Whether you need some extra cash, want to explore a new field, or desire more time at home with family, these top ten side hustles help you to meet your goals in a new way. With a little help from AI, I’ll go down the list of top-paying roles that you might not realize exist. As an ambitious entrepreneur, influencer, and mom, I find these positions exciting as they are opportunities to explore where your unique talents can make you an extra buck. Let’s get started.

1. Freelance Software Development

The highest-paying side hustles tend to require more than one online course. Skilled professionals in software development can make anywhere from $60 to $150 per hour. This profession demands some serious coding education and background. According to Forbes, the top coding “bootcamps” in 2025 include: Bloom Institute of Technology Full-Stack Web Development; American Graphics Institute Web Development Certificate; 4Geeks Academy Full-Stack Developer; Nucamp Back-End, SQL and DevOps Developer With Python; Coding Temple Software Engineering Bootcamp; Noble Desktop Front End Web Development; and the General Assembly Software Engineering Bootcamp. It might sound a little intimidating, but according to one report, 83% of bootcamp graduates found employment in a job that used the skills they learned in a bootcamp.

2. Consulting in Business, Marketing, or Finance

This side hustle is perfect for those with vetted knowledge in business, marketing, or finance, and for professionals ready to create their own schedule. Your level of experience will dictate how much you can make, but statistics show that it can be anywhere from $75 to $200 an hour. Corporate experience is a must. Define your niche and keep learning every chance you get. Build analytical and soft skills, and ensure your website is easy to navigate, thorough, and reflects both your personality and expertise. It’s not enough to be an authority in your industry; to find clients, you must find ways to demonstrate that authority to the world. Focus on networking through social media and in-person events, and watch as your wealth of knowledge helps companies to grow.

3. Copywriting/Direct Response Writing

Yes, in the age of ChatGPT, human writers are more important than ever. It is difficult for most to sit down and write a manual or book, let alone an email. The authentic written word is seeing a surge in e-commerce and beyond. Writers can make $50 to $150 an hour by doing something increasingly uncommon: Writing as a human for other humans. The best place to begin, if you have the natural talent, is by creating a profile on freelance sites such as Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. Be ready for a sharp learning curve while you slowly build your clientele.

4. Online Tutoring

SAT, GRE, MCAT, coding, math, you name it–if you have a strong background in any of the subjects that young people and adults need to get ahead in life, you can begin to tutor online. The entire spectrum of education has changed in recent years, and online schooling is common and preferred by many. You can expect to make $50 to $120 an hour helping others’ educational dreams come true. What is more exciting than sharing what you know with curious minds? One-on-one coaching can be life-changing for others–and also helps with your electric bill.

5. Video Editing and Motion Graphics

There are now 69 million creators on YouTube. While these creators’ passion may be sharing, their downfall is editing their content. Great video editing and motion graphics are crucial for influencers who want the next viral video. It’s also fun to be a part of a creative vision and use your talent to help make a YouTube or TikTok star. A skilled editor can make $50 to $100 an hour. There are several courses online that can teach you content creation and video editing, but if you have your vision set on a career, film school is the best way to get the skills you need to turn a side hustle into a lifestyle.

6. UX/UI Design Freelance Work

I’m not going to lie, I had no idea what this was. Here’s AI’s definition: “UX, or User Experience, focuses on the overall journey and feeling a user has with a product, emphasizing research, planning, and testing to ensure it's logical and enjoyable. UI, or User Interface, is the visual and interactive part of that experience—the screens, buttons, icons, and layout a user directly interacts with.” Well…the long story short is that you can make $60 to $120 an hour. There are multiple bootcamps online to get you started in this side hustle, but if you’re already familiar with Figma, Adobe, XD, etc., then skip the bootcamps and start making some extra cash with the genius your momma gave ya.

7. Virtual Assistant

Our friendly AI told us that the end of this list contains “mid-paying” positions. That doesn’t make them any less important! A virtual assistant is responsible for calendar management, emails, and the general loose ends of someone’s busy schedule. A skilled and organized candidate can receive $25 to $50 an hour in this role. I’m not saying that your life will turn into “Two Weeks Notice” or “The Proposal,” but be prepared to be highly involved in another person’s fast-paced existence. This job will usually have you working for business owners, CEOs, and top-level creators. You’re in for an adventure.

8. Social Media Management

Social media management includes: “The strategic process of planning, creating, publishing, and analyzing content to maintain and optimize a brand's online presence across social media platforms.” If you can successfully achieve this, you’re a smart cookie. For $20 to $50 an hour, you’ll experience the ins and outs of helping small businesses, content creators, and other creatives manage their output and see how it’s landing. This requires a broad skillset combined with practical experience in monitoring social media metrics. When your vision aligns with someone else’s, their brand comes to life (and then you can splurge at a restaurant).

9. Selling Online Products

Although this one is referred to as “passive” income, there’s nothing passive about it. Some of the real heroes on this earth sell stuff on Etsy. Have you seen what beautiful human creativity can be found there? This category also includes self-publishing, selling original music, and any creative venture under the sun. This side hustle is incredible because not only does it allow you to pursue your artistic passions, but it also lets you learn the ropes of becoming an entrepreneur while making cash off your creative drive.

10. Real Estate Photography/Drone Footage

I appreciate that AI suggested this side hustle, but I want to take it a step further. Real estate photography can earn you $50 to $200 per job, but you may also want to consider wedding, event, and family photography. If you’re a budding artist, feel free to get your feet wet in these high-demand fields.

With all of these top side hustles, let your passion guide you. Work at your local grocery store as you pay the bills and pursue your talent at painting. Do what you need to do while you study coding, singing, crafting, or cooking. Turn that long-time interest into a side hustle. Get a bit more cash flow. Then watch as your passion becomes your career.

By Richard D. Harroch and Dominique A. Harroch

In a world filled with culinary indulgences and temptations, This list sets forth the unhealthiest foods, analyzing their calorie, carbohydrate, and fat content, as well as the reasons they are considered detrimental to your health. While an occasional indulgence in these items can be part of life’s pleasures, understanding their impacts can help guide us to healthier choices.

We noted that many of these items are served at carnivals, fairs, and sporting events, so it’s a good idea to prepare yourself in advance if you know you’ll be tempted in one of these settings.

We used research assistance from ChatGPT to curate this list of the top 10 unhealthiest foods, and we also explain their nutritional makeup and why they’re flagged as poor dietary options. As always, consult your medical professionals for your unique dietary needs and limitations.

1. Deep-Fried Oreos

• Calories (per serving of 5): 890
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Fat: 51g
• Why It’s Unhealthy: Deep-fried Oreos combine high-calorie cookies with the additional fat and calories from frying batter. This treat is essentially sugar and fat layered together, providing minimal nutritional benefit while significantly raising risks for obesity and heart disease when consumed regularly.
• Other Details: Popular at fairs and carnivals, these are often paired with sugary toppings like powdered sugar or syrups. Their deep-fried preparation means they likely contain trans fats, which are linked to higher cholesterol levels.

2. Loaded Nachos

• Calories (per large serving): 1,250
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Fat: 79g
• Why It’s Unhealthy: A plate of loaded nachos often contains layers of chips, melted cheese, sour cream, and processed meats like bacon or chili. While tasty, they’re high in saturated fats, sodium, and calories, making them a calorie bomb with limited nutritional value.
• Other Details: Sodium levels can exceed daily recommended limits in one serving. Frequent consumption is linked to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular risks.

3. Cheesecake

• Calories (per slice): 860
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Fat: 58g
• Why It’s Unhealthy: Cheesecake is a dessert loaded with cream cheese, sugar, and butter, making it high in both saturated fat and sugar. The rich, creamy texture comes at a cost: a single slice can take up nearly half of the recommended daily calorie intake for some individuals.
• Other Details: Its high sugar content contributes to weight gain and blood sugar spikes. It is often topped with syrups or candies, which add even more calories.

4. Fried Chicken

• Calories (per piece, thigh): 420
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fat: 26g
• Why It’s Unhealthy: Fried chicken, a comfort food staple, is cooked in oil and coated in batter, absorbing significant amounts of unhealthy fats. The deep-frying process also means it contains trans fats, which contribute to heart disease and inflammation.
• Other Details: Often paired with high-calorie sides like fries or biscuits. The high sodium content increases risk for hypertension and kidney issues.

5. Milkshakes

• Calories (per 16 oz): 720
• Carbohydrates: 84g
• Fat: 32g
• Why It’s Unhealthy: Milkshakes combine ice cream, whole milk, and sugary syrups into a calorie-dense beverage. Many fast-food milkshakes also include whipped cream and candy toppings, adding to their sugar and fat content.
• Other Details: Can contain up to 90g of added sugar, far exceeding daily limits. Consuming liquid calories often leads to overeating later in the day.

6. Pizza with Extra Cheese and Meat Toppings

• Calories (per slice, 14-inch pizza): 450
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fat: 21g
• Why It’s Unhealthy: Pizza is a classic indulgence, but when loaded with extra cheese and processed meats like pepperoni and sausage, its saturated fat and sodium levels skyrocket. Multiple slices can quickly lead to consuming more than a day’s worth of calories, fat, and salt.
• Other Details: Processed meat toppings have been linked to higher risks of heart disease and cancer. High sodium levels increase the risk of water retention and high blood pressure.

7. Donuts

• Calories (per donut): 300
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 17g
• Why It’s Unhealthy: Donuts are deep-fried pastries coated in sugar or filled with high-sugar creams and jellies. Their high fat and sugar content make them a poor choice for regular consumption, as they lead to rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes.
• Other Details: Often consumed with coffee, which adds more sugar if the coffee drink is sweetened. Lack of fiber or protein makes them less filling and more likely to contribute to overeating.

8. Ice Cream Sundaes

• Calories (per 1-cup serving with toppings): 650
• Carbohydrates: 67g
• Fat: 35g
• Why It’s Unhealthy: Ice cream sundaes are rich in sugar and saturated fat, with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and candy further increasing calorie counts. They provide little to no vitamins or minerals, making them an empty-calorie dessert.
• Other Details: Frequent consumption can lead to insulin resistance and weight gain among other health-related issues. High dairy fat content may increase cholesterol levels.

9. French Fries (This one makes us particularly sad)

• Calories (per medium serving): 365
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 17g
• Why It’s Unhealthy: French fries are high in unhealthy fats due to deep frying and are often loaded with salt. While made from potatoes, the frying process strips them of most nutrients, leaving behind a calorie-dense, low-nutrient snack.
• Other Details: Contains acrylamide, a compound formed during frying, which may increase cancer risk. French fries are often consumed in large portions, further inflating calorie intake.

10. Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

• Calories (per serving): 650
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 48g
• Why It’s Unhealthy: Combining processed meats like hot dogs (which can be very unhealthy by themselves) and bacon doubles the intake of saturated fats and sodium. This dish is particularly high in preservatives and nitrates, which have been linked to increased cancer risk.
• Other Details: Popular at barbecues and street food vendors, often paired with high-calorie toppings. It can contribute to clogged arteries and increased cholesterol levels.

Conclusion on the Unhealthiest Foods

This list highlights some of the most indulgent and unhealthiest foods consumed globally, though they are consumed most frequently in the United States. While these items may be enjoyed occasionally depending on your personal health status, their high calorie, fat, and carbohydrate content, combined with low nutritional value, makes them less than ideal for regular consumption.

By understanding the nutritional profile and risks associated with these foods, individuals can make more informed decisions about their diets. Moderation, balance, and awareness are key to enjoying such treats without compromising health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical concerns or symptoms.

Related Articles:

• The Top 10 Movies of All Time According to AI
• The Top 10 Tech Breakthroughs of All Time According to AI
• Valuations and Funding Rounds Continue to Soar for AI Companies

About the Authors

Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and AllBusiness.com. Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn.

Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at AllBusiness.com. She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies. Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.

Copyright (c) by Richard D. Harroch. All Rights Reserved.

Although we think a lot about a photo's subject and its sharpness, what's happening elsewhere in the photo is critical to its success.

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One of the most overlooked decisions on a commercial photo set is what everyone sees on the monitor.

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I still can’t believe it: 15 years of being addicted to capturing the night sky. Did you know this addiction all started with my first bear encounter?

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This painting was something I made last summer. I have quite a collection of saved project ideas and inspiration, and one of them was a field of round flowers. I had recently invested in a dehydrator, so I though, why not? I had saved the container (crate, box, ?) that a neon sign came in... Go To project

The post Field of Lime Flowers appeared first on Crafts by Amanda.

Photographer Matt Suess was halfway through a 45-minute star trail exposure in Joshua Tree when he noticed a hazy band stretched across the sky. He had grown up in New England, where light pollution hid the Milky Way, so he didn’t know what he was looking at. He pointed his camera at it. It was Suess’s first time seeing the Milky Way, but the photos came back soft. Decades of night shooting later, understanding why is the kind of lesson only experience can teach.

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In uncertain, often overwhelming times, I’ve found solace in my houseplants. There’s a joy in tending to them—the ritual of watering, the slow unfurl of a new leaf, and the way a room softens in their presence. Over time, my home has filled with them.

But somewhere along the way, I realized: more plants didn’t necessarily mean a more beautiful space. Too many, placed without intention, and suddenly a living room starts to feel less like a sanctuary and more like a roadside nursery. What I was craving wasn’t more greenery—it was a sense of cohesion. A way to make my plants feel like part of the design, not an afterthought.

So I set out to understand how designers actually style plants at home. What I found, through conversations with San Francisco-based Little Trees owner Kathy Ho and Lindsay Pangborn, formerly a gardening expert at Bloomscape, is that the difference comes down to perspective. Plants aren’t just décor—they’re a design layer. And when you start to think about them that way, everything shifts: where you place them, how you group them, and how they shape the feeling of a room.

How to Design With Plants (By Thinking Like a Designer)

When you start to see plants as a design element—not just something to care for—the way you use them begins to change. It’s easy to slip into collecting mode. You find a plant you love, then another, then another—and before long, they’re scattered throughout your home with little thought for how they relate to one another.

Designers approach plants differently. Instead of asking Where can I fit this? they ask, What does this room need?

That shift—from accumulation to intention—creates a space that feels considered.

“Plants should complement your space and your lifestyle, not compete with it,” Pangborn says. In practice, that means thinking about plants the same way you would any other design element: in terms of scale, balance, and placement.

A single, well-placed plant can anchor a corner. A small grouping can create a focal point on a surface. Even negative space—what you choose not to fill—plays a role in how your plants are experienced.

1. Create Visual Moments (Not Plant Clutter)

Once you start thinking like a designer, the next step is editing—then arranging with intention. Instead of dispersing plants evenly throughout a room, focus on creating a few defined moments. Designers often group plants in twos or threes, treating them less like standalone objects and more like part of a vignette. The result feels grounded and cohesive, rather than scattered.

“Grouping plants can make a space feel more calm and considered,” says Ho. “It also makes care easier when plants with similar needs are placed together.”

Think of a cluster on a coffee table, a styled corner of a console, or a small trio anchoring a shelf. What matters isn’t the number of plants—it’s how they relate to one another and to the space around them.

Just as important: what you leave out. Giving each grouping room to breathe allows the eye to land, rather than constantly move.

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2. Use Height and Movement to Shape the Room

One of the simplest ways to elevate your plant styling is to think vertically. When every plant sits at the same level—lined up on a windowsill or clustered at eye height—the effect can feel flat. Designers, instead, use plants to create movement throughout a space, guiding the eye up, down, and across the room.

Trailing plants are especially effective here. Placed on a high shelf, bookshelf, or cabinet, they soften hard lines and draw the eye upward as they grow. Hanging planters offer a similar effect, making use of often-overlooked ceiling space while adding a sense of lightness.

“Using vertical space is key, especially in smaller homes,” Pangborn notes. “It allows you to incorporate more greenery without sacrificing surface area.”

The goal isn’t to fill every level, but to create a sense of rhythm—something that feels layered and lived-in, rather than static. A taller plant on the floor, a cluster at mid-level, and something trailing above can be enough to shift the entire energy of a room.

3. Let Plants Fill the Space—Not Overwhelm It

One of the most common mistakes when decorating with plants is treating every empty spot as an opportunity to add one. But designers tend to approach it the opposite way. Instead of filling space, they use plants to resolve it.

That might look like placing a taller plant in an empty corner to soften a hard edge, or using a single, sculptural plant to anchor a blank wall. On the floor, especially, plants can create a sense of weight and presence—grounding the room in a way smaller accents can’t.

“Larger plants can make an immediate impact,” Pangborn says. “They help define a space and can bring balance to areas that feel unfinished.”

Just as important is what surrounds them. Giving a plant enough space—away from furniture, walls, or artwork—allows it to stand on its own without competing for attention.

A room doesn’t feel lush when every inch is filled. It feels lush when there’s contrast—between fullness and openness, presence and pause.

4. Balance Scale, Shape, and Texture

If you’re drawn to a home filled with plants, the key is to create contrast. A room full of greenery can feel rich and layered, but only when there’s variation. When every plant is similar in size, shape, or tone, the effect flattens. What designers do instead is mix elements deliberately: pairing something tall with something low, something structured with something soft, something bold with something more delicate.

“Combining plants with different leaf shapes and sizes keeps a space visually interesting,” Pangborn says. “It creates depth rather than repetition.”

Think of a broad-leaf plant set against something more airy, or a sculptural silhouette next to a trailing vine. These contrasts give the eye somewhere to move and a reason to linger.

The effect is what people often describe as a “lush” space, but what it really comes down to is composition. Not more plants, but better balance.

Design for Real Life, Not Just Aesthetics

Even the most beautifully styled plants should support the way you actually live in your space. It’s easy to get caught up in how something looks—especially when it comes to plants, which can instantly transform a room. But if they’re difficult to care for, constantly in the way, or require more attention than you can realistically give, that sense of ease starts to disappear.

“Plants should complement your space and your lifestyle,” Pangborn notes. “They should never feel like a burden.”

That might mean grouping plants with similar care needs so your routine feels intuitive. Or choosing fewer, more impactful pieces that you can tend to consistently. It might even mean moving things around as your space (or your energy) shifts.

When you start to see plants as part of your home’s design, the entire approach softens. You edit more. You place with intention, and you let the space breathe.

In turn, your home begins to feel the way you wanted it to all along: lush, yes—but also calm, cohesive, and entirely your own.

This post was last updated on April 17, 2026, to include new insights.

The post Why Your Plants Make Your Home Feel Cluttered (and How to Fix It) appeared first on Camille Styles.

When we decide whether a photo is good or not, we apply subconsciously a set of principles that make the image appealing. Understanding those helps us better grasp why some photos work better than others.

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Buying fireworks can feel stressful when the season is near. Prices go up fast, popular items sell out, and you are often left choosing from what is still available instead of what you actually want. Many buyers also worry about safety rules, storage, and whether they are getting real value for their money. These problems make it harder to plan a good show, especially if you wait until the last minute.

Some buyers avoid this pressure by shopping early. Retailers like Chicago Fireworks offer a wide selection throughout the year, which gives customers more time to plan and compare options. This raises a simple question. Is buying fireworks during the off-season really worth it, or does it create new problems?

What Off-Season Fireworks Buying Really Means

Off-season buying refers to purchasing fireworks months before major holidays like the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve. This often happens in late summer, fall, or early spring when demand is lower.

During this period, stores are less crowded, inventory is more stable, and pricing is usually not affected by holiday demand. Buyers are not rushed, which leads to better decisions. Instead of reacting to limited stock, you can build a planned selection that fits your space, budget, and show goals.

Price Advantages And Hidden Savings

One of the biggest reasons people buy early is price. Fireworks prices are heavily influenced by demand. As holidays get closer, costs increase due to higher traffic and limited stock.

Off-season buying often allows you to:

• Lock in lower prices before seasonal markups
• Take advantage of promotions or clearance items
• Avoid premium pricing on high-demand products

There is also a hidden saving factor. When you are not rushed, you are less likely to overspend on items you do not need. Many last-minute buyers purchase extra products just to complete their show. Early buyers tend to stick to a plan, which helps control the total cost.

Better Product Availability And Selection Control

Another key benefit is product availability. During peak season, popular items like 500g cakes, assortments, and specialty effects sell out quickly.

Buying off-season gives you:

• Access to the full inventory before it becomes limited
• More time to compare similar products
• A better chance of getting specific effects you want

This is especially important if you are planning a themed show or trying to match colors and timing. Waiting too long often forces you to compromise, which affects the overall experience.

Storage Responsibility And Safety Considerations

Buying early comes with one important responsibility. You need to store fireworks safely for a longer period of time.

Safe storage includes:

• Keeping fireworks in a cool, dry place
• Avoiding direct sunlight or heat exposure
• Storing them away from flammable materials
• Keeping them out of reach of children

Fireworks are designed to be stable, but poor storage conditions can affect performance. Moisture can damage fuses, while heat can weaken the structure of certain items. If you are not prepared to store fireworks properly, off-season buying may not be the best option.

Planning A More Structured Fireworks Show

One advantage that is often overlooked is better show planning. When you buy early, you have time to organize your fireworks instead of using them randomly.

This allows you to:

• Arrange fireworks by duration and effect
• Plan the sequence of your show
• Balance loud and quiet moments
• Match products to your available space

A well-planned show feels smoother and more engaging. Even with a smaller budget, proper timing and variety can create a stronger impact than a larger but unplanned setup.

Avoiding Last-Minute Supply Chain Issues

Fireworks are imported products, and supply chains can change. Delays, shipping costs, and regulations can affect what is available during peak season.

Off-season buying reduces the risk of:

• Missing out due to delayed shipments
• Paying higher prices due to limited stock
• Settling for lower-quality alternatives

By purchasing early, you are working with what is already in stock instead of relying on incoming inventory that may or may not arrive on time.

When Off-Season Buying May Not Be Ideal

Despite the benefits, off-season buying is not always the right choice for everyone.

It may not work well if:

• You do not have a safe storage space
• You are unsure about your event plans
• Local laws or usage dates might change
• You prefer to see new product releases closer to the season

Some buyers like to wait for new arrivals or updated product lines. While early buying offers stability, it may limit access to newer items released closer to major holidays.

How To Maximize Value When Buying Early

If you decide to buy fireworks during the off-season, a few simple steps can help you get the most value.

Start with a clear plan. Know your budget, your space, and the type of show you want to create. This helps you avoid unnecessary purchases.

Focus on core items first. Cakes, assortments, and fountains often form the base of most shows. Once these are secured, you can add specialty items later if needed.

Check product details carefully. Look at duration, effect type, and performance level. This helps you build a balanced lineup instead of repeating similar effects.

Store everything properly. Use sealed containers if needed and keep products in a stable environment. Good storage protects your investment and ensures reliable performance.

Buy Early, Plan Better, And Stay In Control

Off-season fireworks buying can be a smart choice if you plan ahead and handle storage properly. It gives you lower prices, better selection, and more control over your show without the pressure of peak-season crowds.

For buyers who want reliable options year-round, Chicago Fireworks offers a wide range of products beyond the busy season. Shopping early helps you avoid last-minute stress and gives you time to plan your display with more care.

Buying ahead also lets you organize your setup, prepare safe storage, and make better decisions about what works for your space. With more time and fewer limits, you can build a smoother and more enjoyable fireworks experience.

The post Off-Season Fireworks Buying: Is It Worth It? appeared first on Social Lifestyle Magazine.

If your bedroom feels cramped, cluttered, or smaller than it should, the solution usually isn’t more space—it’s a few smarter design decisions. The way your furniture is arranged, how your eye moves through the room, and even the scale of your lighting can make a noticeable difference in how spacious it feels.

We’re all drawn to those impossibly charming spaces: the Paris apartment, the cozy but perfectly arranged bedroom, and the ones that feel light-filled and effortless even when they’re not especially big. The fact that they work has nothing to do with square footage. Instead, it’s because everything inside them feels considered.

That’s the shift: creating a bedroom that feels bigger is about how the space functions—and how it makes you feel when you’re in it. The easiest solve? Remove what’s getting in the way.

Small Shifts That Make Your Bedroom Feel Bigger—Fast

Sure, it’s subtle, but in practice, it’s what changes everything. If your bedroom feels smaller than it should, a few thoughtful shifts can change how the entire space reads—fast. Start here:

1. Leave at least one area intentionally open. A room feels bigger when not every corner is trying to do something.

2. Remove one piece of furniture you don’t actually need. If it’s not essential, it’s taking up visual space.

3. Choose fewer, better-proportioned pieces. Oversized furniture closes a room in faster than you think.

4. Keep surfaces intentionally clear. Not empty—just free of anything that doesn’t need to be there.

5. Use lighting that gives the room breathing room. Think slimmer lamps, sconces, or anything that doesn’t crowd the surface it sits on.

6. Draw the eye upward. Artwork, vertical lines, or even higher curtain placement can subtly expand the space.

7. Let your bed have space on at least one side. Even a small gap can make the layout feel more open.

8. Stick to a more tonal color palette. When colors flow, the eye moves more easily—and the room feels larger.

9. Use mirrors to reflect light, not just fill a wall. Placement matters more than size.

10. Keep sightlines clear from the doorway inward. What you see first shapes how spacious the room feels.

These shifts might feel small, but they’re the same principles designers use to make a space feel considered, balanced, and more expansive. To take it a step further, I asked designers how they approach small bedrooms. Take out your notepad (and prepare your Pinterest board). These small bedroom design tips are gold.

9 Designer-Approved Ways to Make a Bedroom Feel Bigger

1. Start With Less Than You Think You Need

The fastest way to make a small bedroom feel bigger is to remove what isn’t essential.

It sounds obvious, but it’s where most spaces go wrong—trying to fit in one more chair, one more surface, one more piece that doesn’t quite have a role. As designer Katie Raffetto puts it, “less is more,” especially in a bedroom.

If it’s not helping you sleep, store, or soften the space, it’s likely adding visual noise.

Strip the room back to what you actually use—a bed, a place to set things down, lighting that works—and let everything else be intentional.

A bedroom feels bigger the moment it stops trying to be anything other than a bedroom.

2. Rethink the Scale of Your Furniture

In a small bedroom, the issue isn’t always how much you have—it’s how much space your furniture takes up.

A queen bed might feel like the default, but if it leaves you with barely any room to move, it’s working against the space. The same goes for bulky nightstands, oversized dressers, or anything that sits heavy in the room. Even creating space on just one side of the bed can make the entire layout feel more open.

Designer Cameron Johnson refers to this as “space engineering”—making decisions that create room around your furniture, not just filling the room with it. Sometimes that means choosing a smaller bed, a narrower nightstand, or a piece that can serve more than one function.

3. Use Color to Your Advantage (Not Just for Aesthetics)

Color doesn’t just change how a room looks—it changes how it feels. In smaller bedrooms, there’s often a tendency to default to all white in hopes of making the space feel bigger. But according to Raffetto, leaning into deeper, more saturated tones can actually create the opposite effect—in a good way. “Dark colors allow you to lean into the coziness,” she says, turning the room into something that feels intentional rather than constrained.

The key is consistency. When your palette feels cohesive—whether it’s light and tonal or rich and layered—the eye moves more fluidly through the space. And that sense of visual continuity can make a room feel larger, not smaller. A room feels bigger when your eye isn’t constantly stopping to process contrast.

4. Keep Your Sightlines Clear

What you see first when you walk into your bedroom sets the tone for how the entire space feels. If your line of sight is blocked—by bulky furniture, clutter, or awkward layout—the room immediately reads as smaller. But when that path is open, even a compact space can feel noticeably more expansive.

Designers often think about this as creating a clear visual entry point. The less your eye has to work to understand the space, the bigger it feels.

5. Draw the Eye Upward

One of the simplest ways to make a bedroom feel bigger is to change where the eye goes. When everything sits at the same level—low furniture, low art placement, nothing pulling your gaze upward—the room can start to feel compressed. Designers counter this by using vertical space to create a sense of expansion.

That might look like hanging artwork slightly higher than expected, extending the visual height of your headboard, or mounting curtains closer to the ceiling to elongate the walls. As Johnson notes, even something as simple as placing art above the bed can help “extend the headboard” and shift how the room is perceived.

It’s a subtle trick, but it works: when your eye travels up, the room opens with it.

6. Use Mirrors With Intention

Mirrors are often recommended for small spaces—but how you use them matters more than simply having one.

Placed thoughtfully, a mirror can reflect natural light, extend a sightline, or create the illusion of depth. Placed randomly, it just becomes another object on the wall. Again, you’re not filling the space for the sake of it. The goal is to amplify what’s already working.

7. Choose Pieces That Do More Than One Thing

In a smaller bedroom, every piece should earn its place. When square footage is limited, adding more furniture isn’t the answer—choosing smarter furniture is. Pieces that can serve multiple functions allow you to get what you need from the space without visually crowding it.

Raffetto suggests something as simple as placing a dresser next to the bed so it doubles as a nightstand. Johnson echoes this approach, pointing to bed frames with built-in storage as a way to eliminate the need for additional pieces.

Cozey

Ara Bed

From $975 at Cozey

Casa Zuma x Woven

Sol Coffee Table

$795 at Casa Zuma

Quince

Solid Wood and Natural Rattan 1-Door Nightstand

$400 at Quince

8. Be Intentional With Lighting

Lighting has a bigger impact on how spacious a room feels than most people realize. Oversized lamps and bulky fixtures can take over a surface, making everything around them feel tighter. Raffetto recommends choosing streamlined lighting—slimmer lamps or wall-mounted sconces—that give your furniture room to breathe.

It’s also about placement. When light is distributed thoughtfully, it softens the edges of the room and reduces visual clutter. When it’s not, even a well-designed space can start to feel crowded.

Casa Zuma x Woven

Kasbah Rattan Tall Pendant

$245 at Casa Zuma

Casa Zuma x Woven

Lanai Table Lamp

$395 at Casa Zuma

9. Design for a Room That Feels Resolved

Editing a room down is only half the equation. The other half is knowing when it feels complete.

A space can be minimal and still feel unfinished. The difference comes down to how the elements work together. When a room feels resolved, your eye isn’t jumping from object to object or looking for what’s missing—it can settle.

Designers create this sense of closure through a few intentional choices: curtains that frame the room, a rug that grounds the bed, and a mirror that reflects light into the space. Not more pieces—just the right ones, placed with purpose.

The One Thing That Makes a Bedroom Feel Smaller

Most bedrooms don’t feel small because of their size. They feel small because too many things are competing for attention. When every surface is filled, every corner is doing something, and every piece of furniture is slightly too big or slightly out of place, the room starts to feel visually crowded—even if there’s technically enough space.

Designers think about this differently. It’s about centering in on what the room doesn’t need. Because the moment your eye has space to move—to land, to rest—the entire room opens up.

This post was last updated on April 8, 2026, to include new insights.

The post 9 Designer Tricks That Instantly Make a Bedroom Feel Bigger appeared first on Camille Styles.

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