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8 Ways Gen Z Is Changing Housing Trends

September 29, 2023
Chloe Taylor
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With the rise of Generation Z (Gen Z), a fresh wave of changes is sweeping the real estate market. The landscape of housing trends is continuously changing. With its distinct preferences and requirements, Gen Z, who were born between the middle of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2010s, is leaving its mark on the housing sector. We will examine eight significant ways that Gen Z is changing the housing sector in this piece, from the development of apartment living to a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Embracing Minimalism and Downsizing

Gen Z is renowned for its frugal way of living. They tend to value experiences over material things, unlike past generations. Their dwelling choices are also being influenced by this mentality shift. Many members of Generation Z are choosing to live in smaller, more compact homes since they are more affordable and require less upkeep. As they fit with the minimalist lifestyle that younger people prefer, tiny homes and micro-apartments are becoming more and more popular. Additionally, shrinking enables them to lessen their environmental impact, which is another concern of theirs. Their preference for minimalist design and multipurpose furniture shows through in their interior decorating choices as well.

Sustainability as a Priority

The housing choices of this generation reflect their strong dedication to environmental sustainability. They are more inclined to select environmentally friendly and resource-efficient homes. Solar panels, energy-saving appliances, and environmentally friendly building materials are highly desired features. In addition, Gen Z is drawn to neighborhoods that place an emphasis on natural spaces, public transportation, and walkability to minimize their carbon footprint. They place a strong emphasis on sustainability not only for the house but also for the neighborhood’s overall environmental impact. Many members of the younger generation actively participate in neighborhood sustainability programs and look for housing options that are close to parks and other natural areas.

A Preference for Urban Living

Urbanization is a trend that has been growing for a while, but Gen Z is advancing it significantly. They are moving en masse to urban areas in pursuit of entertainment, employment, and a buzzing social environment. This desire for urban living is raising housing demand in city centers and changing the urban development landscape. Excellent apartments for rent in downtown regions are in high demand, with young individuals driving the movement to transform urban environments. Living in the city also provides convenience and easy access to public transportation, which is consistent with their ecological approach. They may readily reach a range of eateries, cafes, and cultural places thanks to the convenience of urban living.

The Impact of Remote Work

Generation Z is leading this transition to remote work, which was expedited by the COVID-19 epidemic. This generation’s preference for working remotely or from home is influencing many of their housing decisions. Young people are looking for homes more and more often that provide specialized office spaces, fast internet, and a relaxing setting for remote work. As a result, there is an increase in demand for houses with home office features. In addition, being able to work from home makes it possible for them to live in more cheap places, which affects their housing choices. They place a high priority on ergonomic and cozy home office setups to boost productivity.

The Rise of Co-Living Spaces

Gen Zers are increasingly gravitating toward co-living environments. These options accommodate the need for social interaction and affordability by involving shared accommodation with communal areas and facilities. Co-living spaces are an appealing choice for people wishing to live in vibrant urban locations without the stress of a typical lease because they frequently offer fully furnished rooms and shared utilities. Furthermore, the younger generation’s demand for social ties and support systems is in line with the sense of community that co-living spaces foster. Also, they value how convenient shared utilities like laundry rooms and communal kitchens are.

Tech-Savvy Housing

The new generation is the first to have grown up exclusively in the digital era, and technology permeates every aspect of their daily existence. They anticipate their homes to be outfitted with the newest smart technology, such as voice-activated assistants, security systems, and smart thermostats. These technologically advanced features not only increase convenience but also support energy efficiency, which is in line with their commitment to sustainability. They can also remotely monitor and manage their homes thanks to technology, which gives them a sense of security and control. They also embrace mobile apps for controlling smart appliances, which offers more ease.

A Preference for Renting Over Owning

The younger demographic is exhibiting a preference for renting over owning a place of their own, in contrast to their elders. Flexibility, financial concerns, and a desire to avoid the obligations of homeownership all contribute to this decision. Gen Z can live in multiple places, travel to new cities, and lead a more flexible lifestyle thanks to renting, which is ideal for their changing requirements and aspirations. Additionally, they value the convenience of moving around for new professional opportunities and experiences, which makes renting a sensible option. Likewise, they like how simple maintenance is and how there are no lengthy mortgage obligations.

A Focus on Community and Amenities

When picking a location to reside, younger people are very concerned with the neighborhood and the amenities. They look for housing options that give them access to shared areas, gyms, co-working spaces, and social gatherings. Generation Z is interested in belonging to a community that shares its beliefs and interests, whether it is a hip co-living space in the middle of the city or a sustainable housing complex in the suburbs. Moreover, in an increasingly networked world, community-based living enables people to create relationships and support systems. They also value the ease of having 24-hour concierge services and parcel delivery services offered in their housing complexes.

In conclusion, it is undeniable that Gen Z is influencing both present and future housing trends. Developers, builders, and real estate professionals will need to pay close attention to the changing preferences of younger people as they continue to enter the property market in increasing numbers in order to meet their demands and provide housing solutions that resonate with this generation’s distinct values and lifestyle preferences. 

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Using Canvas Prints to Decorate Your Home

January 21, 2023
EmmaJ
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Whether you’re moving into a brand new home or you’re just trying to spice up your current living space a bit, paying attention to decoration is one of the most important things in the world. This is a way to make every corner of your home more visually appealing and welcoming, as well as a cool idea to explore if you’re trying to boost the level of comfort and coziness in your living space. However, not all decorating ideas will turn out to be good enough for you as only the most stunning ones will do the trick, and it’s safe to say that canvas prints are among them. These pieces have been around for a while and people have been using them in different areas of their lives, but if you decorate your home using canvas prints, you’ll introduce a huge change in no time at all. In case you need some help doing that, here are a few tips to explore.

Focus on different areas


One of the problems most people have when decorating their homes is the fact that they have lots of ideas when it comes to decorating the living room, but nothing really creative to do with areas of the home. And if you focus all your attention on just one space, the rest of your home is going to look empty, and that’s never a good outcome. 

That’s why decorating your home using canvas prints should be all about decorating every area in your home with these pieces – from your living room and your kitchen to your kids’ room and your bedroom. This way, every corner of your home will get fair treatment, and what’s even better is that you’re going to make your entire home look better than ever because every room is going to become a part of a unique decorating concept you’re trying to promote.

Check out different shapes and sizes

canvas prints
Probably the biggest advantage of decorating your home using canvas prints is the fact that you can pick different shapes and sizes that will fit into different sections of your home. Still, you need to invest some time and energy into the process of figuring these things out and making the right choices. 

For instance, when decorating your living room, you can go big and add a huge canvas print that you can display above your fireplace. When decorating your bedroom, you can choose several smaller pieces that go well together and tell a story of your family. And when decorating your kids’ room, choose one of those four-piece split canvas prints that form a bigger picture together.

Use these prints for motivation

Whether you’re trying to be creative or you’re just interested in boosting your mental health, being motivated to do something good with your free time is always a good idea. This means that you can use these canvas prints to get motivated – they can feature motivational quotes, positive thoughts, and creative ideas that will get you going and inspire you to move and overcome any obstacles. 

You can also create custom-made canvas prints that will feature your family or your kids since this is one of those ideas that seems to motivate people the most. Using this idea is particularly useful if you work from home and you’re trying to decorate your home office. This way, the time you’re going to spend working will still be enjoyable and creative, and you won’t feel like you’re that far away from your family and your kids.

 

Decorating your home using canvas prints is one of the simplest, easiest, and most practical ideas in the world, so just use these tips to help you pick the right canvases and start decorating today!

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The Importance of Interior Design In Restaurants

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

Architecture and Design

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

Lighting

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

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

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

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

Seating

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

The Colors

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

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

Scent

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

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

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Home Interior Design Styles: Everything You Need to Know About Rustic Design

January 11, 2022
Marie Nieves
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Rustic interior design has been popular for quite some time but some experts are predicting that this will become the style to look out for in 2022. You may wonder what rustic style consists of and what are its quintessential elements. You’re at the right place! Here, you will find out everything you need to know about rustic style and how to transform your home with this aesthetic in mind.

The history of rustic design

Rustic design has some interesting roots. It is greatly inspired by the homely look of early 19th-century abodes in the rural United States, which makes this design choice as American as one can be. Then, the accents were on the functionality of the furniture which was quite large and boxy. Since the early 19th-century pioneers had completely different lifestyles than we have today, most of them sourced their own materials and built the furniture by themselves. Therefore, if you’d like to have the most authentic-looking rustic space, you should invest in large handmade furniture, such as the beautiful handmade Amish dining furniture which will transform every dining room into a charming rustic area. This authentic woodwork will make your rooms look like they are from a cottage in the middle of remote woodlands.

Rustic design

Features of rustic space

When you’re designing a rustic space, there are some general guidelines to follow if you want your vision to translate. The focus should be on comfort which is accentuated by natural colors and materials. For example, instead of a glass chandelier, opt for lodge chandeliers made of leather and wood. Muted colors such as beige, gray, and brown look best in a rustic space. Also, materials such as natural wood, iron, copper, and leather will make your rooms look wonderful. When it comes to décor, you should consider hanging up antlers, while sprucing up the floors with animal hides and furs. Don’t forget to incorporate woolen throws and pillows for a welcoming and warm touch.

A contemporary rustic style is always an option

People are getting tired of all the neon lights and angular lines prevalent in modern home décor; however, a lot of us still have our spaces decorated this way. It can sometimes be hard to just throw away the furniture and décor pieces you already own and start anew, which is why contemporary rustic style is perfect for those who want to have a trendy and cozy space without changing up a lot. You have to remember to bring in the earthy natural elements and effortlessly combine them with modern pieces. This look brings out the best of both worlds, the warmth of the rustic style and the lightness of modern design. For example, you may switch out the tiny coffee tables you have for those that look like logs. This is a quick and cheap design choice that will definitely bring the rustic look to life.

Rustic Design

Imperfection is perfection in rustic design

The roughness of rustic furniture and materials is a hallmark of their style. With its raw stone and wood components, the design looks as if it’s never quite finished, which is definitely a part of its magic. If you invest in handmade furniture, you’ll know that each piece is one-of-a-kind because of the natural materials’ wide range of forms, textures, and colors. Even though the design may be the same, the wood has different crevices and textures which will make your space look special. Textiles you use in your space should never have a manufactured gloss to them. Think of plastic: if you want your space to look authentic, you should never incorporate polyester into the design. Instead, acquaint yourself with more natural materials like jute or hide.

Rustic Design

 

Rustic design is making a comeback in 2022, which is why it’s a great time to think about the space you have and incorporate some rustic pieces. You can go all-in and design a completely authentic 19th-century rustic dream, or you may choose to mix the rustic pieces with some contemporary elements you already own, which will make your space unique and inviting. Whatever your choice might be, remember to use a muted color palette, natural materials, and gritty design.

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Benefits You Get from a Fitted Wardrobe

September 30, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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Have you ever dreamed of having a fitted wardrobe at home? People who consider having this, want to maximise the spaces of their rooms. It may cost you time and money when planning, but they can make your place aesthetically pleasing and relaxing as well.

Having this in mind, here are the top five benefits of choosing fitted wardrobe UK.

Less hassle

Going to stores to buy the materials needed to fit your style, whether it`s based on an athleisure trend or a classic one, is difficult when they don’t have enough stock or other options. In addition, a fitted wardrobe prevents you from exerting too much effort by going to various malls because you can’t find a closet with the essential drawers and crannies you need.

Aside from that, a wardrobe that touches the floor up to the ceiling can help you clean it immediately if necessary. You will not spend too much time looking for the possible room of dirt compared to the closets you can find at the shopping centre.

Fill up spaces

Fitted wardrobes can fit even in the tiny spaces in your room. This kind of wardrobe doesn’t just give you extensive storage where you can put your clothes. It also helps to save available spaces if you have a small area.

These are the key to solve awkward spaces regardless of what shape your room is. They are designed to fit your need all the time.

Satisfy your taste

Professional designers can help you to turn your dream wardrobe into reality. In addition, they may help you process the design that you want by providing the details. For example, you can arrange your closets to separate casual and formal clothes or even include a divider to put your shoe collection.

Attractive setup

If you want everything to keep up your way, you can customize your wardrobe based on the style of your interiors to make them more aesthetically pleasing and relaxing to the eye. It suits people who want everything to be styled perfectly at home.

There are numerous available colors and materials that you can choose to ensure the durability and pleasantness of the room. Some even add lights to brighten up their wardrobes which make them look good and efficient.

Worthwhile investment

Fitted wardrobes may cost you time and money, but they can promise long-lasting function and quality. It is a good investment for people who don’t want to change their furniture from time to time. It also offers good value and durability that will make your payment worthwhile regardless of the size, color, and design you want.

Conclusion

The benefits mentioned above are proven and tested in the furniture industry. A fitted wardrobe allows you to maximize the space you want while having wide storage spaces to accommodate all you need. It enhances the quality of living you have at home by maximizing your floor space as well. Aside from that, it can organize your set up which lessens your stress and ensures productivity. It is widely available in the market so, don’t hesitate to grab yours now and get the best comfort experience!

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5 Smart Ideas to Reshape Your Garden

February 16, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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Are you working to create an idyllic garden space that you and your family can cherish? Then try gardening. It can introduce you to some fantastic strategies to cut out noise pollution and unpleasant views. Some people gravitate towards landscaping ideas to create a lovely outdoor space. Others prefer tailored gardens with complimenting furniture, pavements, flower beds, and even spacious decks.

The size of your garden is a defining factor in determining practical ideas to transform your garden. We advise you to begin by closing your eyes and envisioning your dream garden. Once you’ve conjured up the vision, take a look at your current garden and absorb all the details. Explore the direction, outlook, and aesthetic appeal to devise a strategy focusing on restoration, improvement, and beautification.

Keep reading to explore some fabulously smart ideas to reshape and transform your garden.

Shape Things Up

Is your garden littered with clutter, unpruned trees, and lots of potential hazards? Or is it moderately shapely with a healthy population of flower beds, flowering trees, and fruit-bearing plants? If your garden is strong and healthy, you can get started on the transformation. However, if the bushes and hedges are unkempt, you must focus on shaping up all the vegetation. Eliminate all the accidental hazards, trim down the lawn edges, and clear up the clutter. Now, you can proceed towards planning the landscape or combining indoor and outdoor areas.

Planning & Pruning Trees

Trees dominate the aesthetic appeal of a garden, and they are super functional. It is always a starting point for designing a garden. If you live in Austin, then summers are very harsh there. You cannot avoid the hot beaming sun ruining your day-time. However, trees not only block the sun’s awful glare. They also block out noise and visual pollution and serve as an anchor for hanging decorative fixtures.

We advise you to hire competent professionals with vast experience in pruning and decorative tree service in Austin TX. Experts can help you create a thriving habitat by planting trees in a myriad of shapes and sizes. You can add trees and wines to your balcony, or perhaps, plant some picturesque cherry and apricot trees in your backyard.

In recent years, planting multi-stem trees has emerged as a powerful trend to create a masterful gardening showpiece. You can design elegant and charming canopies connected with layered under-plants and beautiful structural accents. If you have a front courtyard garden, a wild and deconstructed natural environment will work wonders at elevating the curb appeal.

Designing Paving

Paving is the ultimate trick to reshape your garden’s aesthetic appeal and pull the entire architecture with a firm seal. The style and color of the paving create a powerful architectural direction that dominates the space. Some homeowners prefer the French countryside appeal with grey and white stones arranged in random patterns.

The English countryside is another prevalent influence that involves mixed patterns of gold stones. Many homeowners prefer sleek and modern cosmetic arrangements with silver or matte black paving. Inspiration is abundant when it comes to creating a stunning effect with cobbles, stones, and setts. Which stone attracts you the most?

Do you prefer the charm of limestone mixed with cobbles? Or perhaps, you like elegant ceramics or a Bali-like ambiance? Find the combination that works for you, and you can embark on an incredible paving project for your garden.

Planning Flower Beds & Planting

A garden design is incomplete without beautiful flowering plants, vegetation, and evergreen shrubs. If you’re not a seasoned gardener, you will have to enlist the help of a trained professional. The first step is to envision the scents and flowers you wish to see in your garden.

Experts generally recommend creating an arrangement with at least six different types of flowering plants. It is ideal to arrange them in repetitive patterns to create a well-coordinated and balance aesthetic presentation. You can place the smaller plants in the front, with taller shrubs falling behind.

If you don’t have much space for deep flower beds, you can work with climbers and containers. Climbing plants, such as clematis, are a great strategy to give your garden a vibrant color and infusion of charm. If you want to set up an elaborate outdoor seating area, star jasmine is a must-have. It is an easily manageable plant that exudes the most incredible scent.

Outdoor Arrangement

If you’re a family of big entertainers, an outdoor arrangement will undoubtedly elevate the charm of your dinner parties. How much space do you have to set-up an outdoor seating area? If you have a large, expansive garden, you can set up a nice deck with elaborate furniture.

In recent years, fire pits and cozy seating arrangements with floor cushions and bamboo furniture are all the rage. Architectural gazettes are brimming with decks featuring Moroccan floor seating arrangements and cozy fire pits. You can always place lounging chairs around it.

Creative homeowners are also constructing lowered fire pits with built-in seating areas, plumped up with mattresses and cushions. If you’re comfortable with elbow grease and DIY, you can explore numerous budget-friendly strategies. For a small garden space, consider setting up a rustic wooden table and low benches for seating. You can hang up some lighting fixtures, fairy lights, and lanterns to transform the ambiance.

Conclusion

Gardening is an endeavor that requires skill, research, and expertise more than practical planning skills. If you have a vision for your dream garden, it is wise to gain the expertise required to maintain a healthy garden. The initial design is easy to achieve, but maintaining its health and longevity is tricky and requires constant care. Keep in mind; a garden is a long-term commitment that requires love, maintenance, and attention.

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Aquarium as an Element of Interior Design

August 12, 2019
Chloe Taylor
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Aquariums are always a nice part of home décor, as they can add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral space, and they can be very entertaining to look at. However, besides being aesthetically pleasing, they are also beneficial to your health. Studies have shown that aquariums can help reduce anxiety, stress, and pain. They can also help you sleep better, and they can boost your creativity when needed. 

These are just some of the reasons why aquariums are so popular today, especially in bigger residential units. Additionally, sometimes, architects simply need to fill in some extra space, and aquariums are perfect for that. So, if you’ve been thinking about adding it to your home interior, here are a few things you should know about it. 

For bigger spaces

If you’d like to add an aquarium to your restaurant, office, or larger home, you should opt for a bigger aquarium that can become a part of the room. Some may take the form of freestanding furniture, some may look like sculptures, while some may serve as custom wall units. Regardless of how you choose to implement your aquarium, it is bound to draw attention.

Aquariums are perfect for more nature-based themes, and there is no better way to breathe life into the room. Moreover, such aquariums are much more than mere entertainment that you can focus on when bored. They are works of art, created in a way that can engage the view for much longer than a few minutes. 

Aquarium

When it comes to the designs, you can choose anything from minimalistic sea scenes with sand, some plants, rocks, and sculptures, to huge sceneries with corals, crabs, clams, and everything else that suits the idea of a living-reef tank. In this case, the aquarium is not just a typical art piece – it moves, and it grows, as everything in it is constantly evolving. 

If you’re looking for inspiration, you can search for projects done by Martin Schapira, a co-founder and a lead designer of Okeanos Aquascaping. He’s done many impressive works, but one of his most breathtaking ones is definitely the 900-gallon aquarium with color-changing LED lights. It was done in Lagos, Nigeria, and it functions as one of the main features of a dance floor. Plus, to complement the black-and-white theme of the room, Martin stocked the aquarium with 60 Banggai Cardinalfish, which are silver with black stripes and fit the theme perfectly. So, if you have a specific color scheme in your restaurant or home, think about doing something similar. 

Home-based aquariums

When talking about smaller, home-based aquariums, one of the main advantages is that anybody can have one. Even if you have a small apartment, you can easily find an aquarium that would be suitable for it. Plus, the usual “no pets” rule generally doesn’t apply to fish, so if you happen to live in a dorm room or a rented apartment, this might be a good pet for you. It’s also great for kids, since fish can be good starter pets to teach them some responsibility. However, you should keep in mind that aquariums require regular maintenance, so you need to have time for that.

Home Aquarium

Moreover, if you like the Feng Shui style, you’re probably well familiar with the importance and meaning of the water element as well as numbers. A nice aquarium can help you create a harmonious balance in your home, and having eight fish in it can bring you good luck. Although it might not make you rich or make all your problems disappear, it can still help you de-stress, relax, think more clearly, and thus, find solutions to your problems on your own. 

Regardless of whether you’re decorating a smaller apartment or a huge restaurant, installing an aquarium can really boost the style of your property. Not to mention all the health benefits it comes with. So, if this is something you’ve been thinking about, do your research on different types of aquariums and maintenance requirements, and the space you decorate with it is bound to look better than you could imagine. 

 

This is a guest post by John Basta.

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Landscape Design & Construction

July 26, 2019
Tracey Clayton
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Designing a beautiful outdoor space is just as important as creating an appealing interior design. The best proof of that is that landscaping can add significant value to a property that is listed on the market. In fact, it is the curb appeal that contributes to 28% of the house’s overall value, because the home buyers are immediately astonished by the first impression. However, not all landscape and outdoor construction projects are the same when it comes to value, appearance, and functionality. In this article, we’ll share some valuable insights into the outdoor projects with the biggest potential, so that you have a clear image of all the things your front and backyard can benefit from.

Planting a lawn

Many people look at planting the lawn as designing a flat square green surface, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The best lawns are central access points to other features. A swath of grass should connect pathways and bush and flower areas. It should also be integral to creating harmony between different shapes and colors, and lead the eye to a focal point, such as a fountain or a flowerbed. For a formal look, you can go with the symmetrical design. This is also a good choice for easy maintenance because it makes mowing a breeze. Gentle curves bring slightly more maintenance, but they have a more organic feel.

Creating natural shade

Before we move on to various outdoor installations which can provide you with shade, it is vital to mention that natural shade is the best one you can get. A mature tree can add from $1,000 to $10,000 to a property while creating a fairytale-like ambiance in the back and front yard. The choice of the tree depends on the local climate and the amount of sunlight and rain the outdoor space is receiving. Another way to create cover from the sun is to add a vine arch or a pergola.

A roof over your head

Outdoor entertaining has always been popular, but sometimes it is impossible due to harsh sun or mild rain, that is unless you have some type of roof over your head. This shelter can come in the form of a wooden pergola, a simple shade sail, or an awning. This setting can be installed on the back side of your house, or it can stand alone as a backyard focal point.

Something to stand on

A seamless connection between the interior and the exterior is one of the biggest trends right now, and for that, you won’t be able to stand on your lawn. Wooden decks are believed to bring the most significant return on investment, but if you are looking for endurance and high-end appearance, you can also go with limestone paving patio slabs, which are durable, roughly-finished, textured, and compliment every outdoor space. Some other popular options are concrete, gravel, and bricks.

Indoor features

As mentioned, indoors and outdoors can coexist in a happy marriage. What better proof could you ask for than the existence of outdoor kitchens and dining areas? All the things that will make the exterior feel almost like the interior are welcome, as long as they are in coherence with natural surroundings. Excellent additions, for example, would be a stone oven, fire pit, wooden dining table, etc.

A place to sit

Since you already have a place to prepare food and hide from the sun, you should also have a seating arrangement worthy of these updates. Outdoor furniture should have the feel of the indoor comfort but with the added endurance and weather-resistance provided by materials like plastic, aluminum, steel, wrought iron, wicker, eucalyptus, and teak. 

The final stamp

Finally, every backyard should be a reflection of the homeowner. Depending on the landscape designer and the homeowners, the personal stamp can come in the form of mystical pathways made of stone, brick, or planks, a central fountain, a natural lake, a swimming pool, an outdoor spa pool, a vegetable garden, string lights, lanterns, solar torches, or anything else that results in an outdoor space you’ve always wanted to have.

A home is not only what’s inside the interior walls. A home starts with the entrance to the front yard and ends with the furthest point of the backyard. This is why investing time and money in landscaping and hardscaping makes sense, regardless of whether you want to live in that house for years or you want to sell it.

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Top 5 Trends in Commercial Architecture and Construction

May 21, 2019
Chloe Taylor
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Architecture and commercial construction have evolved over the years, and they are still changing. Each year brings some new materials, layouts, and designs that serve to fulfill our needs better. So, if you want to learn more about what’s new in the field, or if you could use some inspiration for your own space, here are a few architectural trends that are popular this year.

Combining the indoors with the outdoors

Open-plan living has become very popular in the last few years, and it continues to be so this year as well. Blending indoors with the outdoors can be done in many different ways, and it provides you with numerous possibilities – if done right. It’s usually achieved by using large walls that can be folded away, which leaves only the roof above. Of course, this does require a bit more advanced engineering, but the results are more often than not very stunning. Also, by using materials that are similar, for both the exterior and the interior, you can create a seamlessly connected space that would allow people to enjoy their environment to the fullest. As for the practical application, this trend is mostly used for restaurants and buildings that do operate both indoors and outdoors.

Displaying your brand identity

office
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A great way to show the world who you are is to use your brand colors when decorating your workplace. Of course, that only works if the colors in question are not too bright or vibrant. If they are, you can still incorporate them through some smaller details, but there are other ways to customize your workplace too. For example, if you own a retail store, you can display your logo throughout it, or you can use some creative wall mural to showcase your business message or brand motto somewhere where it can be seen from the entrance. This aspect of retail space architecture and design would provide your employees with a boost of motivation the moment they enter, and your customers would see what you’re all about right away.

Sustainability 

Eco-conscious spaces are becoming more popular – and more important – than ever before. Moreover, the pollution of nature is very visible in the field of construction too; all the waste is not always properly disposed of. Considering the rising importance of preserving the nature, those who can make the whole process more eco-friendly are also more likely to advance in the industry. The same goes for actual buildings – there are many ways to make any building green, from using sustainable materials to installing water-saving fixtures. Everything that uses energy needs to be more efficient, and even the positioning of the building matters. With all that in mind, it’s safe to say that this is a trend that is likely to stick around for a long time.

More flexible workspaces 

workspace
Another trend that is continuing from the previous year is the flexible workspace. It’s not a secret that your environment can affect your productivity, which is why people are starting to care more and more about their offices. For example, the open-plan workspace has gained popularity some years ago, but research has shown that it alone is not always the best idea. Not everybody is an extrovert who likes to be surrounded by other people at all times – some people do prefer working in the privacy of their own office. So, the new trend includes giving employees the option to choose the environment that suits them best by building different work zones. Some of the zones would be perfect for team activities, some would be all about computers and other technological advancements, while some would be best for those who need peace and quiet.

Organic workspaces

Since people are becoming aware of the importance of nature, working while surrounded by it is getting more desirable every year. Such an environment has also shown to reduce stress and anxiety as well as boost creativity and productivity. This is especially noticeable in urban centers where leaving your home is not enough to experience actual nature. Some ways of incorporating this biophillic design into your office include installing bigger windows so you can get more natural light, adding indoor foliage and water fixtures, and even planting trees in the reception areas.

These are just some of the trends that are likely to flourish this year. The field of architecture is constantly changing though, so we are yet to see which designs are here to stay and which will continue being adjusted to the needs of employees and customers.

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How to Incorporate Living Coral in Your Interior

May 8, 2019
Lilly Miller
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Living Coral has been pronounced the color of the year by the Pantone Color Institute, and it’s been described as “animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.” However, despite its popularity, its uniqueness can sometimes make it a bit difficult to incorporate in the home décor. With that in mind, here are a few tips that should help you freshen up your interior by making this color a part of it.

coral wall

Paint the walls

Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when remodeling is painting the walls. Of course, you can paint the whole room in this color, or you can choose just a single wall and turn it into a focal point. Either way, this shade would make any room look fresh and youthful, which would leave a great first impression on your guests when they come for a visit. Living Coral is also a color that is easily matched with other colors and patterns, so don’t hesitate to spice things up a bit with wall decals, wallpapers, or some other wall decorations.

coral rug

Add some textiles

Throws, pillows, curtains, carpets, and other textiles are all things that bring your home to life and make it cozier. Curtains in this color, for example, would emphasize the natural light coming through them, while carpets and mats would make the whole area seem brighter. Plus, such a carpet would go great with any type of flooring, regardless of whether we are talking about wood, tiles, or something else. The only downfall is that it can get dirty rather easily, so if you choose to add it to your living room, opt for materials that can withstand high traffic, like wool or cotton. Anyway, it’s a great way to add some character to your home, no matter which interior style you prefer.

coral lamp

Small decorations matter

This might be the safest way to incorporate Living Coral, especially if you don’t want to overwhelm the space with it. After all, small things can often make a big difference. So, get some subtler accessories, like planters, picture frames, or mirror frames, and paint them in this color. You can also combine Living Coral with white, as they look great together. Living Coral also goes well with stone-like textures, so it should look great on your fireplace or kitchen counters. Or, if you’ve chosen your accent wall, you can draw even more attention to it with the mentioned frames.

coral sofa

Pick your furniture

Now, this might seem like a bold move, but it can also be just the thing you need to upgrade the look of your home. For instance, a nice sofa in this color would look amazing on a white carpet. Just keep in mind that such a sofa can be a bit more difficult to maintain, so it might not be the best choice if you have furry pets. You can opt for a smaller piece of furniture instead, like a stylish armchair. Regardless of what you pick, rest assured that it would take the whole appearance of your interior to the next level.

If you are into fashion and you want your home to be up to date, introducing this color into your home décor might be just the thing it needs to look as good as new. It would brighten it up, and add some character to it. Plus, being surrounded by this unique color it would make you feel much more energetic and comfortable. So, consider the listed tips, apply them to your home, and it’s bound to look better than ever before.

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