Macon Magazine Shivani Vyas Macon Magazine Shivani Vyas

Preparing Your Home for Holiday Entertaining

With the holidays fast approaching, preparing for cozy family movie nights, impromptu guests, and heaps of delicious treats can be exciting yet a bit overwhelming. But fear not! With a few simple design hacks, you can create a warm, inviting home, no matter your space or whether you're a homeowner or renter. Ahead, discover five easy tips for elevating your home effortlessly while embracing the holiday spirit!

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Better Homes & Gardens Shivani Vyas Better Homes & Gardens Shivani Vyas

7 Flooring Trend Predictions for 2025

Choosing the right flooring is essential, as it impacts your home's beauty, durability, and long-term value. Selecting the wrong material can result in expensive corrections. To help you make an informed choice that suits your design, lifestyle, and space, flooring experts have shared their insights on what to expect in 2025. Classic options like wood floors and herringbone patterns remain popular, while some unexpected choices are also emerging. Whether you're planning to update your floors soon or simply gathering ideas, these expert tips offer valuable guidance.

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SOUTHERN LIVING Shivani Vyas SOUTHERN LIVING Shivani Vyas

10 Essential Tabletop Accessories Every Southern Host Needs

Creating a thoughtful table setting sets the mood for a welcoming and enjoyable gathering. Small, meaningful details invite conversation and make guests feel valued. Shivani Vyas, designer and owner of Studio Vyas in Macon, Georgia, believes that a Southern host creates an atmosphere of warmth and beauty through their tablescapes. Whether you're just starting your collection or refining your style, these essential tabletop accessories will help you create a comfortable and inviting space.

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SOUTHERN LIVING Shivani Vyas SOUTHERN LIVING Shivani Vyas

4 Design Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Home's Resale Value

Unless youโ€™re already settled in your forever home, youโ€™re probably approaching your next renovation with resale value in mind. After all, pink tile in the kitchen could be fun, but what will potential buyers think in a few years? Alternatively, you may be fine trading your bathroomโ€™s old porcelain countertop in for a new laminate one, but others might consider this a missed opportunity to invest in something longer-lasting.

Whether youโ€™re at the very beginning of the design process or nearing the end of the planning stage, itโ€™s worth checking out these design mistakes that experts say can damage your resale value.

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SOUTHERN LIVING Shivani Vyas SOUTHERN LIVING Shivani Vyas

We Asked 3 Designers What They Prioritize First When Decorating A Homeโ€”They All Had A Different Answer

When it comes to decorating a home, every designer has a unique approach to creating a space that feels complete and inviting. We spoke with three seasoned interior designers, each with their own philosophy on what should come first in a design project. From setting the right foundation with color and textures to curating furniture that reflects personality, discover how their varied priorities shape their signature styles and why every choice matters in bringing a space to life.

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Better Homes & Gardens Shivani Vyas Better Homes & Gardens Shivani Vyas

7 Important Space Heater Safety Tips to Follow This Winter

Stay warm this winter with peace of mind! Space heaters can be a great way to heat up a room, but safety is essential. In this post, an expert shares the key precautions you need to know to use them safely and avoid potential hazards. From proper placement to essential maintenance tips, get all the advice you need to keep your home cozy and secure this season.

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Better Homes & Gardens Shivani Vyas Better Homes & Gardens Shivani Vyas

Do You Really need to Clean Your Airducts?

Wondering if annual air duct cleaning is truly essential or just a tactic to get you to spend more? This article breaks down the facts on air duct maintenance, shedding light on when duct cleaning is genuinely beneficial and when it might be overkill. Learn the signs that your ducts need attention, the benefits of clean air ducts for your home and health, and how often professionals recommend servicing them for optimal air quality. Make informed decisions about your homeโ€™s air quality without falling for unnecessary upsells.

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MARTHA STEWART Shivani Vyas MARTHA STEWART Shivani Vyas

16 Beige Paint Colors That Never Go out of Style, According to Interior Designers

f the word "beige" immediately brings to mind dated '90s living rooms and overstuffed upholstery, then think again. This warm neutral can give a room character and depth, and has a decidedly more welcoming look than any plain old white. That's why designers are bringing it back to the forefront, using it in kitchens, bedrooms, and dining rooms alike.

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Better Homes & Gardens Shivani Vyas Better Homes & Gardens Shivani Vyas

7 Shower Curtain Hacks That Will Instantly Make Your Bathroom Look High-End

Is the Shower Curtain a Design Staple of the Past? Explore the evolving landscape of bathroom design as frameless glass doors take center stage, offering a sleek, durable alternative to traditional shower curtains. Despite this trend, shower curtains still have a place in modern bathroomsโ€”especially for those seeking affordability and ease of installation. They provide a refreshing opportunity for style changes without the need for major renovations. Discover how to elevate your shower curtain choice with simple design tips that create a luxurious ambiance in any bathroom, big or small. Embrace the vintage charm and cozy feel of shower curtains while ensuring your space remains chic and inviting.

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Consumer Reports Shivani Vyas Consumer Reports Shivani Vyas

How to Build Your Own Basic Toolkit

Moving out on your own, whether itโ€™s into your first apartment or a dorm room, is an exciting time filled with new experiences and responsibilities. I remember my first off-campus apartment during my junior year of college. My roommate and I bought a used sofa that needed a lot of work.

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USA Today Shivani Vyas USA Today Shivani Vyas

How Much Do Plantation Shutters Cost?

The starting cost for plantation shutters ranges between $10 and $25 per square foot, according to experts from window treatment providers we interviewed. Plantation shutters are versatile, working with many home styles, and offer numerous benefits.

โ€œBeyond their aesthetic value, plantation shutters provide insulation and help regulate indoor temperatures, making them both functional and beautiful,โ€ said Craig Young, vice president of Roof Doctors in California.

However, plantation shutters are pricier than typical window treatments, such as blinds.

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Forbes Shivani Vyas Forbes Shivani Vyas

The 13 Best Futons That Balance Comfort, Style And Support

Modern futons are no longer the uncomfortable, unsightly sofa beds from your college years. The best futons are well constructed, with contemporary designs that fit seamlessly into any living space. Our pick for the best futon overall is the Jannick Full Futon Sleeper from West Elm, a gorgeous Scandinavian-inspired sofa that folds down into a full-sized bed. Apt2Bโ€™s Haden Urban Sofa Bed is our choice for the most comfortable futon: It features a versatile armless silhouette, high-density foam cushioning and sleeps two people.

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