Where to Shop Industrial-Style Furniture and Decor Online

Want to get in on the industrial-chic trend? You can inject the cool, hip home decor style into your space at Portofino at Biscayne with help from these popular retailers. A bit of distressed metal here, a dash of reclaimed wood there, and your cozy rental will take on the big-city loft vibe that you’ve always wanted!

Dot & Bo
Although this popular online home goods retailer is best known for its affordable selection of mid-century modern furnishings, it’s also a great resource for finding industrial furniture pieces that look like they came straight from a converted warehouse. Browse metal pendant lights, concrete planters, and even Parsons desks with perfectly weathered wood tops.

World Market
This affordable, eclectic housewares store offers an impressive selection of industrial-inspired furniture items that includes wooden beds, coffee tables on rolling casters, and metal bar carts perfect for entertaining.

Industrial Home
The name says it all at this popular online retailer. Industrial Home carries what it describes as “a vintage twist on modern industrial living,” which includes a great selection of antique-inspired light fixtures, warm leather sofas and rugged, wooden dining tables that offer that signature loft feel.

How to Master the Art of Conversation

Whether you'd like to be less shy or you want to make meaningful connections for the sake of your business, there are a number of reasons why people may want to become better conversationalists. Here are a few smart (and sincere) ways to become better at making conversation.

  1. Do some research beforehand. This may seem like a bit too much if you’re on a first date, but if you’re speaking to someone for the sake of business, it always pays off to know a few things about him or her before meeting.
  2. Really listen. Instead of thinking of the next point that you want to make—which is often very apparent to the other person—really listen to what he or she has to say. The person you’re talking to won’t mind waiting for your thoughts to catch up if it seems like you’re really engaged.
  3. Ask questions. You might even want to encourage the other person to keep talking by asking thoughtful questions. This shows that you’re interested enough that you want to know more.
  4. Keep things short. You don’t have to talk for hours to seem like a good conversationalist; in fact, both parties will likely feel relieved to leave when the conversation naturally dies down.

13 Simple Ways You Can Have More Meaningful Conversations [Forbes]
5 Secrets That Will Help You Master Conversation Skills [TIME]
Making Conversation: A Skill, Not an Art [Psych Central]

Check Out These Creative Uses for Wallpaper

If the thought of adding wallpaper to your home makes you cringe, you may want to rethink your opinions on this seemingly outdated wall covering. There are a number of creative uses for wallpaper that have nothing to do with your walls, and don’t worry: there’s no outdated paisley print here.

  1. Line a bookcase. If you have a hand-me-down bookcase that’s a bit of an eyesore, dress it up with a fun, colorful wallpaper backdrop. Simply remove the shelves and stick on a solid or printed wallpaper that goes with the rest of the room’s decor.
  2. Line drawers. Instead of lining your drawers with plain old drawer liners, get a bit more creative by lining them with leftover wallpaper.
  3. Dress up a dresser. Cover an entire dresser, the sides, or just the drawer fronts to bring a bit of color and a pop of pattern to your bedroom.
  4. Transform tray tables. If you want to add chic side tables to your living room but you’re on a bit of a budget, make over affordable tray tables using wallpaper. Simply stick the wallpaper to the tops of the tables, then create an attractive vignette using books, a lamp, or a few romantic candles.
  5. Frame it. If you have a very small amount of wallpaper that you love, turn it into a piece of DIY art using a simple, store-bought frame.

12 "Off the Wall" Places to Put Wallpaper [Bob Vila]
Unexpected Uses for Leftover Wallpaper [Real Simple]
9 Unexpected Ways to Decorate With Wallpaper [Good Housekeeping]

Easy DIY Home Decor Projects You Can Complete in a Day

If you want to give your home a quick makeover, you’ll be happy to know that there are a number of ways to make a big impact in just a few hours. Here are just a few simple DIY projects that you can do in one day.

  • Make over your drapes. By simply switching out your window treatments, you can let more light into your home and make a room feel more elegant. Choose bamboo blinds, floor-length sheers, or panels in a light color scheme.
  • Create a foyer. If your home doesn’t have a designated foyer, you can create one yourself by simply adding some sort of seating, a mirror, and a console table to your doorway.
  • Hang mirrors. To create the illusion of more space in a room, add a mirror in a strategic spot. Hang one at the end of a hallway or directly across from a window.
  • Create a coffee table vignette. To make your living room feel more polished, add a stack of books, a bright green plant, and an elegant candle to your coffee table.
  • Build a bar cart. Everyone loves a classic bar cart, so create your own by re-doing a vintage find from your local thrift store. Then top it with pretty glasses and your favorite spirits.

11 Foolproof Decorating Tips [This Old House]
10 Simple Rules for Foolproof Decorating [Real Simple]
Foolproof Formulas for Home Decorating [Southern Living]

How to Add Organic Touch to Your Home’s Decor

Going organic doesn’t end at the grocery store. In fact, there are a number of different ways that you can incorporate organic elements throughout your entire home. Here are just a few great ways to add a natural touch to the decor in your living space.

  • Create a nature-inspired vignette. If you admire something beautiful on your morning walk, such as a unique branch or a particularly interesting stone, add it to a stack of books on a tabletop to create a flawless vignette.
  • Create stone hot pads. Glue smooth, flat stones to the surface of simple kitchen hot pads to keep your countertops protected from hot pots and pans.
  • Choose natural rugs. Soft, organic materials like jute and hemp look beautiful when woven into a rug, and they’re much friendlier on the environment than synthetic versions.
  • Create organic centerpieces. The next time you host a dinner party, fill a ceramic vase with foraged tree branches or add pine cones to a clear bowl for a unique centerpiece inspired by the outdoors.
  • Change up your drapes. One of the simplest ways to bring the outdoors in is by allowing as much natural light as possible into your home. Switch out heavy drapes with soft, sheer panels to maximize the light.

Decorating with Natural Elements [Better Homes & Gardens]
10 Simple Ways to Bring the Outdoors Inside [Freshome]
Decorating with Natural Elements from Natural Kitchen and Home [Pinterest]

Helpful Tips for Cleaning Leather and Suede

Suede leather items like shoes, bags, and wallets are beautiful and last a very long time, but they’re also quite expensive. Because these items are so valuable, it’s important to take great care when cleaning them. Here are a few tips to help you properly clean suede.

Take precautions. One of the best ways to protect your suede leather belongings from staining is by treating them before you even use them. Stains and waterproofing sprays for suede can be purchased from your local shoe store. By carefully applying them to your purse or shoes before wearing, you can shield them from rain, food stains, and even stains from your own hands.

Brush away scuffs. Instead of attempting to remove scuffs with wet or damp cloths, use a dry, soft brush meant for suede. Gently yet firmly brush back and forth to remove dried mud, scuffs, and other debris.

Properly remove stains. If your suede items do become stained with oil (and they likely will), don’t panic. Simply sprinkle the stain with baby powder or cornstarch and wipe it away gently once it becomes oily. For wet, non-oily stains, blot away the moisture with a clean cloth, then use a suede brush to restore the texture.

Save Your Shoes & Purses! How to Clean Suede and Leather [iVillage]
How to Clean Suede [HowToCleanStuff.net]
How do I Remove Stains from Suede Leather? [AboutHome]

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