Is it time for your baby to leave the nest and explore the great halls of higher education? While your teen is probably super excited to spread their wings, going off to college can sometimes be a tough transition. Today we're going to look at some dorm room essentials as well as creature comforts to help your student create a home-away-from-home.

First things first. Every dorm room MUST have comfortable (and cute) bedding!  This alternative down comforter set is super soft and comes in seven color combinations! Remember to get bedding and sheets in the Twin XL size.

Dorms (and roommates) can often be noisy, so throw in some ear plugs and a sleep mask to make rest a little more easy. 

Add a little flair and extra coziness with this playful, soft throw blanket, and don't forget to throw in some accent pillows for good measure.

Next, let's talk storage. You can never have enough storage! Most dorm beds are adjustable so that you can fit just about any size storage containers underneath. We like these fabric bins with handles and lids to keep thing neat and tidy and at arm's length. They're perfect for housing clothing, bath linens, mementos, or extra supplies.
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​Keep shoes tidy with a hanging organizer inside the closet, and add another rack like this one on the back of the door to store extra odds and ends. Don't forget to add a makeup tray for beauty essentials and a hamper for all that laundry! 
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While college is a lot of fun, there's a lot of work going on too! Your student needs a comfortable, well-lit spot to study. Most dorm rooms provide a desk; you'll just need to provide the lighting and organization! This light is the most amazing multi-tasker! Not only does it have a built-in desk organizer, but it also features a USB port, perfect for charging devices while hitting the books!
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​Not everyone likes to study at a desk, so consider adding a comfy chair like this swivel papasan for those late-night cram sessions or for vegging out after!

Now comes the really fun part: decor. Cover up that standard vinyl tile with a rug like this one that really pops and shows off your teen's style.

Cover the wall with framed favorite posters and a bulletin board for important notes and cherished photos. Add softness to the room with a wall tapestry or even fairy lights. Don't forget to include a full length mirror; this one even has jewelry storage!

Top everything off with your photo on your child's nightstand, and they're all ready for college life!

With school back in session, you might be going through the hassle of getting your kids back on their school schedule. Getting your kids ready to go to school in the morning and then later to do their homework can be a challenge. Today we’re going to offer some ideas on how to make a multipurpose space that your kids (hopefully!) will want to study in.
 
Not every home has the space for a whole room to be devoted to a homework space, but regardless of the size, you can create a welcoming study area. A study space should be quiet for focus, colorful for inspiration, and organized to reduce distraction and be efficient. Start with the color scheme; color sets the mood for a room. Some color options that inspire focus and keep attention are bright shades like greens, blues, and yellows, especially when they’re mixed with a stark contrast and clean lines. You can add bright color to the space using an accent wall or pieces like shelves and accessories.
 
A proper study area isn’t complete without a desk or work table, and the options are practically limitless, no matter what size space you have. A desk with cubby shelves is perfect for easy-to-reach organization and can be customized with paint and decorative baskets or bins for supply and book storage. Another option is a table with comfy chairs or multiple seating options for study group friends. You may also want to add a push pin board or even a cork wall for papers, posters, and charts. Hanging a dry erase board in front of the desk area is perfect for notes and helps to keep the space free of scrap paper. Another option we love for brainstorming and creativity is a chalk-board wall. Whatever size space you’re working with, organization like this will keep your space functional and inviting.

​As for flooring, make sure you have something comfortable and easy to care for. Vinyl planks, laminate, or WPC resists scratches from desk chairs and other furniture and are very easily maintained. Low-pile carpet, carpet tiles, or a fun and functional rug allow for a comfortable space to stretch out on the floor for “brain breaks.”
 
​Spaces like this are fun to put together and can make a big difference in  your kids’ study habits. Whether you have a whole room or a small niche, consider carving out a study space to help foster your kids’ creativity and concentration. So many areas in the home can easily be repurposed and made more useful with a little imagination, organization, and TLC. 

If you’re preparing to welcome home a “bundle of joy,” you have a lot to consider regarding baby clothes, supplies, nursery furnishings, etc. A lot of thought is put into safety and practicality, and nursery flooring should be no exception. Today we’ll look at how to choose a stylish, safe, and comfortable flooring that can grow with your child.
 
Usually, the first question regarding nursery flooring is whether to have a hard or soft surface. If you prefer hard surface flooring, a waterproof WPC plank like our All South Flooring Gulf Coast line is an excellent choice over hardwood. It comes in several stylish wood looks with textures and details that give it all the beauty of real wood but with the industry’s best durability, waterproofing, and stain protection. WPC is also softer than real wood and extremely easy to keep clean (a must with children).
 
Let’s say you already have hardwood in the space you’ve selected for your nursery. For added style, warmth, and softness and to protect it from stains and scratches, simply add a colorful rug. There are a few ways to add a rug to your nursery. If you’re going for maximum coverage, make sure the legs of the furniture are at least a few inches on the rug. If your rug is smaller and is merely an accent, it can sit independently of the furniture. Or, if you’re settling on a focal point like a crib, recliner, or play area, place your rug so that it highlights that space.
 
Rather than rugs and hard surfaces, many people prefer the warmth and softness of carpet in bedrooms and nurseries. However, there is always a concern about keeping carpets clean and stain free, which can be hard to do with young ones. Enter Mohawk SmartStrand Forever Clean carpet. SmartStrand carpet is soft and durable with built-in stain and soil protection. The Nanoloc spill technology and soil shield makes for quick cleanup and 0% moisture absorption. This carpet has it all, the comfort of carpet with the easy clean up of hard surface flooring.
 
Another great flooring choice for nurseries is Mohawk’s latest innovation: Air.o Unified Soft Flooring. It’s more than just a carpet. This 100% recyclable flooring is made with inherent stain and soil protection in its fibers that don’t absorb moisture, thus preventing the growth of allergens and microbes. It releases dust and dirt easily when vacuumed and contains no harmful latex or VOC’s. Another huge plus is that it’s hypoallergenic and odor free. Air.o is also constructed with an integrated pad, eliminating the need for a separate carpet pad. This cuts down on installation time, which is great if baby is arriving soon!
 
When you add a baby to the family, your life and your home go through some changes. Nurseries should be safe, functional and beautiful. WPC, SmartStrand carpet, and Air.o USF are excellent flooring options that are perfect for the needs of your nursery and can grow with your child.