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Decor tips

5 Tips for Managing a Successful Office Renovation

June 15, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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Renovating your office space can both be exciting and stressful. In order to avoid having too much stress and keep everything organized, you should have a detailed strategy in place. Before you even start renovating, you should have a list of things to do, a list of materials needed, and all the ideas and people around you to help you realize the goal. Here is a short guide on how you can manage an office renovation with success. 

Create the Right Team

It is a fact that you cannot do this alone, and that is why you should hire project specialists and contractors. Also, look for individuals and companies that have a good reputation and consult with them. This way, you will manage to stay on top of building codes and regulations and get the right assessment of things that need to be done, materials to be purchased, and what you are allowed to change and what you’re not. 

Additionally, you should have your own team with you that will help you. You can appoint internal members of your staff to be involved in the project. Make sure to appoint people with the right skills for this and let them communicate with the contractor and be present for any updates regarding renovation, so the rest of the teams can work without distractions. 

Set a Budget

Of course, you’re going to need a budget for this remodel. However, include at least a 5% contingency cost line in the budget in case you encounter any unforeseen costs. Also, you don’t have to remodel everything at once. It is perfectly okay and maybe even less messy and expensive if you do it in phases. You can appoint a flexible timeframe for the remodel and you may even save some money in the long run. 

Also, make sure that the budget you set is realistic. You don’t have to spend a fortune especially if you don’t have it. If that’s the case, you should focus only on the things that are urgent to fix, remove, replace and remodel, and you can deal with the details later. 

Sustainability and Health

When planning to remodel, you should have sustainability and the health of your employees in mind, too. Think about keeping a holistic approach to this, and encourage physical, mental, and emotional health. For sustainability, you can look into natural materials, less plastic, more plants in the office, and so on. For example, you can consider replacing flooring if it’s old and not sustainable. You can easily find hardwood floor installation in Greensboro, NC, for example, and provide your office with some sustainable and durable materials. 

Also, you can encourage physical health through adjustable sit-to-stand desks, water bottle refill stations, ergonomic equipment, etc. Additionally, you can provide nice and soothing scents, designate a zen area in the office where people can relax, and overall provide a relaxing and stress-free environment.

Limit Distractions

Remodeling projects take time and can be noisy. That is why you should focus on limiting distractions to the rest of your employees. You can appoint them to work from home or another building while you’re remodeling. Also, you can set up additional temporary networks to keep things running smoothly. 

Make sure to be intentional when communicating timelines, and make sure to minimize any interruptions for your teams. Your business still has to continue running while you’re remodeling, so limiting distractions and stress is a must for your employees. 

Contain the Mess

Sounds easier than it is, but you have to do your best to contain all the dust and mess that will occur. Especially if you still have employees in other rooms working. To limit the dust from going everywhere, you should include barriers like heavy plastic sheeting or temporary walls. As for the rest of the mess, make sure to organize the proper disposal of waste and instruct the contractors on how to handle it. Lastly, don’t forget to hire someone to thoroughly clean up after. 

Any kind of remodel can be stressful and messy. That is why you have to make a plan on how you will manage and handle your office remodeling. You have to set a realistic budget, even pick a proper date to do it, and make sure your business can still run smoothly. No distractions or messes should disturb your employees, so make sure to have everything covered and allow people to simply work from home, if possible. And if you get all of that organized, there is no doubt that your office renovation will be successful and stress-free.

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How to Decorate an Instagram-Worthy Home

June 14, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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Is your Instagram feed full of interior designers and home improvement influencers? Do you double tap every perfect living room aesthetic and farmhouse kitchen you see? Maybe you even like sharing bits of your own life on the platform, and wish you could show off your home in your pictures. The good news? It’s easier than you might think to decorate an Instagram-worthy home. You don’t have to have a lot of design experience or a huge budget. With a few tips, tricks, and hacks, you can make your living space look awesome in photos. More importantly, you can create a home you love spending time in every day!

Clean Up the Clutter

One of the easiest ways to make your home look better is to clean it. When people see clutter in the background of your photos, it can be distracting, and they’ll spend less time looking at the actual subject.  Decluttering is a great way to give your home a more organized look, and it can also help you to lead a more minimalistic lifestyle. If you do decide to organize and get rid of things, however, make sure you do it responsibly. Consider donating things like:

  • Clothes
  • Toys
  • Electronics
  • Books
  • Furniture

If you’re trying to get rid of electronics, look up local e-cycling locations that can dispose of your items properly and safely. Responsible decluttering will give you a “clean slate” to decorate your home in a way that shows off your personality. 

Pick Your Aesthetic

Speaking of your personality, that’s exactly what your home decor should represent! It’s okay to follow some of the latest and greatest Instagram trends, including: 

  • Statement walls
  • Arched mirrors
  • Layered art
  • Round pedestal tables

If these things speak to you, use them! However, don’t let trends (that will likely come and go) influence you too much. If you don’t like something, you’ll end up regretting it once the trend has passed. Let’s face it, the shabby-chic look isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea forever. Instead, focus on creating an aesthetic that captures your personal sense of style. Find your inner interior designer by considering what inspires you, and the type of mood you want your home to evoke. When you do that, it won’t take long to develop a decor theme for your whole house. 

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

You don’t have to remodel or redecorate your entire home to get it Instagram-ready. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t have the time to make big changes in your decor, start small. You might be surprised by how different a room can look after it’s painted a different color, or even if you add different accents pillows, rugs, or blankets. Even things like updating the finishes and picking a few statement pieces can go a long way in making your home look completely different. You can “cheat” the look of specific rooms by utilizing natural lighting in each picture so every room looks as clean and clear as possible. While your photos need to be realistic, it’s also okay to do a few “staging” techniques when you specifically want your followers to focus on your decor. 

At the end of the day, however, it’s important to remember that you want to establish a home environment that’s comfortable to live in, not just one that looks good on social media. If you truly think about your needs and wants when it comes to home decor, that’s easy to accomplish. Have fun with this project, and give yourself the flexibility to make changes as your sense of style changes. The happier you are with your home, the more fun you’ll have sharing it on social media. 

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How to Freshen Up an Outdated Office Space

June 8, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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The office environment has a powerful effect on employee productivity and creativity. It enhances company culture, affects how customers and clients perceive the business, and can be a great recruiting tool. Dated office space can make employees feel uninspired, unmotivated, and unproductive. It takes a few simple updates to freshen up outdated office space and make it feel new again.

If you’re like most business owners, you’re always looking for ways to improve your office space. However, finding the best place to start may be difficult at times. Maybe your office is starting to feel a little outdated, or it doesn’t have that ‘fresh’ feeling anymore. It is normal – every office space starts to show its age over time and it can just increase the general things that make employees unhappy. But there’s no need to fret! With a few simple updates, you can freshen up your office space and make it feel new again.

Add a fresh coat of paint

Whether you go for a bright, bold color or something more subdued, a fresh coat of paint is always good to refresh your space. It’s an easy and relatively inexpensive way to make a significant impact. Offices are typically pretty neutral spaces, so adding a pop of color can liven things up. Not to mention, it can help boost employee morale and creativity. It can also be an excellent way to freshen up your branding if you’re looking to make a change.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/business-people-sitting-on-the-office-table-while-working-8276132/

Clean windows and mirrors

Another simple way to make your office feel new again is to clean the windows and mirrors. It will let in more natural light and make your office look brighter. It can also make your office feel more spacious. Many companies provide commercial cleaning services that can help you with this. They have the right equipment and the experience to get your windows and mirrors to look sparkling clean. Once you’ve cleaned the windows and mirrors, you’ll be amazed at how brighter your office looks.

Invest in new furniture

One of the most rapid and straightforward ways to make your office feel new again is investing in new furniture. If your office chairs are starting to show their age or your desks are looking old, it might be time to replace them. New furniture will make your office look nicer, but it can also be more comfortable and functional for your employees. It can be a little bit of an investment, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Bring in some plants

Another great way to freshen up your office space is to bring in some plants. Plants not only add a touch of nature to your office, but they can also help improve air quality. They can help boost employee morale and productivity. If you don’t know where to start, succulents are always a good option. They’re easy to take care of, and they look great. They can also make a great addition to your office decor.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-pink-shirt-sitting-on-brown-wooden-armchair-4098151/

Add some artwork or photographs

Another simple way to make your office feel new again is to add some artwork or photographs. It is a great way to personalize your space and feel more at home. It can also be an excellent way to add color and personality to your office. If you’re unsure where to start, try looking for local artists or photographers whose work you like. You can also find artwork online or at art fairs.

Reorganize your space

If your workplace is beginning to feel crowded, it’s time to clean up and reorganize. It is a great way to declutter your space and make it more functional. It can also help you get rid of old furniture or decor that you don’t use anymore. Cluttered areas can be very distracting and can make it difficult to focus. It impacts employee productivity and affects the overall vibe of the office.

Get rid of old equipment

If you have old equipment taking up space in your office, it might be time to remove it. It can include old computers, printers, or fax machines. It will free up some much-needed space, but it will also make your office look more modern. You can donate old equipment to charity or recycle it.

Add lighting

Adding lighting to your workplace is a wonderful method to brighten it and make it feel more inviting. It can also help improve employee productivity. Natural lighting is ideal, but you may consider utilizing light fixtures or lamps if you don’t have a lot of it. Lighting can make a substantial difference in the feel of your office. It will give your employees the perfect workplace environment and make your office look more professional.

Sort wires and cables

Wires and cords can also be a huge eyesore. Not only do they look messy, but they can also be dangerous. If you have wires and cords running all over your office, it’s time to get them sorted. You can do this by labeling them, using zip ties or velcro to keep them together, or getting rid of them altogether. You can recycle the cords and wires if you have old equipment that you’re no longer using. It will declutter your space and make it look neater. You can update the electric sockets and install new ones to give your office a more polished look.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/round-black-wooden-table-with-4-chairs-245240/

Redecorate your space

One of the most effortless ways to make your office feel new again is to redecorate. It doesn’t mean you have to buy new furniture or paintings. Sometimes, all you need is a new wallpaper or some new curtains. If you’re unsure what you want, try looking online or in magazines for inspiration. You may also employ the services of an interior designer to assist you in designing your new workplace. Whatever you select, make sure it reflects your company’s brand and culture.

Conclusion

So, whether your office space is just feeling a little stale or you’re in the market for a full-blown overhaul, we hope these tips have given you some good ideas to freshen things up. A well-designed office can help inspire and motivate employees while also impressing clients and customers—not to mention boosting morale. Are you ready to get started?

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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 Perfect Coffee Corner Ideas for the Office

October 12, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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Around the world, a monumental amount of coffee is consumed. People love it not only for its taste but for the boost of energy and alertness that it can provide. Coffee is a morning, afternoon and even evening routine for a huge population globally. One of the most popular places to consume it is at the office during a busy workday.

While some offices might simply have a coffee machine on a counter, you can do better than that. Adding a coffee corner, a dedicated space for making and enjoying coffee can be a great way to excite your team and boost morale. But how can you ensure you do it the right way?

With that in mind, this blog post is going to go over a few great coffee corner ideas for the office that you should consider implementing.

Provide Multiple Different Options

As you know, almost everyone loves a great cup of coffee. However, not everyone likes the same type of coffee. As a result, it is a good idea to provide different types of coffee that people can make. Have some stronger dark roasts, and some more light options, too. Also, providing different flavors, different types of additives (sugar, milk, creamer) can also go a long way.

If you only provide one, a portion of your workforce will simply feel left out and won’t make much use of the coffee corner. Don’t forget to provide options like decaf and teas, as not everyone likes coffee with caffeine in it.

Keep Everything Organized

The organization is another critical thing to keep in mind when designing your coffee corner. With potentially dozens of people using your coffee corner, it can get messy incredibly quickly. Ensure everything has a place it should go, and make sure everyone knows where that place is.

Ensure to post instructions for how to use any equipment, and consider labeling certain cabinets or shelves where certain things should go.

Don’t Skimp on Storage

Another good idea is to ensure storage is an important part of the design of the coffee corner. You need a place to store the machines, the pods or bags of coffee, potentially a few mugs, as well as sugars/sweeteners and other common things people use in their coffee. There are many options for storage such as cabinets, drawers or even something like a bookcase or shelving system.

If you don’t provide enough places for things to be put away, the entire area can become a mess, things can get misplaced and different items can get mixed up. Also, consider utilizing storage solutions that look good, to ensure the aesthetic of the corner isn’t hurt by unfortunate storage choices or designs.

Make it a Calming and Relaxing Space

Among the best ideas for making sure your coffee corner is a hit is by making it a calming and relaxing place. Workplace stress is a major problem at offices all over the world, and you should be doing all you can to reduce it. Not only does stress impact employee happiness and morale, but it can also reduce how productive they are.

Having a calming and relaxing space for employees to enjoy their breaks can be great for helping them recharge their batteries at work so they can give you their best effort. Find ways to ensure the coffee corner space is relaxing, such as adding softer lighting and some comfortable furniture nearby.

In conclusion, these ideas are sure to make your coffee corner a place that people love to spend time at and enjoy.

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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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Décor Pieces to Create Summer Vibes in Your Home

February 10, 2021
Marie Nieves
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Are you hyped for the summer? We all are! But the only thing that isn’t looking to excited to welcome summer is our homes which are still stuck in their winter look. But, don’t worry, because you can infuse those addictive summer vibes in your home with only a few easy and (relatively) cheap décor pieces and home improvements.

Summer decor

Little colour pops

While whites, greys and beiges will always be trendy and stylish, summer is the perfect time to go a bit bolder when it comes to colour. Accentuate your home with a few big and bright touches! You can stick to one shade per room or be brave and mix and match different complementary colours, patterns and textures. This project will not only improve your home but also exercise your creativity!

Summer decor - bright colours

Timeless blue and white

If you want to upgrade your walls but want to take a safe path, go with timeless blue and white combo. This will awaken that dreamy Greek island vibe and bring the coast to you, even if you live somewhere deep inland. Blue is a perfect summer colour because it’s soothing and calming and creates a great contrast with crisp white. Every time you step into your blue and white room, you’ll be reminded of fluffy clouds, blue skies and sparkling ocean.

Summer decor - blue and white

Get nautical

If you love a blue and white colour combination, why not push things even further with a nautical theme? This is truly a perfect way to welcome summer into your home without spending too much money. So, think small anchor figurines, ship steering wheel details, knots and paddles (you can find these for practically free at boating junkyards or make your own replicas in a few hours). You can also add some marine feel to your beach-inspired coastal cushions perfect for any minimalist space that needs a touch of colour and softness. No matter if you prefer navy blue, want to go for a classic blue and white stripe or want to spice things up with pink coral, you can find your coastal cushions online. And if you pick the right cushions, you can use them both inside and outside. Your patio will love a new summer look!

Summer decor - nautical

A tropical-themed corner

Is there anything more “summer-y” than a tropical jungle? While you can just plant mangroves and palms in your pots, you can go smaller with exotic plants. Create a corner filled with all sorts of ferns and mini palms. Add some pineapple and coconut motifs to the corner and finish with a mango and coconut oil-diffuser.

Summer decor - tropical

Relax in a hammock

Ditch your boring armchair until winter and replace it with a comfy hammock. This addition to your home might look super crazy and first, but with amazing indoor hammock types, you and add some swing to any of your rooms. From rope hammocks to hammock chairs, you can find anything and everything! And as soon as you jump in to relax in your new seating, you’ll feel like a pirate ruler overlooking their kingdom! Yarrrrr!

Summer decor - hammock

Fresh and trendy dinnerware

While your living room is the centre of your home, it doesn’t deserve all the action. So, refresh the look of your dining room with some new plates! Go crazy with funky patterned plates or serve a salad in a coconut or watermelon inspired bowls. Grab some custom dinner napkins and your dinners will never be this fun and stylish!

Summer decor - dinnerware

Airy curtains

Bring that chill summer vibe into your space with some airy and light curtains that will flutter in the summer wind. These are specially designed to be let the cool air inside and keep some of that scorching sunlight outside. You will appreciate some gentle breeze, especially when trying to relax. Plus, if you opt for a crisp and clean white look, your entire space will instantly look fresh and airy! In general, light neutral tones area always perfect solutions for achieving a pleasant summer vibe.

Summer decor - curtains

Colourful rugs

Replacing your heavy rugs with something fun, colourful and light will also transform your space. Think bright colours and fun patterns that will add some visual interest and serve as a statement piece of your room without being too much in-your-face. When designing a room, it’s a good idea to start from rugs and build your design upwards.

Summer decor - rug

Light bedding

Imagine slipping between cool and light covers every night. You can have that with a small bedding upgrade from hefty winter materials to breathable ones in light and cheerful hues. This year is all about tiny floral patterns!

Summer decor - bedding

Touch up your garden

Don’t neglect your outdoor space! While shabby-chic is going very strong right now, you can’t just throw anything in your garden and call it a day. However, carefully distressed furniture, some ornate lanterns and soft coastal cushions will be able to compete with even those magical gardens by the sea.

Summer decor - garden

Summer is finally here, so make sure to welcome it in style. These few décor ideas will be easy to incorporate into your space and even easier to fall in love with!

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Helpful Hints for Displaying Family Photos on Your Walls

November 24, 2020
Lilly Miller
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Displaying family photos is a fun way to showcase your personality and turn your house into a home. With careful planning and intentional placement, you can showcase your images in a way that looks designer-inspired without being tired or cliche. Here are some helpful hints for displaying family photos on your walls. 

Avoid Sunlight

Before you hang your family photos, note how the sun moves through the room throughout the day. Consider placing your photos in a shadowy corner or wall that doesn’t get direct sunlight through the windows.

Placing family photos in direct sunlight will cause them to fade and disintegrate over time. While this may not be a significant concern for newer prints that you can redo at any time, it should be a huge concern for heirloom photos from the pre-digital era. If you’re displaying old family photos, consider having your family photo film and negatives digitized and stored safely in the cloud. 

Use Cut Outs for Spacing

It can be difficult to conceptualize how your photos will look on the wall, even if you organize the frames on the floor beforehand. It’s best to get the spacing and layout right before you start putting nails in the drywall. 

Trace your frames on craft paper and cut out the silhouettes. Use some tape and paper versions of your photo frames to organize your display on the wall. This strategy allows you to take a step back and see how all of the images will look together. Then, you can quickly move some blocks around until you’re ready to make it real.

Create Balance

When hanging photos in a gallery format, try to create a sense of symmetry. This aesthetic consideration doesn’t mean hanging all of your photos evenly spaced or in a grid formation. Instead, consider how you’ll balance smaller and larger frames— perhaps offsetting one large photo with two smaller ones on the other side. 

Creating a sense of balance will help you find that fine line between creativity and chaos.

Add Other Decor Elements

Consider mixing other decor elements into your family photo display. There are endless options for making this feature more personal and sentimental. For example, you could punctuate photos of your grandparents with framed recipe cards from their kitchen. Pictures of your children could be set alongside imprints of their footprints from the hospital and some of their art from over the years.

The decor elements don’t have to be personal in nature. You can use color blocks, plants, or geometric sculptures to add dimension to the display. 

Consider Alternatives to Framing or Hanging

Instead of framing and hanging your photos, consider some of the other ways you can create an eye-catching display. One modern approach is to install floating shelves and lean the photos, layering smaller ones over the larger ones for a more casual look. You can also leave the prints unframed, using string and clips to hang them artfully along the wall.

Standing frames are another great alternative to consider. These floor structures are perfect for larger prints. You can get simple stands or room dividers with space for your favorite family pictures.

Create Consistency

Try to create a sense of consistency between your photos, especially if they feature different color schemes or time periods. You can accomplish this by matting them with similar colors or frames. 

Make it Versatile

Finally, consider making your family photo display versatile and easy to revise. This strategy allows you to keep things fresh and change out your photos for updated versions without having to rethink your display.

With these simple tips, you can create a stunning display of your family photos to make your home feel warm and personal.

 

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Enchanted Interiors: The Best New Looks for Your Space

March 1, 2020
Chloe Taylor
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Looking for a way to brighten up your interior and add a fairytale touch to it? The first step you should take on your redecorating path is actually a step back in order to evaluate the situation. Ask yourself – What do I want to change? After you’ve given this some thought, make a list of your preferred redecorating tasks and start taking them off the list one by one. In case you’re in need of inspiration, here are some of the most practical and stylish ways to make your interior pop.

The surprising luxury of coziness

Have you ever wondered what makes a cabin so cozy and inviting? Try focusing on the many cushions, throws and knits in this picture you imagine, and then think of how the image would look like if there weren’t any of these comfortable details. Just like in this picture, your home can easily become a cozy oasis if you spice it up with some comfy details. When it comes to colors, try focusing on a natural color palette as a base and mix it with some baby blue, millennial pink or bronze. Earthy tones also have a calming and relaxing effect in interior design. If you want to add more life to the picture, throw in some greenery – you can never have enough plants in a room. Finish this look off by adding some comforting textures and tactile woolen weaves, and you’ll have yourself the coziest room of all.

Enhancing your bathroom space

A very important part of your daily routine is showering, and the condition of your shower might affect your entire bathroom quality more than you think. It’s crucial to consider your bathroom space limitations when positioning your shower, and Australians have a neat trick to do this. You can find quality shower screens in Sydney that offer a variety of styles depending on the shape and structure or the room they rest in, so you can either choose a semi-frameless screen or a built-in sliding screen. Furthermore, this type of shower helps maintain a moisture-free environment so that you don’t have to worry much about water damage and damp. Plus, screen showers are both practical and stylish!

All aboard the eclectic express

If you’re wishing to give your place a bold and sassy touch, think about mixing Hollywood Regency with Art Deco. Can’t imagine how this would look like? Well, then, try reading more about how to create eclectic styles and bring your home’s looks up to the stars. The first secret to eclecticism is that mixes and matches won’t do because contrasts are what matters. Use complementing colors to add balance to any eclectic interior, and bolder you go with your choice of palette – the better. Whether it’s electric blues and ginger reds or lemon greens and floral pinks, the same rule stands. You can also use hue to make balance, for example by introducing ochre and rose to royal blue or ruby elements. When it comes to mixing different styles, it’s important to focus on one style as a base and implement elements of the other style piece by piece.

Matte is the new black

Finishes matter more than you actually notice when your interior is concerned. If you’re fond of lighter tones when it comes to furniture, then the best way to finish this look is by adding matte black finishes. There’s a reason black and matte are a winning combo, and this is due to their subtle yet eye-catching appearance. Black linings, door handles and appliances look sophisticated and elegant in any room, bust mostly in bathrooms and kitchens. They are also very versatile, so they can complement wood, metal or plastic, adding to each material a contemporary and more modern touch. Matte black is also great for finishing vanity hardware or pendant lights and chandeliers. Basically, it’s safe to say you can’t go wrong with this majestic combo of matte and black.

Remember that the key is to take baby steps so that you can evaluate the situation before it’s too late to change your mind. Once you paint your walls in orange, it’s not that easy to repaint them just so they can match your new couch. When in doubt, consult the list you hopefully made at the beginning of this text and focus on sticking to the plan that will lead you to an enchanting home.

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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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