Design Tips: Wall Accents Are Effective and Economical

Choose cool wall accent accessories when you need to liven up a room on a tight budget. Here are some practical and economical design tips to brighten your decor for less.

Dramatic Wall Mirrors to Accentuate the Light

A classic designer’s tip is to employ wall mirrors to make a dark room seem much larger AND brighter. Choose an accent mirror large enough to be a commanding presence in the room and with an interesting frame design/shape, be it distressed white paint or a warm gold tone. Plus you get to sneak a peek or two at the mirror to check your appearance, your guests none the wiser.

Romantic Accent Candles in Sconces, in Unusual Places

Speaking of light, accent candles are a standard when it comes to setting a sexy mood. Shake things up a bit with this old solution. Put your accent wall sconces with candles in unusual spots that don’t normally get a lot of love. For example, a forlorn stretch of wall where electric sconces wouldn’t work. A few spots of subdued light in out-of-the-way places is irresistible!

Striking Wall Art to Add Splashes of Color

Finally we come to wall art for inspiration and color in an otherwise drab, spartan space. This accent art can be anything from huge prints of classic midcentury cityscapes to copies of your favorite era in painting from Renaissance Old Masters to Impressionism to the way-out styles of Pollack and De Kooning. Maybe some Andy Warhol pop art parodying advertising is your groove.

All the wall accents you desire to awaken your room are at our Rancho Cordova, CA store and other American Furniture Galleries locations.

Outdoor Furniture Ideas for Spring

Now that February is upon us with its teasings of spring on the occasional nice day, let’s plan ahead a bit for when the weather is most amenable to entertaining on your porch, patio, or deck. Outdoor furniture adds immensely to your enjoyment of your home. Take in the fresh evening air as the sun sets, making your barbecued delights, drinks, and company all that more special. At American Furniture Galleries we keep outdoor dining sets and other accessories so affordable that having seasonal-themed outdoor decor is now possible. Here are a few insider tips from designers to give your spring outdoor gathering some “pop.”

Celebrate the Good Weather with Bolder Colors

Earth tones are nice, but spring with its renewal of life and accompanying riot of color in the flowers etc. calls for something much for exuberant. Go for either warm (reds, burnt orange, electric yellow) or cool (blues, greens) colors as long as they stand out! For example, the outdoor sectional shown above practically cheers with its confident hue welcoming the lengthening days and rising temperatures.

When the Weather’s Great, Break Out the Rugs and More

A cool way to make your deck or patio seating set look even better in the spring is to do as you would indoors with a sturdy area rug, preferably in a bold pattern with assertive colors. If you have any questions whether a rug is suitable to move outdoors even if only temporarily, don’t hesitate to ask us!

Give Your Patio or Deck a Good Cleaning!

Wash away all the gunk and debris that winter has left behind by giving your outdoor party area a good power washing. Be sure to get to your outdoor umbrellas and seat cushions too as they can get mildewy in storage. If your cushions are white, a dose of bleach might freshen them up.

For all your outdoor furniture and accessory needs stop by our Elk Grove, CA store for incredible bargains every day!

Easy Autumn Home Furnishing Tips

Now that August is coming to an end, autumn is just around the corner. It will soon be time to say goodbye to long days and sunny skies, and say hello to chilly winds and pumpkin spice. Before the new season officially arrives, you should take some time to make your home autumn-ready. Our three simple tips will help prepare your home for the changing seasons ahead.

Embrace Autumn-Inspired Home Decor

Nothing says autumn quite like a warm color palette. Choose colors reminiscent of the changing leaves—think red, orange, and brown—to create an atmosphere that is cozy and inviting. When it comes to applying fall colors to your home décor, you can do so easily and inexpensively by choosing items from our home accent collection. Consider purchasing a new area rug that features warm, earthy tones, or perhaps a new set of decorative pillows. You could even buy a few colored vases or small home accessories and use them to add a splash of autumnal color to your dining room centerpiece or your living room end tables.

Upgrade Your Bedding

Now is the time to bring out the comforters and bedding that you had stowed away all summer. Take some time to inspect all your bedding, ensuring everything still remains in good shape. If you notice some of your blankets or comforters have started to look old or worn-out, don’t hesitate to replace them. When you start off the season with new comfy bedding, it will give your bedroom an upgrade and leave you feeling refreshed!

Consider a Fireplace Addition

There’s no better way to combat the cold than gathering around a crackling fireplace. The warm glow of flickering flames creates a welcoming atmosphere that will encourage your entire family to come together. Worried that a fireplace is beyond your budget? Instead of purchasing a large and expensive wood burning fireplace, you can purchase an affordable LED fireplace unit for no more than a few hundred dollars. Our home furnishings store has unique fireplace units that can easily slip into a TV stand or media console (no fireplace mantle required), providing a convenient and low-maintenance alternative to a traditional fireplace setup.

When you are ready to give your home an autumn makeover, visit us at American Furniture Galleries, where unbeatable furniture deals are waiting for you. You can visit us in Sacramento, CA or at any one of our four furniture showrooms.