Even if you have all of the essential furniture, a room can still feel "off" without the warm, cozy textures that really make a house a home. Here are a few smart tips for adding designer-inspired textures to any space!

1. Toss in some throw pillows. If your sofa (or your bed) is looking a bit bare, dress it up using a mishmash of throw pillows in varying textures. Luxurious silks, faux furs, and simple cottons are all great options, and don’t be afraid to combine colors and patterns, as well.
2. Add a blanket. One way to make your room look magazine-worthy is by draping a blanket across a bare surface. Think the arm of a chair, the back of the sofa or the foot of your bed.
3. Add woodgrain to the walls. Even if you live in a rental, you can add the rustic look of woodgrain to any room in your home by creating a large-scale art piece made of recycled wood.
4. DIY a tile backsplash. If your lease permits it, adding a tile backsplash is a great way to add texture in the kitchen. There are a number of temporary options that can even be removed when you move out.
5. Hang curtains. Any interior designer will tell you that no room is complete without some type of window treatment. Make a room feel cozier with elegant curtains hung a bit higher than the window frames.

Make an Impact with Texture [Better Homes and Gardens]
Ten Ways to Add Texture to a Room [Apartment Therapy]
Home Décor: 10 Tips to Add Texture [Right @ Home]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Nicki Dugan Pogue

Next time you find yourself hankering for a cup of coffee, try American Bulldog Coffee Roasters. This Ridgewood coffee house roasts its own beans, buys only fair-trade coffee, and offers a menu of organic fare. If you stop by in the morning on your way to the office, be sure to pick up a buttery croissant or blueberry muffin along with your cup of joe, and if you're stopping by around noon, be sure to order a cup of soup (varieties change daily) and a grilled cheese sandwich or slice of quiche.

If you have time to sit down and enjoy yourself, however, regulars suggest you head straight for the tables near the fireplace. If it's chilly outside you'll be able to warm yourself up near the cozy fire, and like all good coffee shops, American Bulldog offers free Wi-Fi, so you'll be able to catch up on your email or post to your social media accounts with ease.

American Bulldog Coffee Roasters
31 North Broad Street
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
(201) 857-4176
www.facebook.com/pages/American-Bulldog-Coffee-Roasters-RIdge wood/435997833218797
www.yelp.com/biz/american-bulldog-coffee-roasters-ridgewood

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Miguel Ángel Arroyo Orte

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, so you want to make it feel as bright and cheerful as possible. Turn your kitchen into a happy, welcoming gathering space by following these easy decorating tips:

• Add a large, graphic art print. People often overlook the kitchen when it comes to adding art to their home, but it’s actually the perfect place for a large statement piece. Choose something with bright splashes of color in a large, simple frame.
• Tie in the linens. Instead of using mismatched towels and a stained tablecloth, update your linens to something chic and modern. Choose options with lots of texture, and don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns.
• Use plants. The kitchen is the perfect place for houseplants, since it often gets a lot of natural light. Add lush greens to the top of the refrigerator, a bare windowsill, or even hanging from the ceiling in retro-style macramé hangers.
• Cover the cabinets. Give your cabinets an instant makeover by covering them in a temporary wallpaper in a fun color or pattern.
• Add a rug. Place a multicolored area rug just in front of the kitchen sink, and if you have an eat-in kitchen, add another underneath the dining table, as well.

5 Ways To Bring Color To Your Kitchen Without Painting [The Kitchn]
15 Ways To Bring Color To the Kitchen [Elle Décor]
10 Unexpected Ways to Add Color to Your Kitchen [House Beautiful]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr manu flickr2010