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Everything You Need to Know About Picking a Christmas Tree

December 7, 2018/2 Comments/in Tips & Guides, Tips & Guides /by Modsy

The holidays are upon us, which means Christmas trees are making their way into homes all across the country. Believe it or not, Christmas trees have been a part of American holiday celebrations since the 1850s. And no surprise, tree-trimming has become one of the most anticipated holiday traditions in many households.

However, while real, chopped-down-by-hand Christmas trees are emblematic of the holidays, they’re not the only options nowadays. From Noble Firs to tinsel trees, you’ll find different Christmas tree types in all shapes and sizes. What kind of tree you prefer is up to you, but we’re here to help make it easier to decide.

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Get to know the five most common Christmas tree types and learn the pros and cons of each!

Live Christmas Trees

The Fraser Tree

Live Fraser trees have become a classic American staple — they’re the most popular choice of the Christmas tree types for the holidays in the US! Similar to Douglas Firs, Frasers tend to be more slender and have blue-green needles with silvery undersides. This gives them an extra lush look and a nice glimmer when strung with lights.

Pros:

Great for Lots of Ornaments: Frasier trees have upturned and stiff branches that make them perfect for hanging ornaments by the handful.
Stays Fresh and Lush: The needles retain their color for a long time, so your tree will stay fresh through the end of the year. This makes Frasers perfect if you like keeping your tree for a while.
No-Shed Needles: Fraser trees don’t shed needles as quickly as other varieties, even if you forget to water them once or twice throughout the holiday season.
Beautifully Fragrant: These trees have a strong, fresh scent!
Fits Anywhere: They’re compact, so Frasers can tuck nicely into corners and also work in smaller spaces.

Cons:

High Price Tag: Fraser trees grow slower, which makes them a more expensive option.

The Noble Fir

Slender, tall, and narrow, Noble Firs, with their signature a triangular shape, are a leaner variety of the Christmas tree types.

Just as lush in color as their Douglas and Fraser counterparts, Noble Firs also have deeper grey-green needles. Their branches grow horizontally in different bunches with larger amounts of space in between, which provides lots of room for ornaments to hang. They’re also lightly scented if you’re looking for just a touch of fragrance in the air.

Pros:

Sturdy Branches: Noble Firs are the tallest of the Christmas tree types and have the strongest branches. This makes them a good choice if you’re looking to hang large and heavy ornaments (think gingerbread houses, silver bells, mini angel figurines).
No-Shed Needles: Noble Firs don’t shed their needles hardly at all, meaning they’ll last longer than most other Christmas tree types.

Cons:

Skinny Looks: Noble Firs have a less full look than most other Christmas tree types. So if you’re looking for a more robust tree that’s decked out with lights, ribbons, and lots and lots of ornaments, this might not be the right option for you.

The White Fir (or Concolor Fir)

Also known as the Colorado White Fir tree, this lush evergreen is native the mountains of the western United States. Its branches grow in a spiral shape and have long, lush needles, resulting in tree that’s dense from top to bottom!

Pros:

Full Foliage: If you’re looking for a tree that’s big, fluffy, and perfectly shaped, the White Fir is a great option.
A Sweet Citrusy Smell: Many people love White Firs because they have a unique citrus scent that ushers in the holiday spirit. But if you prefer the smell of fresh pine, maybe consider another of the Christmas tree types instead.

Cons:

Colors Fade: The needles on this tree variety don’t hold their color as well. While they start off as a bluish-green, they eventually fade to a duller green hue as the tree ages.
Medium-Weight Branches: Smaller ornaments are best on White Firs as the branches are only moderate in strength and won’t be able to hold heavy trinkets like other trees.

Artificial Christmas Trees

The Pre-Lit Tree

While fresh Christmas trees are lovey, they do require a good amount of work. Think hassling with the tree stand, watering daily, and dealing with a floor full of fallen needles.

Fake trees can save you from all that hassle, and they’re just as beautiful, like this pre-lit faux Frasier tree, which has glittering frost-speckled needles molded from natural cuttings.

Pros:

Easy to Maintain: Set up is a breeze! You assemble the different parts of the tree, plug it into the wall, and it’s ready to go.
Built-in Sparkle: The snow-dusted branches give this pre-lit fake tree a glimmering, wintry look that never fades. Even real trees can’t compete with that.
Zero Pickup: There are no fallen needles to clean-up. Simple as that.

Cons:

Less Personal: You can’t change the color of the lights that come with pre-lit trees and many people find they have to use specific ornaments to compliment the shape or style of the tree.
Not Fragrant at All: Needless to say, unlike real trees this fake version doesn’t give off that signature sweet, fresh-chopped Christmas tree scent.
Surprisingly Pricey: Many pre-lit trees come with a hefty price tag. But if you don’t plan on re-purchasing a real tree yearly, this could be a worthy investment.

The Tinsel Tree

Christmas trees don’t come any sparklier than Silver Tinsel trees, which have a retro look that’s reminiscent of 1950s aluminum trees (Charlie Brown Christmas, anyone?). Because it’s all silver, light reflects beautifully from the branches and brings a cozy and magical ambience to any room.

Pros:

Choose Your Color: You’ll find tinsel trees in a range of color options, so you can be be sure this type of tree will bring a unique look to your space.
Minimal Decoration Required: Tinsel trees often look better with minimal decor, so it’s perfect if you prefer a simple tree with a low-maintenance look.

Cons:

Expensive Upfront Cost: These trees are built for convenience over quality (meaning they might not hold up as long as some other faux tree varieties). Nonetheless, tinsel trees can still sport a hefty price tag and can be more expensive than a regular living tree.
No “Real Tree” Resemblance: If you’re looking for a fake tree that still looks like a real one, then a tinsel tree is not for you.

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My Modsy Story: I Have a Vision, But Will It Work In Real Life?

Hillary wasn’t sure how her design vision would look in real life – her husband wasn’t convinced either. See how they avoided huge fights with some help from Modsy.

Homeowner: Hillary S, Finance Professional

Location: Pennsylvania

Room: Huge Open Kitchen-Dining-Living Space

Her Style: Refined Industrial

The Backstory

Starting with a blank slate in a brand new home

I recently made the move with my family from Jersey City to a new house in Pennsylvania. Our new home was under construction, but I wanted to start planning for the space early. Ultimately, I wanted to feel clear and excited about the look of my space before I spent a dollar on furniture.

Design Vision - Modsy customer story

The Design Dilemma

She had a design vision, but what if it didn’t work in real life?

My biggest challenge was not knowing if my furniture combos would look as good in real life as they did in head. I find it challenging to stick to one style, so often they did not. More importantly, my husband is not the best visualizer so I struggle to explain my vision to him.

Design Vision - Modsy customer story

The Modsy Moment

Feeling skeptical, but deciding to take a chance

I first saw Modsy in a Facebook ad. I’m able to visualize pretty well, so I was not sure if Modsy would help me. I decided to give it a try and it was pretty easy to get started.

Design Vision - Modsy customer story HILLARY’S MODSY DESIGN #2

How Her Modsy Designs Helped Hillary

Realizing her vision and knowing what works—for both her and her husband

The renderings were breathtaking for me; I loved both designs that Modsy came up with. It was like I was a contestant on an HGTV show seeing my new place for the first time and it was beautiful! Seeing the furniture in my space made a huge difference – especially since my home was under construction.

[When I saw my Modsy designs] it was like I was a contestant on an HGTV show seeing my new place for the first time and it was beautiful!

Design Vision - Modsy customer story

BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF HILLARY’S MODSY DESIGNS

Modsy also helped me show my husband my ideas. Instead of exploding into huge fights I can show him my vision. Modsy was so helpful for improving our communication.

I was also in search of a particular feeling – comfortable yet edgy, interesting but functional. And Modsy nailed it!

Design Vision - Modsy customer story HILLARY’S MODSY DESIGN #2

I loved elements in both of my Modsy designs and did some editing when I found things I wanted to try.

Design #2 expanded my thinking about what would work in the space and had more of the vibe I’d imagined. The round dining table was beautiful and unexpected. And the leather couch – so cool!

Instead of exploding into huge fights I can show him my vision. Modsy was so helpful for improving our communication.

Design Vision - Modsy customer story HILLARY’S MODSY DESIGN #1

Design #1 was closest to what I had in mind from the beginning – very comfortable and very functional. The way Modsy arranged the sectional in this first design showed me I could use the room as one big gathering space rather than two separate areas. I also loved the wine rack and the placement of the TV.

With Design #1 I was able to see how the furniture in my mind would actually look in my space. I realized some of the pieces I was eyeing were actually quite large, so I found alternatives that better fit the space.

Design Vision - Modsy customer story HILLARY’S MODSY DESIGN #1

The decorations in both designs gave me some great new ideas. I combined ideas from the designs I created with some from my original Modsy designs.

The best part for me was being able to play around and try things. I saw how all these pieces would look in my home without having to buy (and likely return) a single thing. My husband also appreciated this. We’ve bought some furniture and there are a few pieces I’m eyeing but haven’t pulled the trigger on yet.

See Hillary’s favorite design in 360!

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My Modsy Story: Our Living Room Had 3 Major Problems – And We Solved Them All!

March 30, 2018/3 Comments/in Living Room Design Stories, Real Online Interior Design Stories, Real Stories /by Modsy

This newlywed couple didn’t know where to begin with their awkward living room. Here’s how they found a plan they could both agree on.

Homeowner: Ashley S, Computer Technician

Location: Waco, TX

Room: Awkward Living Room

Her Style: Modern Rustic

The Backstory

When a couple’s new awkward living room just didn’t work for either of them

My husband and I had just moved from Houston into our new home in Waco, Texas. He is a native Texan, and I’m from Miami – two very different places that sort of reflect our two very distinct styles! And while we both agree that we like a rustic style, my version of rustic is a bit less traditional. I tend to be drawn towards more clean lines and symmetry than you might typically associate with a “rustic” style.

When we moved in, I had every intention of repainting the grey walls in the living room (which I was not looking forward to!) only to find out my husband loved the color. To me, the dark grey paired with the espresso floors made the room feel heavy. In an effort to compromise, I began searching for ways to brighten and warm up the space, while keeping the original wall color.

When it came to the layout for our space, we both agreed that we wanted a natural flow from the front door into the living area, and onto the adjoining rooms. I did not want to block the fireplace in our living room, but we have a return grate for our A/C on the opposite wall that would have to work very hard if it was covered.

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Ashley’s Living Room Before

The Design Dilemma

Limited layout options, a wall color she wasn’t sold on, and furniture they couldn’t agree on

We felt extremely limited in how we could set up our new living room. We tried couches on opposite walls but the front door has a large glass window that lets people see right in… But placing a couch on a perpendicular wall meant covering the A/C return or blocking the fireplace, which I wanted to keep as a focal point.

To make our layout struggles more complex, none of the walls in the room are the same length and they each have various attributes that make designing difficult (like French doors to the back yard or a small recessed area). It was just a huge challenge trying to figure out how to arrange our furniture.

“It was just a huge challenge trying to figure out how to arrange our furniture.”

My husband and I had run out of ideas on how to arrange our living room, and I was skeptical about all that grey… But, since he liked the color I really wanted to keep it. I just could not imagine how to incorporate it into a design that worked for both of us.

Ultimately we wanted a space that reflected both of our styles. And I wanted a design that would make me fall in love with our grey walls.

modsy customer review

Ashley’s Living Room Before

The Modsy Moment

Finding inspiration (and a solution) from a favorite blogger

I first heard about Modsy through Kate Bryan of The Small Things blog. She was having a hard time designing an awkwardly shaped office and that was exactly how I felt about my living room.

We got started with Modsy almost immediately. It was so simple to use – I did most of it on my phone.

Since our living room has a bit of an odd shape, I actually ignored the recessed corner next to the fireplace when measuring the room. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Modsy had factored in that space into my designs anyway!

Ashley’s Modsy design #2

How Modsy’s Renderings Helped Ashley:

Solving all three challenges in one design plan

Being a computer technician, I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of Modsy’s 3D renderings. I noticed they included so many fine details, like our wall color, location of outlets and switches, and the recessed area I had originally left out!

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Bird’s eye view of Ashley’s designs

Our first Modsy design plan had a very interesting layout and we initially wanted to arrange our space this way. We liked how it put the space to use and it seemed to be a good arrangement for entertaining. We also had not considered getting rid of one of our bigger couches in favor of two accent armchairs. That was a new idea Modsy gave us.

Ashley’s Modsy design #1

We liked the furniture arrangement in this design. Modsy’s idea to put a valet table along the back wall was also great, since our entryway is small and unable to accommodate one. It felt like Modsy was able to create two rooms in one.

Ashley’s Modsy design #2

We ended up going with Modsy’s second design plan since it made the room feel more open. I liked the abundance of light-colored accents Modsy chose, which really helped offset the dark walls and floors. The soft-colored rug made the room feel so open and light – it really balanced out all the dark colors.

Ashley’s Modsy design #2

My husband and I both loved the industrial and natural elements of the bookshelf and the coffee table. The bookshelf became the piece we were most excited about adding to the room. We are both avid readers but we never thought of showcasing that since we didn’t feel like there was enough space.

Ashley’s Modsy design #2

I loved how open and warm all of our design plans looked, and how Modsy really was able to blend our styles and design wants together. It was such a relief, after taking the style quiz and then seeing the renderings to finally having both of us agree on a layout and design. As newlyweds, it was great to have help creating a look that expressed both our styles but still felt cohesive.

As newlyweds, it was great to have help creating a look that expressed both our styles but still felt cohesive.

Our plan is to replicate the second design as closely as we can. We’ve already added the rug to our home! Soon we’ll be adding the coffee table and bookshelf, which we actually are planning on building ourselves.

See Ashley’s Favorite Design in 360

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My Modsy Story: Proof That Basements Don’t Have to Be Bland

March 2, 2018/4 Comments/in Living Room Design Stories, Real Online Interior Design Stories, Real Stories /by Modsy

See how first-time homeowner, Alan C, designs a basement and TV room that’s perfect for his family.

modsy customer review

Homeowner: Alan C, Director of Marketing

Location: Portland, OR

Room: Awkward basement and TV room

His Style: Mod Enthusiast

The Backstory

Wanting to make sure everything is right for his family’s first true home

This is our family’s first home that isn’t a temporary living situation. We intend to live in this house for many years so we wanted to design it to feel like home and put some effort and money into doing it right.

So of course we wanted the home to look good while being extremely functional, specifically when it came to our basement. This is the room we use for watching sports and reality TV, playing video games, and having people over for Game of Thrones nights.

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Alan’s Basement Before

The Design Dilemma

Working with an awkwardly spacious basement that’s also a gathering space

Our basement space is a bit awkward because the door into the room and fireplace are directly across from each other. The room is split right in two: a front and back area. Also, the couches we had in there were from my parents and nearly 28 years old, so we were ready for a whole new look.

It was a big challenge to figure out what furniture to get and how to arrange it so that there wasn’t dead or awkward space. We ultimately needed help solidifying a design style for the room and finding a layout that worked.

The Modsy Moment

An unexpected discovery that left a strong first impression

I first saw Modsy on Product Hunt. I was very impressed with how real and life-like the mockups looked, so I bookmarked it to come back to later.

Once I got started, I found Modsy very easy to use. The hardest part was picking items for our mood board because my wife and I generally have different tastes. We ended up with a system where I added items to the board then she would give me the final approval.

Alan’s Modsy Design 1

How Modsy’s Renderings Helped Alan

Trial by design – and learning what he and his family truly needed for their basement

My family and I were very impressed when we got our first two Modsy design plans back. We never thought our basement could look that good. Modsy showed us a couple different ways to arrange the room that we hadn’t thought of before.

With the first design, it gave us the idea that not all seating has to face the TV. We debated this design a lot and, although we ended up not going with that configuration, it did make us rethink our preconceived notions about the space. And with the second design plan, we found an alternate place to put the TV, but it still didn’t solve the problem of the room feeling cut in half.

Alan’s Modsy Design 2

The biggest “aha” moment for us was the idea for putting a sideboard and round mirror on the back wall. I had never considered that idea and as soon as I saw that in the designs, I loved it. The back wall was such a big and daunting space, and the sideboard and mirror perfectly fit our Mid-Century Modern style while filling up the space in a practical way.

Alan’s Modsy Design 1

After giving our initial two design a bit of thought, we asked our Modsy designer to create a third. We wanted this next one to be based on our first design (which was our favorite so far) but with a few tweaks.

It’s no surprise then that this last design became our favorite. It had the most functionality and made the best use of our space.

modsy customer review Alan’s Modsy Design 3

We ended up setting up the basement like design #3. But we decided to put a small couch on the side wall instead of separate chairs.

The most helpful part of Modsy was visualizing the space. I was able to see the differences in height and depth of different objects, and know how they would all fit together.

The greatest takeaway? Basements don’t have to bland, they can be sexy.

Alan’s Modsy Design 3

The Real Results

See how Alan brought his Modsy design plans to life!

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My Modsy Story: When You Can’t Find Furniture That Matches Your Style

January 20, 2018/1 Comment/in Living Room Design Stories, Real Online Interior Design Stories, Real Stories /by Modsy

Stephanie and her family moved into their new space, but finding the right pieces to furnish it was a challenge. See how she brought her style to life and made her new house into a home.

Homeowner: Stephanie L, military mom

Room: Open concept living/dining space

Her Style: Mod Enthusiast

The Backstory

11 years and 11 places later, finally finding a place to call home

Between my husband and I, we have moved 11 times in 11 years for both of our military careers. After a string of apartments, we had recently moved into a “forever” home – a newly constructed suburban house that we personalized to fit our family for many years to come.

I specifically wanted to furnish and decorate a great, multi-functioning living room. It’s the central space in our home, so it had to be a place where we felt relaxed and comfortable. We have a two-year-old son, so the space needed to be practical in addition to having a cohesive flow since it’s an open concept living/dining/kitchen space.

Stephanie's before

Stephanie's before photo

The Design Dilemma

Stuck on finding furniture that ties together three different spaces

I had made several Pinterest boards, but still didn’t know where to begin with our open concept living/dining/kitchen area. We were ready to invest in quality furniture that wouldn’t just be “making do” until we inevitably moved again, but I was struggling with finding the right pieces and accessories to tie the spaces together.

I wanted the space to feel intentional and purposeful, but my previous furniture was a mashup of college furniture, pieces left over from previous moves, and a handful of items that were too large or too small for our new house.

At one point, I had thought about hiring an interior designer to come to our house, but I was apprehensive about the cost.

The Modsy Moment

Trusting her favorite blogger’s recommendation

I first learned about Modsy from one of my favorite bloggers whom I’ve been following for years – Kate Bryan from The Small Things Blog. It was by pure coincidence that I came across her mentioning using Modsy for her home office, and I knew I had to check it out.

Modsy was super easy to use. So easy, in fact, I was worried I might’ve done something wrong, measured wrong, or taken low-quality pictures.

I ended up taking the Style Quiz five times! I’ve never labeled my style before and often have a difficult time articulating what it is – I can tell if I like something or not, but I can’t say specifically what it is that draws me to a certain look or feel. So I was skeptical in the beginning about the results of the quiz, but that didn’t last long.

Stephanie’s Modsy Design 1

How Modsy’s Renderings Helped Stephanie

Getting not only the right furniture, but furniture that perfectly matched her style

When I saw my Modsy design plans, I was absolutely blown away by how accurately my style was reflected. I knew the quiz must have been correct because I was so in love with everything. It was so neat to see our how our house looked decorated, but better! It really helped me visualize my exact space and its full potential.

I loved how the design incorporated our existing furniture without compromising my personal style. I had already purchased a sofa and a media console before I learned about Modsy, and I loved those pieces so I was glad that Modsy was able to incorporate them into my design plans.

Stephanie’s Modsy Design 1

The first design was my immediate choice. It had a very neutral color palette of whites, greys, and browns with a few accessories to complete the design, which I felt would be timeless. I would’ve never thought to add a console table in our dining area, but it worked perfectly and added some storage too.

The only thing I wanted to change were the dining chairs. I asked Modsy for a more kid-friendly option, and they were able to swap in the same chairs with a different fabric option.

Stephanie’s Modsy Design 1

I was also in love with the leather chairs in the living room—I never would’ve thought to put chairs in those spots, but it worked perfectly to add more seating and completed the space. It goes without saying that since then I’ve purchased all of the furniture in the designs.

Take a 360 Spin Through Stephanie’s Favorite Modsy Design

The After: Stephanie’s Home Now

See how Stephanie brought her Modsy design plans to life!

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Easy, Budget-Friendly Ways to Refresh Your Home for the New Year

January 10, 2018/6 Comments/in Decor Inspiration, Style Ideas, Tips & Guides, Tips & Guides /by Modsy

Right behind losing weight and quitting a bad habit, one of the most popular New Year resolutions is to save more money. Sounds easy, right?

Not so fast – ICYMI only around 8% of people in the US manage to keep their resolutions every year. Yikes!

So what’s a design-savvy, money-conscious person supposed to do? While we aren’t much help with diets and exercise, we can clue you in on some of our favorite, easy, and affordable (even free) ways to refresh your home for 2018.

Ready to hit refresh? Keep scrolling for some of our quick-win ideas for rethinking your spaces for the new year.

Refresh Your Accents

When it comes to easy and budget-friendly decor updates, we are all for switching up your accent pieces. Focus on updating accents and accessories will keep your budget low, while still giving your space a completely new look.

Swap in some new throw pillows, hang a new piece of art, or unfurl a new rug. All these little details have a big impact on how your space looks and feels.

The best part is that this approach can be as involved or low-lift as you want it to be! You can decide to only replace one or two pieces and leave everything else as is, or you can go all out. And if you change your mind half-way through, you don’t have to worry about living with a half-baked living room redesign for the next 365-or-so days.

A Good Home Design Resolution: If you’re not looking to spend on new accents, an easy and completely free update is to rotate your rug 180 degrees. When a rug stays in one place too long, it can become subject to uneven foot-traffic and sun exposure. Ensure your rug has even color and pile with this little design update!

Repurpose What You Already Have

Think new year, new perspectives. That means looking at all your furnishings in all your rooms with fresh eyes and seeing if any of your existing pieces can work in different areas in your home.

Maybe it’s time for the rug in your bedroom to switch places with the one in your living room. Or perhaps the shelves you used as a bookcase can be turned into a TV stand.

Take a moment to assess what you already have and reinvest in the possibilities of those pieces.

A Good Home Design Resolution: Let in more light by pulling back your curtains and blinds. While it may be winter, your rooms can still benefit from getting lots of natural light whenever possible.

Reconfigure Your Layout

If moving furniture from one room to another is too much for you, simply change how pieces are laid out in your spaces.

For instance, rather than having your sofa against a wall, try floating it in your living room; instead of having your dining table in the middle of a space, consider moving it closer to the wall.

The idea is to find new ways to revel in your space by shifting your own perception of it. Take some time and enjoy seeing where and how your pieces can fit.

A Good Home Design Resolution: Sometimes it’s about paring down your furnishings to give it a new look and feel. Do a little furniture edit to see if there are pieces that no longer serve a purpose or resonate with you. This helps open up your space (so long, clutter!) and make room for new pieces.

Restyle Your Mix

Commit yourself to a fresh start by re-exploring design styles and furnishings that might not have appealed to you previously. Instead of going for a full furniture set or a matching look, try finding and mixing pieces in different styles that are within your budget.

It’s never easy pushing your own aesthetic boundaries, but you might just discover a few things that you didn’t think you’d love and which mix nicely with some of your other pieces.

A Good Home Design Resolution: Infuse your room with a new scent with a the addition of a candle or diffuser. This is a subtle and affordable way to enhance the atmosphere in a space instantly.

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5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Try the Oversized Wall Art Trend

January 9, 2018/7 Comments/in Home Trends, Tips & Guides, Tips & Guides, Trends /by Modsy

Usually the phrase “go big or go home” isn’t one of our go-to design philosophies. But 2018 seems to have other plans. Large wall art is the new trend we’ll be hanging on our walls this year. Pinterest even gave the look a shout-out on their Top 100 Trends of 2018 report.

If you’re not quite ready to say “buh-bye” to your gallery wall infatuation, don’t worry. We are confident that gallery walls will be back (they never really left). Or, maybe you’re worried that large wall art will come with an even larger price tag. Fret not, because we’ve got you covered with our best budget-friendly tips to get the look.

Warm up to the large wall art trend with these five rooms that to do it right.

Go Wide With Eye-Catching Art

Usually our rule of thumb for hanging art is that it should be less than ⅔ the width of whatever it’s hanging above. The large wall art trend invites us to break through this rules, and embrace proportions in a new way.

Create a focal point above your sofa by hanging an oversized art piece that’s of equal width. If you’re feeling extra bold, try a piece that’s even wider than your sofa. This is a sure way to make a statement in any space.

Designer Tip: For a budget-friendly alternative to original artworks, which can fetch a hefty price tag, opt for framed prints instead.

Keep It Seismically Safe With a Quilt

You can display so much more than just framed drawings or paintings on your walls. For a show-stopping alternative, try hanging a handcrafted quilt instead. This geometric number makes a bold statement in a modern conversation corner.

Live in an earthquake zone? Hanging a quilt is a safer alternative to heavy, framed art that doesn’t sacrifice on style.

Designer Tip: If your family has an heirloom quilt that’s been stashed away, try seeing if it works in your space. Try quilt hangers for a low-cost alternative to custom framing.

Break the Moulding

If your walls have intricate moulding details, finding the best way to hang art can be a challenge. And while you might think the large wall art trend won’t work in your space, it can actually be the perfect cure to inside-the-lines thinking.

Try breaking the mold (see what we did there?) by hanging a piece of large wall art so that it spills out over the moulding. This not only creates some unique visual interest, it brings the effortless, modern Parisian chic vibe (which is a really good thing).

Designer Tip: If a large-scale painting is out of your budget, consider a set of two or three smaller pieces, for a more affordable alternative.

Lean It or Prop It

For an eclectic approach to decorating with oversized wall art, prop a large piece on the floor against a wall. Propping wall art lends a sculptural feel to any space. Art hung on the wall just can’t match that.

Choose a piece in black and white to add high-contrast drama in a space.

Designer Tip: While homes with young kids and dogs might not fare well, this is a great option for renters who don’t want to deal with patching up nail holes in their walls.

Pin Up a Paper Wall Mural

Sitting at the crossroads between wallpaper and wall art, a large-scale paper mural can be the trendy sweet spot you’ve been looking for.

They are easy to hang, easy to move, and easier on the wallet as they don’t require framing (which, when it comes to large wall art, can cost more than the art itself!).

Try the large wall art trend in your space!

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My Modsy Story: Redesigning a Bedroom And Not Knowing Where to Start

January 6, 2018/1 Comment/in Bedroom Design Stories, Real Online Interior Design Stories, Real Stories /by Modsy

Laura had bigger issues to solve in her new home, so designing her bedroom went on the back-burner. Sound familiar? See how she finally pulled it all together.

Homeowner: Laura S, Federal Employee

Location: Arlington, VA

Room: A master bedroom that went on the back-burner

Her Style: Chic Collector

The Backstory

Other things in her new home needed attention, so her master bedroom fell by the wayside

When my family first moved into our house, I had a vision for my master bedroom. However, when several more more urgent issues arose (like having a baby), I put my design plans on the back-burner.

modsy customer review

The Design Dilemma

When she finally had time to redesign, she felt completely lost

I was finally ready to have a master bedroom that was a well-designed retreat, but I didn’t know where to start.

The most challenging part of my room is that the space is large but narrow. Our existing furniture and layout was ok, but didn’t really maximize the space available. On top of that challenge, we recently welcomed a new baby into our family, and I just didn’t have the time to search for furniture I liked.

The Modsy Moment

Ready as ever to rethink her space and committing to getting a little help

I first learned about Modsy through Facebook, where I had seen a few ads for their services. After doing a bit more research and reading several blog reviews, I decided to go for it! I’d seen several examples of their rendered designs and knew what to expect in that regard, so I wasn’t skeptical. And once I got on the site, it was very easy to get started.

I was impressed with how well Modsy was able to recreate my room in 3D with only two measurements and the pictures. They even included the skylight, which I didn’t mention! There wasn’t anything challenging about the process, and I thought the designs were amazing!

Laura’s Modsy Design 1

How Modsy’s Rendering Helped Laura

New furnishings, new ideas, and new perspectives helped inspire her vision for the space

My Modsy designs clearly showed me how layout played a big role in the flow of my room. I could see the difference right away, without actually having to move my real furniture all over the place. The renderings showed me how furniture placement was key in making my room feel less cavernous and more cozy.

The pieces in my designs were all items I would have selected, and the artwork really pulled everything together. I could finally see the possibilities for my master bedroom!

I really loved elements of each design, and wanted to create a third that combined those parts into one space. I loved the layout of the furniture from my first design, and the artwork and where they hung it from my second. The white and gold combination against my navy walls, along with the artwork Modsy selected, created a calm and relaxing mood—exactly what I wanted in my master bedroom.

The pieces in my designs were all items I would have selected, and the artwork really pulled everything together. I could finally see the possibilities for my master bedroom!

Laura’s Modsy Design 2

I created one more rendering where I revised and added a canopy bed. This was an ideas I probably would not have ever tried without seeing it in my Modsy designs first, because I was afraid it wouldn’t fit.

It not only did the bed fit in my space, but it looked great! Seeing the canopy bed in my space gave me the confidence that it wouldn’t overwhelm the room and would, instead, highlight my tall ceilings.

My space is now set up per Modsy’s suggestion in my first design plan, and I didn’t keep any of my own furniture!

I really wanted to have a home that’s unique and well put-together – I didn’t want it to look like anyone could have designed it, and I wanted all the spaces to also feel cohesive. I found Modsy to be invaluable in re-organizing and designing my master bedroom, and I had a great experience!

Take a 360 spin through Laura’s favorite Modsy design

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My Modsy Story: How An E-Design Skeptic Created Her Dream Office Online

December 14, 2017/0 Comments/in Office Design Stories, Real Online Interior Design Stories, Real Stories /by Modsy

Like so many others, Sheri wasn’t totally sold on the idea of online design services. But after trying to redesign her office for a year, she finally took a chance.

Modsy review

Homeowner: Sheri B, Project Manager

Location: Vilano Beach, FL

Room: Home office with a view

Her Style: Mod Enthusiast

The Backstory

Her office had lots of potential, but she needed to see how the space could work

I have a large room that I use as my office that has a lovely, open and expansive view onto the marsh where I live. Since it’s such a large room, I wanted to use the other half for something else. I wanted it to be functional, fun, and for it to have an airy quality that would allow me to enjoy the view.

modsy customer review

The Design Dilemma

She had lots of ideas, but that wasn’t enough for her to believe they would work

I just couldn’t make up my mind about what I wanted to do with the space – I probably had 100 ideas floating through my head. At one point, I tried using a 3D app to design the room, but it looked so fake that I had no way of truly visualizing the end result.

The Modsy Moment

Deciding there was nothing to lose – after letting all her design ideas sit for a year

I first saw an ad for Modsy on my Facebook feed and it piqued my interest. I’ll admit I was skeptical as to whether this service could make a difference for me. I had been struggling with what to do with this space for over a year and I didn’t think a few drawings would help…

Sheri’s Modsy Design 1

How Modsy’s Renderings Helped Sheri

Clearly seeing the end result, finding furniture she loved, and feeling armed with a plan

When I got my initial designs back, I was very impressed with how real the renderings looked. Seeing the designs made it super easy to visualize how the furniture would look in my office.

Sheri’s Modsy Design 2

When I saw the initial two designs from Modsy, I felt like they nailed my style – I loved the clean, uncluttered lines and I liked the idea of placing a chair in the corner.

But what I really loved, was that Modsy gave me the ability to swap out different pieces furniture. I decided that, while I loved the layouts they suggested, I only just liked the furniture. Making changes on my own made all the difference.

Sheri’s Modsy Design 3

The initial renderings also inspired me to look more into mid-century modern pieces for my office. I liked a lot of the pieces Modsy suggested and – although I haven’t bought anything yet – will likely incorporate them into my final designs.

The renderings really helped me solidify what I’m looking for. And it was fun swapping out the loveseat and chairs so I could try different ideas in my space. There were no big surprises, but the ability to visualize how my room will look without all the current clutter has been the most helpful part.

There were elements of both the initial designs that I liked so I picked the best of each. I combined them into my third design, and that is how I plan on setting up my space. In fact, I’ve moved some pieces from around the house into my office to get used to the proportions of the new set-up.

Take a 360 Spin Through Sheri’s Favorite Modsy Design

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Announcing Our Series B Funding!

December 7, 2017/0 Comments/in About Modsy, In The News, News /by Shanna Tellerman

2017 has been quite an incredible year for our growing team at Modsy! Since we launched in September 2016, we’ve more than doubled in size, created breakthrough patent pending technology, launched amazing partnerships and retail integrations, worked with thousands of customers and continued to take a technology first approach to this rapidly changing industry.

That’s not all, today we’ve reached another huge milestone and we are thrilled to announce that we have raised a $23 million Series B!! This new round of funding was led by Advance Venture Partners (AVP), and included participation from NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, Comcast Ventures and existing investors including Norwest Venture Partners, Birchmere Ventures, Ame Cloud Ventures, BBG Ventures, and GV.

From the very beginning, Modsy has been leading the charge to transform home design through the use of powerful 3D graphics and visualization technology. We’re obsessed with eliminating the frustration that comes with guessing how furniture and decor will look inside a home and we’re on a mission empower everyone to transform the spaces they inhabit into spaces they truly love.

We’ve been fortunate that the transformative consumer experience we’ve been providing to our customers has also struck a chord with incredible brand partners. This year alone we had the fantastic experience of partnering up with Bravo Media’s home makeover TV series, Cyrus vs. Cyrus to provide on-screen 3D visualizations of design concepts as part of our ongoing media partnership with NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. We also launched initial retail pilots, integrating into the design services for notable retailers such as Crate and Barrel and West Elm.

With this new round of funding we’re ready to accelerate the impact we’re having on the market – from delivering new product features to deepening our integrations and partnerships with media and retail brands – this next phase for Modsy will be game changing.

And most of all, we want to thank our customers. You have made every step of the Modsy journey worthwhile and you are the reason we wake up every day excited to come to work! We wouldn’t be where we are today without you. You have inspired us with your beautiful spaces, helped us innovate with your ideas and feedback, and you have helped us realize that this is absolutely just the beginning of the Modsy story!!

With tremendous gratitude and thanks,
Shanna

PS. Read on below to see what several of our investors and partners had to say about our Series B!

“Modsy offers the kind of attainable aspirational lifestyle that fits seamlessly with our content and audiences. Modsy is redefining home design and ecommerce with a fresh, innovative and turnkey approach which makes for an ideal transactional business that we can integrate into our programming in a way that delivers a real service to our viewers. We look forward to building on our partnership to help accelerate their growth.” – Dave Howe, President, Strategy and Commercial Growth, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment

“Modsy is fundamentally changing the home design and shopping experience. Many consumers have a hard time buying for their homes, but Modsy’s 3D visualization and personalized styling give its customers the confidence to purchase and create a beautiful space. The market potential for a company that sits at the intersection of art, design, media and retail is huge, and AVP looks forward to supporting Modsy’s mission to revolutionize the industry.” – Courtney Robinson, Partner, Advanced Venture Partners.

“Modsy has a proven track record of success in reshaping the home design industry with 3D technology, and has already positively impacted how consumers interact with furniture and home retailers. Norwest Venture Partners has a long history with Modsy, having led their Series A in 2016, and with this new round we’re excited to see Shanna Tellerman and her team continue to innovate in the space, using technology to find new ways to solve the inherent problems with furniture shopping and decorating.” – Jeff Crowe, Managing Partner, Norwest Venture Partners

My Modsy Story: When Having More Space Made Furniture Decisions More Difficult

December 6, 2017/0 Comments/in Bedroom Design Stories, Real Online Interior Design Stories, Real Stories /by Modsy

Kristen’s struggle could be any of ours. As her large master bedroom proves, a big space can sometimes be the most difficult to furnish.

Homeowner: Kristen B, Director of Marketing

Location: Atlanta, GA

Room: An oddly sized, super-spacious master bedroom

Her Style: Rustic Warmth

The Backstory

Rethinking a personal space that stayed true to her style and how she lives

I live in a house with my family, and I wanted a beautiful, put-together bedroom, something really bright and crisp that matched my taste but also worked for my daily routines. I wanted to keep a headboard I built and upholstered myself, so getting a design around that was really important to me.

modsy customer review

The Design Dilemma

Struggling to warm up a vast bedroom with the right size furniture

My room was a very awkward size and I had a really hard time figuring out what to do with all that space—specifically how to make it feel homey but not cluttered, and also not too vast and vacant.

Additionally, I’ve never been good at determining sizes, like what size artwork looks right, and where to put things to maximize a space and make it all work and look good together. Ultimately, I needed a new furniture layout and some art and decor recommendations for the room.

The Modsy Moment

Finally being able to see her space from a new perspective

I found out about Modsy from this blog post on The Small Things by Kate Bryan. I knew I needed to try it out, but I was worried that I wouldn’t be happy with the design, which I thought might be totally different from my taste.

When I got my Modsy designs I was blown away. Seeing the furniture in my space really helped me understand that it would work and I felt confident in how it would look. This is such a key difference between Modsy and all the other online design services—I’ve had friends use other e-designers and, by comparison, Modsy is far and away the best.

Kristen’s Modsy Design 1

How Modsy’s Renderings Helped Kristen

Landing on a new layout that feels balanced with furniture she truly loves

I was so impressed by the 3D representation of my room. The designs really matched my taste and gave me a completely different idea of where to place furniture. I never would have considered the layout that Modsy suggested. And it worked SO much better!

The designed showed me I could use the length of my room in a much better way by moving my dresser and mirror. Because I had all my furniture crunched on one side of the room, it made the other half seem so empty. It was amazing how the designs helped me get a sense of my space from a whole new perspective.

Kristen’s Modsy Design 2

As an added bonus, Modsy was also able to include my custom headboard in my designs. It’s a special piece that I built and upholstered myself because I couldn’t find one that I liked in my budget. Being able to see my headboard in the context of these new designs was a big plus for me.

In the end I chose the first design that Modsy created; I loved that layout and I especially loved the bench they used at the foot of my bed. I did make a few modifications, but I’ve since bought the mirror, artwork, and some decor items from that bedroom design.

Take a 360 Spin Through Kristen’s Favorite Modsy Design

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9 Simple Office-Meets-Guest Room Decorating Ideas

November 29, 2017/3 Comments/in Tips & Guides, Tips & Guides /by Modsy

You hear it all the time – the best trick for small spaces (or making any space feel larger) is making the most out of every square inch. And while that sounds simple enough, making the most out of every room in your home can often be a challenge, especially if you’re trying to make one room serve multiple functions that work for your daily life.

It’s no surprise then that many homeowners have asked our Modsy team for help in designing multipurpose spaces in their home that can do double-duty. Think a living room that also has a play area for kids, a seamless live-work space.

We’re serving up a few office guest room decorating ideas to help you create a stylish and practical space.

An Office With a Sleeper Sofa

Say what you will, but sleeper sofas have come up in style over the past few years and you’ll easily find a range of designs and sizes that suit your space. Try pulling one into your home office as seating, which will provide you with an extra spot for lounging as well as a comfy bed for overnight guests when needed.

For a Small Space

Look for a sleeper sofa that you can easily tuck into a corner of your office. When it’s not in use as a bed, it can be a quiet area for reading and going through mail or simply for relaxing and taking a break from the day-to-day—perfect if you work from home.

Stylist Tip: Use a bookcase as a room divider to separate your workspace from the sofa lounge area. It will also help give your overnight guests a little more privacy.

For a Medium Space

A low-profile sleeper sofa is the perfect option for filling out a mid-sized room. Swap side tables for nightstands or small dressers to build in some storage for your house guests.

A full-length mirror is also a welcome addition to any guest room, but choosing a sleek, wall-mounted option helps it blend in in an office space as well.

For a Large Space

If you have a decent-sized room for an office, a large-scale sleeper sofa can help warm up the space and make it feel less utilitarian and all about work.

Think of it as decorating another bedroom and make it comfortable and personal—as soon as you pull out the bed it should instantly feel like an inviting guest room.

Stylist Tip: If you’re going big, make sure to leave enough room between your sofa and your workspace for when the sleeper becomes a bed. Choose slender office chairs and benches that are easy to move to offset the heft of the sofa. If you choose to include a coffee table, opt for one that is easy to move when you pull the sofa out into a bed.

A Study With a Daybed

For a less bulky alternative to the sleeper sofa, try a daybed in your workspace. This is a great way to create a resting spot that feels a little more open and casual.

With their low profile and single-person design, daybeds are perfect for a little R&R as well as accommodating a visitor without a lot of fuss.

For a Small Space

Another of our favorite guest room decorating ideas, is to work vertical

If you want a bit more sturdy option for a daybed, but don’t have a lot of room to work with, try a wall mounted bookshelf that also incorporates a desk.

These have a smaller footprint, and will take up less floor space while still providing you with ample vertical storage.

For a Medium Space

Go with an armless daybed to give the overall office space a more open look and feel. A streamlined version without arms takes up minimal visual space while providing you with a place for repose.

In a pinch, you can pile on pillows and blankets to turn it into an impromptu but comfy guest bed.

When not in use by overnight guests, this arrangement can also easily function as a kids’ workspace for doing homework and reading.

For a Large Space

Bring in a chic, more substantial daybed that hugs a wall in the room.

The best thing about larger daybeds is that they provide the comforts of a bedroom but are casual and versatile enough to work in any living space.

Deck one out in an office with pillows and even a throw so it’s always ready as a spot for afternoon naps, work breaks, and can be easily turned into a guest bed.

A Guest Bedroom With a Work Area

No need to designate an entire room for guests who only visit occasionally. Up the practicality in a guest room by adding a desk that lets it also function as a quiet workspace to get things done.

For a Small Space

Create a guest room for one that’s also a home office. A perfect option for empty nesters looking to turn their grown-up children’s’ rooms into functional spaces again.

Keep the twin bed and add a workspace for an instant mini guest room that you can put to use year-round.

For a Medium Space

Divide a guest room into two distinct areas for work and sleep with a bed filling out one side of the room and a work table that spans the rest of the space.

Opting for a narrow but long work table will help elevate the look and feel of the guest room and it can easily serve as an office area for two on a daily basis.

Add wall shelving, and you’ll have an office space that’s also prepped for rest—especially if you work from home and find yourself burning the midnight oil.

For a Large Space

Build out a guest room with a plush upholstered bed and all the small accents along with a stylish desk that altogether evokes a luxurious hotel suite.

By adding a desk rather than a dresser or a TV stand, the room will provide you with a relaxing space for sorting mail, writing notes, and even answering a few emails when it’s not occupied by guests.

Need help creating a multipurpose space?

Try Modsy

Pick a Couch, Any Couch

October 12, 2016/0 Comments/in Interior Design Buying Guides, Real Stories, Tips & Guides /by admin

A good sofa can be the heart of the living room — the visual centerpoint of the space as well as the ultimate place for relaxation — but the process of buying that perfect couch can be pretty daunting.

You want to make sure you’re spending your valuable time and money on something that you’ll actually love. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could test out a few different options in your space without actually having to move a 350-pound piece of furniture in and out of your home? Well with Modsy, you can!

Olivia decided to try out Modsy for this very purpose. She and her partner had just moved into a new home from a much smaller apartment and quickly realized they would need to make a few key purchases to fill the larger space. She had a few staple pieces that she knew she’d want to include in this living room, including this beautiful Arco Floor Lamp, some storage, and a rug, but beyond that she was starting fresh with the new living room.

So the first step was finding that perfect couch.

Olivia’s first pick was this West Elm 2-Piece Chaise Sectional. She liked the idea of additional seating options, but actually visualizing it in her living room helped her realize that the new room was big, but not that big! The sectional felt bulky and squished into the space.

Her next choice was this beautiful Design Within Reach Raleigh Sofa. She liked the style, and it fit nicely within the space! But when she saw the price tag, she decided it was a bit outside of her budget if she wanted to have money left to accessorize the rest of the room as well.

Her partner loves a good leather sofa, so she gave that a whirl with CB2’s Alfred Leather Sofa, but nope. It felt too dark and heavy in the bright space.

She was toying with the idea of a bright color for the couch, so Olivia gave this Belgian Linen Willoughby Sofa from Anthropologie a try. But the theory did not quite pan out. The dragonfly color was more of a clash then a pop against the wall and rug.

She finally landed on this elegant grey Hamilton Upholstered Sofa from West Elm. She loved the way the grey of the sofa played against the wall color and felt like it was just the right size for the space. As an extra bonus, it also happened to be the most affordable option.

Using Modsy, you can easily compare couches from a variety of retailers and actually see all the different options in your space before having to make any commitments. Get started today !

Shop this look:

Hamilton Upholstered Sofa
West Elm

Serena Nesting Side Tables
Restoration Hardware

restoration-hardware-moroccan-sequin-pouf

Moroccan Sequin Pouf
Restoration Hardware

Claude Bar
Jonathan Adler

Arco Floor Lamp
Design Within Reach

Code Rug
CB2

Captured Sunshine
Minted

Living Remenants
Minted

Hans Pedestal Side Table
Jonathan Adler

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Laura had bigger issues to solve in her new home, so designing her bedroom went on the back-burner. Sound familiar? See how she finally pulled it all together.

The Backstory

The Design Dilemma

The Modsy Moment

How Modsy’s Rendering Helped Laura

Take a 360 spin through Laura’s favorite Modsy design

Need help designing your bedroom escape?

Like so many others, Sheri wasn’t totally sold on the idea of online design services. But after trying to redesign her office for a year, she finally took a chance.

The Backstory

The Design Dilemma

The Modsy Moment

How Modsy’s Renderings Helped Sheri

Take a 360 Spin Through Sheri’s Favorite Modsy Design

Need help designing your home office?

With tremendous gratitude and thanks, Shanna

PS. Read on below to see what several of our investors and partners had to say about our Series B!

Kristen’s struggle could be any of ours. As her large master bedroom proves, a big space can sometimes be the most difficult to furnish.

The Backstory

The Design Dilemma

The Modsy Moment

With tremendous gratitude and thanks,
Shanna