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Interior Décor

Five Different Types of Living Room Tables And the Reasons You Might Need Each of Them

August 18, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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Your living room, the place where you entertain guests, where the family sits together to spend quality time, or where you often spend your leisurely hours, is a reflection of your personality. Though this space is shared by various people at different times, it should essentially represent your taste and aura. Most significantly, it must be functional while being stylish. Thus, every piece of furniture- big or small- and every decor item must be carefully chosen. Curating a distinctive style of furniture and analyzing which combinations work best before buying the final pieces must be a predominant practice. 

When considering living room furniture, sofas, tables, and chairs are the primary investments that come to mind. According to the design and dimensions of your living room, these pieces must be handpicked to fit in perfectly. When talking of tables, for instance, there are myriad designs and styles to choose from. Take a look at the following types of tables that you can use to deck up your living room:

Five Different Types of tables for your living room

There are primarily 5 different types of living room tables, each with its unique design, shape, and color. You can easily find the ideal choice for your needs, or an interior designer can come to your rescue if you find yourself engulfed in the pool of choices. Here are the different types of tables and why you need all of them in your Living Room

  • Coffee Tables: No surprise here! Coffee tables form the central table furniture piece in a living room. It is the largest table in the room since it is intended to serve every single person. This centerpiece can be used to keep snacks and beverages, some small decor, and even books! When entertaining, the coffee table is where you will serve food/ snacks/ beverages to be consumed. It allows easy access to every member on the sofas. Coffee tables in Dubai are now available in several styles, so you can choose one which ties your room together flawlessly. 
  • Side Tables: Side tables make it convenient for everyone to keep their cups and plates and enjoy food as per their preference. These are especially helpful for a larger living room. Usually placed in a corner between two corner seats, side tables are now quite versatile. One may even be able to find movable side tables that fit in front of the sofa, sliding the legs under it easily.  
  • Nesting Tables: These trendy tables are mostly available in a set of two. These are statement pieces that can be placed at the center or as an accent piece of furniture to lend a certain versatility to your living room. Simply stack them together or pull them separately as per your need, and quickly minimize or maximize table space. Nesting tables are available in many shapes and sizes, with moon-shaped nesting tables being a popular choice. 
  • Console Tables: A Console table can add a lot of sophistication, style, and character to a space. Use these to display small decor items, style them with an accent mirror on the wall and see how it turns your place from ordinary to eye-catching in a matter of minutes. A chic and sleek console table made in white marble with gold legs will add a whole new vibe to your space. Spruce it up with a statement decor piece, place a couple of succulents, or even an elegant tray, and you have a tasteful yet functional piece to keep all your things organized. 
  • Ottoman Table: An ottoman table serves two primary purposes. Firstly, it can be used as a table to set down a few things. Secondly, these are so comfy and cushiony that they also act as the perfect footstool. After a tiring day, relaxing your feet on a puffy cushion melts away all the stress. Not only do these serve an essential purpose, but they also look exquisite and add a distinctive touch of elegance. Available in versatile shapes, sizes, and colors, they will even add a much-needed pop of color to your living room. If that was not enough, ottoman tables often also come with storage space. Store some essentials there, and no one will know what’s inside. 

Each type of essential living room table adds its own flavour and has a unique place in your living room. Needless to say, you may need to include all of them in your space. However, it is essential to ensure that you do not overcrowd, given the other furniture pieces that will be put up in the living room as well. Style each piece in a manner that reflects your style and pick pieces consciously to make it all look cohesive. With these essential styling tips and an ocean of choices available, taking your pick may seem complicated but worth the effort. 

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Why Should You Install Plastic Cafe Blinds?

July 8, 2022
Mike Johnston
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Modern-day architects try their best to make your home or office get ready in the best shape. Previously, you might have noticed plastic cafe blinds once in alternative cafes and offices. Those were not much easy to spot in the houses. But in today’s world, there are no such restrictions on plastic cafe blinds. These plastic blinds look good, they are easily installed and do not give you much hassle while you go comparing the price and buying them. 

If you want to recently modify your home or workplace, then going for plastic cafe blinds might be a great decision. You might be confused regarding the choices by now. Worry not, as the following article will help you clear your thoughts!

Advantages of Plastic Cafe blinds

Here are a few benefits of using plastic cafe blinds. You can check these out to enlighten your thought procedure now:

  1. Long-Lasting:

Plastic café blinds were the first outdoor bistro blinds to become the trend. Managers of every other café would install these café blinds to modify the ambiance of their cafes or restaurants. You can also opt for these plastic cafe blinds now because the primary material is plastic which is not easy to break. If you install the high-quality blinds, they will also be immune to theft or robbery, and you can also install superior quality monitors, and security cameras along with the blinds, to enhance the overall security of your home. 

cafe blinds
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych: https://www.pexels.com/photo/ceiling-lamp-above-a-table-in-a-kitchen-7614610/
  1. Protection from natural calamities:

One of the key benefits of using plastic cafe blinds in your office or home is that you would not have to install sun shades or other shields against the elements of nature. There might be times when you would have to face the adversities of Mother Nature in the form of thunderstorms or heavy rainfall. You would not have to suffer from the humidity of the weather due to closed windows; in fact, you can enjoy the slight wind bits from the spacing of the plastic cafe blinds!  

  1. Easy to maintain:

The best thing about plastic cafe blinds is that you have various options to choose from. You can easily choose from the vast array of color shades of white, off-white, brown, and more. You can go for off-beat shades to avoid the random accumulation of dust or fading away of the color. These blinds are relatively easy to maintain due to their durability factor. You can use simple liquid soap and water if you want to maintain the blinds all by yourself. 

Photo by Matt Brown on Unsplash
  1. Enhances Ambiance:

The best part of plastic cafe blinds is that their use can help you change the entire ambiance of your place. If you try these blinds in your shop or café, they will create an exciting yet gloomy atmosphere where people can talk or discuss businesses comfortably. You can also control the incoming sunlight with the help of these plastic cafe blinds. When you need some light, you can slightly open the blinds to enjoy the fresh sunshine, air, and view from inside, and when you need some darkness, you can close them accordingly.

Apart from the above points, there are many more advantages of using plastic cafe blinds. You can easily use them for advertising purposes by printing the blinds with the necessary quote to reach out. It also helps keep the pests away from your home or workplace! Now there are many online portals that offer the blinds at the best-discounted price that you can ask for. Check for a whole lot of colors, go for customization if you want. If you want to open a commercial café, then also, you can go for the installation of café blinds.     

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7 Ideas To Add Style With Plants In Your Interior Design

June 24, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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Plants are the best way to bring life into your home’s interior design. They are as expressive as art and as enticing as antiques. Apart from adding color, character, and texture to the space, they also purify the air. Whether you are looking to spruce up your kitchen, dining area, or living room, all it takes is a single plant to add heaps of style to your interior design. 

Decorating your house with plants is not a tough nut to crack. You can liven up a corner or add contrast to your chosen color palate with a variety of indoor plants. You just need to execute the following strategies to seamlessly incorporate plants into your home’s décor and turn your space into a visual treat:

Match Plants With Your Interiors

There is nothing wrong with purchasing plants based only on personal preference. However, while choosing plants to decorate your home, it would be a good idea to look for plants that complement your design. For example, if you are a fan of the mid-century modern style, you might want to think about getting some large houseplants like a rubber tree or a fiddle leaf fig. To round off the look, accompany them with large planters that have tall legs. If you want to buy marble planters, Marblising.com is a good place to hunt for desired planters for your indoor and outdoor landscaping. 

Likewise, if you are into farmhouse style, herbs or aloe would be the ideal options. Succulents, arrowhead vine, and eucalyptus could also be excellent alternatives. You can pull off a unified look by selecting plants that align with your interior style. The key is to treat your plants just like another piece of interior design. 

Go With An Oversized Plant 

After mastering easygoing plants, it is time to take your green thumb to the next level by purchasing a massive plant that may act as the focal point in the space. Be it a Fiddle leaf fig or Boston fern, a large houseplant in the living area, bedroom, or even your doorway will be a great discussion piece. 

A large plant may transform a dreary area into a sensation. If you are reluctant to go big right off the bat, buy a smaller plant that will continue to grow and put it on a plant stand to raise the plant off the ground. Over time, it will occupy the space you provide without needing a large investment. 

Hang Them Up 

Decorating options for plants are not limited to floors and windowsills. Hanging plants is a simple and fun way to enhance the appeal and add more greenery to your house without taking up additional square footage. Though it is possible to hang up most houseplants, you should avoid selecting one that is too big, too heavy, or grows too quickly because it could shatter the pot. Usually, plants that trail over the edge of their pots make excellent choices. 

As soon as you have decided on the type of plant you want to buy, start looking for a spot in your house with adequate lighting. Hanging them in front of windows will create magnificent golden light shadows. Those leaf patterns will instantly transform your place into something warm, inviting, and lush during the sunset. Consider hanging plants in staggered pairs or trios for a striking visual impact. 

Lastly, ensure that a sturdy hook supports any plants that are dangling from the ceiling and that they are positioned away from any seating areas. 

Layer Plants 

Layering plants is a great way to inject life into the space, especially if it is white. Create an indoor jungle with a range of shapes and sizes displayed at various heights, either on stands or hung from a gallery wall. Due to their stunning contrasts, plants with variegated leaves and pink strokes make up for fantastic decorative accents. If you look at the plants from a distance, they literally appear to have been created by an artist. 

Add Plants to your Bedroom 

The bedroom is the ideal spot to include biophilic design – the use of nature to promote harmony – since it is a place of rest and recuperation. You can establish a healthy atmosphere for sleep by positioning air-purifying plants near your sleeping area. Apart from ensuring a good night’s sleep, they will make your bedroom feel more like a sanctuary. Try combining plants of different sizes, such as the Calathea Orbifolia and the Kentia Palm, for this purpose.  

Add Personality 

DIY projects are all the rage these days when it comes to interior designing. So if you love upcycling and want to inject some flair into your home’s decor, consider designing your planters. Utilizing old furniture is an excellent way to give your plants a unique look while minimizing the environmental impact. In case you do not want to spend a fortune buying furniture from thrift shops, there are various inexpensive options to add interesting dimensions to your home.

If you are a DIY enthusiast, do not be afraid to experiment with different shapes and colors of pots and place them side by side to create your plant zone. 

Go For A Scandinavian Minimalist Look

The Scandinavian minimalist look has been trending red-hot for several years. Over time, it has become a go-to option for designers. A classic Scandinavian interior is characterized by a combination of grey, white, pale wood, and a generous amount of lush flora.

A wide range of plants can enliven a minimalist color scheme and bring texture and color to your home. Succulents are a significant example of plants preferred in minimalist rooms. They enable you to pull off a consistent color palette without dominating the minimalist impression. When propped up on a sleek shelf display, succulents allow you to mix and match the pots with other components of your home’s design.

Conclusion 

In this post, we have listed some creative ideas to decorate your space using plants. Plants can bring the beauty of nature into your home on a budget. It is not uncommon for people to envision fresh flowers on a dining room table when they first think of bringing plants into their house. However, you can consider adding a fresh plant rather than cut flowers to add a new dimension to your dining room experience. There is more to plants than just adding an interesting decorative touch to suit your design theme, they also bring in a peculiar character, and each plant adds a unique benefit to your home.

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5 Signs That You Need to Replace Your Window Decoration

June 24, 2022
EmmaJ
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For most homeowners, finding a way to make the inside of their residence more appealing is a top priority. If boosting appeal is something you are worried about, then the first thing you need to do is check your existing window treatments. Millions of dollars are spent on new residential window treatments annually.

Over time, the existing window decorations you have in place will need to be replaced. When this time comes, you will probably have a number of warning signs. Below are some of the signs you might notice when it is time to replace your existing window decorations.

1. The Existing Curtains Are Faded

One of the main things you need to make your window treatments appealing is the right set of curtains. A quality set of curtains allows you to control the amount of natural light entering your home. These curtains will also help to add depth to your home interior design.

The older a set of curtains get, the harder it will be to keep their colors vibrant and eye-catching. If your existing curtains look faded and worn, then it is time to take action. Finding the right replacement curtains will require some time and research. You need to check VisionBedding if you want a great deal on a set of well-constructed curtains.

your window
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/apartment-architecture-bookcase-bookshelves-271816/

2. You’ve Changed The Color of Your Interior Walls

The longer you live in the same house, the more of a desire you will have to change the look it has. Since you spend most of your time on the inside of the home, you need to focus your attention on making changes to these areas. One of the most effective ways to change the inside of your home is by choosing a new color for your walls.

Once you’ve finished painting your walls, you need to select new window treatments to match. Doing this will help you create a cohesive design for your residence.

3. The Curtains Are Tattered

Taking the time to inspect the various parts of your home’s interior is a great way to find problems that need to be addressed. As you perform this inspection, be sure to pay close attention to the condition of your curtains. The older the curtains in your home get, the more tattered and worn they will start to appear. If the curtains are currently tattered, this problem will only get worse.

This is why you need to replace tattered curtains immediately. The cost paid for new curtains will be worth it due to the increased appeal they will provide.

Image by rawpixel.com

4. The Need For New Blinds

When first moving into a home, most people will invest in the cheapest blinds they can find. As time goes by, these cheaper blinds will start to fall apart. Damaged blinds will reduce the appeal that your home’s window treatments have. This is why you need to find higher-quality options to use. Before going out in search of new blinds, take time to measure your windows. Having these measurements will make narrowing narrow down the blind options at your disposal much easier.

5. Outdated Looking Hardware

If you want to update the look of your window treatments, then you need to think about buying new hardware. There are a number of unique hardware options that can make just about any living space more appealing. New rods, hooks, and screws can give your window treatments a more cohesive look. The new hardware will come with detailed instructions on how to install it.

With the right upgrades, you can make your window treatments more attractive. 

 

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How to Make and Organize a Pet Space in Your Home

May 29, 2022
Mike Johnston
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If you have been thinking of getting a new pup or adjusting a corner of your home for your pet’s needs and enjoyment, this article is great for you. In this article, you’ll find some ideas on organising a pet space in your home and making it functional and beautiful. This way, you will be able to keep your home neat, and your pet will have complete comfort.

Necessary Items

While planning this adjustment of your home for your furry friend, you should make a list of necessary items that will be implemented in this space and will make it functional. First of all, you should have a comfortable bed and a crate (if you have a dog that you’re training). It’s also important to have a storage solution for your pet’s supplements and hygiene products, such as a dog toothbrush and paste. For this, you can use a simple box that you’ll keep somewhere in the area where your pet has no access. For the area to look great, and for you to keep it clean, you should have a good mat or a tray and you should also make sure to find an effective storage solution for toys.

The Best Area

pet

First of all, you should decide on the amount of space you’ll be dedicating to your pet. Some people decide on dedicating the whole room to their pets, and some of them would rather pick a section of a room for this. Either way, we should keep in mind that space should not be in the section of the house where we prefer to entertain our guests and where people usually gather. Your pet always has an option to join your gatherings but it’s important for them to have a safe space where they can have some alone time.

How to Match the Pet’s Space with the Room Decor

pet

When you’re choosing your pet’s bed, you should try and match it with the existing room decor. Since your pet’s bed is the dominant piece of furniture in your pet’s area, this would be the most important detail which should match your room’s style. Since this area should be easy to maintain, you should go for the minimalist approach to design. It would be ideal if you could implement the same colours that are dominant in your room into your pet’s area.

For pet lovers, pets are family members and it’s important for them to have their rights in their homes such as their own space. This space could be small or the whole room, but what’s important is for it to be comfortable and safe. Making this space match the aesthetic we prefer makes the whole idea even better, so have fun choosing stylish pieces for your furry friend’s area.

 

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Home Improvement Ideas That Free Up Space

April 26, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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Almost everyone will agree that Covid has drastically changed our lives. Willingly or not, we have been forced to spend more and more time indoors since the pandemic first started a couple of years back. 

In such a time, you would want your house to be to your liking, at least. Spacious indoors, set and decorated perfectly, improve your standard of living regardless of whether you own or rent the place. 

Buying or moving houses is oftentimes an impractical option for many. Instead, you should seek to work with and optimize the space you already have and adjust it to your own requirements. 

Plus, who can afford to rent or buy huge spaces in this economy, right? If you could make your home spacious enough with just a few simple tweaks and improvements here and there, you don’t need to throw away your hard-earned money on renting expensive property.

If you are interested in learning about the home improvement ideas that will make your space seem expansive then you need to keep on reading below: 

 

Look around the house

Often times we miss out on making use of the hard-to-notice spaces around the house that could be repurposed in a way to save room. The corners, window sills, and the space under the stairs are all places, which although appear to be of little use, can create an impression of expansiveness. 

A little creativity and out-of-the-box thinking can turn a closet into a laundry room, or a humble and useless corner space into a cozy little reading nook. 

Kitchen hacks

One easy way to make your kitchen an efficient and spacious-looking space is to install cabinets designed to match your specific requirements. 

If you live in or around Concord, California, you can easily type cabinet maker near me Concord CA into Google, and get results for the Century Cabinets—a household name in the kitchen remodeling space in Concord. 

Make sure you ask the cabinet makers to install a pot rack within so that you can keep all your pots and pans conveniently on the rack. This minor adjustment will save space inside the cabinet and avoid the pans and pots from colliding against one another every time you open the cabinet door. 

 A magnetic knife bar mounted on the wall not only saves space by keeping all your cutlery in one place but also frees up your valuable time spent searching for the right kind of knife when you are cooking because all the cutlery options are there in one place. 

If you have a bigger cabinet, with a deeper space inside, installing rolling shelves might be a better idea for you to facilitate your access to all the items. Even the inside and outside of cabinets can be turned into storage spaces with the help of hooks to hang utensils from.

Hooks are great space savers. They help you hang almost anything, from aprons to cutting boards. 

You may even hang your mugs from the wall, which again, not only saves up crucial cabinet space but also kind of looks decorative. Mounting and hanging small shelves onto the walls are always great for creating more space.

Use the height

Cabinets and shelves make your home seem spacious and add a bit of class as well—trendy floating shelves hanging from your walls are going to impress any home-improvement enthusiast.

Use any and every space and constantly repurpose the available spaces. A living room can become a study area by moving in a full-length shelf, to house your books, and a desk and a lamp by the window for studying. 

Storage cabinets can be used to store the less-frequently-used items and should be installed at a height, out of reach, and out of sight. 

Unique shelving and multipurpose baskets can help save up so much space. Items such as old DVDs and electric cables can be easily hidden away inside baskets, while you can choose to display your favorite collectibles on your floating shelves. 

Space under the stairs 

Under-the-stairs space is the most commonly neglected area of the house that can easily be turned into dedicated storage or a workspace. 

Put a desk, bookshelf, and a comfy chair in the space under the stairs and you have got your own office area, nicely tucked away inside the house. Stock it up with some office supplies—pens, papers, and stapler—and good lighting, and you have your work-from-home situation all sorted out.

If your staircase is near the entrance, you could also turn it into a shoe-storage space. You can also use it as a coat check space where your guests can hang their coats and umbrellas. 

If you own pets, you can use the under the stairs space as your pet’s home, and make it comfy for your furry friend by putting in a mat, a basket to sleep in, toys, and a dish to eat pet food out of. 

Another smart way of using this space to good use is to turn it into a pantry, especially if it is near your kitchen, and with a few shelves and cabinets, you can almost store any food item with a long shelf life. 

Opening up the floor plan

This may not be an option for everyone, but if you’re willing to spend the money, the open floor plan not only opens up the space but adds a trendier and more modern vibe to your home. 

An open layout offers a more spacious feel without actually increasing the overall square footage. When done properly, the open floor clearly demarcates the different areas of the house, like the kitchen, dining room, and living room, from blending into one another.

Open floor remodeling has to be done with expert help, and you should seek the experts’ opinion on whether your house can sustain the damage from knocking down the walls to merge spaces inside the house. 

Conclusion

If you’re creative with your space and your resources, you can definitely free up a lot of space around your house. Arranging for furniture that suits your needs, making clever use of storage spaces, and shelves, and adding adjustments to your kitchen, as well as opening up the floor plan to merge the dining room with the kitchen and the living room can create a feeling of expansiveness.

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Smart Ways to Add Luxurious Style to Your Home

April 20, 2022
EmmaJ
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Over time, the meaning of the word “luxury” has changed a lot, especially regarding home décor. Today, it seems that the entire concept of a luxurious home has been altered a lot. Modern homes are simplified on purpose, to explain that the home can be valuable and luxurious even though it isn’t rich with excessive decorations. Modern architecture has rapidly developed, resulting in numerous amazing décor styles that leave us speechless. 

It is the variety of luxurious home décor styles that make our decisions harder than ever. Every style is special and unique, adding a completely different impression and vibe to our home. Therefore, before you embark on such a complex and, most importantly, expensive project, you need to rethink your wishes and ideas. Here are a couple of luxury décor ideas that might be perfect for you. Check them out!

Ornate interior styles

As it has been already mentioned, in the past, the mark of one’s social status was a highly ornate home. One such example is definitely the famous Rococo style that originates from the 18th century. Being inspired with asymmetrical shapes of objects from nature, décor artists tried to represent such forms in their works. Rococo style is famous for the natural, pastel colors that are opposed to rich, gold-painted plasterwork and heavy materials. Such a combination of excessive ornaments and exotic materials resulted in an amazing effect this décor style leaves on every home. Excessive ornaments, expensive paintings, and statement mirrors are just some aspects of Rococo style. 

Apart from Rococo, numerous other décor styles are easily recognizable by their highly embellished interior. Similar to Rococo, they are rich with pastel and bright hues in upholstery and highly embellished furniture made out of heavy, exotic wood. 

Therefore, if you are a fan of such excessively decorated and luxurious styles, one of these décor ideas might be perfect for you. 

Classic interior style


The classic interior style focuses on the balance of colors and the symmetry of objects and shapes. You should think about hiring an interior designer to make sure everything will look amazing. The colors used in a classic interior style are usually natural and bright, ranging from a variety of oranges, blues, and browns. Use elegant and sophisticated materials such as cotton, canvas, or velvet to make curtains. When it comes to flooring solutions, you should also choose natural ones, such as wood or stone. 

In the classic style, details play a vital role. There should be one central element, a focal point, around which the entire room will be organized. For example, a luxurious fireplace could be ideal for such purposes. Also, don’t forget to add some gorgeous statement mirrors that will make any room visually wider and brighter, as well as numerous figurines, elegant chandeliers, and paintings. 

Modern interior style

Unlike the above-mentioned highly ornate décor solutions, modern style is usually related to clear, often minimalist forms and it can be a great extension of your personal visual style. Sometimes, it’s a great thing to include different personal things into the interior and connect it to your personal development. For example, in an urban décor, there are no overly elegant and luxurious furniture and details that serve as a time machine that leads you directly to the 18th century. On the contrary, the modern approach usually includes fabrics that are industrially produced. In such an approach, the use of galvanized steel is an amazing way for one to achieve a luxurious effect. 

However, if these changes are too radical to you can try out a minimalist approach, which is focused on the simplicity of forms? Large rooms with miniature objects, cold lighting, and white color dominating space are just some basic characteristics of this style. The main trait of minimalist décor is in the balance. It is not about the complete loss of ornaments, but about the proper use of them.

Luxurious home exterior

As for home decoration, it is not just the luxurious interior that matters. According to new home builders, it is the exterior of your home that could also raise the value of your real estate. Numerous exterior features will make the exterior of your house simply magnificent.

Of course, one of the most recognizable features of every luxury home is a swimming pool. There are various types of swimming pools and you need to choose them carefully. The best way for you to build a pool is to consult a contractor who will do all tests and guarantee you that your pool is safe for use. 

You could also install a fountain that will make your yard a peaceful place, secluded from noise. However, the only way to emphasize the beauty and the luxury of your home’s exterior is to maintain it regularly and properly.

As you have probably noticed, there are numerous ways for you to decorate your luxury home. Most importantly, there are no good or bad ways for you to do that. Believe us, this is one of those projects that are worth both your time and money. Consider it as a long-run investment in both your comfort and happiness!

 

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The Importance of Interior Design In Restaurants

April 19, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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Every restaurant tells a story through its interior design and architectural elements. No matter what the theme of your restaurant is, or what kind of food you serve, you have to pay attention to the design and try and match it. The appearance of the restaurant is crucial to your brand and it will be an integral part of your marketing strategy, too. As soon as someone enters your restaurant the first thing to notice is the interior design and that’s when the first impression comes in. Based on that, they will decide whether they will sit and dine or just leave. 

Architecture and Design

This is a critical component of the overall interior design of your restaurant. You should pay attention to the way you are going to arrange and actualize the features of the interior and this is critical to determining the overall look and feel of your business. The layout will most certainly impact the customer experience and that is why you have to be careful when considering the layout and decoration of all the features. 

Lighting

Lighting is almost the most important element of the design. If your lighting is poor, then it doesn’t matter how much effort you put into the layout, seating, decorations, etc. Without lighting, there is no impact and there is no ambient. That is why you will have to have several sources of light. 

Besides overhead lighting, you will also need ambient lighting. This will provide the feel and definite the overall appearance of your restaurant. It will characterize your business and it will be something to identify the restaurant. So, if you have an elegant and more relaxed idea in mind, the ambient lighting should be quiet, and vice versa. 

Another type of lighting to consider is task lighting. This one will be used for specific tasks. For example, you will need lights that allow servers to do their job and customers to read the menus. Place this type of lighting strategically so it won’t interfere with other sources of light. 

Lastly, you will need accent light for more ornamental purposes. Also, consider wall lighting for accent lights since they provide a better feel and decorate the walls. 

Seating

You can never neglect the seating, the materials you use, and its arrangement. The type of seating you want to choose should influence the psychology of your customers and their experience. Take fast-food places, for example, they have seats that are comfy, but not those that would want you to sit on for a longer period of time. So, decide how long and how comfy and relaxed your customers should be and choose the seating accordingly.
Also, consider the theme of your restaurant. If you are opening a fine dining restaurant, you want your seats to be comfy, cozy, warm, and relaxing since people will sit at your place for a longer time. Also, if you have a restaurant on the beach, you can’t use such seating because it would become way too hot way too fast. That is why you can rely on wooden chairs and tables with some cushions for padding just like the new restaurant in Bayshore did. This provides a relaxed atmosphere and air to flow around the place nicely.

The Colors

Believe it or not, colors are crucial to interior design. When you are deciding on the colors you wish to feature, consider your brand, its colors, and your desired customer base. Also, specific colors can elicit different emotions and moods in different people. For example, warm colors like red and orange are powerful stimulants and that is why a lot of restaurants try to include them. But, make sure not to overdo it so the interior won’t look too busy. 

On the other hand, blue has a suppressive effect and it can soothe and calm the diner and people will tend to order less food. And for more elegant solutions you can use both blue and turquoise colors to create a sense of royalty and elegance. 

Scent

Last but not least, pay attention to the scents inside the restaurant. If you use the right ones, you can enhance your food sales. If you want to stimulate appetites, make sure to allow the smells from the kitchen to seep into the interior. So, opt for an open kitchen layout or regulate airflow in a similar fashion. Also, you can use artificial smells to elicit different emotional responses from your customers. 

The interior design of a restaurant has many different elements. And all those elements should work together in your favor to create the desired effect, brand, and atmosphere. So, when designing the restaurant, make sure to pay attention to all these elements and your success is halfway done.

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Laminate vs Quartz Worktops: A Handy Comparison Guide to Help You Decide

March 28, 2022
Mike Johnston
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Laminate versus quartz worktops—Seems like a far-fetched comparison, doesn’t it? Surely, you can’t begin to imagine how laminate could compare with the likes of quartz. 

Remember the time when laminate worktops had poor visuals and often are easily worn down? However, the gap between these two surface materials is narrowing to a point wherein designers, homeowners, etc. are starting to compare them with each other to find out which one is better. 

Premium laminates are quickly catching up to the wide customer base and market share of quartz. In fact, those who previously would pick quartz any day (if their budget persists) are finding themselves considering laminates instead.  

Prospective buyers often are caught undecided between the choices for worktop material. So, to help you make the decision-making easier here is a comparison between two surface materials that are worth looking into if you plan on remodelling or buying a new kitchen. 

Let’s begin with the basics, but if you already know this, then skip this section and continue with the next. 

Composition

Quartz worktops. Quartz is a mixture of materials. It is composed of 10% binding resins and the other 90% comprised hard materials such as pure quartz crystals, marble, glass, mirrors, etc.

Because it is a composite material, alternate terms are often used like engineered stone, man-made stone, or cultured stone, reflecting this material’s true nature.

Laminate worktops. Basically, this is a sandwich of materials. A thick slab of particleboard makes up the structural part, which you will never see since the thin sheet of laminate covers it. 

Although laminate is called “plastic,” it is not actually plastic. Laminate is largely composed of kraft paper and resins. 

worktops
Photo by Ralph (Ravi) Kayden on Unsplash

Appearance 

Solid Colours. Should all worktop surfaces mimic stone surfaces? Perhaps, no. 

Quartz surfaces are widely known for their unmatched consistency in colour and patterns that even granite couldn’t match, yet it lacks in depth of colour. However, you should worry since quartz can easily pull off a natural stone feel and appearance that even laminate couldn’t match. 

In the UK, laminate is available in hundreds of solid and contemporary colours, including graphical prints and patterns which really help to improve your home internal look. Laminates can also mimic stones such as travertine, marble, and slate and also organic materials like wood, leather and cook and also even fabric and paper. 

Depth. In terms of duplicating a natural stone’s look, then there’s no question that quartz is the clear winner. However, high-end laminates are breaking barriers and are becoming even more realistic at replicating the appearance of a natural stone. 

Regardless of how expensive a laminate is, it may never duplicate the visual depth of quartz since it isn’t visually deep itself.  

Best. If you prefer stone-like surfaces, quartz is your best bet. But if you want a surface able to mimic a stone’s distinctive veining, opt for laminate. 

Durability

Independent testing services such as the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) in the UK and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), in accordance with set guidelines, conduct tests to rate the durability of worktop materials. 

Scratch resistance

Quartz. Compared with natural stone counters, quartz has impressive flexural strength and is almost indestructible. Yes, it is highly scratch resistant. However, note that it does and can scratch. Especially susceptible are tight-grained, solid, dark colours, and they’re highly difficult to fix. 

Laminate. Long been considered as laminate’s Achilles heel is its “wear layer” or the topmost layer. This layer easily scratches and chips, especially with knives that are prominently found in kitchens.

Typically, a salesman would inform you that laminate slabs are as long-lasting as quartz slabs, and of course, we all know that most homeowners wouldn’t want a blemished surface, especially if they often have friends and guests over for small or large gatherings. 

So to remedy this, opt for dark-coloured or patterned laminate slab because it hides better cuts and bruises.

​Heat resistance

You might be surprised to know that laminate can withstand extreme heat, whereas quartz surfaces are only durable so long as sudden and extreme temperature changes are not directly applied on the surface.

Best. Although both materials are very hard-wearing, quartz definitely has the solid win in terms of abrasion ratings, but laminate in terms of heat resistance. 

Image by rawpixel.com

Installation

A great majority of all quartz and laminate surfaces of quality are professionally installed.

It’s nearly impossible for homeowners to actually develop the skillset required in the fabrication and installation of quartz surfaces. This also holds true for laminates. 

If homeowners want to close the “quality gap” between laminate and quartz, then they must be installed professionally, too.

However, is it possible to install laminate or quartz on your own? Yes. There is an existing market of off-the-shelf laminate slabs that can be installed on existing counters, but this requires some effort on the part of the homeowners. 

Note that if you do this wrong, you’ll be spending a lot more instead of saving. 

Best. Laminate, since you need professionals for proper quartz installation. 

The Takeaway

So which is it, laminate or quartz worktops? If you are still on the fence, ask your dealership to provide you with samples and place them in your kitchen to see which one suits your taste and lifestyle. Again, the ultimate decision rests upon your personal preference.    

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Clever and Creative Ways to Decorate Your Next Rental and Instantly Feel Like Home

March 18, 2022
EmmaJ
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Rental apartments come with certain perks – you don’t have to worry about repairs or any complications that come with homeownership. At the same time though, you also have limitations on how much you can decorate and change about your home. 

If you don’t like the wallpaper in your home or need to make some structural changes, your hands are basically tied unless your landlord allows you to do it. In most cases though, that is not the case. 

UMoveFree helps you find apartments for rent that might fit your needs, but it’s hard to find a place where the owner will let you modify and decorate as much as you wish. When working with limited recourses when it comes to interior decor, here are some things you can do. 

Indoor Plants 

There’s nothing quite like using indoor plants to liven up a drab and dull apartment. Not only are certain indoor plants known for purifying the air and making the atmosphere better, but simply having plants and flowers around can improve your mood and make your rental smell better. 

Things like large potted plants can be great for corners, and you can even install hanging plants from the ceiling. At the same time, you might want to hang some plant-based art on the walls or place flower pots on open shelves. You can also place fresh and dried flower arrangements in vases around the house. 

Textures and Fabrics 

Photo by Jean van der Meulen: Pexels

One thing you shouldn’t do is underestimate the importance of fabrics and textures in your home decor. The right rug, tablecloth, or curtain can really transform a space, and there’s nothing stopping you from getting anything like this according to your choice in your rental apartment. 

If you want your home to have a more colorful and vibrant atmosphere, think about getting cushion covers, tablecloths, and curtains that fit the intended theme. When getting patterns, make sure to vary the size of the patterns rather than the style – they will all blend together in the room no matter what style they are if that’s the case. 

At the same time, natural textures like cotton and layering different kinds can help you add some depth and openness to the space without making the space too loud or colorful. 

If your home is small and space is limited, avoid covering the floor with rugs or carpets. 

Removable Wallpaper

One of the best ways to work around not having the wall colors or patterns you desire is to use removable wallpaper to decorate your space. This way, you won’t be making any major changes to your space that your landlord would object to all while getting yourself the interior you always wanted. 

If this would be your first time getting removable wallpaper, make sure to get more than you think you’ll need. You should also avoid getting any patterns that are too delicate and wouldn’t be easy to align. The pattern should also be something that doesn’t let small air bubbles be too obvious on it.  

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Smooth Decorator is a website dedicated to our little sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle of the outside world – to our homes, sweet homes. We believe that the foundation of a quality life needs to be set right there, in the place where we first dream things up, and that only when we organized our homes can we hope to organize the rest of our everyday existence.

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