Emma K Loftus, Author at Smooth Decorator

Previous Next

Home Improvement

Floor Maintenance: Keep Your Floors Clean and Scratch-Free

April 10, 2018

Installing new floors in your home is one of the happiest moments in everyone’s life and a chance to make a fresh start and leave all your troubles behind. However, this is just the first step in the process – keep in mind that you have to put in a lot of work into your floors later and make sure they’re always looked after. Keeping them clean and scratch-free is essential if you want your home to look appealing, welcoming and cosy, so here are a few tips that might help you in this process.

Hardwood floors

Wood floors are the most efficient way to make your home fancier and more elegant. They’re easy to install – though can be quite pricey – but maintaining them is a whole different story. Hardwood floors come with a sealant and a protective layer that keeps them shiny and prevents scratches, so their maintenance heavily depends on this. But, whichever finish you’ve opted for, don’t forget that vacuuming the floors regularly and meticulously, and applying dry wax from time to time are the first steps towards success. An additional protection could be a colourful rug or some other piece of fabric.

Vinyl floors

These may sound like an unusual idea at first, but are actually one of the best ways to make sure your floors are always tidy. Among the most valuable benefits of vinyl floors is the fact that they’re hard to damage and can withstand more than other floors – things like acids, solvents and minor scratches can’t really ruin them in the long run. The way to ensure vinyl floors always look new is by applying wax every once in awhile, or even covering them with a protective coating, just to be safe in the years to come.

Image source: homeflooringpros.com

Marble floors

If installed properly, marble floors could easily become the most attractive feature of your home, both indoors and outdoors. However, you need to be careful when cleaning them because some acid-based solutions can be rather dangerous and do more harm than good. That’s why a good solution would be to hire immaculate cleaning services.

Image source: girlsonit.com

Alternatively, if you install natural marble in your outdoor area, your patio will surely attract the attention of your neighbours, yet it can be easily cleaned with some water. An idea you should also try is using decorative outdoor mats that not only look amazing, but also help protect your floor against rain and snow.

Linoleum floors

For areas that get dirty often – the kitchen or kids’ room, for example – a linoleum floor might be perfect solution because it’s cheap, practical, easy to clean and installed in a matter of minutes. It’s made from renewable materials and can easily be recycled, and this is, if done properly, an ideal way to dispose of your old linoleum floor. The way to clean these floors is quite practical as well – all you need is a vacuum cleaner for excessive dirt, a natural cleaning solution mixed with some water, and that’s it! You can make this product on your own using vinegar, but you’ll also need a strong mop to get the work done properly.

Tile floors

This is another elegant solution that will elevate the quality of your life quite quickly, especially if you opt for an eye-catching combination of colours and patterns. Whether you have quarry, ceramic or porcelain tiles, the cleaning philosophy is almost the same – don’t use store-bought solutions that are often more harmful than you realise and can do a lot of damage to you, your tiles and the environment as well, so start making your own cleaning product using borax, vinegar, baking soda and water instead.

How often do I need to clean?

This may be the most important question when it comes to cleaning your floors, yet the answer is surprisingly simple – as often as you can. As soon as you see dirt, reach for your vacuum cleaner, but also remember waxing certain kinds of floors regularly in order to fully protect them.

Decor

How to Dress Your Home in Minimalist Design

February 2, 2018

Emma K Loftus

0 Comments

More and more people are incorporating minimalist design into their homes. Some of the biggest reasons for this is because this design looks clean and it can greatly reduce stress in your home. When everything in the room is in its place, it satisfies that tiny OCD everyone has, and it takes away all the stress and creates a pleasing ambiance.

However, many people are afraid that making their home minimalistic will make it seem boring and plain. Ditch those fears because there is no way that will happen. Besides always looking nice, minimal tone also looks both calming and energizing, so here is how to achieve it.

Simple flooring

When it comes to flooring, you don’t have to opt for complex or ornate patterns and designs, because they are too heavy on our eyes. Instead, you can consider simple, solid-coloured flooring, such as cream or beige. When it comes to materials, it’s a good idea to go with ceramic tile or laminate flooring as long as it’s simple.

Subdue the Paint

The paint on your walls should spread a calming vibe and focus on not stressing the eyes at all. Consider earthy colours such as browns, tans and greens. You can also use solid colours, as long as they look simple and are soothing to your eyes. Another good and common choice is white, because it is the true colour of minimalism and can be combined with any colour of your choice that will serve as accent. Additionally, if you choose appliances with the same minimalist vibe you are covering both practicality and styling at the same time.

Minimum furniture

To really embrace the minimalist look, your home needs to contain a minimal amount of furniture as well. You don’t want any bulky pieces disrupting the minimalist sleekness. Rather, you can choose furniture with smooth and clear surfaces which will greatly contribute to the pleasant visual and comfy atmosphere. For example, you can use only the essentials, such as a couch and maybe a love seat with a coffee table for your living room.

When it comes to the bedroom, it can be equipped with nothing more than a bed, a dresser and maybe just a side table, with a light attached to the wall so that there is no need for a night stand, for example. You can even go a step further and ditch your bulky bed frame.

Additionally, don’t forget about your bathroom. Even though it’s not the first thing your guests or yourself will see upon entering the house, it needs to match the rest of your house. Focus on clean and sleek lines when choosing bathroom equipment. You can easily rely on a round freestanding bath that will give you the necessary focal point, but won’t overwhelm the space. Also, match the sink with the bath and find a simple mirror to complete the look.

Clear surfaces

Tables as well as other flat surfaces should be clutter-free. This means avoiding placing a bunch of unnecessary decorations (or things such as magazines and books) on them. The minimalist design likes everything clean – from the kitchen through the living room all the way to bathroom. However, this doesn’t mean you are not allowed to place anything anywhere – that really IS boring. But make sure you focus on simple decorations such as a simple vase for the coffee table and a simple frame with a black and white photo you love. Remember, less is more, so try to reduce clutter and additional stuff – it may even be a great excuse to host a garage sale!

Leave the wall alone

Past trends required plenty of paintings and wall art. However, minimalist design doesn’t recommend it, because “busy” walls can make the room look stuffed and overcrowded. This doesn’t mean that you have to leave them bare and plain. You can easily put up a piece or two, a simple mirror or wall lights for example, and attain the desired decor and still make the room’s design flow with minimalism. Another great option is choosing one wall for the accent wall and make it rich, while the rest of the walls can stay bare.

Plain treatments for windows

When it comes to window covering, you can leave the windows bare, if you wish. Minimalist design is all about letting the sun inside. However, if you still wish to preserve some privacy, you can look for some simple curtains in light solid colours and combine them with some darker blinds for a bit of contrast.

Focus on storage

Since minimalism is about cutting the clutter, it is important to have good storage. In other words, splurge on drawers, cabinets and shelves. Also, it’s a good idea to consider built in wardrobes, or some other custom built wardrobes that can resolve your troubles and keep your home clutter-free.

Where is what

Knowing where things are is the key to embracing the minimalist design. Every group of things should have their place, and whenever you take anything from its place – always return it. Also, consider things that are related and place them close to each other – hello functionality! What is more, you can even organise your garage as well, and always know where is what. Don’t limit this design only on your interior.

As you can see, minimalism is really all about reducing the stress levels and keeping everything clean but stylish. Don’t be put off by the work it requires, because it all pays off. Achieving a minimalist look will bring a positive, practical and calming effect in your home.

How to Keep Your Kitchen Spotless and Functional

November 21, 2017

Emma K Loftus

0 Comments

Today, kitchens are so much more than just rooms where we prepare food. They’ve transformed into the centre of our home, a place where we spend quality time with our loved ones. That’s why it’s so important to always keep your kitchen clean, tidy, comfy and functional. You don’t need much time or much money to do so, just follow these tips and tricks and your kitchen will always look its best.

Everything starts with a plan

Having a good cleaning and maintaining plan will save you a lot of time and keep your kitchen spotless. There are chores you should do daily, such as dishwashing, wiping counters and stovetops, sweeping floors and changing your kitchen towels. Some chores you can do once a week, such as mopping the floors, reorganising, and disinfecting the counters. Monthly chores include cleaning the appliances and kitchen drains, dusting light fixtures and making sure your cabinets, doors and drawers are properly screwed in. This is a plan you can stick to since it doesn’t require much time and effort, while it will keep your kitchen clean and tidy.

Take care of your counters

If you often find those pesky coffee and juice stains all over your countertops, you can easily remove them with some hydrogen peroxide, water and a few drops of ammonia. However, if you start seeing some damage on your stone countertops, you can use a buffer and a fine steel wool to remove small scratches and dents. If that doesn’t succeed, you can easily give your kitchen a small remodel and opt for some high-end finishes to make it clean, functional and above all, elegant.

Keep your tiles spotless

The best and the most natural way to clean your floor tiles and backsplash is to use baking soda. To make this homemade cleaner, you need only half a cup of baking soda. Mix it with five to six litres of water and there you go. Your tiles will look just like new.

Clean your pans

Even though professional chefs swear by them, it’s a fact that cast-iron pans can be tricky to clean. The best and easiest way to clean it is to add warm water to your already heated, greasy pan and scrub it gently. Once you remove the oil and water, add three tablespoons of salt and use a paper towel to scrub. Once you’re satisfied with the look of your pan, apply a coat of vegetable oil. Additionally, you can rely on some non-toxic cleaners, if your pans have been through a lot.

Maintain your kitchen utensils

Every now and then you must look at your utensils. Usually, you’ll find some burnt-on stains, rust spots and other little issues that need to be addressed. You can go through your cutlery and pots once a month, remove stains and blemishes and give them a good polish. If you avoid this chore, you might need a lot of money for new chopping knives and eating utensils.

Get organised with smart storage

You can never have too much storage space, especially in the kitchen. However, kitchens often have dead corners and spaces that are hard to reach, so you must look for some clever storage options. For instance, you can fill up the unused space with custom storage or corner cabinets. Another great storage option is a pullout spice rack that’s small and can fit in most spaces, no matter how awkward they are. Go all-in with storage, because even if your storage solution isn’t the best looking one, it’s still much better than clutter.

Store small appliances

Rows of small appliances placed on your countertops rarely look good, plus it’s impractical. Consider installing storage cabinets for your appliances, especially those you don’t use every day. This way, your kitchen will be organised much better and you’ll have much more space for food preparation.

Be smart with garbage

Today, people care a lot about recycling and composting, and in order to make it easier and more practical, you should organise your garbage. You can set up a “garbage station” with multiple bins each with a different purpose. This way, you’ll not only have a cleaner kitchen but also help the environment. You can label your bins or use different colours for easier distinguishing.

Take care of leaks and drips

Kitchen leaks and drips might look innocent, but actually, they can waste a lot of water, cause stains, rot and other expensive damage. As soon as you notice you have a sink or faucet leak, it’s best to get to work and fix it. Most of the smaller problems you can take care of yourself, but if you think you have a bigger issue, it’s best to consult with your plumber who will rid your kitchen of all plumbing problems.

Let there be light!

Kitchens need good lighting more than almost any other space in the house. No matter how much natural light your kitchen gets, you’ll still need a little help from electricity. One of the most popular kitchen lighting options is an undercabinet light. It gives ample light and eliminates shadows, which makes it perfect for different kitchen tasks.

So, if you want your kitchen to be the heart of your household, you should follow these easy cleaning, maintaining and organising tips. That way, your kitchen will always be ready for tasty meal preparations and welcoming your family and friends. However, if you don’t have that much time on your hands constantly, you can even consider house cleaners from time to time.

How to Maintain a Perfect Scandi Design in Every Room

November 3, 2017

Emma K Loftus

0 Comments

Thanks to its simplicity, organic elements and functionality, many people choose to design their homes in the Scandinavian style. This style can be incorporated in many different rooms and it makes every space look and feel comfortable, cozy, practical and organized. So, here’s how you can maintain a perfect Scandi design in your home.

The living room

You should probably spend the most time on designing your living room, since it’s the true heart of every home. It should really be a space where you and your family feel most comfortable at, so you can follow your heart on this one, instead of relying on an interior design catalogue. However, there are some elements that you can keep in mind while designing your Scandi living room. The first is probably carpets. The trend of wall-to-wall carpets was never popular in Scandinavia. Instead, they all opt for light wooden floors that are much more practical and functional. Furniture in Scandi style is characterized by clean lines and simple forms, but is also comfortable and functional. If you’re scared your space will be too cold and impersonal, you can add some texture and warmth to your living room with wall cladding and different fabrics.

The bedroom

Scandinavians love the so-called non-colors like white and light gray, and the same goes for the bedroom. While white definitely dominates, you can add some spark to the space with touches of pale blue, pastels or even black details. However, your main concern for the bedroom should be comfort. There’s nothing comfier than thick knit blankets and throws to keep you warm in the winter. Another thing that’s characteristic and not at all unusual for Scandi bedrooms (and living rooms) is a fireplace. It comes very handy when it’s cold outside, especially if you live in areas with harsh winters.

The kitchen

Skandi kitchens are very airy and bright, concentrating on functionality and simplicity above anything else. If your kitchen doesn’t have ample storage space, you can incorporate open shelves that are quite common in Scandinavian design. They are practical and allow easy access to your kitchen necessities. Once again, white dominates and it looks amazing paired with wooden or black and white checkered floors. The black and white combo really makes the space look stylish and sophisticated, and that’s what Scandi design is all about.

The bathroom

Just like kitchens, Scandi bathrooms are also quite airy, light and functional. While white reigns here as well, it’s usually accompanied by dark or metallic fixtures and lighting. These darker details provide a perfect visual contrast to the white walls and tiles. If you want your bathroom to reminisce of Scandinavian saunas, you mustn’t forget timber. Choose light-colored timber (you can go green with recycled wood) and use it for your vanity cabinets or storage space. Another thing characteristic for Scandi bathrooms is the presence of greenery. Any plant, big or small, can add color and life to a monochrome space, which is why many interior designers choose to incorporate greenery in the bathroom. When it comes to the famous Scandinavian functionality, your fixtures should always be in top shape. So, have an experienced plumber on speed dial who will fix all your leaks and drips before they render your bathroom useless.

An outside room

Scandinavians usually have a strong connection with nature, so it’s not a surprise that every apartment and every home has a balcony or a deck. These spaces are often used for hosting parties and enjoying the fresh air and sun during summer. And since Scandinavians love a good BBQ, make sure to equip your outdoor space with a good grill and some comfy furniture for al fresco dining.

So, if you feel attracted to the sophistication, simplicity, functionality and piece Scandi design offers, don’t hesitate to incorporate it into your home during your next renovation.

Garden

How to Clean Teak Wood Outdoor Furniture

August 8, 2017

Emma K Loftus

0 Comments

Since teak is a dense and oily wood, the natural oil that is present within the wood protects it from termites. This oil keeps the wood from absorbing the water, ensuring significant durability of your outdoor teak furniture.

This type of furniture is capable of lasting for many generations if it is skillfully crafted. When teak wood furniture is new, it has a golden honey color. But with time, it naturally fades into a light gray patina. The good news is this change in color does not affect the strength of the wood.

If you want to stick to the original golden color of your teak wood outdoor furniture, there are a couple of precautions you can take to slow down its aging. A regular cleaning routine is necessary to keep your teak wood furniture looking aesthetically beautiful for a long time. Teak is durable, long-lasting wood and only requires some basic cleaning to prevent external mold growth and remove dirt.

Here are some proven cleaning tips:

It is better to clean your teak wood outdoor furniture on a sunny day. This is important as it helps your furniture to dry quickly. Soapy water is generally used for basic cleaning.

You can also use a professionally recommended teak cleaner product, which will brighten the wood and clean it at the same time.

When you are cleaning, make sure you use a non-metallic brush and scrub in the same direction as the grain. Do not use much force and rinse off your outdoor furniture with a water hose.

After you are done with your cleaning, pat the furniture dry using a towel and let the sun dry up any leftover moisture. Allow sufficient time for the wood to dry completely, in case you wish to clean it with a teak sealer application.

Stains are never a problem for teak wood furniture if you keep cleaning up spills quickly and stick to a regular cleaning routine. Make sure you are always using a soft-bristled scrub brush and soapy water for removing stains and dirt.

In case there are a few tough coffee and red wine stains that might get into the wood, rely on a commercial product to get the job done. When that doesn’t help, you can sand the surface of the wood for removing the stain completely. Start with coarser sandpaper followed by finer-grain sandpaper for a smooth finish.

Your teak wood outdoor furniture, such as your patio furniture, can be left outdoors all year round. It is tough to handle extreme weather conditions. But if you live in an area with a seasonal climate, it helps to bring your patio furniture indoors or cover it during the winters. Make sure the cover you are using does not trap moisture. This is important because you do not want to provide favorable conditions for mold to grow on the exterior of teak wood. Tyvek is ideally used for making covers for protecting outdoor furniture.

Maria, from Distinct Homes, recommends that if you are leaving your teak wood furniture outside in the cold season, give it a good cleaning in the spring season before using it. You can enjoy your teak wood outdoor furniture for years as it remains as good as new throughout the year. Since it lasts a long time, it is the most popular choice for patio furniture items. Clean it often for your children to enjoy it with you for the rest of your life.

Home Improvement

Kitchen Renovation Guide: 4 Essential Tips to Follow

June 16, 2017

Emma K Loftus

1 Comment

Remodeling a kitchen is one of the most challenging home improvement tasks. Being one of the focal points of your home, the kitchen deserves your full attention and maximum effort. Moreover, kitchens are usually packed with tons of things and include more appliances and utensils than other rooms, so you must make sure your newly redecorated kitchen has enough space for all these items. The best way to conduct a successful remodeling job is by making a detailed list of all the things that need to be taken care of – from the choice of materials and colors to the overall look you’re trying to achieve. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Define the purpose

Not all families use their kitchens the same way – some just cook there, others use it for a quick snack as well, while there are also those who organize a complete meal right next to their fridge! Because of this, not all kitchens can look the same. So, before you start remodeling, define what you’ll be using your kitchen for.

For instance, kitchens used only for cooking and not serving food are much easier to remodel – they only need some maneuvering space between the sink and the stove and can therefore accommodate more appliances and cupboards. However, with big kitchens that include an island as well, you need to think about circulation paths and how you’ll get from the stove to the island or the dining table.

Keep the heat up

Even though kitchens are usually small spaces packed with appliances that warm up the space, that’s not enough; therefore, choose and design your heating first. Whether you prefer radiators or underfloor heating, ensure you know how to incorporate them into the final design. Think about the position of your fridge, freezer, stove, cupboards or cabinets, and decide which areas of the kitchen need heating and which don’t.

If you choose underfloor heating, you’ll need to come up with a detailed layout as soon as possible because this part of the remodeling job is done before everything else. Remember that you don’t need to install underfloor heating beneath the fridge or the dishwasher since this might negatively affect their efficiency.

A harmonious design

Once you take care of bigger issues, you can move onto the smaller and more interesting ones – which materials to choose, which colors to pick, how to find the perfect pattern, etc. It’s also quite important to match the kitchen with the rest of your home. For example, modern apartments can’t have an old-school kitchen from the 1930s and adding a high-tech kitchen to a mid-twentieth century house is a big no-no. Just consider the whole picture and don’t go overboard.

If you decide to remodel on your own, you’ll be the one making all of these choices, which gives you full control over the design. Even if you make a mistake or two, don’t worry – as long as you’re handy and equipped with a set of trustworthy woodworking tools, you’ll be able to fix any problem. If you have any problems or just need some advice, you can always contact an interior designer for help.

Choose colors and materials

Picking the color of your walls and cabinets might be the hardest part of kitchen remodeling, but it’s also quite vital. Pick the wall color according to the type of your kitchen, the amount of direct sunlight and the color of the cabinets. Combining earthy tones with darker wood will produce a nice contrast and make your kitchen more exciting.

When it comes to the materials you can use, it’s essential to find a perfect countertop – this will definitely be the most noticeable part of your new kitchen. More importantly, you’ll be using it day after day, so it has to be up to the highest standards.Some of the materials you can use are quartz, polished granite, marble, wood and laminate, but check their prices and quality before deciding which one to purchase.

Other considerations

Other things you have to keep in mind are lighting, appliances, space for all your utensils and, of course, your budget – spending a small fortune on a kitchen is easy, but it’s also completely unnecessary.

Summer is Coming, Get Into the Mediterranean State of Mind

April 21, 2017

Emma K Loftus

0 Comments

What better way to get into the happy summer mood than surrounding yourself with vibrant colors and cozy atmosphere? And what better way to achieve that than decorating your home with Mediterranean style in mind? This lovely and incredibly personal décor trend doesn’t have to take a lot of your time and effort. You can even budget your home redesign effectively. Take a look at the following tips and transform your home into a summery paradise.

Mix of natural and vibrant colors

The first thing you should know when decorating your home Mediterranean style is the strong presence of nature. In that respect, natural wood colors definitely make the dominant part of the color scheme. However, true Mediterranean home always incorporates the mix of these earthy and wooden shades with a burst of vibrant colors. Therefore, don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite color combos in order to bring the Mediterranean spirit into your home as well. There’s no rule that can limit your color selection. Still, try to create a coherent and eye-pleasing color scheme.

Cool patterns

Apart from bold colors, another interesting characteristic of Mediterranean style is the use of patterns. Essentially, you can go for any pattern that you like, but vintage patterns and flowers are definitely the best choice. You can play with self-adhesive wallpaper to make unique accent walls or you can reupholster your furniture and use a patterned fabric that matches your ideal look. If you don’t want to bother yourself with reupholstering, you can get the same effect with patterned cushion covers, curtains, rugs and table cloths.

Tiles as décor

Mediterranean décor style is famous for the use of colorful and vivid tiles in interior design. Of course, you don’t have to replace the tiles you already have. If you’d like to but don’t want to invest in the project just yet, simply change up a few tiles here and there for others that have interesting patterns and bright colors. On the other hand, you can use the tiles to create wonderful mosaic pieces for your wall décor. Moreover, these can be absolutely amazing when used as mirror/picture frames.

Rustic accessories

When it comes to decorative bits and pieces, rustic is definitely the way to go. In order to accentuate Mediterranean style even more, opt for decorative accessories made of terracotta, wood or ceramic material. Old-fashioned ceramic lamps and bowls, terracotta pots as well as wooden décor with intricately carved details will help you bring the whole look together. The best thing about these kinds of accessories is that you can easily find them at your local thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales.

Think previous centuries

Little knick-knacks are not the only thing that can have a rustic vibe in your Mediterranean home. There are various ways that you can create that rich and nostalgic feeling of the past centuries. Antique-looking furniture pieces, stone details, candles and lanterns as well as royal-like bed and sofa covers can all bring the essence of Mediterranean style into your personal environment. Draw your inspiration from online pictures depicting authentic Mediterranean villas and let your creativity run wild.

When Mediterranean décor style is concerned, always make sure that your home interior is filled with warmth. Even when you mix and match natural and vivid colors, it’s important to remember that the undertone of even the deepest shade of wood has to be warm. There’s no room for coldness in your Mediterranean-inspired dream house. Of course, don’t forget to bring a touch of greenery as well. Luscious plants are a must-have for a true summery Mediterranean home.

Interior Décor

Introducing Japandi – The Latest Interior Design Trend

March 17, 2017

Emma K Loftus

1 Comment

If you were following interior design trends, you’ve definitely noticed the rising popularity of Japandi. This mix of Japanese and Scandinavian décor manages to tone down the extreme characteristics of both of these styles. By combining a minimalist, sleek and nature-fused theme with bold statement pieces, Japandi quickly managed to earn the title of a timeless trend. As it breaks the strict rules of the cold Nordic design and Zen-inspired environment, Japandi presents the best of both worlds. That’s why Japandi is so easy to introduce in any home.

1. Color palette

Image source: sampleboard.com

Between the bright and exaggeratedly cold color scheme of Scandinavian style, and warm wood from the Japanese, Japandi makes a perfect common ground when it comes to color palette. In general, cooler pastel shades of pink, gray and green are warmed up with earthy details and wooden elements. You can mix these up however you want, just make sure that you can achieve the perfect balance between the two very different – yet complementary – color ranges. Pops of color can be introduced here and there as long as they don’t break the harmony and the minimalistic approach to the design.

2. Bold simplicity

Three words that could best describe this design are simple, functional and impactful. There’s no room for clutter in the Japandi home. Every object needs to have its place and purpose. Still, what makes Japandi so popular is probably the fact that furniture pieces themselves act as bold, statement accessories.

Image 2 source: domain.com.au

Using raw forms in furniture design with very sharp and sleek lines minimizes the need of other décor details. Mixing and matching industrial-like pieces with rich timber or bamboo creates a very unique take on a modern and timeless décor.

3. Introducing accessories

Japandi style should look very clean, but warm and pleasant at the same time. These two features seem pretty contradictory, but they’re far from impossible to achieve. Even though you should keep accessories to the minimum, this doesn’t mean that you should completely avoid them. Curtains, rugs and decorative cushions can effectively break the overwhelming coldness of Scandinavian influence. Still, make sure to have plenty of natural sunlight as this is the main characteristic of both styles.

4. Plenty of greenery

Image source: sampleboard.com

While you can use photo frames, paintings and figurines as additional touches to your overall décor, Japandi relies on the use of plants the most. Instead of using flowers and really colorful foliage for your interior, stick to the Zen theme. Bold simplicity is evident in this aspect as well. Opt for tall plants with sleek and elegant leaves that would draw attention with their strong presence and simple form. Of course, make sure that plant pots go well with your overall theme.

Image source: domain.com.au

5. Best ways to mix and match

Image source: dailytelegraph.com.au

There are many ways you can mix and match the Scandinavian and Japanese décor in order to achieve the balanced Japandi look. Colors, materials as well as furniture’s height and form are ideal starting points. For example, you can use cooler pastel shades for your walls, yet install wooden flooring. Feel free to mix statement wooden coffee tables with urban chairs and sofas. Introduce earthy elements with accessories such as curtains and cushions. Keep the rug warm yet minimalist by choosing a fuzzy material in plain color. You can also experiment with asymmetrical height of furniture pieces in order to break the monotony of the layout.

As it leaves room for more warmth without disturbing the minimalist design, the fact that Japandi interior movement took the world by storm hardly comes as a surprise. Even though it still has its décor rules and guidelines, this design leaves more room for customization compared to the very specific Scandinavian and Japanese design trends.

Interior Décor

The Sensational New Looks Of the Big Brother House(s)

July 8, 2016

Emma K Loftus

0 Comments

June 7th 2016 – the launching date of the new Big Brother season in the UK brought a lot of new sensational details. Whether you approve of it or not, the fact is that this attention-grabbing show makes thousands of people sit in front of their screens with their mouth wide open. All that while following the hectic lives of the housemates and – for the first time in BB history – The Other.

Big Brother’s Attention Grabbing Interiors

Conspiracy that the game brings is not the only thing that makes this season breathtaking. Its unique and amazing interior grabbed attention of the public even before the show actually started. This year’s been a real hunt – an action full of thrills for interior designers ready to produce the extravagant pieces of furniture that would suit the Big Brother one-of-a-kind lifestyle. Neon lights, flashes of hot pink and yellow combined with the 70s themed bedrooms – this year’s winner, Zespoke, made an atmosphere that’s without saying funky, retro and glamorous.

Backyard with a Jacuzzi – Extravagant!

Let’s check out some of the features of the main house. There’s the newly overhauled backyard with a Jacuzzi, a hot tub and stylish lounge areas. It’s, by all means, the most enjoyable area at the moment.

Marble-ous Bathroom

You’ve surely noticed the glamorous marble in the bathroom that looks incredibly luxurious.

Living Room and Dramatic Furniture

The psychedelic living-room contains the furniture that adds dramatic effects to the whole atmosphere. Bright yellow sofas, lots of zig-zags, curved side tables, console tables and hoop coffee tables, bright pink Ottomans and black and pink graphics on the walls – the list of shiny, fun features seems endless. The tables come in different colours, and Zespoke made different custom-made options, such as glass shelves or metal legs.

Colourful Bar

Having the bedroom with 70s décor brings a new vibe into the house. There’s a multicoloured bar in the center of this room and fluorescent light on the ceiling. It all looks simply refreshing, vivacious and rousing. The colours in the dining-room fit this festive atmosphere, as well.

Extensions!

The second house, built as an extension that measures 700sqm, contains quite a similar décor to the main building. The colours of the lounge area here are green, pink and blue, while the bedroom is green, grey and black and has four beds shared between six housemates.

Whether it is cozy or crampy inside, it’s up to the inhabitants to decide. So far, they’ve grabbed all the attention of the public, that’s for sure.

Image sources: bigbrother247.co.uk, channel5.com, zespoke.com

Best Things Come in Small Packages: The White Haven

April 26, 2016

Emma K Loftus

0 Comments

At first glance, one-room apartments do not seem like a perfect stage for design ideas. On the contrary, these cramped spaces give decorators many headaches. However, one Swedish small haven is about to change this notion. The irresistible charm of the Scandinavian decor was used to pull together a striking home, which responds to obstacles with stylish ingenuity and interior design prowess. It demonstrates the art of making every inch count, and deploys smart design tactics: This is a master class in how to engage in decorating a small space.

White sensation

The first thing that stands out in the unique shelter is the monochrome visual appeal, as this enthralling all-white space embraces the Scandinavian color philosophy. Gorgeous white floor and walls are accompanied by pastel accents that make the room more captivating. Furthermore, the clutter is kept at bay, which provides enough room for daily activities and for people to move around freely. Finally, a large count of windows infuses an airy and spacious feel, which is paramount to Nordic flats.

This shows in the open kitchen and dining area that emanate a sense of freedom. Differently-colored pastel chairs add drama and deliver a whimsical touch to the room, which is complemented by minimalistic wall art. An industrial pendant light draws the eye up, and reminds us of the importance of lighting in assembling a stunning environment. Wall shelving provides storage space in the kitchen, with effective lamps located above it. A small ’50-style, pastel green refrigerator is a spectacle in its own right, and it also acts as a room divider.

Make room

A comfortable sitting area is the hub of domestic life. It serves as a convenient place for various household activities and social gatherings. There are many windows that let the natural light and fresh air in, summoning the sense of openness and calmness. A grey ARÖD floor lamp compliments the natural blessings, and with its adjustable arm and head, it is a highly-functional source of directional light. The statement wall on the opposite side introduces some style with the wacky artwork, and shows us we should not shy away from daring focal points when decorating.

A private sleeping nook is concealed behind the wall, offering sublime coziness. There is also a door that breaks the room and creates an illusion of more space. Behind it, an open wardrobe is located, which is a nice solution for the shortage of storage capacities. There was even space left even for a chill-out corner, which is located above the bedroom. This is a great way to maximize the horizontal space and take advantage of the high ceilings. Make an effort to nurture such strategic thinking whenever decorating and designing a spatially challenging home.

More power to you

Sometimes less is more. Nothing proves this statement as superbly as a tiny, adorable Scandinavian-style home. It has everything one could need, and it is astounding indeed how much style and beauty were packed in 45 m2. This proves that by making the most out of small space, it is possible to transform it into a retreat that transcends the spatial limitations. Merging unparalleled functionality with minimalistic edge and appealing design, this is a small dream home come true.

Images via vaningen.se

1 2

Emma K Loftus

Hardwood floors

Vinyl floors

Marble floors

Linoleum floors

Tile floors

How often do I need to clean?

Simple flooring

Subdue the Paint

Minimum furniture

Clear surfaces

Leave the wall alone

Plain treatments for windows

Focus on storage

Where is what

Everything starts with a plan

Take care of your counters

Keep your tiles spotless

Clean your pans

Maintain your kitchen utensils

Get organised with smart storage

Store small appliances

Be smart with garbage

Take care of leaks and drips

Let there be light!

The living room

The bedroom

The kitchen

The bathroom

An outside room

Define the purpose

Keep the heat up

A harmonious design

Choose colors and materials

Other considerations

Mix of natural and vibrant colors

Cool patterns

Tiles as décor

Rustic accessories

Think previous centuries

1. Color palette

2. Bold simplicity

3. Introducing accessories

4. Plenty of greenery

5. Best ways to mix and match

Big Brother’s Attention Grabbing Interiors

Backyard with a Jacuzzi – Extravagant!

Marble-ous Bathroom

Living Room and Dramatic Furniture

Colourful Bar

Extensions!

White sensation

Make room

More power to you

Our topics

About us