decorating

Do you love decorating? Do you spend hours and hours reading your favorite Interior Designing Blog? If you enjoyed rearranging the furniture in your living room or choosing the color for your bedroom, this is enough for you to know that there is something about decorating that makes you happy. Being an interior designer doesn’t have to be a dream, you can channel your inner artist and start decorating your own home, and who knows, after a while you may be asked to help other people, too. What’s important is to start.

Finding inspiration

It’s amazing where people can find inspiration. For example, you may see somebody wearing bright colors in the street and wish to paint your walls exactly the same shade. Also, you may see a nice photo of somebody’s living room in a magazine and set off to buy exactly the same coffee table. Or, you can catch a glimpse of the most beautiful bathroom in a movie and spend days daydreaming about having a tub like the one you saw. If you’re thinking about decorating your home, you can buy magazines like Elle Decoration, House Beautiful, or Ideal Home, or you can browse some useful sites like Pinterest and find some ideas you can use.

Being serious about it

For those who are serious and ambitious, there are ways to take their love for decorating to a whole new level. Different courses of interior design will allow you to gain insight into elements and principles of interior design. Color palettes, mood-boards, window coverings, and types of furnishings hold more meaning than an enthusiast might realize in the beginning, and the right course will allow you to learn about these things and deepen your knowledge of decorating. The best thing about these courses is that you can choose whether you’d like to attend classes or simply finish an online course.

Know your limitations

Sometimes it’s important to know where and when to draw the line. It can happen that the most popular color of the season looks great in magazines, but not in your home. Pantone color of the year is usually the color everyone wants on their walls, but it can be a mistake. Sometimes you have to decide not to follow the trend: if you have a small living room, painting it Marsala will be a mistake, but this year’s Greenery may be a perfect choice. The best decorators know what works – sometimes you can choose to use a color or a material that is not ‘hot’ or ‘trending’ but that will make your home look great. You don’t have to blindly follow trends to get a beautiful home; sometimes improvising and working with ‘unusual’ items will give the best results.

Dare to risk

Knowing what you like and staying within your limits is good; it will always give nice results and you will not make a mistake. Have you ever stopped yourself from buying an item after your initial enthusiasm? Decorators trust their gut – if you see something you like, you can work with it. A carpet with strange patterns, a vase made of colored glass, lace curtains, a mosaic coffee table, or a cloud-shaped lamp – if it catches your eye and makes you happy, take a risk and buy it. Statement pieces like these will make your home unique and memorable.

Following your dreams and doing what makes you happy is important, and if decorating does that for you, then you should pursue that dream. If you have a talent for decorating space, you shouldn’t ignore it, but instead you should develop it. Your creative and innovative ideas can help you style your dream home.

Exterior Décor

Outdoor Flooring Ideas for Style and Comfort

August 28, 2017

Lillian Connors

After a tiring day, we probably just want to relax on our patio or on our deck. Additionally, we spend most of our time there while entertaining our friends and relatives. Being said that, making our deck comfortable is very crucial. The best way to start doing a patio or deck make over is through your flooring.

Here are some flooring ideas for you.

Traditional Wood Decking

Wood flooring is one of the most adaptable kinds since it looks good on any furniture and fixture. It can also be very versatile in terms of appearance because it can give a rustic ambiance that can be very laid back but with a modern touch. With wood, you will be sure that your choice will not go out of style.

Tile Flooring

Making tiles as your flooring can have many benefits. First, tiles can be very flexible because there are countless of designs you can choose from. There are tiles that look exactly like a stone to give your patio a natural-looking one, or you can select a contemporary design. Second, it is very affordable, especially when compared to other floorings. Applying tiles can only cost you around $2 – $15 per square foot depending on the design, quality, and size that you want. Lastly, tiles are very easy to maintain as you just have to occasionally sweep or mop the area. Sun and rain don’t damage them, unlike wood floorings.

Artificial Grass

A high-quality artificial grass looks and feels like a real one already. Additionally, using this kind of flooring can also be very convenient for you. Unlike real grass, you do not have to worry about spending a lot of time mowing the lawn just to maintain the grass. You do not also need to water or set up a sprinkler for it. It can be a great alternative if you have allergies to real grass. While it is true that artificial grass is more expensive than that of a real one, just imagine how much you can save from maintaining it all throughout the year.

Concrete

If you are thinking concrete can be very boring for a patio floor, think again. You can use staining or stamping methods to vamp up your concrete and create a stylish design on your patio. Firth an expert in concrete paving says that another reason why you should choose concrete is that you will undoubtedly be able to keep it for the entire time you live there. It can also be very easy to clean and it is a super cheap option.

Brick

Bricks can give you a lot of flexibility in your flooring because there are so many designs and patterns you can do with it. As a very durable material, it can cost you a lot up front but you will still be able to technically save money from it because it doesn’t break unless you do it intentionally. It is also a slip resistant material. You also just have to do minimal works to maintain your flooring.

Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring can be a very affordable option for you. It will just cost you $2 per square foot but there are still more expensive choices but they are still cheap enough compared to other flooring types. Additionally, rubber floorings are very comfortable for walking. It is highly advisable to use this if you have small children or older people in your house because rubber floorings are slip resistant even if it gets wet. Just do not expect that much longevity to your rubber floors and you might have to replace it after some time.

Foam Tiles

Even though foam tiles are not created the same, there are still a lot of benefits. Just try to be specific if you will put it indoors or outdoors. Foam tiles are best for floorings beside the pool area because they are very slip-resistant and they are anti-mold and mildew. However, the downside is it is the least durable materials on this list.

Outdoor Carpet

Carpets can generally feel you more comfortable as it gives the more homey feel. It can make hanging outside more relaxed compared to other materials like bricks and tiles. When it comes to style, carpets have a lot of styles available in the market. You can mix and match the design to make it look better. It is a very cheap material because it can cost as low as $1 but it requires a lot of maintenance to keep it in good shape.

Stone Steps

While the stone material is very expensive, buying one can ensure that it will last for a very long time and it doesn’t need extensive maintenance. For some cases, you don’t even have to sweep or clean it. It can add a simple but natural feel to your home. Just consider putting in some natural designs for your outdoor flooring needs.

Patterned Patio

You can use different materials to make a patterned patio. For instance, a checkered flooring design with an oversized green and white color can be best for red handprints on the edges. With this kind of patio, your imagination is the limit. You can do a lot of design whether you want a retro, contemporary, or modern ambiance to your whole deck.

Decor

Hop to It! Fabulous Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

March 25, 2016

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The time has come to oust the winter dullness and embrace the spring revival and the upcoming Easter rush. Even the less crafty of people are tempted to join the decoration band waggon and make something exceptional that adds up to the holiday spirit. I’ve looked everywhere for inspiration and ideas and compiled my ultimate selection of easy-peasy Easter decorations you can create on your own. Check it out.

Easter sweets as Easter decorations?

Easter sweets are not only mouth-watering, they come in gorgeous shapes and colours too. If you can’t help yourself but buy every Easter themed candy you come across, why not employ a portion of that large batch for the vase decoration. A transparent wide vase would be perfect for this project. From rainbow-tinted jelly beans, marshmallow bunnies to golden-wrapped chocolate eggs, it all makes it into the vase display. Finish it with a nice ribbon and a few flowers on top.

Cute chicken place markers

Cheer up your family members with some delightful personalised surprise in the form of cutsie placeholders. This will require tiny earthenware pots for every person. Make the chicken element using thicker plastic spoons, nail polish and markers. Dye the whole sets into a customised shade (the owner’s favourite). Embellish it with polka dots and name plates with special fonts. Your loved ones will be blown away!

Eye-catching door setup

I’ve never seen this before so I have to share! To enliven your front door for spring arrival with Easter decorations, consider placing some real or satin flower ornaments. What we had in mind is utilising an umbrella or a soft hat in some earthy colour as a socket for the bouquet. Attach the whole construction with an appropriate ribbon in some bold hue. Round up the setup with several faux eggs and grass to give it a veritable homey look.

Bunny-fied family photos

This one scores big points for both cost-effectiveness and decidedly adorable detailing. If you happen to find them, and I’m certain there’s plenty to choose from since it’s the holiday season, get yourself some bunny stickers. The purpose we had in mind is total bunnyfication of the displayed family photos in your home. Apply the ears, noses and mouths in random fashion on the frame glass. However, if the ratios are off, make your own sticky cutouts. Hop you go, bunnies!

Blossom flower pieces

I’m just not super keen on loads of flowers on the table near food (insects and such, you know), so I opted for something modest but not less charming. Since the spring has come a knocking, chances are that some branches can be found in your close neighbourhood. Select some nice, thinner pieces. Take some currently blossoming flowers and glue them to the branches. Lastly, secure the arrangement with tiny pebbles in an elegant jar.

Earthy table feel

I just had to include this table decoration as it was something special and works in a complementary manner with the blossoms. You can have a few mini oasis settings right there at your table. The idea remind me of those tiny sustainable ecosystems people make. You will need: several tall glass transparent cloches, some dirt and moss and several nice fern sprays. Use the dirt and moss to secure the fern and voila!

Versatile countdown calendar

Are you buzzing constantly about Easter topics a month or two prior to actual day? If you’re like myself, this all age proof calendar will make the countdown more enjoyable and fun. Join in with your children or little cousins and cross out the days before big holiday. Grab some multi-coloured plastic eggs with a cap and fill it with treats and happy messages. Adjoin it on a paper calendar board and it’s on!

These ornaments are not going to make themselves. Hurry up and get down to decorating.

Hoppy Easter everybody!

The Perks of Being a Landlord: Decorating Your Rental Space

February 26, 2016

Lillian Connors

Renting a home shouldn’t make you care less about it. If you don’t look after your space, you can’t expect the tenants to do the same. Empty property and a loss of income is something no landlord wants. A well-kept one is not likely to receive such fate, and aesthetically pleasing homes will make it easier for tenants to accept the rental price. Hence, go ahead and decorate with style, aiming at those groups who might be your most likely customers.

Image source: www.houzz.se

Rental facts and figures

More and more people are giving up on owning a property, and rents have risen rapidly in recent years. It is estimated that there are 11 million private renters in England alone and by 2032 private landlords will own one in every three homes in the whole UK. Half of the 25 to 34 years-old population rent their homes, which is why the university towns are a fertile ground for investment. There, tenants often bid against each other and push the rents up.

Being a landlord comes with both many benefits and responsibilities indeed, and you need to be aware of your legal rights and obligations. Rental property must be, for example, safe to live in and free from potential health hazards. Still, many landlords fail to give accurate information on things like decoration to tenants and this gives rise to redecoration disputes. On the other hand, a thorough account of the décor and a clearly defined tenancy agreement prevent disputes and other unpleasant situations.

Image source: homesick.nu

A long-lasting investment

According to industry guidelines, the landlords should make an effort to redecorate every three to five years. The responsibility, at least the financial one, lies with them, unless a tenant has caused damage that calls for redecoration. Keep in mind that what many students and younger generations want is a neutral blank canvas they can add their own personality to. It means that you should refrain from turning the place into your personal retreat full of statement pieces.

The focus should be on practical and durable solutions. A long-lasting property that endures all the trials and temptations of tenants is the best investment there is. Thus, a healthy balance between durability and visual appeal spurs best long term benefits for landlords.

Don’t go overboard with furnishing and stocking the property, because it won’t add much value to it. Your decorating budget should depend on your monthly income from rents. Yet, don’t get discouraged by high up-front costs and avoid things like shinny but cheap fittings- they are a false economy. The same goes for bathroom fittings- this is not the area where you should try to cut the costs.

A bulk of landlords tends to ignore the flooring because it’s costly, but it’s the part of the home that is most prone to damage due to physical contact. Bear in mind that floor tiles are sturdier than paint or laminate, and should be the only solution in moist rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. They are also easy to maintain, even more so if they are dark-coloured.

Furthermore, note that unlike most families, students don’t bring their own furniture. It should be in a good decorative order and kept clean. Not every piece can be trendy, but try to replace the unfashionable ones. It’s best if the furniture is versatile and can fit in a variety of places. Also, don’t forget that as a landlord, you are responsible for the fire safety of all the furniture and furnishings. If it was made before 1989, it probably doesn’t meet the safety regulations.

Image source: decoholic.org

United colours

Light paints and carpets might give the illusion that the space is bigger and cleaner, but this trick has a short lifespan. It’s quite difficult to keep light walls and carpets clean, and they are most likely to become murky in a matter of months. Then you would have to come up with some money for repainting or replacing, something your budget could do without.

Go for mid-toned greys or browns which go excellent with most of the other colours, and remember that natural lighting complements them well. Apart from the blessings of the Mother Nature, make good use of other sources of light. Proper lighting is crucial for every living space, so invest in lamps and funky lampshades, or brighten up your space with some pendant light. Led lighting products are always a smart solution, since they are economical, yet trendy.

An alternative for bringing life into outdated rooms with poor colour palette is fabric. Use wall coverings to give a fresh look to the place, and you can easily remove them if you are not overly satisfied with the results. This inexpensive solution sure can save landlords the headaches and provide tenants with a more pleasing living environment.

Image source: decoholic.org

Safe and sound

Rising house prices create a great demand for rental spaces, but tenants still want to see some style and substance. Spend your pennies wisely, and stick to your decorating budget. At the same time, have in mind that redecoration increases the rental’s property value and makes it easier to rent the space. It’s thus in every landlord’s best interest to treat the rental space as his own living area. Create a safe and visually appealing living environment that will please your target audience and make sure you enjoy the perks of being a landlord for many years to come.

Interior Décor

Most Popular Decorating Trends Around The Globe

November 17, 2015

This year’s interior design scene is characterized by creative blends of retro decors and contemporary elements, with just a few green additions to spice up the mix and achieve a flattering natural effect. Home designers throughout the world have come to regard vintage as the new modern, but old-fashioned decors have been re-imagined in different ways across countries. If you have not had a chance to check out the biggest home decorating trends in 2015, take a quick look at the top five national reinterpretations of classic designs: we guarantee you will love them!

1. Russia: Mix of old and new

The Soviets are known for their sentimental attitude towards the past and an undying love for furnishings evocative of bygone eras. The use of imposing wooden pieces, overhauled antiques and charming vintage details such as ceramic figurines, lavish art objects and rich drapes creates an ambiance of grandeur and Russian bourgeoisie style reminiscent of the Belle Époque. For a décor borrowed straight from the set for Anna Karenina, add vintage nightstands, solid wood armoires and crystal chandeliers to your living area, and round off the look with a set of old-fashioned wine glasses and a black-and-white chessboard.

2. India: Craft Revival

The cradle of beautiful carpet patterns and supple fabrics, India has ventured to restore its traditional crafts to the global interior décor scene. With fascinating rugs and elaborate throw designs crafted by antique quilting and weaving techniques, Indian homes are characterized by abundance of cultural motifs and appealing textures, and old-fashioned elements also occupy a prominent place in wall treatments, linens, artwork and various decorative accents.

3. Spain: Sophisticated and youthful

The Spanish decor revolves around deployment of sophisticated furnishings and playful designer accessories such as vividly colored textiles and unique ceramic items. Outmoded sofas and armchairs paired with bold splashes of youthful tones and textured fabrics with creative patterns render a charming eccentric feel to homes on the Iberian Peninsula. A spot where the real world and fairytales collide, Spanish home decor is an endless source of inspiration for every crafty homeowner with a penchant for colorful experiments following in the footsteps of Picasso and Dali.

4. Mexico: New vintage

Though gentrification is rapidly gaining momentum in Mexico, Latin homeowners have not conceded to forgo their artisan past and have resorted to the use of colorful vintage elements to complement the modern decor. The combinations of the antique and the contemporary in Mexican houses represent a creative deviation from the mainstream and open room for personal expression. Driven by imagination and supplemented by a handful of classic furnishings, Mexican homes represent probably the most intriguing trend on the global interior design scene, so make sure you give Latin look a serious thought if you want your living area to be an extension of your personality.

5. Japan: Green Interiors

Fueled by affection for nature, Japanese home decor is marked by a refreshing note and deployment of outdoor elements inside. To spite drab concrete and glass surfaces lurking at every urban corner, designers have managed to visually enrich the proverbially tiny Japanese home and compensate for the lack of garden space by abundance of green details such as potted plants, blossoms and dry flowers. This trend is perhaps to an extent aided by increased environmental awareness and preference for clean, organic choices in all aspects of life, from personal care and lifestyle products to spruced-up home designs and work environments. Either way, the Japanese decor is a true eye-candy!

6. France: Country Decor

French country décor is both sophisticated and cozy. It is characterized by ruffles, shabby chic patterns, distressed woodwork and appealing combinations of neutral and bold colors. It has recently become very popular around the world.

If you like what you see, go ahead and transplant a piece of global décor into your home: after all, multiculturalism has been hip over the past few years, and the trend of merging different cultures into a style fit for each and every nation will probably stick around for another decade.

Interior Décor

Bookshelves for Book Lovers

October 24, 2015

Yes, the world of books is constantly changing. And, just like it is the case with their content, there will always be various new settings and innovative outlooks, different e-books formats, additions and even multimedia included, probably 3D or even more advanced. However, just as classics are still sought, read and cherished shoulder to shoulder with the most modern genres, printed books will always have their place in our homes. Now, about that place, why not make it more than a bookshelf and have a truly decorative furniture item? Here is how to.

The setting

One clear advantage of keeping to printed books is the very setting you will be reading in. Designing a perfect reading nook simply requires having paper books on shelves all around you, the smell, the feel under your fingers all the dimension, the kickstarters to a different world you cannot get elsewhere when it comes to reading experience. It is hard to imagine a warm and cozy place where the central action is happening either on your tablet or Kindle, let alone laptop or desktop, missing those extra sensory dimensions. The effect the screens have on your health should not be overlooked too.

Shelf material

Two materials, wood and metal, allow the highest level of customization and are easily obtainable so they should be the top choice. Traditional literature lovers usually opt for wooden and modern theme lovers for metal ones. However, making a brick one is another interesting and unique looking solution that meets both worlds, especially in spacious houses, as you will see in the following paragraphs.

Floor to ceiling bookshelf

This type is great for all those keen readers that have a lot of books and very little space to keep them in. They are usually placed on in front of a mirror less wall. Why not try something different. Build it in a way that it can fit in an open window and place it on the wall that has one. This will prove to be a must have feature for any lover of romantic literature. Just imagine picking or folding your favorite titles with your partner next to you during a beautiful sunset or moonlight night being portrayed in the window.

Built in shelf

This is where bricked ones have their spot. Unless a load bearing wall is in question, you could turn any room separating wall into a unique looking built in bookshelf. Giving it a rustic appearance by leaving one side unfinished revealing the brick surface will certainly build an adventurous, old days atmosphere. If you are a fan of knight stories this would be a perfect setting for your reading room. Candle holders and parts of armor are something you simply need to add to complete the medieval mood.

A touch of hanging liveliness

Even the most classic of the bunch, the wall hanging bookshelves can be decorative. Go beyond the traditional wood grain appearance and color them up. Do not pull any brakes, make them as vivid as possible and fire up the atmosphere in the room. You will not believe the change even a single one bookshelf done in this manner will make. Add some climbing plants to make them intriguing, a kind of futuristic dreamland looking, a perfect home for your SF collection.

Remember, treat your bookshelf in the manner of your favorite read to spread the spirit to your reading spot as well. And hold on to the multidimensional world of printed edition for the best experience.

Interior Décor

Must-Have Home Decor Pieces

December 22, 2014