Art Deco Living Room Decor Trends: Embracing Elegance and Glamour

 

Art Deco, a design style that flourished in the 1920s and 1930s, continues to captivate homeowners with its luxurious and sophisticated aesthetic. This opulent style is characterized by its geometric shapes, bold colors, and intricate details, making it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of vintage glamour to their living spaces. For a deeper dive into the latest trends in Art Deco living room decor, check out this comprehensive guide. Here, we’ll explore the defining elements of Art Deco decor, how to incorporate them into modern living rooms, and current trends that are shaping this timeless style.

The Essence of Art Deco

Art Deco emerged as a response to the ornate and elaborate designs of the preceding Edwardian era. It introduced a sleek, streamlined approach, merging the glamour of the Jazz Age with the technological advancements of the time. The style is renowned for its use of symmetry, rich materials, and a fusion of modern and traditional elements.

Geometric Patterns and Symmetry

One of the most recognizable features of Art Deco is its geometric patterns. Think bold, symmetrical shapes like chevrons, zigzags, and sunbursts. These patterns often appear on wallpapers, textiles, and decorative items. Incorporating these patterns into your living room can instantly elevate the space, giving it a distinctive Art Deco flair.

Luxurious Materials

Art Deco design places a strong emphasis on luxurious materials. In the living room, this translates to the use of opulent fabrics like velvet, silk, and satin. Furniture pieces may be upholstered in these rich materials, often adorned with intricate details like tufting or gold accents. Additionally, materials such as marble, chrome, and glass are used in decor elements, from coffee tables to lighting fixtures.

Bold Color Schemes

Color plays a crucial role in Art Deco design. The palette typically features bold, contrasting colors such as deep blues, rich greens, and striking reds, often complemented by metallics like gold and silver. When decorating your living room, consider using these colors to create a dramatic and glamorous effect. For a modern twist, you can balance these bold hues with neutral tones like cream or grey.

Incorporating Art Deco Trends into Your Living Room

Modern Art Deco trends blend traditional elements with contemporary touches, allowing you to create a living room that feels both classic and fresh. Here are some key trends to consider:

1. Statement Lighting Fixtures

Art Deco lighting fixtures are known for their elegance and grandeur. Chandeliers, sconces, and pendant lights often feature geometric designs and luxurious materials. A statement chandelier with crystal or glass accents can serve as a stunning focal point in your living room. Alternatively, consider sleek, metallic sconces or pendant lights that echo Art Deco’s streamlined aesthetic.

2. Curved Furniture

While Art Deco furniture often features straight lines and angular shapes, there is a growing trend towards incorporating curved furniture pieces. Think sofas with rounded edges or elegant, curved armchairs. These pieces add a touch of softness and sophistication, while still maintaining the geometric harmony characteristic of Art Deco.

3. Mirrored Surfaces

Mirrored surfaces are a hallmark of Art Deco design, reflecting light and adding a touch of glamour. Incorporate mirrored elements through coffee tables, side tables, or decorative mirrors. These reflective surfaces not only enhance the room’s elegance but also help to create the illusion of a larger space.

4. Metallic Accents

Gold, silver, and bronze accents are quintessential to Art Deco decor. Incorporate metallic finishes through furniture, lighting fixtures, and decorative accessories. Gold-framed mirrors, silver lamp stands, and bronze vases can all contribute to a luxurious and cohesive look.

5. Art Deco Art and Accessories

Adding Art Deco-inspired artwork and accessories can further enhance the style of your living room. Look for pieces featuring geometric patterns, bold colors, and luxurious materials. Sculptures, paintings, and decorative objects that reflect the Art Deco era will add an extra layer of sophistication and authenticity to your space.

6. Layered Textures

To achieve a truly luxurious Art Deco look, focus on layering different textures. Combine plush velvet cushions with silk drapes and a shaggy rug. This interplay of textures adds depth and richness to the room, enhancing the overall opulence of the decor.

Conclusion

Art Deco living room decor offers a unique blend of elegance, luxury, and sophistication. By incorporating geometric patterns, luxurious materials, bold colors, and statement accessories, you can create a living space that exudes glamour and charm. Whether you’re drawn to the opulence of Art Deco’s classic elements or prefer a modern interpretation, these trends provide endless possibilities for transforming your living room into a stylish retreat.

For more inspiration and detailed trends on Art Deco living room decor, visit this in-depth guide. Embrace the timeless allure of Art Deco and bring a touch of vintage glamour to your home today!

Modern Interior Design 2025: Embracing the Future of Style

 

As we approach 2025, modern interior design continues to push the boundaries of style and functionality, reflecting the latest trends and innovations. This dynamic field is evolving to meet the changing needs and preferences of homeowners, blending aesthetics with practicality in exciting new ways. For those looking to stay ahead of the curve, exploring modern interior design for 2025 reveals the emerging trends that will shape the way we live and design our spaces.

Sleek Minimalism: Less is More

Minimalism remains a cornerstone of modern interior design, but in 2025, it’s evolving to embrace even more refined and streamlined aesthetics. The focus is on creating serene, uncluttered spaces that promote relaxation and mindfulness.

Streamlined Furniture: Furniture designs are becoming increasingly streamlined, with a focus on clean lines and simple forms. Pieces are often low-profile and feature subtle detailing, contributing to an overall sense of calm and simplicity.

Neutral Palettes: Neutral color schemes continue to dominate, with shades like soft whites, muted greys, and warm beiges providing a versatile and timeless foundation. These colors create a sense of spaciousness and allow other design elements to stand out.

Integrated Technology: Modern minimalism in 2025 integrates technology seamlessly into the design. Smart home features, such as built-in speakers and automated lighting, are incorporated in a way that enhances functionality without disrupting the clean aesthetic.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design: A Greener Future

Sustainability is a key focus in modern interior design, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental issues and a commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. In 2025, eco-friendly design is not just a trend but a fundamental aspect of creating modern, responsible interiors.

Recycled and Upcycled Materials: Designers are increasingly using recycled and upcycled materials to create unique and stylish furnishings. From reclaimed wood to recycled metal and glass, these materials offer both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits.

Sustainable Fabrics: Eco-friendly fabrics, such as organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled polyester, are becoming standard in modern interiors. These materials are not only better for the environment but also offer durability and comfort.

Energy-Efficient Solutions: Energy efficiency is a key consideration, with designers incorporating LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable heating and cooling systems. These solutions help reduce energy consumption while maintaining a high level of comfort and style.

Bold Colors and Patterns: Making a Statement

While minimalism and neutral tones continue to be popular, 2025 sees a resurgence of bold colors and patterns that add vibrancy and personality to modern interiors. This trend embraces the idea that design should be both functional and expressive.

Vivid Accents: Bright, vivid colors are making a comeback, often used as accent pieces to create focal points in a room. Colors like deep blues, emerald greens, and rich terracottas add depth and energy to the space.

Geometric Patterns: Geometric patterns are being used in various ways, from wallpaper and rugs to textiles and furniture. These patterns add visual interest and can be used to create striking contrasts against more subdued backgrounds.

Textural Variety: Mixing different textures is another way to add visual and tactile interest. Combining materials like velvet, leather, and natural fibers creates a rich, layered look that enhances the overall design.

Multifunctional Spaces: Adapting to Modern Lifestyles

With the rise of remote work and the need for flexible living arrangements, multifunctional spaces are becoming increasingly important. Modern interior design in 2025 focuses on creating adaptable spaces that can serve multiple purposes.

Flexible Furniture: Furniture that can be easily reconfigured or adapted to different uses is essential in modern design. Pieces like modular sofas, fold-out desks, and expandable dining tables provide versatility and maximize the use of space.

Convertible Rooms: Rooms that can transform based on needs are becoming more common. For example, a guest room might double as a home office, or a living room might include a fold-out bed for additional sleeping space.

Smart Storage Solutions: Innovative storage solutions help keep spaces organized and functional. Built-in shelving, hidden compartments, and multi-purpose furniture keep clutter at bay and ensure that every square inch is used effectively.

Wellness and Biophilic Design: A Healthier Living Environment

The focus on wellness and biophilic design is shaping modern interiors, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that support physical and mental well-being. In 2025, these concepts are becoming integral to interior design.

Natural Light: Maximizing natural light is a key element, with large windows and strategically placed mirrors enhancing brightness and creating a sense of openness. Natural light has been shown to improve mood and productivity.

Indoor Plants: Incorporating indoor plants is a popular way to bring nature indoors and improve air quality. Biophilic design principles encourage the use of plants to create a calming and restorative environment.

Ergonomic Design: Ergonomics are increasingly considered in furniture design, ensuring that pieces support good posture and overall health. Adjustable desks, supportive chairs, and well-designed workspaces contribute to a healthier living environment.

Personalized Touches: Reflecting Individual Style

Finally, modern interior design in 2025 celebrates personal expression and individuality. While trends provide inspiration, the focus is on creating spaces that reflect personal tastes and lifestyles.

Customizable Elements: Customizable furniture and decor allow homeowners to tailor their spaces to their preferences. Options like bespoke cabinetry, made-to-order rugs, and personalized artwork help create a unique and meaningful environment.

Mixing Styles: Mixing different design styles is encouraged, as it allows for a personalized and eclectic look. Combining elements from various periods and aesthetics creates a space that feels authentic and uniquely yours.

Art and Accessories: Incorporating personal artwork and meaningful accessories adds character and warmth to modern interiors. Whether it’s a collection of family photos, cherished heirlooms, or contemporary art, these touches make the space truly your own.

In conclusion, modern interior design for 2025 is characterized by a blend of minimalism, sustainability, bold aesthetics, and multifunctionality. By embracing these trends and incorporating your own personal touches, you can create a living space that is both stylish and functional, reflecting the latest advancements and your unique taste.

Hardwood Flooring Color Schemes for Modern Interiors 2026

 

As we approach 2026, the world of interior design continues to evolve, bringing new and exciting trends to the forefront. One area where this evolution is particularly evident is in hardwood flooring. The color schemes for hardwood floors in modern interiors are becoming more sophisticated, offering a range of options that cater to different styles and preferences. If you’re planning to update your flooring and want to stay ahead of the curve, exploring the latest hardwood flooring color schemes for modern interiors in 2026 will help you achieve a stylish and contemporary look.

Neutral Tones: Timeless Elegance

Neutral tones continue to dominate the world of hardwood flooring, offering a versatile and timeless foundation for modern interiors. These shades create a serene backdrop that complements a wide range of design styles, from minimalist to eclectic.

Warm Beige and Taupe: Warm beige and taupe are perfect for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. These colors add warmth and depth without overwhelming the space. They work well with various color palettes, making them a popular choice for those who prefer a neutral yet stylish look.

Cool Greys: Cool grey tones provide a sleek and sophisticated option for modern interiors. They reflect light beautifully and create an elegant, contemporary feel. Grey hardwood floors are ideal for pairing with other cool-toned elements, such as metallic accents or monochromatic decor.

Classic White Wash: White-washed hardwood floors offer a fresh and airy feel, perfect for brightening up smaller spaces. This color scheme enhances the natural grain of the wood while creating a clean, modern aesthetic. White wash works particularly well in coastal or Scandinavian-inspired interiors.

Bold and Dark Hues: Dramatic Statements

For those looking to make a bold statement, dark and rich hardwood flooring colors are becoming increasingly popular. These hues add a touch of drama and sophistication to any space, creating a striking contrast against lighter walls and furnishings.

Deep Charcoal and Black: Deep charcoal and black hardwood floors exude elegance and luxury. They add depth and contrast to modern interiors, making them a great choice for creating a high-impact look. Pair these colors with lighter furniture and accessories to maintain balance and prevent the space from feeling too dark.

Rich Mahogany and Walnut: Rich mahogany and walnut tones bring warmth and opulence to modern interiors. These deep, dark woods offer a classic, timeless appeal that complements a variety of design styles. They are particularly effective in adding a sense of sophistication to formal spaces like dining rooms and studies.

Natural and Organic Shades: Embracing Authenticity

In recent years, there has been a growing appreciation for natural and organic shades in hardwood flooring. These colors celebrate the natural beauty of wood and create a harmonious connection with the environment.

Honey and Amber: Honey and amber tones highlight the natural warmth and richness of hardwood. These shades enhance the wood’s grain and texture, creating a welcoming and organic feel. They work well in spaces that aim to achieve a rustic or earthy aesthetic.

Weathered and Driftwood: Weathered and driftwood colors evoke a sense of natural aging and rustic charm. These hues are perfect for creating a relaxed, coastal-inspired atmosphere. They pair beautifully with light, airy decor and can help create a serene, beach-like ambiance in your home.

Trends in Finishes: Enhancing Color and Texture

Beyond color, the finish of hardwood flooring plays a crucial role in defining its appearance and functionality. In 2026, several trends are emerging in finishes that enhance both the color and texture of hardwood floors.

Matte Finishes: Matte finishes are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to provide a sophisticated, understated look. They offer a smooth, non-reflective surface that highlights the natural beauty of the wood without the glossiness of traditional finishes.

Wire-Brushed and Distressed Textures: Wire-brushed and distressed textures add character and depth to hardwood floors. These finishes create a worn, artisanal look that enhances the natural grain of the wood. They are perfect for achieving a more rustic or vintage-inspired aesthetic.

High Gloss and Sleek Finishes: For a more contemporary and polished appearance, high gloss finishes are making a comeback. These finishes add a reflective quality that brightens up the space and enhances the color of the hardwood. They work particularly well in modern, high-end interiors.

Combining Colors and Patterns: Personalizing Your Space

Mixing and matching different hardwood colors and patterns can add a unique touch to your interior design. This approach allows you to create custom looks that reflect your personal style and enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.

Herringbone and Chevron Patterns: Herringbone and chevron patterns are popular for adding visual interest and texture to hardwood flooring. These patterns can be achieved with various colors and shades, creating a dynamic and personalized look.

Color Blocking: Color blocking involves using different colors or shades of hardwood to create distinct areas or patterns within a room. This technique allows you to experiment with different hues and textures, creating a bespoke flooring design that complements your interior decor.

Transitional Spaces: Combining different hardwood colors in transitional spaces, such as entryways or hallways, can help define and connect different areas of your home. This approach adds visual flow and cohesiveness to your interior design.

Conclusion

As we approach 2026, hardwood flooring color schemes continue to evolve, offering a range of options to suit various styles and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to neutral tones, bold hues, natural shades, or innovative finishes, there’s a trend that will enhance the beauty and functionality of your modern interior. By exploring the latest hardwood flooring color schemes for modern interiors in 2026, you can create a stylish and timeless foundation for your home that reflects the latest design trends while staying true to your personal taste.

The Paleo Diet Meal Plan: A Guide to Eating Like Our Ancestors

 

In recent years, the Paleo diet has gained significant popularity among health enthusiasts and those looking to improve their eating habits. Rooted in the idea of consuming foods that our ancestors would have eaten during the Paleolithic era, this diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods while avoiding modern, processed items. If you're considering adopting the Paleo diet or simply want to learn more about it, this article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Paleo diet meal plans.

What is the Paleo Diet?

The Paleo diet, also known as the Paleolithic or Caveman diet, is based on the premise that our bodies are best suited to the diet of our hunter-gatherer ancestors. Proponents of the diet believe that by eating as our ancestors did, we can avoid many of the health issues associated with modern diets, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

The Paleo diet primarily includes:

• Meat (preferably grass-fed and free-range)
• Fish and seafood
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Healthy fats (such as olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado)

Foods that are typically excluded from the Paleo diet include:

• Grains (wheat, oats, barley, etc.)
• Legumes (beans, lentils, peanuts, etc.)
• Dairy products
• Refined sugar
• Processed foods and oils

By focusing on these whole, nutrient-dense foods, the Paleo diet aims to reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar levels, and promote overall health.

The Benefits of the Paleo Diet

Before diving into meal plans, it's important to understand the potential benefits of the Paleo diet:

1. Weight Loss: The emphasis on protein-rich foods and the exclusion of processed carbs can help reduce calorie intake and promote weight loss.

2. Improved Digestion: Eliminating grains and legumes, which can be difficult to digest, may lead to better gut health.

3. Stable Blood Sugar Levels: By cutting out refined sugars and processed foods, the Paleo diet can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

4. Increased Energy: Many people report higher energy levels when following the Paleo diet, likely due to the consumption of nutrient-dense foods.

5. Reduced Inflammation: The diet's focus on whole foods and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation, which is linked to many chronic diseases.

Planning Your Paleo Meals

When planning your Paleo meals, it's important to focus on variety and balance to ensure you're getting all the necessary nutrients. Here’s a sample meal plan to help you get started:

Breakfast

Option 1: Veggie Omelette with Avocado

• Ingredients: Eggs, spinach, bell peppers, onions, avocado, olive oil.
• Instructions: Sauté the vegetables in olive oil until tender. Add beaten eggs and cook until set. Serve with sliced avocado on the side.

Option 2: Sweet Potato Hash with Sausage

• Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, ground sausage, coconut oil, fresh herbs.
• Instructions: Dice the sweet potatoes and cook them in coconut oil until soft. Add onions, garlic, and sausage, and cook until the sausage is browned. Season with fresh herbs.

Option 3: Smoothie Bowl

• Ingredients: Mixed berries, spinach, almond milk, almond butter, chia seeds.
• Instructions: Blend the berries, spinach, and almond milk until smooth. Pour into a bowl and top with almond butter and chia seeds.

Lunch

Option 1: Grilled Chicken Salad

• Ingredients: Grilled chicken breast, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil, lemon juice.
• Instructions: Grill the chicken breast until cooked through. Slice and serve over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

Option 2: Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

• Ingredients: Zucchini, fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, cherry tomatoes.
• Instructions: Spiralize the zucchini into noodles. Blend the basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil to make the pesto. Toss the zucchini noodles with the pesto and cherry tomatoes.

Option 3: Turkey Lettuce Wraps

• Ingredients: Ground turkey, lettuce leaves, avocado, salsa, onions, bell peppers.
• Instructions: Cook the ground turkey with onions and bell peppers. Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and top with avocado and salsa.

Dinner

Option 1: Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

• Ingredients: Salmon fillets, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, olive oil, fresh herbs.
• Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and fresh herbs. Roast the vegetables in a separate pan with olive oil until tender. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

Option 2: Beef Stir-Fry

• Ingredients: Grass-fed beef strips, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, garlic, ginger, coconut aminos.
• Instructions: Sauté the beef strips in coconut oil until browned. Add the vegetables, garlic, and ginger, and cook until tender. Drizzle with coconut aminos and serve.

Option 3: Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Ingredients: Bell peppers, ground beef, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, cauliflower rice.
• Instructions: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook the ground beef with onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes. Mix in cauliflower rice. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Stuff the peppers with the beef mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Snacks

Option 1: Mixed Nuts and Seeds

• A handful of mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) and seeds (sunflower, pumpkin).

Option 2: Apple Slices with Almond Butter

• Sliced apple with a generous spread of almond butter.

Option 3: Carrot Sticks with Guacamole

• Fresh carrot sticks dipped in homemade guacamole.

Tips for Success on the Paleo Diet

1. Meal Prep: Take time to prepare your meals in advance to ensure you always have Paleo-friendly options available.

2. Read Labels: Be mindful of hidden ingredients in packaged foods. Look out for added sugars, grains, and preservatives.

3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Herbal teas and coconut water are also good options.

4. Listen to Your Body: Everyone’s body responds differently to diets. Pay attention to how you feel and adjust your meal plan as needed.

Conclusion

The Paleo diet offers a return to eating whole, unprocessed foods, which can lead to numerous health benefits. By following a well-balanced meal plan that includes a variety of meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, you can enjoy delicious meals while nourishing your body the way nature intended. Whether you're looking to lose weight, improve digestion, or simply eat healthier, the Paleo diet provides a sustainable and satisfying way to achieve your goals.

the Quantity of the Price Of a Nose Job

Price of a Nose Job - Almost all plastic or cosmetic surgery is recognized as pressing, which means health insurance doesn't pay for it. This implies you must have an comprehension of the overall expense of operation on her nose.

How much does the price of a nose job
The nose is a term which in fact indicates the molding of the nose or nose-formed, also it's among the very frequent plastic surgery procedures on the planet. A lot of folks decide to apply because they're unhappy with the form and size of their nose, and wish to enhance the look of their face. After you have determined to get nose, the next question a lot of people ask is, "What's the price of a nose job?"
As with any medical procedure, the price of nose job differs depending on who performs the surgery, which is performed and what resources are needed to finish the operation. A nose job is among the few plastic surgery procedures that may occasionally be covered by insurance. The cover can happen when the surgery should be performed for medical reasons, for example to correct a breathing difficulty. In case your nose job is only aesthetic, you'll cover the operation out of pocket.
The price of a nose job normally runs about $ 3000 to $ 6000, determined by the precise process to be performed. In case the procedure is complete, it's also a significant variable. In case your nose has to be done in a hospital rather than an outpatient surgery center or office, the price will soon be greater. It'll also be dependent on whether a local or general anesthetic is necessary to finish the procedure. If needed general anesthesia, the price will probably be greater as an anesthesiologist should be present for the operation.
Other variables which come into play for the expense of nose job are the fees for the pre and post operative care, all other prices, as well as your status in the nation. Nose jobs can be more expensive in the event the plastic surgeon is well-known or in a high demand area for example Atlanta, Beverly Hills and New York. The level of issue of your process may also be a variable. Clearly, the longer the procedure survives, the more it'll cost.
The price of a nose job should not be the only determining factor in selecting a surgeon or plastic surgery facility. You'll wish to think about should you are feeling comfortable with the surgeon along with the doctor's expertise and other qualifications. Consistently select a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in nose job and any other processes you would like to possess. Make sure to look at before and following images to get a notion of the results the physician has already created for other patients.
Are you aware the precise price of a nose job?

Pole Barn Houses You May Make Your Personal One Simply

If you would like to construct a tiny pole barn residence, since applying wise practice, you'll need never to have experience, you plans possibly can make it-yourself using pole barn sets with the aid of some friends. Among my interests is mount keeping as well as for them, I used-to invest a great deal of income. I discovered them risky for flame and tiny bit unpleasant against water although I've employed barns for them. That I purchased one of these and some years back, I was told by my buddy about steel horse barns and identified them very relaxed. Some weeks before, I considered to create my own personal little post with systems and resources. Our whole four pals collected to aid me in we and my job created a barn for the horses. Experience and the research of creating little pole barns was incredible and that I want to discuss it.
We got all-the vital information about developing a little barn from net. Pursuing these coaching, for building the factors, we ordered a material barn package in the marketplace and collected all required methods. One among my pals finished it for rod where he located less discharge and calculated the precise location. Then we all erected the posts and slice the page with lasers, built them-and put them based on dimension.
It's essential to examine the bottom over that you simply desire to decide the barn, before constructing little pole barns. Mobility is given by poles' building blocks towards the development. It may be lifted from anywhere also it the area is wooded of hillside. Without much surface excavation, at hillside, the tiny pole barns might be created for example. Our household was at hill-station and also this sort of regions like earthquake and pile prone sites are not inappropriate for creating a tiny pole barn. I applied my horses to be made by every one of these way. This is a really wonderful expertise and job that is straightforward for me personally.

Etsy Shop Photo Tips

As some of you may know, from time to time I am asked to critique a shop. Yes, sometimes I actually have the time to do so. Most of the time I just simply cannot do it. Recently however I was asked to look at shop and I had time to do it. I will not go into a lot of details, let's just say the shop had been open for a couple of years and needed SERIOUS help. After two years the shop only had 10 sales.

What did I attribute the lack of sales to? Well first off let me just say that every one of the pictures in slot #1 were decent. A little washed out from lightning them in photo editing software but they were not blurry or cropped poorly or anything like that. Without a $2500+ camera you'll never get the crisp clean photos like you see in magazines. However, even with a $150 to $500 camera you can get some decent shots.

Back to the story. So, the first image was decent but the other images were horrible. They were not cropped, they were not color corrected and there was no white on the white background. They were dark and uninviting. I just did not understand why the first image was decent and all the other images looked like... well... crap. So I asked the person why were the other images so terrible? (Of course I have a little more tact than that- not much but some) And they said it took too much time!

Now, all of my photos are far from perfect. I started out with a $75 camera and only recently upgraded to a $200 camera. I have a lot of photos to retake with the new camera. It is an ongoing process. By the time I get the rest of the photos re-shot with the new camera I hopefully will have saved up enough $$$ to purchase a $500 camera and it will all start again. In the meantime I use a few tips I picked up along the way and I would like to share them with you.

1. You have 5 slots for pictures. If you can take 5 photos from 5 different viewpoints use all 5 slots. If you cannot, then have at least 3 of the 5 slots filled. (If you are on ArtFire you have 10 slots.) More is better because your customers cannot touch your product.

2. Use hard light on soft items and soft light on hard items. That means if you are taking photos of crocheted items you can use direct light- Sunlight being the best. If you are taking pictures of things with reflective surfaces you should use indirect light. Use light through something like cloth or light diffusers.

3. Use a light box. (I have some other articles on light boxes. Just check out the tag cloud to the right for more info on that.) I found a light box on eBay for $30 and it works just fine. It is 16x16 but they come in sizes up to 48x48 (Of course the cost goes up a lot the bigger you buy) And there are instructions all over the internet on how to build a light box.

4. Read your camera's manual. I am not kidding, do it! When you are done with the manual get online and look up tutorials for your camera. Seriously folks point and shoot does not mean don't read up on how!

5. Invest in a photo editing program. The best on the market is probably Photo Shop. There are some inexpensive versions of it but it is still going to cost you some money. It is money well spent. There are also some free programs out there that will do the same things as Photo Shop. The learning curve on them is the investment. Gimp is a great program and will do everything that the more expensive ones will do.

The point is, there is no reason for your photos to look like you took them with your smart phone. The amount of money you invest into a decent camera and editing software will come back to you with your increase in sales. Yes, it takes time to get it right but it is worth getting right!

First Tuesday Review: Curious Crow Digital

I have decided that the First Tuesday of each month is going to be a review of a helpful Etsy Shop, Website or Service. To kick this series off I am going to review Curious Crow Digital, an Etsy shop that provides a very valuable service to other Etsy shop owners.

Rachel Birdsell of Curious Crow Digital is an artist and much more! Not only does she run a successful business as a digital graphic artist, she also has a very nice Vintage Shop and she creates wonderfully creepy and cute art. She is also the co-owner of The Curious Crow (That is our brick and mortar shop in Eureka Springs) She is also my wonderful girlfriend!

She specializes in Banner/Avatar sets. If you have browsed around on Etsy for any length of time you have probably seen one or two of her banners. But wait- There's more! She also sells image sets, collage sets, domino and scrabble tile images, ACEO backgrounds, Label Tags and MUCH More! 

She is doing something right with her SEO, Tags, Titles and more too because since opening in June of 2011 she has had over 1900 sales! Which, in my honest opinion, is seriously kicking butt! Have I given her advice on tags, descriptions and titles? Yes, but now she is the one I go to for advice!

Please check out her shops and share them with your friends:

Rachel Birdsell Owner

Curious Crow Digital - Digital art for Etsy users

Curious Crow Vintage - Vintage goods for everyone

Curious Crow Art - Creepy and Cute Art

The Curious Crow on Facebook

If you would like to be considered for the First Tuesday Review, please send me a link to your shop/s for review. If you are picked I will send you a list of questions to answer for the review. This is not a critique- it is for review for publication on this blog. Email to MarketMyShop@gmail.com

Will you follow me?

I am considering moving my blog to my domain at http://www.MarketMyShop.com I just want to know if you will follow me there when I have it all set up and ready to go? Of course I will be leaving this up as an archive but all new content will be on the website.

I will do everything I can to make the switch as easy and convenient for you as possible. At the moment it looks like the change over will happen on or around March 1st. anyhow, I just wanted to give you all the heads up.

I would also like to get a little info from you to help me better serve you. How do you read my blog? Is it though an email subscription? Are you using an RSS reader? Or do you actually come to the blog and read it? With over 400 subscribers and over 300 email subscribers it would be great for me to know!

Leave me a comment or send me an email to MarketMyShop@gmail.com I will keep you posted on when the move will be taking place. I really do hope you will follow me!

Shipping Cost Increases

In case you were not aware prices for shipping through the US Post Office have increased yet again. Domestic shipping has not changed all that much, but if you ship internationally you'll notice a HUGE difference in pricing.

You may want to take a look at your current prices for shipping and make adjustments accordingly. I just had to nearly double my international shipping costs because I did not raise my shipping during the last postage increase.

Speaking of postage...

Have you figured in your cost for packaging? I buy a lot of my shipping materials in bulk so that I can save every penny for me and for my customers. For example, Bubble Wrap at Walmart is $17 for 150 feet. I was able to purchase 600 feet on eBay for around $35. 4x8 bubble mailers at Walmart are 3 for $1.97 and on eBay I got 500 of them for under $50.

It is a good idea to shop around for your packing materials. And be sure you are not giving the packaging away. Add it into your shipping cost or pad it into your product price.

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them here or send me an email to: MarketMyShop@gmail.com

Increasing Sales On Etsy

I have actually written a lot about how to increase your sales on Etsy. From taking better photos to my series and eBook on Facebook Advertising for Etsy. What I have not talked enough about is checking to see what is and isn't working for you. Some things are easy to check. Here are a couple of the easier ones to check to see if they are working for you:

1. Relevant Keywords - If you see an increase in people visiting your shop and items from Search on your Stat page of Etsy, chances are your key words are working for you. Please note that Etsy only shows incoming traffic from people that used one of your tags and clicked through. There is no way to tell how many people actually saw your item on the search page.

2. More Traffic  - If some of the things you are doing are working you should see in increase in traffic to your shop and item pages. If you are doing more on Facebook you'll see Facebook on your list of traffic sites. Being in more Treasuries will increase your traffic as well and will show under the Treasure heading under Traffic Sources on Etsy. **Please note that some traffic such as Twitter and some of Facebook will show under the generic source of Direct Traffic and isn't as easy to track**

More traffic does not always equate to more immediate sales. Sometimes people will favorite in Etsy or bookmark a page for later. It isn't as easy to track if a favorite or bookmark makes a sale later unless you want to go back and check all your hearts against all of your sales. More traffic does however equate to more potential sales.

I would like to hear more from you about what you can verify has worked and what you have verified has not worked for you. Feel free to leave a comment or email me at MarketMyShop@gmail.com

Etsy Goals for 2013

What kind of goals have you set for this year? Have you, like many others, set a goal of doubling your income. Or perhaps you have set a goal of adding 100 new items to your shop. Regardless of what goal you set, you are going to need to find a way to reach that goal.

For me, I have decided to set a goal of doubling my sales from 2012. I am pretty specific in my goals as well. I don't just want to double the number of items sold, I want to double the entire income of 2012. It is a pretty lofty goal but I think goals should be high. No reason to aim low when you can aim high!

Now, I have to come up with a plan to meet my goals and it doesn't just mean doubling my stock. In all actuality I probably need to triple my stock to double my sales. It is called diminishing returns. What is diminishing returns? A yield rate that after a certain point fails to increase proportionately to additional outlays of capital or investments of time and labor. In simple terms it means that when you get to a certain point you can no longer double your profits by doubling your stock. (Okay, it means much more than that, but that will do for now.)

So, for the next few articles I would like to talk about ways other than increasing your amount of items to achieve more sales. I do not have all the answers. In fact I probably only have a handful of answers in the grand scheme of things. So, I encourage you to share what you have done that has helped increase your sales. I also encourage you to share what didn't work!

That is all I have for today. Let me know your thoughts and questions with a comment or email me at MarketMyShop@gmail.com

Craftopolis - A Friend For Etsy Users

Craftopolis is a great place for Etsy users to streamline some things that Etsy doesn't necessarily make easy for you. The very first thing you should do when you get there is put your username in the box. That will bring up a few options for you. For convenience sake I am using my shop TangledMetal.

After you enter your user name you need to import your Etsy account info. Don't worry, this api does not store anything on their system. Simply click the Import button on the left box for Etsy. The right hand box imports your Google Analytics if you wish to use the Tag Report Feature. *Please note you need to be logged into your Google account that you have your analytics on

After clicking import, you will be moved over to your Etsy account to allow access to your account. If you are not signed into your Etsy account you'll be asked to log in. After clicking Allow Access at the bottom of the page, you will be brought back to Craftopolis.

Here you will see some general information such as when you joined Etsy, number of listing you have and how many Hearts/Favorites your shop has. If you signed into your Google Analytics account you'll be able to see how your current tags and keywords are going. Edit Express is my favorite. It bring up the option to edit all of your Price, Title, Quantity and Descriptions form on page. No more opening each page individually! You can also do a global price increase by dollar or percentage with the option to round up or down!

These tools are invaluable to anyone who has more than just a few listings. With my 350 to 400 listings at any given time, it has saved me literally hours work! I hope that you will all give it a try. And just for the record, Craftopolis did not pay me in any way for an endorsement! In fact, they do not even know I am doing this write up!

Do you know of a cool time saving tool for Etsy or ArtFire? Please feel free to share with me. I would be happy to give it a try and do a review. Please send me an email to MarketMyShop@gmail.com and i will get right on it. Have questions? Comments? You can leave them here or send them to my email listed above.

Useful Etsy Tools

I love it when I find useful tools for Etsy. Craftopolis is one of the better sites I have found in recent months. It allows for one or two very easy ways to do things. My favorite Feature is the ability to edit the descriptions of every item you have on Etsy from 1 screen. Let me tell you, it really saves a ton of time.

Next week I will be doing a full review of Craftopolis so that I can give them their due. Do you use any site that has great Etsy tools? Would you care to share? Please post a comment with the website and what tools they have. I will do a review and tell everyone about it.

I hope you all have a great weekend. See you all next week!

How To Run A Sale On Etsy

From time to time I like to run a sale in my Etsy shop: http://MarketMyShop.etsy.com Etsy makes it very simple to run a sale. I just put up a 25% off coupon for my shop to show you how easy it is! Just enter code "BLOGREADERDISCOUNT" at checkout! Running a sale is a great way to get a small boost in sales overall. Here is how you create a coupon code on Etsy:

Step 1: Just mouse over your shop name in the top right hand corner of your page and select Coupon Codes.

Step 2: Click on the button that says Create Coupon.

Step 3: Create a unique coupon code. Choose either % discount or Free Shipping. Make sure the Active button is clicked and then hit Add Coupon.

Step 4: Share your coupon code on Facebook, Twitter, Email and any other ways you can think of. Some people even run an advertising campaign with their sales.

Do you run sales in your shop? If so, I would love to hear your experiences. Leave a comment or send me an email to MarketMyShop@gmail.com

Etsy Photography Tip

I had a couple of set backs last week that did not allow me to blog. Hopefully, no more set backs for this week. One of the things I did with my second shop was pay close attention to how my photos looked. Etsy recently added a feature that makes things very helpful on how people see your product initially. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Sometimes when taking photos it is better to take an overall view of the item. Some cameras do not do closeups well. (Some photographers do not take closeups well.) Etsy's Crop Photo tool really helps to change the focus of your initial image. After you get to the Preview section of the listing page, in the top righthand corner you'll see something that looks like this:

Here you just click on the adjust photo button.

That will bring up the small slider on the left. This magnifies the photo.

Then once you have it the size you like you can drag the photo around until you have it centered like you want it. Then hit the Crop button.

That is all you have to do!














Adjusting the photo only changes it in the initial view. Once someone clicks on the listing the full image will show. This works great for giving close ups of your item in your catalog view. It also makes things easier for people to see what your image is in Treasury views. For my work it is nice for people to see the details involved.

I hope that my 1/2 cup of coffee explanation was clear! I'll be back tomorrow. Until then, please leave comments and be sure to share this blog with your friends! My goal for this year is to hit 1000 blog readers by June 1st!