plants are also the easiest way to decorate a dingy balcony. Planting pots work great for balconies because they are often design elements all on their own. If space on the ground is limited, then think hanging flower baskets and planter boxes on the balcony railings. These are perfect because they take up no actual space on the balcony itself and still add loads of color and greenery. Be sure to choose flowers that are appropriate to the amount of sun or shade that hits the balcony.

Lay outdoor flooring - Bring part of the living room outdoors. Outdoor carpeting is a great way to define a space and to detract from the cement balcony floors. Outdoor carpets come in a variety of colors, are inexpensive and can be custom cut to fit any size. Carpeting can make the balcony feel more inviting and allow kick off your shoes and relax.

Create mood lighting - If an electrical outlet is available on the balcony, stringing a set of party lights on the balcony railing is a great way of bringing light to the patio, allowing you to enjoy your balcony late into the evening. If an outlet is not available then candles also do the job effectively and inexpensively. Look for some decorative outdoor lanterns at your local garden center.

Plant an herb garden - It may not be possible to grow an entire vegetable garden from an apartment balcony but a small herb garden is certainly not out of the question. Dedicate a corner of the apartment to some small, decorated pots containing favorite herbs. This not only adds color to the balcony but also provides an enjoyable hobby and some delicious herbs for gourmet cooking.

Put up a privacy fence - If your balcony is not very private you might consider purchasing some privacy screening. Bamboo sheets can be purchased at your local garden or building center. They provide some well needed privacy and also work great in the overall design of an outdoor oasis. Even if you already have privacy walls, placing bamboo fencing against the existing brick or cement walls can completely transform the look of the balcony.

Bring art outdoors - Art doesn't have to stay in the living room, try bringing it outdoors as well. Look for weather-resistant, outdoor art pieces that can be hung on a balcony wall. There are a variety of metal and wooden wall art pieces that are meant for the outdoors and will add some style to the outdoor living space.

Add outdoor sculptures - If hanging art on the balcony walls is not permitted then think of art pieces that are freestanding, such as garden statues and structures. Obviously choose pieces that fit the size of the balcony. These are great for adding personality to a balcony and can easily be swapped in and out to keep the space looking fresh. A self-contained water fountain is another idea. The sound of running water provides a soothing atmosphere.

Hang some wind chimes - Wind chimes belong in any backyard or balcony. They are things of beauty, provide pleasing chimes, and also take up minimal space on a balcony. Bamboo wind chimes are quite popular as they produce a lower pitch and provide a more tropical feel to the balcony.

Grill it up - If allowed, purchase a small barbecue for the balcony. A barbecue can easily become the centerpiece of the balcony. It allows the balcony to become a place of gathering and entertaining with friends and family.

Think Spring! Upgrade Your Patio Décor at Becker Furniture World.

 You’ve been waiting through a long Minnesota winter, but it’s finally time to get ready for Spring! Our selection of patio furniture and accents is unmatched, and features such trusted brand names as Agio, Brown Jordan, Casual Creations, Treasure Garden, Winston and more. We offer patio and deck furniture from the simple to the sublime, plus great accessories and idea starters for making your patio the centerpiece of your spring and summer family living. And since patios were made for cooking and eating outdoors, we carry the full line of Webber grills and accessories!

But while we’re talking spring, don’t forget the garden! Becker Furniture World carries a big selection of Henri fountains and statuary, plus planters and birdbaths to make your garden special. You can see our patio and garden products online at www.beckerfurnitureworld.com or visit our 300,000 square foot showroom and Home Center.

Start planning to personalize your patio today at Becker Furniture World. Think of your patio as an extra room, and put the same care into decorating and accessorizing it as you would any other area in your home. After all, you’ve been waiting since fall to get back outdoors, so make the most out of your outdoor living area. We’ve got everything you need – from good ideas to great advice and the perfect item to enhance your patio experience.

It’s finally Spring – and that’s a good thing! Come celebrate at Becker Furniture World. Send us your comments at blog.beckerfurnitureworld.com.

Every store will tell you that they are different, but Becker Furniture World offers our customers a truly unique shopping experience: the Idea House. If you’re looking for ideas on home building projects, decorating trends or anything related to improving your family’s living area, we’ve got it – and you can see it in an actual home setting in our fully furnished 4,300 square foot Idea House, located inside our 300,000 square foot Home Center.

This fully functional 2-story house has 16 fully decorated rooms that have been designed and equipped with the latest products and decorating ideas. The inspiration is endless as you look through 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a home office, a bonus room and a home theater. Seasonally, the Idea House is redecorated to show changing trends in design, color, features and technology.

Best of all, the Idea House lets you see how furniture, appliances and home redecorating items will actually look in your home, which is a great help for those of us who aren’t as knowledgeable about materials, colors and decorating as we would like to be. But that’s what makes Becker Furniture World unique. You don’t need to be an expert, because we have the experts on staff to help you make your ideas a reality.

You can see the Idea House on our website at www.beckerfurnitureworld.com, but the best way to experience it is in person. It’s just one of the ways that we make it easy for you to create the home of your dreams.

Let us know what you think at blog.beckerfurnitureworld.com.

When you have overnight (or longer) guests in your home, it’s important that they have their own space and feel as comfortable as possible – even though they are in an unfamiliar environment. Whether you have a designated guest bedroom in your home or you’re “making over” an existing bedroom for temporary use by guests, there are a number of things you can do to ensure that they feel “at home.” Here’s a top 10 list of touches you can add to make their stay as pleasant as possible.

1. Use twin beds rather than one large mattress. This allows your guests to modify the arrangements based on their sleeping habits. Twin beds are easy to push together, or keep separated by a small table and lamp. The important thing is that they have a choice, and they’ll appreciate it.

1. Leave plenty of empty closet space with empty hangars. Avoid the temptation to pack a spare room closet with out-of-season clothes, extra coats and other items. A roomy closet prevents guests from feeling that they are “intruding” on your space, and feels welcoming.

1. In smaller rooms, place a small, comfortable chaise at the foot of the bed to provide a cozy space for your guest to relax, read or whatever in comfort and privacy.

1. Make sure you clear the dresser top to provide room for your guests’ toiletries and other items. This is the same rationale as the empty closet – by making room for your guests you make them feel welcome and more comfortable in an unfamiliar place.

1. If closet space is limited, use a portable luggage rack so your guests can keep organized and won’t feel they are imposing on you.

1. Make sure you leave out extra quilts and blankets (after all, this is Minnesota), so your guests won’t have to choose between being chilly all night or bothering you after everyone has gone to bed.

1. Add a few cozy touches, like flowers or a few good books. A pitcher of fresh water and glasses is always a thoughtful touch, so your guests won’t be wandering in search of water in the middle of the night.

1. A personal alarm clock gives your guests a feeling of control, which is always important in making them comfortable in an unfamiliar setting.

1. Leave bathroom linens and soaps in the guest room. This is especially important when guests are sharing a bathroom with your family.

10.  If the room is large enough, set up a seating area with a small table and two chairs. It adds to your guests’ sense of privacy.

You get the idea. It’s all about making guests feel welcome in their own space, and they’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness. Just think about what you would like to be as comfortable as possible outside of your home, and the ideas will keep coming.

We’ve got plenty of other ideas at Becker Furniture World. Visit us today at blog.beckerfurnitureworld.com and we’ll show you how to make your ideas a reality.

We found an interesting article by James Martin in Sales + Marketing Ideas Magazine. The article is primarily directed to home builders, but the tips on color make sense for any homeowner. If you’re thinking of selling your home, the article also gives some valuable tips on how to use exterior and interior color to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

Here are some tips on using color inside your home:

• Darker, richer colors are very popular, with softer light trims for contrast. This color combination feels pleasant, comfortable, restful and natural – which is very important in today’s fast-paced, high stress environment. It conveys the ambience of a comfortable refuge, which is exactly how we want our homes to feel.

• Avoid the use of white, which can create a harsh, glaring effect. Instead, opt for cream or a warm off-white. The softer whites also blend better with other colors in the room.

• Paint ceilings and overhead surfaces in a light color. Light colors rise up and lift your spirits, and also reflect more light back into the room’s interior. On the other hand, dark colors overhead make the ceiling feel as though it’s coming down on you, and makes the room feel smaller.

• Use satin or a low-sheen semi-gloss finish whenever possible. The luster gives the color a richer feel and adds a lot of life to the look of your home. Flat paint attracts dirt.

For more information on using color to best effect, visit the Design House at Becker Furniture World for great tips and decorating ideas. We’ve got everything you need to help you create the home of your dreams.

Was this article helpful? Give us your feedback at blog.beckerfurnitureworld.com.

Buying furniture is easy when you live in Minnesota. All you have to do is visit Becker Furniture World. But sometimes placing the furniture in a room can be more challenging. Furniture placement may be limited by a door that swings the wrong way, a window that is too low, or many other factors that will require good furniture-arranging skills. Here is a short guide on how to arrange furniture, based on an article by Paul Wise on E-learning.

Look at the Room:  Good furniture arranging starts with evaluating the area of the room in the context of your furniture. Consider the size of the room first, before buying the furniture. Measure the room and get accurate dimensions, to give you an idea of the appropriate size for the furniture you intend to purchase.

Who Will Use the Room:  Always take into consideration the person or persons who will primarily use the room, as well as the average number of people who will be in the room at one time. Try to tailor the furniture arrangement in a common-sense approach to ensure that the room is well-suited to its primary purpose.

Find the Room’s Focal Point:  Step back and determine which particular area of the room catches your immediate attention. This will become the focal point of your room. Look for some dramatic elements associated with the focal point. For example, if the focal point in your bedroom is a large window, put your primary piece (in this case, the bed) to the other side and let it face the window.

Consider Colors:  Consider the color of your room when choosing the furniture. That sounds obvious, but it sometimes requires some thought. For example, if the color of your paint is dark, light-colored furniture will make the whole room look brighter.

Create Visual Motion and Excitement:  Add furniture or furnishings that come in twos in order to achieve either symmetrical balance or intentional asymmetry. Asymmetry refers to an imbalance (such as two candles of different sizes standing next to each other) that adds visual motion and excitement to a room. Symmetry, on the other hand, is very restful. Decide on the effect you want to create, and go for it.

Once you decide on the size, color and type of furniture or accents you want, the rest is easy. Just visit Becker Furniture World, and we’ll help you achieve your vision for every room in your home.

Give Us Your Feedback. Was this article helpful? Let us know at blog.beckerfurnitureworld.com.

Becker Furniture World is proud to announce a whole new way to communicate with our customers. Starting today, you can reach us through Facebook or Twitter and register to receive timely blogs and newsletters on home decorating tips, do-it-yourself projects and a wide range of topics to help you express your creative ideas and make your home the most comfortable living environment it can be. We’ll also keep you posted on special sale events and online-only special values to save you money while you create the home of your dreams.

Of course, at Becker Furniture World we believe that communicating with our customers is a two-way street, and we hope that you’ll take advantage of this exciting technology to tell us what you think about any aspect of our operation – from sales events to customer service, brand selection to financing options, and anything in between. We built our company into the largest furniture store and home center in Minnesota by giving our customers what they want, so the more we know about what you like and don’t like, the better we can be.

Visit us today at blog.beckerfurnitureworld.com and tell us what you think! In the meantime, here is a list of popular home décor magazines (originally published in the Lincoln Journal Star) that can be a great source of idea starters and tips for making your home beautiful.

Popular Home Décor Magazines: Great Places to Get Decorating Ideas

Architectural Digest:  Published monthly, this magazine is a resource for many professional designers and serious homeowners. It focuses on the homes of “the rich and famous,” and discussed how the spaces were decorated. This magazine gives the average reader an opportunity to get professional ideas at a low cost.

Veranda:  This beautiful magazine features interiors from homes in the southern U.S., but many of the ideas would work well in any region. The designs are mostly formal and elegant, but many of the ideas and techniques can be incorporated into your own home.

Traditional Home:  As the name suggests, this publication focuses on historic homes and traditional décor. Some articles take you to historic places, while others offer suggestions for bringing traditional décor ideas into today’s homes. Ideas include classic color schemes, information on furniture styles and classic window treatments.

Romantic Homes:  This publication is for those looking for a homey touch. Plenty of shabby chic, and lots of fun ideas.

Country Living:  This monthly magazine concentrates on country décor, crafts, antiques and traditional cooking. Articles showcase homes with comfortable furniture, cozy fireplaces, historic colors and simple window treatments.

Metropolitan Home:  The flipside of “Country Living.” This publication offers ideas for designing and renovating modern urban spaces. It focuses on current trends in contemporary style and how to transform traditional spaces into the 21^st century.

Elle Décor:  Ideas for modern spaces with a French influence. The magazine focuses on “what’s hot” in luxury living, furniture design and space planning, while offering the average homeowner tips on resources for achieving this style.

House Beautiful:  One of the oldest print resources for interior decorating. Classic and current décor ideas for kitchens, bathrooms and romantic bedrooms, along with helpful tips and suggestions.

Better Homes & Gardens:  Practical ideas for home décor, gardening and family activities. The magazine caters to the average homeowner or renter, and offers practical solutions to common challenges.

We hope you find this list helpful. Don’t forget – the Becker Furniture World Home Center has everything you’ll need to make your ideas a reality. Visit our unique 4,300 sq. ft. “Idea House” for more ideas.