Just Moved? Or Need A Home Revamp? READ THIS!

#1 Discard, sell, and donate like it’s your JOB!

As you are unpacking in your new place, be vigilant about what fits and what doesn’t. A new home is meant to be exciting, fresh, and invigorating … if anything doesn’t align with that picture, get rid of it! If it does not make you sublimely happy or hold sentimental or monetary value, move on. Sell what you don’t need (local consignment shops or Facebook Marketplace are good options), send your shabbier items to the recycling center, and make an appointment with your local donation service – some will even haul everything away for you! Decluttering is proven to boost your mood and will make your design eye ready to make changes. It will open up your space for more creativity with new pieces. TIP: If you can’t find a place for something, you probably don’t need it.

#2 Don’t try to do it all at once

After your move, it’s natural to want to redo and replace everything, but take it slow. Start with the bigger items you definitely need. If your current furniture just isn’t translating, now is the time to order your dream sofa, upgrade to that king bed you’ve been wanting, or order new rugs in just the right dimensions. From there, make a list of your next must-haves. Make it a fun outing to hunt these new items at your favorite local stores. Save some room for smaller items you fall in love with as you shop, like fresh throw pillows, table lamps, and unique tabletop accessories that better the new you and the new home. Still overwhelmed? Our expert design team is here to help!

#3 Invest in pieces that reflect YOU!

Make sure the things you use and see daily — sofa, dining chairs, side tables, work-from-home desk — reflect the mature and savvy person you’ve become since your last move. Let the decor you surround yourself with mature with you, and don’t be afraid to indulge in what speaks to you. If there is an artist you love or a local store you can’t get enough of, head there first. Not only are you bolstering the well-being of your community, but you curate a home filled with meaningful pieces. Almost everything on the floor at Merridian is made by hand, selected by experts, and ready to make its way to your home. Even new treasures can have great stories!

#4 Work with your new space - don’t force it!

So many aspects of your new home have changed: the natural light, the ceiling height, each nook and crevice. How you decorate can highlight any intriguing architectural features of your new place. Scale your artwork and mirrors to fit your new walls. Make smaller spaces even cozier with indulgent, rich textures and hues. In larger spaces, float your furniture in clusters of sofas and chairs that invite conversation and better utilize the space. One of our talented designers can help you identify what features to play up, what to tone down, and give you the gorgeous space you deserve!

Merridian Featured on The American Dream TV Show!

Start at 4:33 for a fabulous virtual tour and endorsement of Merridian! Thanks for visiting and including us in this episode, The American Dream TV!

3 Tips for Shelf Styling

3 Tips for Shelf Styling

Bookcases and shelves are great pieces that provide both function and beauty in our homes. But what happens when our shelves become a hot spot for unwanted clutter and dust? A refreshed bookcase is pleasing to both our eyes and minds. Start by taking everything off your shelves and getting rid of anything you don’t need or adore. Focus instead on what adds beauty, provides function, or holds sentimental value. When filling your bookcase, follow these three tips for shelf styling to create a balanced look you’ll love.

#1 Utilize Contrast & Negative Space

Consider your backdrop to make your collection pop! Contrast is your new best friend. The negative space behind your bookcase can make as much of a statement as your shelf decor itself. Items with an interesting silhouette can add visual interest, while allowing space between your books and décor provides visual rest and gives your collection room to breathe.

#2 Add Greenery!

Every space can use a touch of green, and your bookcase is no exception. Include plants amongst your décor to give your shelf styling some life. There are countless benefits to bringing the outdoors in, many of which stretch beyond simply looking great. And if you’re lacking a green thumb? No problem... go faux!

ALSO READ: 3 Benefits of Biophilic Design (+ WHAT it is!)

#3 Variety, but Make it Cohesive

When deciding on items to include and their placement, be sure to combine variety and continuity. Each shelf should contain items of varying heights and sizes. This makes for a more interesting composition than a row of items of the same proportions. Shapes, colors, and finishes should be repeated throughout to create cohesion. Repeated elements are what transforms a seemingly unrelated grouping into a curated collection.

Give your bookshelf a refresh with these three tips to take your shelves from eyesore to eye candy. Creating a less cluttered and more balanced look will take weight off your mind and (more literally) your shelves themselves. Still having trouble? Come see us at Merridian! As always, our talented designers and staff can help you Love Where You Live.

From Our Showroom To Your Living Room

MERRIDIAN’S IN-HOME DESIGN PROCESS
by Pearl Nichols

Step One: We will discuss your space, lifestyle, budget, and vision. We like to get a feel for how you will use the space and what makes you feel good (or bad) about your current living environment.

Step Two: We measure your space either in person or remotely via online floor plans (Zillow or condo/apartment web assets). We will assess what you already have that you’d like to incorporate into the new scheme, like art, rugs, furniture, etc. It can be helpful to see reference images of rooms and styles you like to get a feel for your taste and your design goals. Our job is to execute your vision.

Step Three: We will go through our extensive upholstery library, vendor offerings, and the product collections we think best fit your vision. We will work together to devise an initial plan for the space.

Step Four: Within 7 days we will present a full design plan for your review. We then work with you to make any necessary revisions until you are ready to confirm your final selections. We will be onsite for installation to assure everything meets your expectations.

Step Five: LOVE where you live!

3 Reasons Why Neutrals RULE!

1. Neutrals have an over-all calming effect

Sticking to neutral colors for the big elements of a room (large upholstered pieces, rugs, etc) evokes a sense of coziness and ease, especially when mixed with warm textures of rough-hewn woods, shiny metal finishes, and brushed velvets.

2. It's the perfect canvas for bold pieces to shine

A neural room can be FAR from boring! Let your personality and style shine through smaller elements like giant coffee table books, interesting light fixtures, bold wall art, lush plants, and patterned pillows.

3. Switch things around with ease

A mostly-neutral space has unlimited options, so think of it as an investment that will always deliver! If you feel the need to embolden with rich hues, you can easily swap out a rug, repaint the walls, or get crazy colorful with your art. One thing's for sure, though ... neutrals will never go out of style.