Nowadays, everyone complains about not having enough space at home to decorate it the way they wanted. However, there are a few solutions that could make their home modern and offer it the personality it lacks. Even though buying designer furniture may sometimes seem like an expensive choice, you would be surprised to see the excellent rates that you can find, provided that you do your research properly and wait until you find something that suits your available space perfectly. Most people think that only large decorative items can truly make an impact, when in fact the smallest things can offer a much better effect. For instance, a few shelves here and there can be just what your home needed. You can obtain a storage space or, if you want something to help you place a few decorative items, shelves can be just the thing you were looking for. The challenge is to find something that will offer your home individuality. This is why sometimes designer furniture is to be preferred, since you have much higher chances of finding something unique and of high quality.
If you are looking for something to decorate your child's room, in dedicated stores the options for children's furniture can be quite diverse too. Sometimes, a crib or a small bed full of charm can be everything that room needed to have personality and to make your child feel comfortable in his own room. Many parents have trouble convincing their children to stay in their own rooms, but when they decorate them with art pieces that can make them look appealing for a child, they will certainly not have this problem anymore. Wall stickers are the perfect example. Placed near the crib or on an empty wall, they will allow your child to dream and develop his imagination. If you do not want to buy something that everyone has in their homes and you are interested in something special, you might want to look on dedicated websites, because you will surely find something interesting. You may even find designer furniture for children in case you want to redecorate your entire home and you want to buy special items to decorate your entire apartment.
Even if your space is limited, that does not mean that you cannot allow your imagination to run wild and choose something that will make it look just the way you imagined. When you think about designer furniture, you do not necessarily have to buy large pieces to obtain the wanted effect. In addition, you can only buy one or two decorative pieces for each room that will put everything else in a better light and offer your living space the personality it needed. With this being said, whether you are looking for decorative pieces for the entire home or you are looking for children's furniture, you should be able to find something to match your taste and personality perfectly. There are many dedicated stores that offer their clients a wide variety of beautiful furniture and decorative items to choose from, allowing people to obtain the perfect interior design.
It is really great to be in a place where you can relax and be really comfortable. Whether it is your bedroom or the living room, it is always such a nice feeling to stay in a place that looks calm, beautiful and relaxing. This is why, creative interior design is very important.
And when you think about interior design, there is a popular city that always springs to mind with its spectacular infrastructure and design forward homes. You can't walk into any establishment or any home in the emirate without being floored by the interior design. These designers recently unveiled several trends making their way into interior spaces.
Most offices are starting to recognise the benefits of doing away with the corner office. Instead, expect to see more brainstorming spaces that bring teams toward better collaboration and dynamic creativity. Custom lighting, fluid layout for better movement, spacing and ambiance are all key to introducing a closer atmosphere in most offices. This has already become a trend.
Sustainability is also becoming a consistent element for interior designers. Design pieces are reclaimed or recreated, adding an entirely unique vibe to any space, from homes and offices to retail stores and hospitality establishments. By no means should this indicate throwing a piece of wood around the house or your place of business. Expert interior designers recommend going for sinuous lines, textured palettes, natural colours, and basically, using nature for inspiration. This is not only great to look at but very calming and comfortable.
Monochromes and colour blocking are out. Optical geometrics, illustrated prints, and other patterns are in. Designers are looking to meteorology and climatology for fresh, inventive, and a new generation of styles that highlight molecular and abstract forms. You'll also find contemporary design will be alluring to the eyes as well as decadent to the skin. This is design and comfort in one.
Another creative interior design idea is making use of wallpapers. Wallpapers are making a comeback. Colours, prints, and patterns on walls add eye candy to any space. Reduced deign is also a very popular one. This concept will never go out of style. So you'll still find this design idea a hot trend. Free up your interior spaces with lighter palettes and forms, and keep it pure and simple. This minimalist style is often viewed as trendy, chic and sophisticated.
Terrazzo is a composite material. It is poured in a location that is made for wall or even floor treatments. This consists of a few ingredients. They are marble, quartz, granite, cementitious chemical, and glass. Sometimes suitable chips sprinkles are added. Terrazzo artists create patios, walls, floors and panels.
Several centuries ago these floors were used by stone masons, but never used terrazzo for countertops. Only recently this material was used in countertop design. Terrazzo countertops and floors are not much different on how both are designed and made. These countertops are getting more and more popular in houses, apartments, and business buildings due to their versatile nature.
Terrazzo countertops can be beneficial to you as a homeowner. The idea of owning these types of floors was built on being "green". The idea of terrazzo countertops are now the same. When the stone masons came up with terrazzo flooring hundreds of years ago, the idea was made to recycle materials. Back then the rich would want their floors to be made from marble and also from statue and furniture pieces. Later down the road they got the idea to add goats milk to the concrete mix to give it shine. The same idea is now being used with countertops. These are one of the most environmental-friendly additions you could add to your home. This is because they are made with recycled pieces of glass and marble.
Terrazzo countertops are heat resistant. Normally when someone moves into a new home, it is very important to them that their kitchen has counters that do not maintain or conduct heat. Marble and tile have the tendency to maintain heat for a period of time. However, these countertops do not maintain any heat. The countertops do not burn, scorch, or darken when there is an extremely hot object directly on its surface.
Another good thing about these countertops is that they are resistant to scratches. All kitchens desperately need this feature. Granite and marble can be very easy to scratch, but with much more concrete and glass, terrazzo can withstand whole lot more use. Dropping cooking utensils, sliding pans or pots across the surface will not leave any scratches. On rare occasions when you do get a scratch on your countertop you can easily buff out. Most scratches buff out with a chamois.
Almost every time we cook, clean or are just in the kitchen, we spill something. Sometimes we may not see the thing we have spilled. In a short period of time it becomes a stain, but that is not the case with terrazzo countertops. As long as you seal all the countertops monthly, you can maintain their resistance to staining.
Since these counterttops are made with flecks of marble, recycled glass, cement and/ or resin, it is much less to purchase than, for example, marble countertops. Terrazzo makes a colorful, smooth and nice protective surface for you to cook on easily.
A bathroom remodeling project can easily cost $25,000. That would give you the bathroom of your dreams, but do you need to break the bank to remodel your bathroom?
By making compromises, you will be able to bring down the cost of remodeling your bathroom considerably, and a professional bathroom remodeling contractor will be able to give you some sensible advice.
Reducing the cost of a home renovation or remodeling project may seem difficult, but if you contract a home improvement service with plenty of experience, you end up with the right result.
Floor Plan
Homeowners are often tempted to change the floor plan, or the entire layout, of the bathroom. However, this is one of the costliest mistakes you can make. Changing the floor plan of a bathroom means moving pipe work and ceiling lights. This is an expensive and time consuming exercise, and should be avoided.
Instead take a look at the existing floor plan with your contractor, and see if a new shower stall or bathtub would have a positive impact. Investing in new fixtures is often a better option.
A new toilet may only cost you $125 whilst installing a new toilet and moving pipe work could cost at least $500.
Tiling
Tiling can quickly start to look dated, so when you plan your new color scheme try to go for colors that are transitional. Transitional colors for a bathroom include white, light yellow, blue and turquoise. These four colors will help to keep your bathroom looking fresh for longer, and can be easily matched with towels and mats.
Tiling can eat up a big part of the budget, using expensive tiles to accent cheaper ones, is an option and will lift the entire feel of the bathroom.
Labor
Labor will be the biggest cost of the project, and you need to make sure your estimate includes all the labor to complete the project. A bathroom project budget can easily go off the rails, and all costs should be included in the estimate.
The costs for tiling, plumbing, removal of old fixtures and installation of new ones, should clearly be broken down in the estimate. It is essential to identify the costliest part of the project before your decide to go ahead, this is when you can identify savings.
Fixtures
Focusing on investing in fixtures, will serve your family well for a long time, and include water saving devices. A low flow toilet can save you several hundreds of dollars per year, and the right faucets and shower head can cut down on utility costs.
Yes, you want your bathroom to look good but today's utility costs make it essential for us to invest in fixtures that will save us money for years to come.
Recommendations and references
Knowing that you can trust your bathroom remodeling contractor is crucial to a good working relationship. If, your contractor has been recommended to you, find out why the homeowner recommended him.
References are important, if you have no previous experience when finding a contractor in your area. Ask to speak to previous clients, and make sure they are happy.
Bathroom remodeling projects may need some special licenses. Your house remodeling contractor should be able to obtain those for you, and give warranties for his work along with proof of insurance. If work goes wrong and your contractor is not insured, you will end up picking up the tab.
Would you like to break out of your design box and try something new? Maybe it's time to experiment with an eclectic look. Here are some tips to pull off an eclectic style that works.
Why it works: When it's done great, eclectic decorating shows your confidence in your own style yet still adheres to the fundamentals of great interior design. You don't have to choose between profiles or periods; there's room for a range of all your favorites. Plus, isn't it fun to feel like you're getting away with something different?
First let's take a look at what eclectic is not. It's not a random gathering of furniture, art, and design elements with no rhyme or reason. It is a fun, imaginative grouping of unrelated style furnishings that are pulled together by scale, colour, and/or theme.
If you are tired of boring décor that looks the same, then an eclectic style may be just the thing to showcase your unique expression and personality in your home.
Here are some decorating rules to help you create an eclectic look:
PLAY - Give yourself permission to go outside of your comfort zone and see what works. Sometimes trial and error leads to brilliant discoveries.
HARMONY - Find a common element that you can carry throughout the room. Whether it's a texture, colour, or scale - you can create harmony by finding something in common to display in various pieces.
Sometimes choosing the right pillows or decorative cushions can be just what you need to make uncommon items feel related. Together art and accessories can be used to help unify the space.
COLOUR - Let your imagination soar as you expand your palette. Everything does not have to be in a one or two colour scheme. An inspiration piece can serve as a guide to couple vivid colours together for an exciting visual display.
FOCAL POINT - Pull your design together by having a focal point such as a piece of artwork or a major furniture piece that draws your eye to it when you enter the room. For example a vignette of vases at varying sizes, heights and colours can add a striking focus point to a room.
BE A MIXOLOGIST - Dare to match stripes and floral, place soft fuzzy pillows next to a rough bristly lamp shade, try luxurious silks next to worn leather. Let fabric, texture, and patterns be notes in the visual symphony you are creating.
THEME - Furniture can be pulled from various styles as you tell a visual story with a theme. Find an emotional feeling you want to evoke. Use the elements of the room to make a big statement that paint a picture.
RULE OF THREE - In design it's smart to limit the amount of varying elements to 3. Use no more than three unique colors, textures, styles.
PERSONALITY - Make the room be a direct expression of something authentic for you. Be creative and add a personal touches that make the room unique inspired design to suits you to a "t".
Vintage style home design has become increasingly popular in recent years. Your personal vintage style preferences can be easily expressed with the use of some wonderful decorative vintage touches and accessories can be used to really complete the look. Many people turn their interest to vintage style, as it offers the opportunity to be both individual and unique. This article will briefly tell you about how to apply vintage style using vintage furniture to become a vintage style superstar! So, stay tuned.
Current trends are not just about what's going on with mainstream interior design styles. Amongst some of the most popular home design styles, vintage is often considered to be the most unique as well as being timeless and everlasting. Unlike some modern styles, the vintage look is often eclectic and can work in many different types of home from the very contemporary interior with clean lines to more period homes with lots of character features.
Some of the best items of vintage furniture can be given a new lease of life by simply up-cycling or re-vamping in order to create a new look and inject some much needed love into what might have been just an old and forgotten piece. It is not only about finding an antique piece of furniture to achieve the vintage perfection, mixing old and new can also often be the right approach. You can combine your new home wares with for example some vintage industrial furniture to make your home decoration compelling and to really achieve that New York loft style look!
To get that much sought after shabby chic vintage style look, it often requires the work of re-animating old furniture, which can also be a very fun & satisfying thing to do. For instance, you may want to revive certain old items from your grand parents and add them to your bedroom. Or perhaps, you would look for that much-desired special piece of vintage bedroom furniture, such as a dramatic antique 4-poster bed or a lovely whitewashed French style dressing table purchased from an online antique store.
You may use your own creativity and design flair to create your own vintage masterpiece! Some recommended elements to help with your creation would be to personalise the piece based on your particular taste, such as adding some original vintage wallpaper to the top surface of a desk or coffee table, underneath a sheet of glass, or repainting a vintage sideboard of display cabinet with one of the adorable paint colour choices from Farrow & Ball, such as 'Elephants Breath' or 'Estate Eggshell'. Once your work of art is complete is can then be polished off by the addition of some delicate decorative accessories, such as some antique silver or perhaps an oversized vintage vase with an arrangement of vintage flowers or some delicate porcelain antique ornaments, some of which you may have collected throughout your life.
An industrial look is one of the most unique and on trend styles. A mix of vintage industrial furniture items such as a chunky wood dining table with different coloured painted hairpin legs or a pallet coffee table against a plain white wall will bring such a wow factor into your home and inject a piece of history as well as your personality at the same time. Often these items can be made by finding reclaimed materials or up-cycling older items of furniture, which gives the piece much character, and charm that is hard to find in a modern piece.
Vintage style possibilities are almost endless. You can create such a cosy home decor by simply adding some subtle touches. Vintage furniture can be used to emphasise your home decoration without costing the earth and it is also very eco friendly! Besides which, you can be satisfied knowing that you are following your own passions and style and there will be no other home that will look the same as yours.
Not any old stuff can be called vintage. There are some qualifications in order to give an item the deserving 'vintage' name. Generally speaking, those that are between 30 and 100 years old can be considered as vintage, and it should have some reference to the era in which it was made. This can be from simple art deco desk to a 1950's dining set. It all depends on your choice of focus. Anything more than 100 years old is considered Antique!
Perhaps one of the best tips when considering implementing vintage style by using vintage furniture is to keep in mind that it is often best to be consistent with your choice of style and to steer away from over cluttering. It is always a good plan to stay on track with your design, and work from a mood board or scrapbook full of your ideas and inspirations. Pinterest is a great place to start and you could set up your own folder of vintage style ideas to really get your creative juices to flow!
Bathroom designs for apartments these days just get smaller than the last time you can remember. We all dream of having a Jacuzzi or a sauna in our bathrooms but not all of us can get the best of everything. One thing that all tiny bathroom owners agree on is that there isn't enough storage and that their bathroom design is dull.
Finding enough storage to make the OCD person hidden in them very happy is often a challenge tiny apartment owners usually face. Bathroom designs that lack storage is a big turn off but there are ways around it.
While we all cannot have a Jacuzzi right now, at least we can address the problems of storage in a small bathroom design. To get you started, unleash that organizing spirit inside you. Look at every corner in your bathroom and make a list if you have to of all the items that you need to find a place for.
Small items like cotton buds, cotton balls and other small items can be organized in mason jars. You can leave the mason jars as it is or paint it a color that matches your bathroom design. You can also hang them on the wall using a long wooden board and some pipe clamps to hold the jars in the place.
Another storage trick to organize bathroom stuff and also add to your bathroom design is to use plastic or wicker baskets with labels to make finding things easier. Usually, you could put all products for hair together in one basket, dedicate another basket for skin products and so on. If you have a shared bathroom, a basket for each member of the family is also ideal.
If you're one of the fortunate people and your bathroom has a high ceiling then think vertically and make use of the tall space. A shelf above the door, perhaps, can be used to store items that should not be easily reached by children. Adding small floating shelves vertically is not only added storage but a flattering addition to your bathroom design.
Hang fabric or plastic organizers over the door for cleaning supplies or toiletries storage. If you are a renter and you cannot drill or make holes, an over the door organizer or racks are suggested. No need for nails or screws just hang it over the door. Use towel hooks instead of rods so you can hang more towels.
If your sink is just a wall-hung basin, use the space underneath to either put a low table or cabinet for storage or build a cabinet that will also hide the pipe. If you are patient and resourceful enough, you can find storage for just about everything in your bathroom. Organizing not only helps you to find things easily, you also avoid clutter in such a small bathroom. It's also a bonus part that you have somehow, with all your organizing, just upgraded your bathroom design.
If you're updating your home or kitting out a home to put on the rental market, you'll more than likely be faced with dimensional issues in at least one room of the house. Often people struggle with designing a small bathroom effectively and make the mistake of using the space badly, therefore decreasing the appeal to potential tenants or buyers. If you're redesigning your own small bathroom you could be left spending lots of money on a bathroom no one in the family is able to properly enjoy.
Here are some basic small bathroom design tips:
The Basics
You'll want to think about the basics in the room; toilet, sink and shower/ bath. You should firstly think about purchasing a toilet with a shorter rather than long projection. The sink should be small and practical and attached only to the wall rather than grounded which will create more space. If you can fit a bath in, consider how much space you will lose and if it's really the most practical option. A shower is the most space saving option and you could even consider using floor tiles and wall tiles to create a wetroom. Remember once you've chosen your basics, the second most important step - particularly in a small room - is ensuring you have comfortable access to all facilities.
Storage
As with all small spaces, storage is key to making the most of the space. Think modern, efficient and practical solutions over bulky traditional pieces. Think about what you want in there as a minimum storage facility and then look for the most efficient version of it.
Decoration
Once you have a plan for your basic design you'll want to consider how the decoration can enhance the space. The most basic tip for any room you want to look bigger is using lighter and brighter colours. Consider clean and crisp wall and floor tiles that are neutral. If you do opt for a colour or pattern consider an ombre effect to add dimension or an overall contrast of light and dark. If you decide to accessorize the space try and make sure the features match so that they enhance the area rather than promoting a feeling of mess and clutter. Try to think about practical accessories first like toilet roll holders, soap dishes and towel holders etc, then think about additional decorative features that enhance the room.
Mirroring
Mirrors always give the illusion of space, particularly if they are mirroring a light area like a surface of white wall tiles. Consider a large, plain mirror for practical use and to also contribute to the overall design.
When designing a small space it really is all about quality and selectiveness to ensure the space is well thought out and enhanced. Small bathrooms can look absolutely stunning and add to the appeal of a property, particularly if the design has made the most of the space. Remember to focus on practicalities first such as the basic sanitary ware and the wall and floor tiles so that the room is functional; consider large porcelain tiles to make the room feel bigger. Then layer the additional elements on top so you end up with a usable but beautiful, compact bathroom.
What you display and how you decorate your home, with home decor, is a reflection of your taste and style.
For many people home decorating and home decor accents are meaningless and they may not have any desire to have anything other than the basics in their home.
Many people desire to have a beautifully decorated home with nicely displayed home decor accents but don't feel they have the talent to put it all together or just don't know where to begin.
If this is where you are, this article is for you.
If this applies to you and you find that you want a decorative home and a home that is eye pleasing to you, there are a few ways to achieve a welcoming, decorative, and desirable place that will be your retreat and refuge.
Each of us is giving talents and gifts in our life and some of us don't excel in the decorating department.
And, if home decorating and putting home accents together properly is not your talent or gift don't be discouraged you just need to tap into what you have or tap into someone who has that gift.
Below are a few tips of ways you can find your creative side or find someone who can help you accomplish your desire in having a home that is tastefully decorated in home decor and home accents.
If money is available to hire a decorator this is certainly an easy and good way to acquire a great result.
Take caution that you find someone with a good reputation that is a listener to your wants and needs and who will give you a complete list of what they can and will do for you.
Get the cost in writing
Listen to your instinct when interviewing decorators.
Find a decorator with whom you can work with and trust.
If you feel confident enough to do your research and want to pull out your creative side, roll up your sleeves and do it yourself by:
· Taking a decorator class. It may sound odd, but you will actually learn and develop good principles in design. There are many basics that need to be understood in design.
· Shop in furniture stores for ideals and styles you like.
· Realize what your taste is. It could be modern/contemporary or rustic/Tuscan or country or another style.
· There are great products on the market in the field of furniture and decorative home accent pieces, such as, metal wall art. Take the time to explore products that are of good quality, that reflect quality and craftsmanship, and will add value as it is displayed in your home or outdoor living space.
· Take time to discover what it is you really like and want.
Tap into a friend who is really good with color, display and decorating. You probably know just the person who has the talent and you like his or her taste. This is a great opportunity for you to enjoy learning from and trusting that friend's creativity. Your friend will probably love to get involved in your project.
· Understand and don't expect your friend to take as much time as a paid decorator will.
· Don't ask above what your friend has time for or is able to accomplish.
· It is important to not take advantage of a friend.
· This may be an opportunity where you can exchange talents. Maybe your friend could use some of your talent for where he or she lacks in tasks. This is chance to give of yourself to your friend. Always, give more or yourself than what you expect in return in your friendship.
If any of these tips will work for you and you are willing to pursue your desires you will certainly be pleased and satisfied to have your home decorated in a way that will bring you pleasure and enjoyment for a long time to come.
Stop letting your basement go to waste! Use these Two upgrade ideas to increase your living and storage space and your home's value.
1. Finish Your Basement
This is the first step. If your basement is unfinished or gets wet and flooded, you can do nothing else to improve it without waterproofing and finishing the area.
What does finishing mean?
First, make sure that the room is waterproofed. This means to deal with drainage issues in your yard and around your foundation. If you have water problems, you may need the outer walls waterproofed and braced. A vapor barrier might be put on the inside of your basement walls, but, this only works if the outside has been waterproofed.
After this, you want to have a good floor put in (or simply condition your cement floor and have that waterproofed as well. You can keep your cement or block walls and paint them with cement paint. Or, you can have drywall and studs put in. But, only do this if the area has been waterproofed! Otherwise, you run the risk of water damage and dangerous mold growth.
2. Add Rooms
Once your basement is finished and waterproofed, you can now add rooms to it. If you want to simply keep the area as a storage space, some simple shelving is good. But, if you want to turn it into a living area, adding rooms like:
- A second kitchen
- Bar
- Entertainment room
- Living room
- Bedrooms (make sure they are ventilated and have an egress window for safety)
- Bathrooms
- Workout rooms or home gyms
- Home office
- Meditation rooms
- Play room for the kids
- Play room for your dogs, cats and other pets
The possibilities are pretty unlimited. Any room you can have in your main home you can add to your basement.
If you want, you can even turn those new rooms into an apartment. This is a good source of passive income for many home owners as it is easy to find college students or young people looking for a private, yet fairly cheap, place to live. Some studies show that you can get up to 60% of your mortgage cost in monthly rent if you use your basement as an apartment.
Obviously, you need to have an outside entrance (Bilco doors or any kind of sturdy outside door), steps and egress windows. The egress windows are necessary, by law, in most communities. They provide a safe escape route in case of fire or other emergency.
Offering utility, comfort and style, a rug can serve a multitude of purposes. From defining a space or enhancing the existing design aesthetic, to providing warmth underfoot or adding a nonslip surface to an entryway, rugs skillfully tread the tight rope between function and fashion.
The Purpose of Rugs
Adding practical and aesthetic value to a space, a rug's purpose is wholly dependent on the use of the space and is predominantly two-fold. Primarily rugs serve to anchor the furnishings that fill a space and denote the parameters of the space itself, creating differentiation between the dining and living areas for example. Additionally, a rug can also enhance the decor of a room, adding visual intrigue, unifying the colour scheme and perhaps warming or softening hard surfaces such as hardwood or tiled flooring. Furthermore, rugs have the ability to absorb sound, providing the benefit of noise reduction within rooms that have hard flooring. Ranging in size, shape, colour, pattern, theme and style, rugs are multipurpose pieces that can add value to any and every room of the home.
How to Choose the Perfect Rug
When choosing or designing a rug, ensure that your lifestyle remains front of mind. Consider the piece in the context of the particular room that the rug is intended for. Ask yourself, do I want the rug to be a feature or centre piece of the room, or simply add a textural element or a much-needed finishing touch? Take into consideration your style, the rug's placement and it's practicality in terms of maintenance. Keep in mind that whilst high-pile rugs are a luxurious addition to living spaces, spaces that endure frequent foot traffic call for a low-pile or flat-weave rug that minimises the look of wear and tear and are more practical in terms of upkeep.
Custom Rug Design
A large portion of projects we complete have a custom-made rug incorporated into the interior design scheme. Designed by our design team, all elements of each and every rug are artfully selected to create customised pieces that are truly unique and give the home a point of difference. With thousands of colours, pile heights and styles to choose from, the possibilities are endless when commissioning a custom-made rug. The rugs that our team have designed range in size and are made using either New Zealand wool, art silk or a combination of both materials.
Whilst the visual appeal is deemed just as important as how it feels underfoot, practicality and proportion are the defining principles of a rug. Finding the perfect rug is no easy feat! So, if you are struggling to find a suitable rug for your space, then perhaps a custom-rug is just the answer.
Custom Rugs by John Croft Design
Aligned with the vibrant design aesthetic that has become synonymous with the business, our customised rugs are always bursting with colour and pattern that both anchor and supplement the hues that permeate the chosen design scheme. From reimagined childhood artwork to pieces with cultural significance, the custom-made rugs that the team at John Croft Design construct are works of art in their own right.
Handmade articles made out from recycled materials have always been a part of home decor since ancient times. Interior decoration has become a part and parcel of every household that adds to the beauty and aesthetic value of each and every house. With a little effort and a creative touch, your house could become one of the most pleasant abode that gives you a relaxed feel once you reach home from the hardships of the day.
Why is home decor important?
Decorating your house adds value to your house and comfort of your family. Interior decoration reflects your lifestyle and a house with impressive interiors is sure to catch the envy of your neighbors. A carefully planned house decor can exalt your house's infrastructure and can help you cover its defects. A house with extravagant space lacking a good interior decoration will not stand before a little house that has the best placement of crafts adding to its beauty.
Is it costly?
Many people restrain from interior decoration because of the false notion that home decor comes at a heavy price. But the truth tells a different story. While there are some quite expensive ways which require you to spend some extra shillings to achieve a quality decor from pro designers, interior decoration is not always a costly affair. Many innovative ideas for home decor using crafts made of recycled materials have proved to be both cheap and worthy.
Recycled crafts
So what are the things that you can recycle? They can be anything from a broken bulb to an old dressing table. All you need is a little bit of creative thinking to make those dusty old tins and clothes to become prized possessions on your shelves and walls. One of the most exciting parts of recycling old objects into crafts is that there is no limit as to how you can use them. It all depends upon your imagination and creativity. If you are lost on where to start, try with the following examples.
• Make pillow covers and cushion bags of various sizes and colors from your old t-shirts and sweaters.
• Make tiny hanging gardens with broken bulbs and little ferns. Your old boots can become planters that can be placed by your windows.
• Greeting cards and birthday cards are remnants of beautiful memories and they should not remain locked in your cupboard. Make place mats out of our old birthday cards and photos.
• Turn your old wine bottles into beautiful lamps and vintage arts.
• Never throw away your old CDs. You can transform old CDs to anything from door hangers to coasters for cups and candle holders. You can make beautiful wall decorations and wind chimes with CDs.
• Transform your old wallpapers to artistic murals onto your walls.
• Your old newspapers can become showcase items by a little magic of origami.
There are limitless possibilities of recycling unused items into articles of art. You can get numerous ideas on home decor both online and via magazines and television. Junk art has been getting more and more popular and the next time you decide to throw something away, do think twice about how it can be recycled as a decorative item.
We have all heard about the latest in lighting technology, LED lighting, haven't we? However, apart from its basic purpose of lighting a premise, LED lights can also be used for decoration adding the much needed tint of glamour to the existing ambience. Don't get us wrong, we are not talking about the heavy duty LED bulbs, instead you should consider the LED lighting when decoration is your priority. Simple yet stylish, LED lighting can work wonders when it comes to spicing up the décor of commercial as well as residential premises. You can use them to highlight a specific object, create a more mesmerizing ambience and do a lot more. Additionally, the LED lights come with a self-adhesive strip making them extremely easy to install and therefore adding to the convenience of the user.
Here are four reasons why LED lighting is the perfect accessory to spice up the décor of any premise:
Creates a pleasing ambience
With the LED tubes, you can add just the right amount of illumination to the room without being too loud about it. Also, the subtle this kind of light hardly creates any shadows giving you the effect of warm lighting sans the glare. You can use it on the ceiling, bars, baseboards and other areas.
Your room looks bigger
You may find it hard to believe but this kind of lighting is the most effective way to make the room look bigger as well as better. The indirect lighting effect of LED bulb works well when it comes to creating a visual impression of the room being bigger than the actual size.
Its energy efficient
When you talk about spicing up the décor of a premise, most of the options come with a big price tag, don't they? However, LED lighting is a relatively affordable option. After all, it makes your room look beautiful, lights up the area and still consumes less energy. In simple terms, even when you are using LED tubes to decorate areas, your power consumption bill will not be drilling a hole in your pocket.
Adjustable lighting effects!
There are several LED lighting that come with the adjustable light feature. Due to this ability, you can create multiple effects using the same light. Amazing, isn't it? This feature also adds to the cost effectiveness of this kind of light. Using the different effects is also easy since most models come with a remote control that enables you to control the lighting at the mere click of a button.
The decision to remodel and finish your basement is a great one if you want to increase your home's living space. And, if you do it right, you can also boost your home's value.
The problem with most remodels is that people simply do not know what they want, or, choose materials that are not fit for a basement.
For example, choosing wood or wood laminate floors is a really bad idea. Even if your basement is waterproofed, humidity in the area can cause the floor to warp and become damaged.
Or, using any kind of wood or drywall in a basement that is not waterproofed. Water and moisture can destroy your furniture and walls. And, cause unhealthy mold growth.
However, if you choose the right materials and the right additions to your remodeled basement, you will have a clean, dry area to live in... one that also adds value to your house.
Check out these 5 ideas:
1. Add a Living Room
This is such a great way to increase your home's living space. By adding a living room or a room like it, you can now have another area to watch TV, movies, entertain friends and family, or just to simply relax.
Because it will be a living area, this will really increase home value.
2. Add a Kitchen
This is a bigger investment, but if you have a small home, a small kitchen or multiple people all vying for the use of the same kitchen, adding a new one in the basement is huge.
3. Add Bathrooms
More bathrooms = higher selling price. No matter the neighborhood, having multiple bathrooms is a must today.
Again, if you have a big family or multiple people using the same bathrooms, adding one or more in the cellar is a great way to cut down on wait times, especially in those high traffic morning periods.
4. Add a Home Gym
This one is more for your health than your wallet. If your home is already pretty nice and is in a good neighborhood, having a home gym will help sell it. Whether is actually increase value is debatable.
But, you will save time on your commute to the gym and money in gym memberships. Plus, if you have children, this is a great way to get your exercise in without having to leave them.
5. Add a Livable Apartment
This is a big investment up front, but, if you are looking to take on a renter to help with the bills, it will pay for itself in no time... and will put money in your pocket. Adding bathrooms, a kitchen, bedrooms, living rooms and an outside entrance are key. In most areas, you can charge up to 70% of your mortgage cost for this new space!
The bathroom should be a place where you can easily relax and unwind. After all, what is more relaxing than a warm bath?
The way your bathroom is designed can have a huge effect on how easy is it to chill out.
But with these few tips, you can create a relaxing and functional bathroom for you and your family.
Install underfloor heating
Whether you have a tile, laminate or hardwood floor in your bathroom, the floor can get cold - especially if you are stepping out of the bath or shower.
To combat this, you should install underfloor heating. This will keep the floor pleasantly warm, and can even be used as the only heat source in the room - freeing up space that would have used by a radiator or other heater.
Underfloor heating can be easily controlled, so you can switch it on to come on while you are in the bath. When you get out, the floor will be warm - so you won't have to step onto a cold floor.
Get a heated towel rail
A heated towel rail is a real luxury that will add to the comfort of your bathroom.
It can be used to dry damp towels, as well as keeping fresh towels warm, ideal if you need to dry yourself after a cold and rainy day.
What's more, the heated towel rail can act as a heat source for the rest of the room. If you have a small bathroom, the heat given off by the towel rail may be enough to warm if, removing the need for radiators or other heat sources.
Choose a large bath
There are few things more relaxing than lying back in the bath, letting the water soothe your muscles after a hard day. However, if you have a cramped bath, this may not offer the relaxing haven you want.
When you are choosing your bathroom furniture, you should make space for a generous bathtub. This will allow you to stretch out fully and relax while you soak.
Use neutral colours
The colour scheme can also help you relax. To create a relaxing bathroom, you should plan to use soothing, neutral colours.
Not only will these help you relax, but lighter colours will also reflect light, making your bathroom appear bigger than it is. That is a great help, particularly if you have a small bathroom and space is at a premium.
However, even if you have a small bathroom, it can become very relaxing by following these hints.
Different Types of Armchairs
The different styles of feature armchairs vary greatly, and thus must be chosen carefully in order to effectively accentuate and enrich the interior of your home and ensure that they serve the desired purpose. Those boasting clean lines, sharp corners and crisp metal features suitably enhance a more modern interior design scheme, whilst armchairs that are punctuated by elegant, soft lines, rounded corners and earthy finishes have a tendency to complement traditional decors. Here are just a few of the armchair styles that you can choose from.
Wingback Armchairs
Deemed the original accent chair, wingback chairs have long held pride of place in the living room. Evoking sophistication and refinement, high backs, arm rests and winged sides are characteristic of a wingback chair.
Slipper Armchairs
The armless slipper chair is a versatile piece that can be incorporated into a range of spaces, particularly bedrooms and smaller living spaces. Positioned lower to the ground and boasting a supportive, high back, armless slipper chairs can provide a room with comfortable elegance without taking up too much space.
Chaise Lounge Armchairs
The enduring style of a chaise lounge dates back to Ancient Egypt, and is still to this day chosen to deliver fashionable comfort for those who are more leisurely inclined. Fusing the traditional elements of a chair with a footstool, the chaise lounge is essentially an elongated chair that can be used to recline.
Chair & A Half Armchairs
Perfect for those who desire a loveseat, but lack the space for one, a chair and a half is, as it's name suggests, an armchair with a little more room to move. A chair and a half can add comfort and style to your living space, and provide a suitable chair in which to snuggle up with your loved ones or enjoy in solitude.
The Purpose of Feature Armchairs
Providing more than just additional seating, feature armchairs are versatile in their application and the purposes that they serve. When used in isolation, they can accentuate an interior design scheme, inject a burst of colour and/or add another textural element to a room, whereas when used collectively, feature armchairs can unite to create a functional, yet decorative furniture arrangement. Placed within your home office, bedroom or living room for example, feature armchairs can be utilised to complete an existing seating area. Alternatively, you can create a separate space entirely by positioning a plush armchair in a low-traffic area, such as next to a window, accompanied by a small table and lamp, to create a cosy reading nook. Whether it is championed as the focal point of a room or supplements the furnishings that sit alongside it, a feature armchair or two can add visual interest, through it's colour scheme, texture and shape.
How to Choose the Perfect Feature Armchair
When selecting feature armchairs for your home, look to your existing interior design scheme and furnishings, and ensure that comfort and functionality remain at the forefront. Consider the space available and choose armchairs that are in proportion with the size of the room. This will ensure that the armchairs don't distort the configuration of the room and allow people to navigate the surrounding space comfortably. For example, armless slipper chairs are suitable for rooms with limited space, whereas an oversized chair and a half will fit effortlessly in a more sizable living area.
The feel, depth, width and height are key considerations that must be made when shopping for a feature armchair. The chair should be soft to the touch yet still provide the necessary support and be a suitable depth to accommodate the length of your legs. Additionally, the width of the seat and the height of the back and arms are also crucial for luxurious lounging. It is worth noting that feature armchairs don't have to match the couch in the living room, but should complement and accentuate the partnering furnishings and chosen colour scheme to achieve an even balance. If you're struggling to find the perfect armchair or can't bring yourself to part with a treasured piece, reupholstering an existing armchair is also a great way to breathe new life into a room.
Be it modern or traditional in style, create a cosy corner or supplement your existing furnishings with a feature armchair or two that accentuates the style of your home and serves as the perfect place to relax in plush comfort.
How John Croft Design Uses Feature Armchairs
Feature armchairs feature quite heavily in the interior design schemes of many of our projects. Regarded as quite important pieces by the design team, they play an integral role in pulling a design scheme together. Quite often we select couches in more neutral colour schemes and then accent these with armchairs in vibrant prints that inject a burst of colour. With the style and comfort deemed paramount, the feature chairs that we tend to gravitate towards are those with a unique point of difference to create visual interest and a hint of the unexpected.
Recent technology enhancements have seen the addition of a new type of bedding on store shelves and in e-commerce stores. The new type of bedding is made from bamboo.
There are approximately 1,500 different types of bamboo growing around the world, but one type of bamboo is the type used in the creation of fabrics, including bed sheets. That is Moso bamboo. Moso bamboo grows to approximately 75 feet tall and is grown in temperate climates around the world, including the United States.
Many of us have wondered about this new widespread use of bamboo when we had heard that the Giant Pandas were threatened due to the decimation of their bamboo forest. Pandas do not eat Moso bamboo. They require a type of bamboo where the leaves are within five feet of the forest floor.
Moso bamboo takes about five years to start to grow and then grows quickly and is ready for harvesting in the five years after it starts to grow. The Moso bamboo puts out sprouts ever year. While these sprouts can ensure the permanence of the Moso bamboo forest, the bamboo shoots are a source of food for a number of the critters residing in the forest. Bamboo farmers need to work hard to protect these tiny shoots in order to ensure that Moso bamboo continues to be a viable source of bamboo.
Bamboo fabric is produced from the pulp of the leaves and the inner part of the trunk of the Moso bamboo. There are currently two processes used to pull the fiber from the bamboo plant. The first and most commonly used process includes cooking the bamboo in lye. The cellulose that remains in then put through bleaching processes that produce the fiber known as bamboo rayon. The second process is a mechanical one in which machines is utilized to break down the leaves and inner trunk. Natural enzymes are then used to further break down the pulp into a mush. It is then possible to extricate the rayon bamboo fibers that are used in weaving the products.
Bamboo bedding is being touted as an incredibly green product that is good for the environment. As with many things, the truth lies towards the middle. Bamboo has a natural resistance to microbes. What is not yet clear is how that resistance survives the process currently used to manufacture bamboo fabrics. Bamboo can be grown without the use of pesticides, but some places do use pesticides. Bamboo can be grown without the use of irrigation, and does use far less water than cotton. The lye process that is most commonly used is likely to pose health challenges to those individuals who work in the manufacture of the product. It is also true that this field is in its infancy and there are likely to be significant improvements to the production of bedding made from bamboo.
What is undisputed about bamboo bedding is that it is silky soft and drapes very comfortably over your body as you settle in for the night.
While bamboo is being marketed as a "green" luxury bedding, it is clear that there is some room for growth. While I personally have not experienced bamboo bedding one of nephews has and he will not part from it, or even share it for a night!
There is something chic about a townhouse; it is a special habitat consisting of two to three storeys with shared walls. In the biggest cities, these homes are priced heftily since they are much-coveted. The typical townhouse is roomier than most apartments so you can concoct a lot of design possibilities. Townhouse design can either be modern or traditional. It can also be Asian-inspired or Mexican-themed, it's really up to you.
The Artistic Living Room
One of the townhouse interior design trends that have been captivating people is the use of striking furnishings, an abundance of distinctive details, and lots of wall art. Wall art can create a great first impression, hence, providing the social impact that you want.
Apart from your beautiful wall art, it also pays to use fascinating vases (they can be metallic, faceted or the ones used on mantels).
To emphasize the beauty of art in your home, you must treat each design piece as a work of art. Take time to hunt for the most interesting stuff in the market from chairs with striking prints to colorful, ceramic figurines.
The Minimalist Kitchen
From the living room, it's now time to design your kitchen. A contemporary townhouse trend that homeowners have been raving about is the minimalist design. It is basic, quite plain if you might think of it in that manner, but it is also original, practical and stylish.
The minimal furnishings offer more space that can be utilized for other purposes. After all, who would want to cook inside a cluttered kitchen? Just have your staple countertop and some minimal décor (copper pots and pans that have been hung) and you're good.
Do not go into bold décor if you want a minimalist kitchen. Just be content with that gleaming kitchen island, that beautiful tile backsplash and your wooden storage cabinets. What matters is that the furnishings in this room are all functional while not appearing boring at the same time.
The Fanciful Dining Room
As the food is cooked, it is now time to bring it to your townhouse dining room. This is one room where you can have fun with your designs. Make good use of statement lighting as well as other special features. See how the wall panels will be able to create a geometric look. Find globular pendant lights that can offer that dreamy, fairytale effect.
As for the sleek townhouse dining room, it is also important to use a powerful tone for the statement lighting. Have a collection of vases combined with other dining room details and you'll create a space that is modern yet not to sterile.
The Luxurious Bedroom
The townhouse bedroom can have plush details like an upholstered headboard and a pair of bedside vignettes. Think of some more strategic designs which will make the bedroom more romantic and lavish.
Gold is a color that you might want to look into if you want to evoke luxury inside this room. If this color is too flashy, then find a more relaxing color such as blue, lavender or green. Contemporary townhouse owners have also experimented with colors that are more unusual such as white and dark taupe. This is quite prevalent among masculine owners.
A table and a reading chair in a corner can also add to the comforts of this room.
The Rejuvenating Bathroom
Imagine having a spa-like bathroom in your townhouse - this can be a refreshing place where you can spend your hours of relaxation. Find mirrored accessories that you can add in this part of your home. Invest in streamlined countertops, making certain that the shower with a glass door remains as the focal point.
From inception to completion, there are several key stages involved in the process of designing a workplace area. A professional interior designer uses his expertise and experience to systematically follow all the key stages to complete the project on time and within budget. Below are the typical stages to be followed whilst working on any interior designing project:
1) Programming:
During this stage, the client brief is gathered, including his requirements, budget and time frame for the project. After understanding the clients brief, the spatial requirements of different office facilities, including workstation, reception, cafeteria, conference room and other spaces are analysed. The designer needs to consider various factors, including the number of occupants in the space, overall purpose of the space and also the requirements of furnishing, fixtures, lighting and HVAC for each area. Whilst needing to design a workplace that meets clients' expectations and functional aspects of the space, the interior designer conducts robust research, surveys and frequent site visits.
2) Concept Development:
In this stage, the ideas are laid out in the form of sketches. The concept in mind is illustrated with the help of basic site plans, simple elevations, rough sections and floor-plans. Whilst formulating the concept, building codes and zoning requirements are also addressed. The sketches also include dimensions to get an approximate cost estimation of the project. This phase is subjected to iterations as the design should meet the client's vision as well as spatial requirements of the workplace. After frequent meetings with client and revisions, a design is finalised.
3) Design Development:
The schematic design that is finalised in the concept development stage is further developed in this stage. The floor plans, sections and elevations are developed with accurate dimensions. More importantly, additional details, including location of windows and doors, colour, material, finishes selection, furniture, etc are also included in the design. The final design is then presented to the client and his approval is taken.
4) Construction Documentation:
In this stage, the approved design is further detailed and translated in the technical language of the contractor. It is a pre-requisite document set that consists of all the design details with appropriate specifications that are vital in executing any interior design project. Whilst preparing construction documentation, the coordination of different disciplines, including, mechanical, electrical, structural, architectural, lighting, etc are constantly checked for collision. The construction documents inclusive of all drawings and specifications are approved by the client and the construction cost is estimated. Many interior design companies that are on forefront of adapting latest technologies use BIM to create accurate construction document sets. More the accuracy of the construction documentation sets, lesser are the chances of errors and faster is the project completed on time and within budget. Once the construction documentation is finalised, bids are invited, contractor is finalised, purchase order is issued and project is started.
5) Construction:
On the basis of construction documents, the construction of the workplace starts. Whilst the construction goes on, the interior designer needs to visit the site for constant supervision. He needs to moderate that the construction taking place on the site is in compliance with the design intent in the construction document set. Under his supervision, the project is completed.
Backed by industry experience, technical expertise and skills of their team, a professional office interior design services provider is perfectly placed to handle your office interior design requirements. Whether you are looking for office refurbishment or renovation, they can assist you in all phases of interior designing.
Most people have several mirrors in their home. They are standard fixtures that serve a valuable purpose in many rooms, especially the bathroom. They are a common feature in bedrooms either as part of a dresser or free standing and in many other rooms as decorative pieces. As you think about redesigning rooms in your home, consider the different types available:
Door Style
Most mirrors are sized so that they capture your image from the waist or chest up. A style that mounts on the door is usually long and narrow in size, so that you can get a full body image. These types come in a range of prices, and can be very inexpensive. Because it will likely be hidden behind a door, you can choose a simple design with or without a frame. The most important features are its fit on your door and color coordinating the frame with the door on which it's hung. Make sure the mounting is appropriate for your door material.
Decorative
Much like a picture, decorative mirrors may occasionally be used to check your image, but are most often placed for aesthetic purposes. You have a wide variety of style options, including:
- Shapes: Round, oval, rectangle, square
- Frames: Metal in a shiny or glazed finish, all kinds of wood, plastic, and even many with no frame
- Finishes: Embossing, etching or special designs in the frame
Dresser
Most bedroom dressers come with the option of a detachable mirror that complements the furniture design and finish. This is a great addition to your bedroom and can usually capture most of your body image. This type allows you to save space since it is a part of existing furniture, and it will likely also save you money over purchasing a separate piece. If you decide not to use it, they are easily detachable.
Floor
Floor mirrors are a nice option for the bedroom with or without the presence of a dresser style. This model gives you a better view of your full reflection and is a nice addition to your bedroom furniture suite. It tends to add warmth and charm to a room, as they are available in a wide variety of wood finishes and styles.
No matter which room in your home needs them, you can make this process as cheap or expensive as you would like. Take time to research your options so you choose the right ones for practical purposes as well as your home's interior style.
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