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Ok, let’s spill some tea right at the beginning – Valentine’s Day is definitely not everyone’s favorite holiday. However, those who do love it – love it to the extent of making everyone else around them very much aware that they do. But, jokes aside, this fun little lover’s holiday gives all of us the perfect excuse to romanticize a bit and embellish our homes with some pops of color and other little décor items reminiscent of spring that’s ahead of us.

Now, while hearts, roses and XOXOs can be seen wherever you turn during this time of year, that doesn’t mean that those are the only symbols allowed to be used in Valentine’s Day décor. Au contraire! There are so many beautiful ways you can decorate your home for this holiday, you wouldn’t even believe. Let’s check out some of them.

Décor doesn’t have to be over the top

Newsflash: You don’t have to go crazy with the décor! Actually, more subtle décor pieces will make a bigger impact and look way more stylish and modern. So, instead of painting your entire home in pinks and reds and hanging little Cupids and hearts on your chandelier, consider putting up a single piece of wall art with a romantic theme, or adding just a couple of heart-shaped throw pillows and a soft throw blanket to your sofa.

Pro tip: instead of going for the already-seen red and pink heart-shaped pillows, try to get ones in Live Coral (new Pantone color of the year) and express your style and taste to the max.

Décor doesn’t have to be IN your home

Contrary to popular belief, you really don’t need to limit your Valentine’s Day décor to your home’s interior. If you’re in love and you want the whole world to know, you can romanticize your patio or gazebo! Simply hang some light, sheer curtains, add some fairy lights to create a magical atmosphere, a warm and comfortable blanket is also a must, as well as a couple of tea lights. A nice little vase with some freshly picked flowers is also a detail you can’t go wrong with, and maybe even a nice heart-shaped wicker wreath embellished with some (preferably) fake flowers.

Floral arrangement

In the “Great Gray beast February” we could all use as much spring as we can get our hands on. And what screams “spring” louder than anything else? Flowers, of course. Therefore, put together nice little flower arrangements and scatter them throughout your home to boost the romance (and your mood) and skyrocket love in the air. However, make sure you avoid expensive roses (that have, at this point become a cliché) and go for something out of the ordinary, such as field flowers mixed with Chrysanthemum or place some Hydrangea bloom in a simple, clear round bowl for the maximum touch of romance.

Limit your décor to the bedroom

To really make this holiday extra special, limit your decorating efforts to the master bedroom. Invest some money into luxurious, romantic bedding (again, you can opt for Live Coral for that extra oomph) and a big, warm duvet cover with some romantic floral print. Additionally, get some scented candles to set the mood and even place some fresh flowers in vases on the nightstands. Finally, here as well, you can use fairy lights for some extra magic or even light dimmers if that’s more your thing.

So, as you can see, whether you’re in love or not, you can give your home some pizzazz with these modern Valentine’s Day décor to lift the overall mood and welcome spring with open arms.

Interior Décor

Fall Bedroom Ideas for a Cozy Autumn Refresh

November 9, 2018

The most wonderful time of the year is finally here! Fall has finally arrived and brought us those beautiful colors of changing leaves, misty mornings and cloudy skies some of us have been waiting for since, well, last fall. Of course, this is the perfect time for some light seasonal decorating as well. While the majority of people restrict their decorating efforts to only the most occupied areas of their homes, such as the front door, hallway, the living room and the kitchen, there really is no need to stop there if fall is your favorite season as well.
Instead, you can also welcome some of that cozy and relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom. Create a perfect sanctuary that will lull you to sleep in time. Here are a few useful tips.

Embrace the colors

The fall palette is one of the best things about fall. Warm muted hues, such as rusty orange, oatmeal, chestnut and mustard yellow can instantly evoke a feeling of coziness and elevate your room decor to new heights. By implementing these colors in your room design, you’ll create a perfect layered look, reminiscent of the fallen leaves covering the ground outside.

Play with materials

When it comes to the materials, the rules of the game are pretty simple: if it’s plush, warm, soft or cozy, and if the colors fit in with the theme – go for it!
Think in terms of seasonal throw blankets, either in solid colors or with an interesting pattern such as chequered, stripy or zigzag. When it comes to the material, cotton, wool or fleece are the top choices.
Next, embellish your bed with plush throw pillows, but make sure they fit in with the throw blankets, to avoid creating a too chaotic look. What we’re trying to say is that you should combine solid colored pillows with patterned blankets or vice versa. For additional oomph, consider adding a flip sequin pillow that changes the color from chestnut or maroon to pumpkin orange or mustard yellow.
For an area rug, choose something warm and fluffy that will remind you of the leaf covered ground. You can even make your own little area rug out of some colorful yarn or rags.

Seasonal wreaths are not just for winter

Next, make a seasonal fall wreath by using a sturdy wire for the base, weave some branches around it and decorate it with dry leaves, berries, small pumpkins and various colorful bows and ribbons. If you’re a Halloween fan, you can even add a creepy element to your decor, such as a plastic bat, a spider or even small Jack-o’-lanterns. Additionally, you can make wreaths of various sizes and arrange them together to form a beautiful art piece. The possibilities here are nearly endless.

Rethink the storage

Since you’ll add new elements to your bedroom, such as the blankets and throw pillows, you’ll need a place to store them when they are not being used. So, instead of just stuffing them in your wardrobe, make them work as indirect decor. Get your hands on a bit woven basket and place your throws there once you remove them from your bed. This will work as an additional decor piece and you will always have your favorite blankets at arm’s reach.

Pumpkin up the space

Most of us, when we think of fall, we think of pumpkins. Not only can they be used to make some of the world’s most delicious treats and meals, but their perfect imperfection makes them an excellent statement piece in any fall-inspired decor. So, get your hands on a few real pumpkins of various sizes or test your crafty skills once more and make some pumpkin-inspired decor pieces out of yarn, old rags, old newspaper, rope or clay.

As you can see, there really is no reason not to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year throughout your home. Sure, chances are that not all your visitors will see your awesome bedroom decor – unless you take them on tour – but it will make all those nights spent with a book in your hands that more special and cozy.

Interior Décor

Decor Ideas: Style Your Home Like a Celebrity

October 5, 2018

You may not be able to hire the most famous interior designers and buy all those extravagant furniture pieces and home accessories, but that doesn’t mean you can’t turn your average house into a dream home. Here is a list of décor ideas that will help you style your home like a true celebrity. You just need to be open to new ideas and not hesitate to pamper yourself from time to time. Let the redecoration begin!

The striking entryway

What makes a celebrity’s home so special is the fact that each part of it is equally fabulous and sophisticated. So, instead of focusing only on your living room, bathroom and bedroom design, make sure that your entryway looks fantastic as well. After all, this is what all your guests or potential buyers will see as soon as they step in. You can start by getting rid of all the clutter, as well as removing your old shoes and jackets. Afterwards, you can think about hanging up a mirror that will create a feeling of depth and make the space seem much larger. Finally, small details like a nicely-patterned vase or potted flowers will be there to add a breath of fresh air and sweep everybody off their feet.

Don’t forget the home cinema

There is simply no celebrity house without a home cinema, so it’s high time you built one just for yourself. Firstly, you need to choose a room which is sound-proof and far away from the bedrooms so that you don’t disturb other family members while pulling an all-nighter enjoying your favourite movies. Then, consider all those amazing themes such as a drive-in cinema or a 1950’s diner-inspired theatre and see which one will suit your taste the best. Of course, don’t forget to install a classic popcorn machine and thus bring the whole experience to the next level.

Walk-in closet is a must

There is absolutely nothing that screams “celebrity” louder than a walk-in closet. Whit this in mind, you can take a small room next to your bedroom and turn it into an extravagant wardrobe that all your friends will be jealous of. However, don’t forget that no matter how big it is, if you don’t come up with some practical storage solutions, you’ll risk ending up surrounded by a constant mess that definitely won’t make you feel as if you were a pop star. Therefore, start by installing custom-sized shelves and drawers where you can keep all your clothes, linens and towels. Additionally, having a few wicker baskets will come in handy for storing your winter-summer shoes and clothes that you won’t need for a while. On top of that, hanging a few hooks here and there would be a smart move if you want to have a place to hang your jackets and scarves. Lastly, remember that this room must be well-lit since you don’t want to mismatch your socks only because you couldn’t discern the colours in the dark.

Invest in art

Last but not least, no celebrity will allow for their walls to stay empty and completely devoid of any artworks. So, if you want to follow in their footsteps and really feel as if you were one of them, it’s time you visited galleries and discovered some new inspiration. We guarantee you’ll be surprised to see how even a small graphic painting can do wonders for your interior and break the monotony instantly. You can either opt for several smaller pieces or turn an oversized one into the focal point of the room.

No matter what you decide, feel free to be innovative and don’t be afraid to experiment with extravagant and unexpected solutions.
As you can see, everybody has the right to live in their dream home and nothing should stand in your way towards achieving this. You just need to be imaginative, consider all those different design options and not shy away from pampering yourself a bit. Good luck, and enjoy your new luxurious home!

Interior Décor

Designer Secrets: 5 Decorating Rules Worth Breaking

September 11, 2018

Depending on the situation, breaking a few rules here and there might add some interest to your everyday life. The world of interior design is definitely the place where breaking some rules can bring you amazing results, so let your inner rebel shine and explore these miscellaneous ideas you would otherwise probably never think of yourself (or you were too scared to think in that direction because you thought breaking the rules will result in disaster).

Always go with bright walls

This rule right here is why so many people live in boring interiors. Going for bold, dark wall colors can look amazing, even in smaller spaces. However, you should probably refrain from painting your entire room black. Therefore, the next time you decide that you want to redecorate your living space, feel free to choose a bold color for at least one of your walls. You can even opt for ornate, textured, sparkly wallpaper if a single color doesn’t seem to cut it.

Keep your space clutter-free

Another thing that might bring some of you down is a living area with not a lot of decorative items and various bits and pieces. Do note that while some people can live with minimalist decor, others feel more natural and welcome in interiors with a lot of visual interest. So, if you’re one of those people who function best in an “organized chaos”, feel free to fill your living space with things and trinkets that bring you joy because you’re the one living there! Never feel obligated to compromise your personal taste for the sake of current trends and hypes!

Protect your floors with rugs

Um, unless you are particularly clumsy – in which case you’ll need something else to protect the rug you’ve put in the room to protect the floor – you don’t actually need any floor covers. So, if you like your flooring solution and you wish to make it a part of your decor there really is no need to cover it up. Sure, if you leave your floors exposed, they will experience wear and tear more than they would if they were covered, but this just means that you’ll have to refresh them a bit more often, that’s all. Therefore, if you don’t like carpets, don’t get any, as simple as that! However, do keep in mind that bare floors can get a bit cold during colder seasons.

Small spaces should be furnished with small furniture

No! No, no, nope, not true, and here’s why. By equipping a small area with small furniture, you’ll just emphasize how small everything is. Of course, you should probably avoid going with the oversized furniture as well, but the conventionally-sized furniture pieces can actually make the entire place look more cozy and roomy. Besides, the size of the room is what it is, and there’s no furniture in the world that can change it, so why risk ending up with a room that looks like a scene from Snow White and the seven dwarfs, when you don’t have to?

Never paint original woodwork

Our last, but definitely not the least silly rule you should definitely break involves painting wooden furniture. If you ask your parents or grandparents, they will tell you that doing such a thing is simply crazy! However, we don’t see anything crazy about offering your old coffee table a new chance to shine by painting it in a color that will fit right in with your current design. So, if you want to have a sparkly purple coffee table instead of that boring mahogany one, go for it! Besides, this can easily turn into a fun DIY project after which you’ll be left with a unique piece you made yourself, which will make it that much more special.

It’s important to keep in mind that when designing and decorating your living space, your taste is what matters most! Therefore, don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t like, because your personal comfort is the most important rule that should never be broken.

Interior Décor

Biophilic Design: The Interior Force of Nature

August 21, 2018

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Keeping in touch with nature is in essence of our being. However, sometimes it can be quite hard or even impossible thing to achieve while living in concrete building apartments and urban areas that most of us call home. Here are some tips and interesting solutions on how to reconnect yourself with nature by redesigning your interior.

Plants

Embrace the nature in your home by surrounding yourself with plants. Bringing in as many plants as possible is a great start, they will instantly make your home atmosphere feel more natural. You can group them to make the place feel like a garden or even let them hang from the ceiling to give a more natural flow to your space.

Sunlight and air

Throw away your curtains. The quickest and cheapest way to feel immediate nature in your home is to let the sunlight and fresh air in. Sunlight and fresh air are good for our well-being, as they bring the balance between serotonin and melatonin levels in our body. Increased oxygen level will keep you well energized during the day as well.

Wood

Even though plastic, metal, rubber or some other fabricated materials can sometimes be cheaper or more practical solutions, tend to own wooden things, from wooden beams and hardwood floors to furniture and kitchen utensils, you can even mask you air conditioning system with wood.

Stone

Installing a stone wall in your living room can make a big difference when it comes to the overall feeling of natural atmosphere and biophilic mindset of your space. It’s astonishing how something so hard and cold can translate into such a warm and inviting interior feature made of a natural element.

Water fountain

Having a water fountain producing a smoothing and relaxing sound will have a strong impact on your daily activities and will make a great and interesting décor for your living room as well. Owning a Zen fountain will give your space an immediate organic and natural look.

Other natural elements

Placing seashells and pinecones is a great way to fill up empty spaces on shelves, coffee tables or even window sills. Use leather and cotton items as much as possible, seagrass will serve the purpose as well. These small and cheap details serve as excellent and easy on the eyes décor while embracing the presence of natural environment and coziness in your space.

Colors

A great alternative to surrounding your space with natural elements is using colors that will evoke a natural mindset. You can achieve that by using dark green or gold brown for a forest look or deep blue mixed with beige for a relaxing and calming ocean-and-sand-beach view. It’s well known that colors have great influence on our psychological state and these will have a satisfying and relaxing impact on you and your home atmosphere.

Art

Reduce the anxiety and stress level by hanging nature-inspired pictures on the walls. Looking at landscapes, animals, mountains, ocean or some other natural scenery and forms will give a strong feeling of tranquility and peacefulness to your home.

Natural shapes

Straight lines and right angles are not usually found in a natural environment, so try to avoid them as much as possible. Fuzzy rugs, cushions and pillows can soften up your space and bring more curvy and round look to your home.

Wallpapers

Yes, it’s fake but choosing a nature-inspired wallpaper will definitely do the job. Bring your walls to life by covering them with bamboo, ocean, landscape, tree or mountain wallpapers.
Biophilic design can reduce stress and anxiety, enhance creativity and bring tranquility and peacefulness to your home. As the world continues to urbanize, these qualities are becoming more and more important and are essential for our well-being. Introducing some of these small changes will embrace the nature in your home and it will have a strong psychological impact on you and your space.

Decor

Heavy Metal Home: Ways to Rock Metal Decor

July 24, 2018

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Even though you might not be a metalhead, chances are you’ll become one – at least in terms of design – once you see what we have in store for you. Various metals and metallic finishes have taken the worlds of fashion and interior design by storm, which comes as no surprise considering their aesthetics. More and more people around the world are choosing to implement more metallic decor in their home design and thus make a statement.

If you’re still not convinced, don’t stop reading. Soon, you’ll be introduced to the amazing world of metallic interior designs that will simply blow your mind. Let’s dive into it, shall we?

The golden ratio

Gold is one of the most cherished metals in human history. Therefore, it’s no wonder that it’s the most commonly used metal in today’s world of design. Contrary to popular belief, gold comes in various shades – from almost silvery white gold, over the typical yellow gold all the way to the most recent sweetheart, rose gold. This diversity is probably what makes it so popular. When incorporating gold in your home decor, you can choose to stay subtle and only add a few golden decor pieces here and there. However, keep in mind that “subtle” is usually a euphemism for “boring”. So, let your inner diva shine, and create a gold accent wall. You can either choose to literally paint the wall in one on the aforementioned golden shades and then contrast it with dark furniture, or you can paint the accent wall in a bold hue and hang a huge statement wall piece featuring all the shades – the choice is yours. No matter what you decide, remember that the point of a metal decor is anything but subtlety, so don’t shy away from going a bit overboard.

Copper, bronze and brass

Copper, bronze and brass are known for their warm shades and work best in bringing some warmth and creating a cozy feel in a room. These metals are the perfect choice if you want to turn your industrial interior into a steampunk oasis. To do so, you’ll need to “attune your ears to the grinding gears” and let your inner automaton fill your interior with various statement pieces made of copper, bronze and brass. To create a true steampunk haven don’t just leave your pipes exposed but create an elaborate pattern with them and paint them in one of the aforementioned shades. The true beauty of this design lies in mixing all of these metals with various shades of browns, maroons and other dark earthy tones. These bright metals will be in a perfect balance with dark elements, creating a truly unique, luxurious space.

Silver, iron and steel

On the other side of the metallic rainbow, we have silver, iron and steel. These metals are more appropriate choices if you wish to create a subdued minimalistic interior with a bold twist. They work perfectly when implemented in a monochromatic design. However, these metals tend to look a bit cold and create a somewhat a sterile environment, so be careful when implementing them into your decor, to avoid making your room feel unwelcoming and cold.

See? We told you it’s going to be unusual and fun. Just remember, choosing to implement various metals in your home decor is not for the faint of heart. With it, you’ll be making a real statement and expressing your personality to the fullest. If you are an unyielding spirit, embellishing your personal surroundings with a similar material is probably the only logical way to go.

Interior Décor

Drapery 101: Using Curtains and Draperies in Your Home

June 26, 2018

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Embellishing your windows can be the perfect opportunity for elevating your home décor. While an intricate design can create a whimsical effect, lush materials can add a subtle touch of opulence to your space. However, there’s more to curtains and draperies than meets the eye. From just the right length and the perfect position to a carefully chosen design and style, even the slightest detail can make a difference when it comes to their appeal.

Know your curtains from your drapes

Although most people consider curtains and drapes to be synonymous, there’s actually a slight difference between the two. Curtains are typically made of a light material and they come in different lengths, widths and designs. They are quite popular, affordable and versatile, so they can be implemented in any room. Drapes, on the other hand, have a more formal look, which is why they are typically used in living rooms and dining rooms. They are floor-length, made of heavier materials and typically lined, unlike curtains. Since they are made of heavy fabrics, they can also be used in bedrooms to block out the light. Although this might seem like an irrelevant difference, it actually affects the general look you want to create.

Position them perfectly

The position of your curtains or drapes will also create a specific effect. For instance, drapes should be placed as high as possible because they make your windows seem larger and the ceiling higher. In addition, when you go with a lengthy design, drapes can puddle on the floor and give your room opulent appeal. As for curtains, you can place them a bit wider than the frame, leaving the centre exposed. This is a great solution for narrow windows because this will make them seem wider. You should take some time to try out different positions and find out what works for your space.

Use length for a unique effect

Experimenting with the length of your window treatments is another stylish way to create a certain ambience in your home. For instance, if you want to create a casual, relaxed look, you should go with curtains to the bottom of the window trim or the sill. This is a practical solution for kitchens that can create a homey vibe. If you want to give your home a formal, high-style look, lush drapes that touch the floor are the way to go. Drapes that pool on the floor are a perfect way for creating an ambience of elegance and romance in your space. However, make sure to avoid drapes with the length to the top of the floor moulding because they will seem simply awkward.

Mind the material and texture

Curtains and drapes provide you with an opportunity to introduce layers of beautiful materials to your home, bringing their texture into focus. Sumptuous fabrics such as silk and velvet can add a touch of glamour to your home while light gauzy curtains can create a bright, open look, allowing light to permeate your home. In addition, such lush materials can create a striking contrast when set against leather, for example, softening its masculine look. A heavy, blackout material can also help you improve your window insulation and block out the light in the bedroom.

Create visual interest with design

If your home features a subtle, neutral backdrop and a minimalist design, curtains and drapes are the perfect way to create a stunning visual interest. When set against an understated backdrop, they can truly work as mesmerising accent details and break up the monotony of monochromaticity. You can simply use them to add a pop of colour to your neutral space. You can also pick a design with intricate patterns that can give your home an authentic character. Nonetheless, you should go with a design that complements the overall colour scheme and fits into the general style to create a cohesive, stylish look.

Curtains and drapes can help you introduce a sense of luxury to your home or create an atmosphere of playfulness. However, for a wow effect, you need to consider everything from their position and length to their design and texture.

Interior Décor

Evergreen Flooring Solutions

May 29, 2018

The time has finally come when we’ve started paying the necessary attention to our floors. In the past, home decor magazines and articles focused mainly on the walls, furniture and decor pieces, but in the recent years, the attention focus shifted towards floors. Since the floor is the base of the entire room, it is only natural that it should be your starting point when decorating or redecorating. So, let’s discuss a few flooring trends that will always stay in style. Besides, let’s face it, you probably won’t be changing your flooring solutions whenever a new trend pops up.

Go green

First and foremost, as with everything else, you should focus on choosing the greenest possible solution, because green will never stop being the best option. The eco-friendly movement made its way in every single aspect of our lives, so choosing a green flooring solution has never been easier. Some innovative but definitely worthy mentions in this field are cork, concrete and wood. Let’s clarify.

Cork

Image Source: AAFloors.ca

Cork has only recently been introduced as a flooring option, which is quite surprising if we look at its traits and the benefits it brings to the table, or in this case, floor. For starters, cork floors are extremely comfortable because cork is somewhat soft, so it “gives” when compressed. This will provide a comfortable, almost cushioning, underfoot surface that will be mild on your joints. Also, it is an excellent flooring option for those suffering from various allergies, because it’s very mold- and mildew-resistant. And finally, cork works as an excellent acoustic and thermal insulator, which makes the rooms with cork flooring warm and quiet. This is an excellent option for people living in apartment buildings.

Concrete

Although concrete is completely different from cork, it definitely has its own set of benefits. Apart from probably being the sturdiest flooring solution, it is also very flexible in terms of fitting into a room’s overall design. Let’s clarify a bit, shall we? First, as you probably already know, concrete is used in various high-traffic areas because it’s extremely durable. This means that no high heel, pet claw or furniture leg will damage its look. Second, being as awesome as it is, concrete is very easy to maintain. You can clean it with any neutral cleaning agent by simply mopping it every once in a while, and for additional protection, you can apply a coat of floor sealant or wax twice a year. Finally, when it comes to style, there are various decorative concrete options to choose from. They can be stained to match (or contrast) any color palette, or they can be made to resemble slate, tile or marble – the choice is entirely up to you. Also, keep in mind that concrete floors are much cheaper than tile, marble or natural stone floors (but can imitate them pretty well), which is definitely another huge plus.

Wood

Image Source: ShaadiInvite.com

Wooden floors are another evergreen option you can choose to go for. Not as soft as cork, but not as hard as concrete, wooden floors are perfect for those who like traditional looks. Here, there are also some variations when it comes to sturdiness (e.g. laminate vs. hardwood) but they are not as drastic as the previous two. Laminate is a bit more sensitive than hardwood, but some consider it to be a somewhat greener solution, since very little actual wood is used in its production. On the other hand, hardwood floors can be made of reclaimed wood salvaged from old residential flooring, which makes them pretty green as well. Lastly, when it comes to looks and finishes, both options are so versatile, you’ll have no problem finding something that will perfectly match your taste.

As with everything in life, if you have a good and solid starting point, everything that comes after becomes much easier to tackle. So, when it comes to designing your living environment, start with a solid flooring solution that’s not only green, but that will stay in style for many years to come.

Interior Décor

Kitchen Renovation: Create a Japanese-Style Kitchen on a Budget

May 1, 2018