Surely you have heard that you never get a second chance to make a first impression so why would you allow an old, generic, rusty mailbox the opportunity to create a boring one for you and your home? It is surprising just how many houses you can pass while driving or out walking that display a dynamic exterior and stunning landscaping yet their mailbox is simply shameful.

Many people seem to just overlook this minor detail which is rather unfortunate because it’s your welcoming mat to your property. Even if you have a mailbox attached to your home and you have an actual postal carrier who walks through heat, rain and snow to deliver your mail, doesn’t your home deserve a piece of modern art that demands attention on the outside? You might even give your mail deliver person something to smile about everyday. It’s the small, subtle pieces like these that make your home memorable, stand out above the rest and even more attractive than it already is.

Contemporary mailboxes come in quite a large assortment of designs, materials and colors so no matter what your home looks like on the outside, you are guaranteed to find one that will compliment it!

Nothing ruins the aesthetic of a contemporary room faster than clutter. Therefore, it is safe to say that the key to a minimalistic modern living space is stylish storage solutions that will give everything a proper home. One of the best ways to tuck things away is by using a storage ottoman.

Versatility

Not only can you store blankets, games, magazines, dog toys and remote controls in these versatile pieces of furniture, they’re actually really functional. Obviously, you can use them to put your feet up as they were designed for but they also double as fun chairs when your guest list exceeds your seating capacity. If that’s not enough, place a tray on top of one and use it as a decorative end table. That’s a lot of uses from one simple piece of furniture.

Design

Ottomans come in various shapes, sizes, colors and fabric selections so really, whatever you are looking for, you are sure to find it. They can be subtle and blend in with the rest of your decor or use them as your opportunity to add a splash of color in your room. What could possibly be better in an all black or white room than a lime green, hot pink or turquoise blue ottoman to add a little fun?

Spring is officially here and without a doubt, nothing goes hand in hand better with a warm sun and a cool breeze better than a hammock! While you may be picturing Gilligan’s Island and feel as though your contemporary outdoor living space has no room for rope, you should know that these loungers made for lazy days have come a very long way!

The Hatteras Hammocks Adventurer Collection pictured above is comfortable and extremely stylish. It features a fast-drying, durable fabric that allows your skin to breathe so you never feel sweaty like you would if you were laying on a lounge chair. The spreader bars are stunning, made from South American cumaru and for those who are environmentally conscious, good news, Hatteras Hammocks only uses cumaru harvested from managed forests!

Have you had a hard time getting comfortable in hammocks you’ve laid on before because they’re just too short? This hammock is an amazing 13 ft long and almost 5 ft wide with a maximum weight capacity of 450 pounds so yes, there’s room for two!

You can find the Hatteras Hammocks Adventure Collection as well as full selection of rope, fabric, tree-hanging, free-standing and chair models at The Soothing Company.

Can’t decide what to do to give your bathroom a face lift? Sure, you’ve painted, added the right accents and maybe even installed an elegant glass shower in the corner but what do you do about your bathtub? Well, if you’re ready to just throw your hands in the air and give up on your sanctuary ever really feeling like a spa, the Convivium bathtub by Neutra may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Neutra is an exquisite collection of bathroom furnishings that are created with harmonic, functional and calming shapes. Even the accessories are more than you could ever wish for!

Their product line consists of shower floors, tubs, sinks and shelving, carved from stunning natural materials to provide a contemporary look while appealing to the sense. The Neutra brand specializes in quartz, granite, marble, stone and onyx.

Aside from this gorgeous Convivium bathtub, they carry several other designs as well as wall-mounted and traditional wash basins, shower trays, tiles, shelving and accessories like the Bridge that fits over your bathtub to hold your soap, etc.

For more information on their elegant, natural bathroom pieces to turn your sanctuary into a spa, visit the Neutra website.

Low ceilings can be a challenge when decorating because even a large room can quickly feel dwarfed with the wrong paint and decor. If you have a room that’s barely clearing your head, you can make it look much taller!

• Border – Hanging a border about a foot down from the top of the wall and then painting the wall below the border a darker color will give the illusion of a taller ceiling.  Alternatively, you can paint your darker color up onto the ceiling, making the wall appear taller if you don’t want to use a border.  This can tricky though to keep perfectly even.

• Hang Curtains – Position your curtain rods closer to the ceiling rather than directly over the window and use longer curtains. This will add a significant amount of height to the space.

• Accent Slopes – Have a ceiling that slopes on one side? This is super common in upstairs bedrooms. Why not accent the slope by hanging sheer scarves from the ceiling and then drape them down the slope and use a thumbtack to hold them in place? Fabric will add depth!

• Mirrors – Anytime you are faced with a size issue, hang mirrors. Staggering them at various heights will make the room more three-dimensional.

Low ceilings are certainly not the end of the world. Yes, they pose a bit of a challenge when creating a contemporary room but there are definitely things you can do add height to the space. Don’t underestimate just how charming those slanted ceilings can be either! They give your room more personality than you know.

If a single piece of furniture could define the word contemporary, the Amphora couch by Desforma furniture would be it. The piece literally screams for attention without being obnoxious. It is surprisingly comfortable, exceptionally crafted and simply elegant. In fact, the entire collection by Desforma is stunning and years ahead of its time. Just when you fall in love with one couch the Gravity chaise lounge or Safari sofa will catch your eye, making your decision that much harder!

About Desforma Furniture

What is there to say about a company that manufactures their furniture by hand like pieces of art? The result is furniture that is mysterious in design and looks phenomenal from every angle. These are not pieces you toss up against a wall to hide the boring back. No, these functional art pieces deserve to be showcased in the middle of a room to admire from every angle.

Desforma uses pure wood when creating the structure of their furniture, not polyurethane mass so it is durable, stable and comforting to every inch of your body.

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture that will impress your guests and invite you to relax, Desforma has something for you. Also, good news to Padstyle’s American readers, Desforma ships abroad so you can enjoy their gorgeous furniture too! Visit Desforma Furniture to view the entire exquisite collection and take your decor to a superior level.

The proper headboard in a bedroom is like a fireplace mantel in the living room, they both create a focal point. Any properly decorated room will provide a fabulous area for the eyes to come to rest. Choosing the right headboard for your room is suggested to draw positive energy inward to help with quality sleep. Not to mention, they just look great!

• Creativity – For a real attention-grabber, stay clear of traditional flat panel headboards. There are incredibly unique and artistic pieces available today in wave, oval or many other shapes to bring a little creativity to the space.

• Material – You will find that most headboards are made from wood or metal (two important Feng Shui elements) however, that doesn’t mean you have to over look wicker, bamboo, quilting or you can even make one with a large canvas covered with fabric.

• Surroundings – Traditionally, the decor of your room is going to dictate the headboard you choose. Just because you love that contemporary black, curved headboard does not mean it will compliment your Victorian or country cottage room. Theme and color must both be taken into consideration.

Headboards provide you with a more secure feeling while you sleep, according to Taoist beliefs. It is also suggested to not hang or drop clothes from them as they are essentially pieces of art. After all, you wouldn’t hang a towel over a canvas in your living room would you?

Even if you have blinds on your windows, there are still things that you can do to decorate the area. Why have a perfectly garnished room and then fall short on window treatments? Your windows welcome in sunlight, fresh air and energy so they should be emphasized, not hidden!

Panels Can be Fun

Traditional panel curtains certainly don’t have to be boring. You can always pull them to one side with tiebacks that are elegant or patterned and vibrant, whatever works for your room! Alternatively, you can buy a stencil and fabric paint and add a little personalization to them.

Framing the Window

Just because you go for the classic, framed look, doesn’t mean you can’t add an extra rod or two and layer up your treatments with different prints and fabrics.

Work With Blinds

Side panels, swags and even just extra long sheer tiers can be draped loosely to highlight the area. Also, keep in mind if you buy new blinds, there are many made from pretty attractive materials today so they don’t have to be ordinary.

Let the Fabric Flow

There are no rules when you work with fabric. Layer or twist pieces and let them just coexist harmoniously. Shake off that rigid structure you have grown up with and invite something fresh and carefree into your space!

If you are like many others, when spring is in the air, the decor you have loved so much, starts to look a little dull. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank to redecorate your home. There are a few easy changes you can make and things you can add to brighten your space for the season.

• Easy Accents – Adding just a few bright accents can quickly lift the spirits of a dark room. A new vase, decorative pillows, lamp and even a different rug can dramatically change the aesthetics without spending a lot of money. In the fall you can box it all up for next spring.

• Spring Cleaning – Some white vinegar and water will go a long way in making your windows crystal clear to welcome in the sun. Spring cleaning always makes your home appear brighter!

• Fresh Flowers – Nearly ever supermarket sells bouquets of fresh flowers for a few dollars. Stop once a week on your way home and get yourself a spring bouquet.

• Paint – Have you been considering a new color of paint in your home? Now is the time to do it! You can always change it later. Paint is the easiest way to give your room a makeover.

• Clear the Doorway – Do you have an accumulation of boots, coats, hats and mittens at your door? Clear it all away and replace it with a few bright umbrellas!

Spring is the time to play with color. By making just a few decorative changes, you can have fun for a few seasons without the long-term commitment!

It is surprising how many homes are exquisitely decorated with exceptional decor yet their hallways fall short. Why do hallways, especially long ones, seem to be such an afterthought or completely neglected? According to Taoist beliefs that are reflected in Feng Shui, chi (energy) travels through your home. However, if a long dark and dreary hallway is uninviting, it may not make the journey to enter into the other rooms of your home. Hallways need to be welcoming and as thoughtfully decorated as the rest of your house is.

Lighting

If your hallway is closed off and dark, lighting is crucial. This doesn’t necessarily have to rely on overhead lighting either. A small decorative lamp on a table or shelf or a motion light is a wonderful addition as well.

Mirrors

To help positive energy flow down your hallway to the next room, mirrors or other reflective objects are essential. Not to mention, they make visitors feel a little more comfortable as they pass through as well.

Plants

A lovely leafy plant at the end of the hallway will draw energy in that direction. Just be sure to move it into the sun sometimes throughout the day as needed. Plants have a way of breathing new life into a room so use them wherever you can!

Have you ever noticed how you can watch a movie and see a very modern home decorated primarily with white and a splash of color and it looks so chic yet when you try to copy the look in your home it makes it feel very cold and vacant? White is a tricky color to work with but with a few helpful tips, you can bring life into your space.

1. Focal Point – You must have some WOW factor in the room that provides color. This could be a vibrant canvas, a sculpture or even a large, brightly-colored rug.
2. Eggshell and Cream – Don’t be afraid to add a hint of eggshell or cream in the room somewhere, just to create a little depth.
3. Flooring – White-washed wood, cork or a honed travertine are ideal. If you must have carpet, choose a wheat, moccasin or tan shade.
4. Metal – Chrome, copper, nickle and stainless steel will all add elegance to white and should be used in decorative accents.
5. Furniture – Keep furnishings clean with strong geometric lines. A stuffed white couch may look spectacular in a room with color but it’s just too overwhelming for a white room.

White can be a fabulous color to decorate with when used correctly. Always be sure to balance your space and any color you use other than white should ideally show up a few times, spread throughout the room but not all in one area. Bringing everything together is important in a white room because there aren’t other colors to cause a distraction if you get it wrong.