Category

Interior Décor

A Guide to Choosing Rattan Furnishings

January 28, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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Considering some rattan furniture for the coming summer? Here are some great tips on what to look for from thegardenfurnitureshop.ie

Cost

Obviously, the cost is going to be one of the largest considerations in choosing your furnishings. Everyone has a budget that they must follow for everything that they buy. Unless we’ve recently won the lottery most of us have a budget that we must adhere to. That said, many people mistakenly purchase the cheapest furnishings that they can find. 

It’s important to understand that you get what you pay for and if you’re seeking quality furnishings, you’re going to have to pay for them. Sadly, cheap furnishings tend to last only for a short period of time. Their materials are sub-par and just don’t last. So it’s vital to seek out a good balance between quality and your budget. 

Reviews

When making online purchases, it’s important to take the time to read the reviews. Those reviews are the most important way to learn whether or not the product is a quality product. Read over the reviews and take the time to see if there are any patterns that people are mentioning. If a lot of people complain about a specific issue with the product, you may wish to consider a different seller. 

Complaints, especially if they are all the same type of complaint, should signal to you that the manufacturer or seller is selling something that isn’t of high quality. Complaints should set off a huge red flag to choose a different seller. 

Moda is proud to state that we have received a 5-star rating in the UK thanks to our quality product and happy customers who are continually giving us feedback on our products. 

Guarantee

Guarantees give us peace of mind. It’s important to know that should your item begin to fall apart, you’re covered and the company will repair or replace your product accordingly. Our rattan furniture is built to last and it’s high-quality. We’re confident that our goods are all high-quality and we offer a 7-year guarantee. This is given on all of our furnishings and weaves. 

Many furniture suppliers offer guarantees, however, you’ll want to read up on them and make sure that you’re getting a good guarantee from the company you’re handing your hard-earned money to. Read the reviews and find out how long a company has been in business. What type of rating do they have? If the company has only been in business for a year and they’re offering a 10-year warranty you may wonder if they’ll still be in business to honor that review. 

Delivery

Another thing to consider when buying your products is how fragile they may be for delivery. Most third-party delivery services attempt to ensure that your items are going to arrive safe and sound. With thousands of deliveries each day, it’s not uncommon for some items to receive some wear and tear en route to your home. 

This is where you’ll want to buy from a company that uses its own delivery team. That way, you know that they’ve had plenty of experience handling the products that you’re planning to buy. 

High-Quality Frame

If weather permits, you will want to spend some time outdoors with your lovely rattan garden furniture. For this reason, you’ll want to invest in durable and robust products. Some of the cheaper items on the market will have a lower price tag, don’t let that fool you. They’re made from sub-par materials that are cheap and will fall apart much more quickly. Consider that our rattan is built to last through sun, dirt, pollen, rain, and everything else that may be thrown at it. 

Our furniture is made to ensure longevity. All of our materials are commercial rust-proof aluminum. We don’t use steel because it will rust and break over time. If the frame is composed of such materials, you’ll want to look elsewhere. We manufacture our products from quality material. We use a fully welded joint and we finish all of our frames with multiple coats of high-grade paint that is powder-coated. 

High-Quality Fabrics

Fabrics will break down over time. Rattan furniture will encounter a lot of wear and tear. For this reason, it’s important to choose high-quality materials that are made to withstand the test of time. Our furniture features luxury acrylic fabrics that are machine-washable and meet all of the standards outlined in the UK fire regulations. Soft yet durable, our fabrics will withstand the test of time. 

Showrooms

It’s nice to try before you buy. One issue with e-commerce is that you can’t try before you buy. Furniture may look lovely on a computer screen, however, what if it isn’t what you thought it was? What if it’s uncomfortable or the fabric isn’t what you thought it was? We have 4 showrooms that are located in the North West so you can try it before you buy it.

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Top 7 Interior Design Trends That Will Make an Impact in 2022

January 28, 2022
Mike Johnston
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Ready for a light spring update of your interior in 2022? If you love to follow trends in interior design and keep your home relevant, there are a few trends that will pop this year. Adopt any of the following trends and you’ll love your home even more: 

Warm colors will be big in 2022

There’s no design without color, interior design included. The color palette you’ve chosen for your home can make or break the design. Colors have a strong effect on humans and can evoke emotional responses. In the past years, cooler tones like purple have been very popular. In 2022, warm colors will find themselves back on the big stage. 

Red is one of the main colors of the year, but all different shades of red, orange, and coral will be present in modern interiors today. If you’re aiming for an earthy and sustainable vibe, browns and beiges are expected to replace gray as the neutral color this season. 

in 2022
Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash 

Soft shapes will remain relevant in 2022

From the various architectural elements to furniture and décor, in 2022 we can expect to see a lot of rounded shapes, softness, and femininity in forms. If your home is full of lines and sharp corners, it’s easy to rectify this with furniture that flows. Designer furniture has lost its actual (not figurative) edge. We can see soft and rounded tables, lighting, sofas, and ottomans. Even chairs will exhibit softness instead of their stoic and rigid structure. 

Statement ceilings are here to stay in 2022

If you want to achieve a very obvious and bold change in your interior, just point some attention up towards your ceilings. Bold colors and patterns today are not only reserved for walls and flooring—ceilings will enjoy a lot of interest and instantly transform any boring space into a quirky and eclectic environment. 

Photo by Maiar Shalaby on Unsplash 

Diverse and flexible design

In the past, before the pandemic, every room had a specific use and the design that supported it, but today, when we have to do so many things at home, we need designs that will be flexible and diverse. Multi-functional spaces that allow you to use every inch of your home will be all the rage in 2022, especially among people who live in smaller homes and apartments. 

For instance, with folding chairs and tables it’s possible to go from a full dining room to open space for workouts. Furniture with tiny wheels is also popular because it’s easy to move around and create different designs with it. 

Concrete décor pieces & accents

Concrete is a common material used for flooring, walls, and countertops, but this material (that’s surprisingly eco-friendly) has more uses today, most notably in décor. For instance, you will notice more lighting pendants, coffee tables, and small decorations made with concrete. If you like this trend, just make sure to balance the gray and cold vibe of concrete with some bold and bright colors to prevent the space from becoming too sterile. 

Image by rawpixel.com 

Woven elements

Furniture and accents made with cane are still going strong, but in 2022, we can expect to see some more woven elements. These are very attractive details that can bring nature into your home quickly and efficiently. Besides well-known weave chairs, we can expect to see other elements like vases, pendants, lamps, and cabinets adorned with woven elements. 

Café curtains

If you’re completely new to café curtains, you might be stunned to see this trend, but after you keep seeing it, it will definitely grow on you. Aesthetically not the most attractive, café curtains just make sense because they provide users with ample privacy while allowing the sun to shine through. When you see café curtains in action, you’ll become a believer. 

Final thoughts

In 2022, expect a lot of freedom to experiment with different interior designs and different décor elements. If you want to use these above as the inspiration for your unique design, feel free to adopt them and enjoy your new interior.

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Easy Decor Tricks for a Cozy and Stress-Free Living Room

January 21, 2022
Mike Johnston
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Living rooms are meant to be a retreat within your home. A place where you can curl up at the end of a hard day. A room to gather with friends and family. A space to call your own. Finding the perfect balance between cozy and stress-free can be challenging. We tend to think of cozy rooms as a place where you’re surrounded, whereas a stress-free room invokes images of a clutter-free existence. Fortunately, you can have it all. Here are some easy decor tricks to help you achieve a cozy and stress-free living room.

Take a minimalist approach

There’s a misconception that minimalism means having a sterile, unwelcoming space. While that’s one version of minimalism, it’s more about everything in a room being chosen with intent and creating an ideal flow. 

First, consider the scale of your furniture in comparison to the room. If you have a small living room, having smaller, sleeker furniture can open up space. Rather than having sofas and chairs that rest flush against the floor, consider adding legs to elevate the furniture and allow air to flow through.

Use a floor planner to determine the best living room layout, creating separation for different spaces as needed. Remember that furniture doesn’t always need to be up against the wall; adding a narrow table behind a couch can improve the room’s flow while creating functional surfaces for beverages, books, and displays.

Photo by Lisa from Pexels

Incorporate natural elements

Humans are innately connected to nature. Bringing natural elements into your home decor can create a sense of calm and belonging that adds to the coziness of your home without adding clutter.

Indoor plants are one of the most manageable natural elements to incorporate into your decor. Bring your living room to life with a bouquet of tropical flowers for a pop of color that looks amazing against a neutral backdrop. 

You can also get some low-maintenance leafy plants, like the snake plant or dracaena. Adding stone candle holders and natural wood elements also add a nice touch when reconnecting with nature to create a stress-free living room. 

Rely on cozy textiles

What is more cozy and stress-free than an assortment of blankets and pillows? Add a few layers of lush throw blankets to your furniture, or keep them stored neatly with a blanket basket or ladder. Using throw pillows is a great way to make the space relaxing while creating versatility for seasonal decor.

Don’t neglect the window treatments when considering your textiles. Sheer white curtains create a calm, breezy environment in the warmer months, while thicker fabrics create a sense of warmth during the winter.

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

Create lighting options

Your living room should have more than one lighting option. Ideally, you’ll be able to influence the tone of the room by the lights you use. Consider having a bright overhead light for cleaning and getting things done, as well as a few warm, dim lamps for a soothing atmosphere.

Create clutter-free storage options

Keeping your living room clutter-free can be a challenge, especially if you have kids. As this is the area where people gather, it tends to collect more clutter than other rooms. Incorporate storage options into your decor. Baskets can be placed on shelves to hide toys, and decorative boxes are great for storing wires and electronics. You can also create rules about leaving things in the living room; remember to follow the rules yourself!

Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

Display joy-inducing photos and art

Don’t feel compelled to display imagery based on decor trends and what you think you should do. Instead, display art and photos that bring you joy. If you prefer comic book splash pages over “live, laugh, love” signs, put them on the wall— this is your home! It’s also worth noting that if you’re someone who doesn’t like displaying art and photos, and prefers the clean feeling of a blank wall, choose that instead. 

 

Creating a cozy and stress-free living room means blending your personal style with a clutter-free layout. Add comfortable elements to convey warmth and welcoming, and you’ll have the living room of your dreams.

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5 Artistic Ideas to Liven Up Your Home

January 7, 2022
EmmaJ
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The devil is in the details, and sometimes just filling your home with the trendiest furniture and stylish items from famous design blogs can leave your home looking bare and impersonal. More often than not, it’s essential that you decorate your home with at least some elements of your personal style so it looks and feels like it’s yours. 

It’s not so easy to think about finishing touches that would breathe life into some impersonal interior design though, but it’s not impossible either. With the help of some time and effort, you can add elements that will stand out and bring your whole decor together. 

Keep reading to find out what they are. 

your home
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels 

Paintings 

One of the most versatile pieces of decor out there, you can find a painting that will fit in with pretty much any theme. Noble Portrait shows you just how versatile this art medium can be, and how there’s most definitely a piece for you that will fit into your decor and tie it all together. 

On the other hand, you can even pick a large statement piece to stand out among the rest of your furniture. Think about it – a maroon painting with bright and bursting colors can make a big impact in a room that’s dominated by dark colors and metallic undertones. On the other hand, a bright and cheerful piece that’s all flowers and colorful beaches can fit right in with a cheerful pastel theme. 

Sculptures 

Sculptures and statues are grossly underrated decoration pieces that can add just the right amount of artistic expression and uniqueness to your space. Depending on the furniture and ongoing theme in your rooms, you can pick from a whole range of sizes and styles. 

We recommend that you lean towards just one or two statement pieces for a single room, and the ideal place to put them can be on the coffee table or side tables. If you don’t think that will do, you can also put them on a shelf or on top of the fireplace. 

As long as the statue isn’t at risk of falling over and it is clearly visible, you can play with the placement and size as much as you want. 

Sculptures made of glass, wood, stone, metal, and clay are all ideal options for you to choose from. 

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels 

Photographs 

Photographs have a way of telling their own stories, which is why they’re the perfect touch to your home. You can either hang up photos of yourself, your family and friends, and even of important moments, or you can buy prints from an artist online. 

In either case, you can find photos symbolizing messages close to your heart. And you can also find cute ones that you’ll love and appreciate having in your home. 

Handmade Items 

Whether it be small polymer clay sculptures, a DIY windchime, a painting you made yourself or some kind of wall art, there’s no end to DIY decor that can help you liven up your home. 

At the same time, you can even browse online shops for artistic handmade pieces that fit your tastes. 

Nature Inspired Decor 

Not only do natural pieces uplift the environment and make you feel instantly at home, but indoor plants and herb gardens can give you utility as well as clean, fresh air in your rooms. 

Whether you get some low-maintenance succulents or some more demanding indoor plants, arranging them in creative pots and hanging decorations on your walls of having vies like English Ivy climbing up them can leave a great impact. 

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8 Ways To Make A Small Apartment Look Spacious

October 28, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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Furnishing a small apartment with all the luxuries of life can be a tricky project. You need to have enough room in there for the essentials, and you need to make sure you don’t take up too much space either. Then you have to figure out a way to make sure that you still have enough space left for storage, for things like your clothes and all the kitchen utensils. 

It can be tricky business, but furnishing a small space to look open and spacious is all about using the right tricks and optical illusions. Interior decorators know all about this stuff, and they don’t hesitate to give us plain folks some pointers now and then. 

If you want to know what these tips and tricks are, keep reading. 

Keep the Decor Simple 

It can be really easy to make an apartment feel like it’s stuffy and too small if you’re working with limited space, and you need to be mindful of how you decorate it. Now is not the time to bring in the vases and the tabletop decorations – in fact, this is the time to be scaling down on your decor and keeping it simple. 

The same goes for color as well. You need to lean towards plain and neutral colors to give your apartment an airy, light, and spacious feel. 

If you want to throw in some color though, you can get one bold statement piece and hang it on the wall – but avoid letting it take up any extra floor space, which brings us to the next tip. 

Clear the Way 

When arranging furniture in your new space, make sure you’re not putting anything near the doors, and that you have a clear path for people to walk through. 

It won’t hurt if you just group all your furniture to a single side of the apartment as long as no one’s bumping into anything. 

Clear the Floor 

A great tip to help make a room feel open is to be careful about how much floor space your furniture is taking up. Even if you have a chair to place at a certain place, get a sleek one that leaves the floor visible under it, and has narrow legs. 

Enough floor space being visible will make the space feel much more open and will help you avoid feeling claustrophobic in your new place. 

Avoid Bulky Furniture 

Sleek and minimalist furniture is the way to go for small spaces, but when we say minimalist not only are we talking about the design but also the way it’s built. A wide chair or slim wooden sofa will be able to seat just as many people as a puffed-up couch, but it will take up much less space – and will leave the floor visible under it. 

This needs to be a rule for all the furniture you get for your new place or any that you alter for it. Don’t underestimate how much space just one or two bulky items can take up when it’s already limited. 

Vertical and Horizontal Lines 

Remember when we talked about how maximizing space is all about creating a big optical illusion? Well, you can have a little help from straight parallel lines in creating that optical illusion. 

If you add any kind of vertical lines on the walls of your apartment and then add tall and slim furniture along the walls, you’ll have a really easy time making the room look like it has a higher ceiling than it actually does. 

Applying the same theory to horizontal lines, combining them with low and wide furniture can make the room itself look wider. 

Don’t Block Out the View 

Heavy drapes or curtains block out natural light and make the area look closed off and small even when it’s really not getting any smaller. This is why vertical or horizontal blinds or shades are a much better idea. 

Going on this same advice, we suggest opting out of anything with heavy fabrics and drapes. Instead, go for sheer fabrics or none at all for a nice, light, and airy look. 

Use Mirrors 

A strategically-placed mirror on the wall can help make your apartment look spacious and roomy – it gives the illusion of extra space.

This is why putting up mirrors on the wall, or even getting a closet with mirrors on the doors is a great idea to give yourself the illusion of space. 

Leave the Floor Bare 

The more floor space that’s visible in your apartment, the better. This is why we suggest opting out of using any kind of carpets or floor coverings – it’s basically the same thing as making sure you use furniture that allows the floor to stay visible.  

Decorating your new apartment can be hard, and you might not get it right the first time. Don’t be scared to move things around until they feel okay, and remember to keep your decor from becoming too overpowering or taking over the space. 

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4 Creative Lighting Fixture Designs for the Kitchen

August 20, 2021
Mike Johnston
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Lights are an integral part of any home. Apart from illuminating the kitchen, lighting fixtures influence the décor of a home tremendously. Granted, getting the most appropriate lighting fixture design for your kitchen can be challenging. There are thousands of options available today. However, there are certain designs that stand out among the rest that you should consider. Check out these 4 creative lighting fixture designs for your next kitchen. 

Rattan Pendants

Pendants, also called drops, have been around for years. You will see many we buy houses companies on television continuing to add these to properties they renovate. They come in different shapes and materials, and there are many ways to use them. For instance, you can hang them either as single lamps or in multiples depending on the amount of space you have. A good design that you should consider trying out is the rattan and bamboo pendant design. Especially if you are a nature enthusiast, rattan pendants can assist you to bring nature into your kitchen.

To make the most of them, consider combining different shapes and sizes. You can also spray-paint them to match your walls or cabinets. Furthermore, you can use them to create amazing shapes and patterns across your ceiling to give your kitchen more style.

designs
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels 

Industrial Flush Mounts

If you want to achieve a brighter and more spacious room, then flush mounts could be exactly what you need. As ambient indoor lights, they spread light throughout the room while taking the least space possible. In addition, industrial fixtures can bring a professional, yet warm look into your kitchen.

If your space is not very tight, you should consider semi-flush mounts. These are usually suspended just enough to form amazing shadow patterns across the ceiling. Thankfully, reclaimed industrial metal always compliments other metallic installations and utensils in home spaces. 

Retro Track Lights

Track lights are multiple lights dispensed from a single bar. You can hang them above the kitchen counter or use them as spotlights that spread light around the room. Retro track lights usually bring some sort of “studio” character into a room. They can also give your kitchen a hybrid look by fusing different timelines, making your kitchen more inviting.

Retro track lights are available in a wide range of designs and materials, ranging from wood bars to refurbished pipes. This means that you can get creative with them to bring out your style. For example, you add a coat of brass or gold to them to give them the perfect rustic look.

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels 

LED Lighting Strips

LED lights often come in unique designs that can complement whatever type of kitchen you have. If yours is a modern kitchen, then you can use LED fixtures to create a utopian feel. LEDs are energy-efficient and can be installed in the smallest of spaces. You can have LED strips installed under shelves, the countertop, and inside your cabinet and false ceiling, just to say the least.

This home DIY project can be a great one to get the kids involved with, depending on how extensive your plans are. You can keep it simple by adding a few strips around your house. The best thing about LEDs is that you can change their light color to suit your mood. If you have a minimalist kitchen design, then LED lights could be the space savers you need. Check out this stunning LED-lit kitchen Image 

If you’ve been looking for amazing lighting designs to revolutionize your kitchen, consider these designs. These options are designed to upgrade your kitchen from a traditional look to a fun space that you can enjoy.

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6 Ways to Add Value to Your Home Office

August 17, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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The current COVID 19 pandemic shows no signs of abating. This is why more and more organizations are shifting to a home office setting. Many people have taken to organizing their homes into workplaces that can handle multiple team members at the same time. In such a scenario, the lines between actual offices and the home have blurred and now even visitors are being invited to such places. Let us see what you can do to ensure that your home/workplace is as bright and attractive as possible:

Create a Productive Atmosphere

The work you do might require inspiration. In fact, it is a known fact that inspired people create some of the best designs and work. It would not be wrong to assert that inspiration is the hidden key to high levels of productivity. Imagine coming back to work after an extended holiday with your family and friends. You are keyed up and there is no end to your productivity. You may try to replicate the same feeling with the help of various changes in your home office. You can install fresh siding, bay windows, or even put up picture collages of your favorite memories on the walls of your office. In short, decorate your home office in any way you like. As long as it inspires you to give your best. Also, think of creating a comfortable working environment that will help you manage back pain when working from home.

Make Your Own Separate Space

The pandemic has made us accept many new realities and we have now become productive at work, even when surrounded by family members and even house pets. This also applies when we have to handle various chores around the house. Yes, quality time spent with the family is important, but not when one has a serious work-related deadline. It is a good idea to create a separate space for your office-related activities. You can use wooden or glass partitions for this purpose.

Ditch the Clutter

You should always try first to eliminate all unnecessary clutter at your workstation. This includes extra stationery items, papers, boxes, files, and books that you don’t read. You should consider cleaning up your home office workspace by leaving only the really important stuff such as your notebook, urgent files, laptop, etc. This way you will feel more organized but also save time while working from home.

Use Decorations

Many people are inspired by their surroundings. If you belong to that category, you should try to get hold of as many knick-knacks and other decoration pieces for your workstation as you can. These can include several books, figurines, as well as magazines, or table photograph frames. You can even use vases full of fresh and sweet-smelling flowers to make your mood as bright and happy as possible. You can grow other houseplants in your office such as Pothos, Ficus Benjamina, Bromeliads, Peace Lily and Dracaena, just make sure to use LED grow lights if there is not enough sunlight in that certain room.

Take Care of the External Look

You should spend more time designing the overall exterior of your office building. Always remember that more often than not, a first impression is almost always the last impression. This holds particularly true if you want to impress your clients and customers so that they keep coming back to you again and again. Under the circumstances, it is very important to create a unique look for your office. In this regard, you might consider hiring a professional to help you with just such a project. You might also call in a siding contractor to give your home office a whole new look.

Let There Be Light!

It is an axiomatic assumption that the brighter and airier the workspace, the better the overall office. It is just not comfortable, working in a really dark room when the lighting is poor and sporadic. Moreover, dark ill-lit rooms affect our circadian rhythm, i.e. the body’s internal clock that regulates our sleep patterns. Taking a nap or nodding off during a work meeting on Zoom can negatively affect your career, so always opt for bright lights at your home office and for other tips to maintain a healthy work-from-home life.

Conclusion

If you have decided to work at your home office for an extended period of time, it is very important that you have the right tools for the job at hand. For instance, if your home office has no partitions and is bland and uninspiring, it might decrease your productivity. Conversely, a revitalized office space will increase your output a lot.

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5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Fireplace

June 25, 2021
Marie Nieves
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Fireplace

Adding a fireplace to your living room is a great way to create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Just imagine sitting in front of a nice fire with some hot cocoa while it’s raining or snowing outside; colder seasons couldn’t get much more romantic than that. However, turning this idea into a reality requires some practical thinking, as well. So, to help you choose the best fireplace for your home, here are five things to consider. 

Set your budget

First things first, you need to set your budget before you even start looking at fireplaces. Plus, keep in mind that you budget should include the price of not just buying the fireplace, but also installing it and actually using it. Some types, like a wood-burning or a pellet fireplace, cost more initially but are less expensive to run. Gas fireplaces, on the other hand, cost less to build but more to use. Electric fireplaces are the most economical, both in terms of purchase and in terms of use, but you might not achieve the kind of vibe you’re looking for. All in all, consider the price of different types, and see what you can fit into your budget with the fewest sacrifices. 

Fireplace

Think about how much heat you need

The best type of fireplace for you may also depend on the amount of heat you need. For example, if you want your fireplace to be the focal point of a large living room, pellet and gas fireplaces would be the most efficient choice. Moreover, if you have a bigger than average living room, you can also get double sided fireplaces that can do an even better job of keeping you warm. On the other hand, if you want your fireplace to be a part of a smaller, cosier room, you can also go with wood, bioethanol, or electric options, as they are easy to use, and they don’t produce too much heat. 

Fireplace

Don’t forget the flue system 

Needless to say, if you choose to install a wood-burning fireplace, you will also need a chimney. This is why this type costs a bit more initially, as there’s plenty of work to be done. Pellet fireplaces also require a flue, but a less invasive one. Moreover, gas fireplaces only need a PVC piping flue system – but they also need a gas connection. Finally, electric and bioethanol fireplaces are the least demanding – the electric ones only need a power outlet, while the bioethanol ones don’t need any of the listed things.

Fireplace

Choose the right material

No matter what kind of fireplace you choose to install, it’s bound to be one of the most prominent elements in the room. However, this is also why you want to make sure it actually matches the rest of your room – and this is where materials come into play. There are many different materials suitable for covering a fireplace, from steel to brick. So, for example, if you’re interested in a bit more rustic design, fieldstone would be a perfect choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a sleek, modern look, you need your fireplace to shine, and the best option for that is metal. 

Fireplace

Create a cosier look

If you want to create a cosy and warm vibe in your living room, your fireplace can help you with that. For example, you can add a few extra lighting options, like string lights, lanterns, or scented candles. It’s a great way to create a soothing and romantic vibe. Or, you can also decorate your fireplace with family photos, art pieces, or your favourite collection of figurines. It would allow you to create a unique theme, and it would make your fireplace stand out even more. 

Fireplace

A fireplace can be an amazing addition to any home, as it can help you bring the design of your home to the next level. So, if this is something you’ve always wanted to have, consider the listed things, find more décor ideas online, and your fireplace is bound to fit your home perfectly.

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Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying Wooden Flooring

April 12, 2021
Lilly Miller
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Wood or hardwood is one of the most popular flooring materials for both residential and commercial properties. These wooden flooring have proven to be both aesthetic and durable. Hardwood flooring has many other advantages. Naturally, an increasing number of homeowners are opting for this as their flooring solution. 

However, you should be cautious enough while buying hardwood flooring for your home or commercial property. After all, you are not going to install a new one every year. It’s a long-term investment that needs extreme care while buying. Here are a few important aspects that need to be kept in mind at the time of buying hardwood flooring: 

The brand

The American market has several such brands of wooden flooring. To select the most appropriate one amongst them, you must carry out a detailed investigation of their brands. Find out how many years they are in the market, their certifications, the guarantee and the warranty they provide on their products and services, after-sales services, etc. It is advisable that before selecting a brand after going through their corporate website you must review what the previous buyers are saying about their products. 

Color, texture, and finish

Color, texture, and finish affect the looks of the final product and also the kind of convenient usage you make of the flooring. While selecting the color of the floor bear attention to the decor of the rest of the room. Take notice of the color of the furniture and the walls before selecting the color shade. Choose from whites, browns, greys, etc. Go for lighter colors if you have a pet. Some of the textures you can select from are that of deep brushed, burnt, brushed, smoked, sawn, and stained. The texture will depend on the kind of usage you will make of the floor. For example, if the flooring is for a children’s room then the texture must be clean. It is best to go for a lacquered finish for the flooring. You can have it in matt or gloss. However, a matte one will offer more friction and hence is safer. A glossy one will look better.

The thickness

The thickness of the flooring will have a great impact on its strength and durability. Ideally, these floorings come with a 2- or 3-layer format that has an HDF core. The plank thickness ranges 7 to 21mm. The top layer comes around 2.5 to 8mm. 

Installation

This is just an important aspect that must be taken into consideration at the time of buying a wooden floor. It is either glued or is kept floating. Ask the brand regarding the best way they will take up in your cases.

Maintenance

This is possibly one of the most important questions you must have in mind at the time of buying wooden flooring. Never forget to ask the brand from where you are buying about the guidelines to be kept in mind for maintenance of the floor. Ask them about the solutions you must use and the chemicals that must be avoided at all costs. 

Wood flooring is a wonderful idea but it needs an expert team to install. Besides checking what you are buying, take care of these aspects too. 

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Layered Lighting for a Functional, Adaptable and Illuminated Kitchen

March 30, 2021
Lilly Miller
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Lighting is one of the most important elements of your kitchen. After all, the kitchen is usually full of knives, sharp cooking tools and hot surfaces that you don’t want to handle in the dark. However, besides boosting the functionality, your lighting can also improve the aesthetics of your kitchen. So, here’s how to properly layer lighting for a functional, flexible and bright kitchen. 

Recessed lighting 

General lighting is a must-have element since it gives you illumination for general kitchen tasks. It comes from above and provides lighting to the entire kitchen area. One of the best options for general lighting is recessed lighting. It provides plenty of light without cluttering the space and it looks quite minimalist and contemporary. Recessed lighting can even be used as task lighting if placed above the workstations like the sink or countertops. Wherever you put it, recessed lighting should be your first layer of kitchen illumination. 

Task lighting 

Task lighting is the next most important step towards the illuminated kitchen. If you’ve ever caught yourself almost mixing up a carrot and your finger, good task lighting will prevent these accidents from happening ever again. The best way to boost task lighting is with under-cabinet lights (that are often super affordable and quick to install). There are LED strips or light tapes that will provide you with the uniformly lit area where you do most of your cooking tasks. 

Illuminate the accessories 

One great way to boost interest in your space is to pay attention to accent lighting. It’s one of the hardest lighting tasks to pull off, but if you aim for quality instead of quantity, you’ll do a great job. This type of lighting sets the mood of the room, provides accents and dictates the atmosphere. You can draw attention to your art, accessories and statement pieces while “masking” some of the less attractive sides of your kitchen. For instance, if you have some decorative pots, vases, or figurines on top of your cabinets, put them in the spotlight with strip lighting, or illuminate wall artwork with individual picture lights. Pro tip: if you’ve just moved into your new home and want to properly illuminate your kitchen, make sure to install all of the new lighting fixtures before you get your electricity connection working. This way, you’ll be super safe while you or your electrician conduct wiring. 

Add a lighting focal point 

Improve both the illumination and style of your kitchen with a statement lighting fixture. Yes, recessed lighting is practical, but it doesn’t add much aesthetic appeal to the room. That’s why introducing a focal point might improve your kitchen’s style. Today, hanging pendants above the island (especially when grouped in twos or threes) are all the rage right now. They offer extra illumination, come in all imaginable styles and give a gorgeous final touch to the room. 

Light up your cabinets 

If you have gorgeous cabinets with glass doors, you might as well make the best use of them and give them some illumination. Place some lights inside the cabinet and you’ll not only improve the aesthetic appearance of your kitchen but also make it easier to locate stored items. Another great cabinet lighting idea is to place a light strip above the cabinets to give your kitchen a romantic glow. 

Install dimmers for a touch of atmosphere 

Speaking of the romantic glow, you can also install dimmers on your lighting. They are perfect for quick dinners over the island or a glass of water in the night. 

Illuminate your floors for maximum safety 

Safety in the kitchen shouldn’t be reserved only for the countertops. Installing “toe kick” lights under the base of the cabinets will prevent those nasty stubbed toes and add a stylish visual layer of light. You can even experiment with different lighting colors for a stronger effect! 

All of these different layers of light will not only make your kitchen more functional and flexible, but they will also make it more attractive and comfortable. So, layer your lighting and enjoy your beautiful kitchen today!

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