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interior inspiration

12 Chic Interior Decor Ideas to Beautify Your House

November 18, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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Designing your home is about finding the sweet balance between function and style. It takes more than a handful of elegant furniture pieces and paintings to unleash the full potential of your home. You must know where to place what, how to create certain illusions, and how to play with colors, textures, and shapes.

Sounds exciting, right? But, when you’re drowning in a ton of ideas (that all seem pretty doable and impactful), it can be tough to pick and choose what goes into your home décor project. That’s why we’ve decided to give you a helping hand.

So, let’s create your dream home with these designer-inspired, unbeatable interior décor ideas:

  1. Layer Textures

When it comes to home décor, the texture is critical. It adds interest and depth to a room. To layer textures like a pro, start with the basics:

  • A rug
  • A sofa
  • Some throw pillows

You can add different textured fabrics to your space. For example, velvet and wool are splendid for wintertime, while linen and cotton are perfect for summer.

And don’t forget about texture when it comes to your walls. Again, a little exposed brick or shiplap can make all the difference. 

  1. Include Architectural Elements

Do you have a penchant for high ceilings, exposed beams, or grand fireplaces? These unabashedly stylish architectural elements can make your space feel luxurious and cozy. If you’re fortunate enough to have these in your home already, show them off. The trick is to keep it minimal around these focal points. Too many things in one area can clutter the space and overwhelm the senses. However, since it’s a critical design element, connect with a reputable Interior Designer to ensure it’s done with utmost precision.

  1. Opt for Moody Colors

Gone are the days of light and airy pastels. These days, it’s all about moody colors that add depth and character to a room. Deep hues like navy, forest green, and dusty rose are perfect for creating a cozy and inviting space. Not to mention, they go well with just about any type of décor. If you want to half-and-half it, you can always paint your walls white and add color via furniture or home accessories.

  1. Play with Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes add a touch of sophistication to any space. Plus, they pair well with just about any other design element. For instance, a rounded custom sofa with round tables and a circular rug will look chic and modern. However, you can also go for a more eclectic look by mixing and matching different shapes.

  1. Infuse Bold Metallics

Any room in the house can handle some pizzazz, and that’s why metallics are trending. They bring home glamour, sophistication, and edge all at the same time. And they come in various finishes so that you can mix things up. For example, you can use an antique bronze finish on your light fixtures and door handles. Then, inject some shine with a few gold-leafed accents.

  1. Choose Minimalist Furniture

Furniture with clean lines and simple silhouettes is having a moment these days. Not only does this type of furniture look good, but it’s also functional and versatile. You can dress it up or down – according to the occasion. Plus, it won’t take up too much space, which is excellent for small homes. Think of a sleek sofa, an angular coffee table, and chic nesting tables.

  1. Re-Style a Bookshelf

The bookshelf is one of the most underrated pieces of furniture in a home. It’s left to collect dust bunnies and cobwebs (some, not all). But if you incorporate it into your décor, it can make a statement. Color-coordinate your books for a chic look, or go for a more eclectic approach with different heights and sizes. You can even display your favorite art pieces or home accessories. Placing a ladder and a contemporary side chair in modern material like acrylic or lucite next to it will take your décor up a notch.

  1. Add Mirrors Where You Can

Mirrors are a favorite amongst interior designers for a good reason. They reflect light and make a space appear larger than it is. For a modern take on the mirror, try a sunburst or starburst design. You can also go for a more vintage feel with an antique frame. Place them opposite windows to maximize the light in the room. Mirror-covered walls behind a dining room table look incredibly glamorous. Or, you could swap your regular laminated side table in the living room for a mirrored one.

  1. Add Some Green

Plants can enliven a space and make it feel more inviting. They also help to cleanse the air and improve your overall health. So, it’s a win-win. You can place tall indoor plants in wicker baskets or fiber pots in the corners of your room. Or, you could try a more minimalist approach and display small succulents on a floating shelf or windows. A flower arrangement in a brass vase is also a popular option as a centerpiece.

  1. Style an Abandoned Fireplace

An empty fireplace is just that, empty. So, expand your designer repertoire by giving it a makeover. You could go for a rustic vibe with some stacked wood. Or, you could get creative and use it as a shelf to display some of your favorite knick-knacks. You could even use it as an impromptu bar by placing some bottles of wine on it. Just be sure to style it in a way that complements the rest of your décor. How about displaying some handcrafted pottery on it?

  1. Reupholster an Old Chair

Chairs are so versatile. Place one in your reading nook or as an accent chair in your living room. They can add character to a space. But if you’re stuck with an old, outdated chair, don’t fret. You can easily reupholster it to give it a new life. Just choose a fabric you love that goes with the rest of your décor. You can even add some piping or tufting for a more sophisticated look.

  1. Install New Lighting

Lighting can make or break a room. It sets the tone and creates the perfect ambiance. So, if your current light fixtures are cramping your style, it’s time to upgrade. For example, you could choose a glamorous chandelier or a sleek and modern pendant light. Or, you could opt for something more unique, like a cluster of Edison bulbs. Just choose the right type of lighting for the space. And don’t forget about dimmers. They’re a lighting must-have.

Conclusion

If there’s any rule when it comes to decorating your home, it’s this: if you love it, make it work. Some homeowners stick to high-ticket items to enhance the luxury of the space. But, experts suggest that high-and-low pairings can be more impactful. So, don’t shy away from mixing and matching. And, keep experimenting. You can swap your wall art for something new every season. Or, you could try a different paint color each year. Just keep getting inspired.

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Tips to Transform Your Garage into a Home Office

October 19, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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With the hybrid working model being the new norm, a home office is becoming a must-have in residences across the globe. If you have the extra space, dedicating a small portion of your living room to a sleek office desk and a modern chair can do the trick. But what if you want a more isolated home office? In that case, it might be time to get rid of the mysterious belongings you’ve been storing in the garage and transform the space into a productive work-from-home space.

It will take a lot of organization and planning. But don’t hold back — a home office in the garage can be an advantageous transformation.

Clear the Space First

Cobwebs, old holiday decorations, and long-forgotten sports equipment — it’s time to clear the clutter and make some room in your garage. Depending on your garage’s size, you can either dedicate a corner to your office or clear the space entirely. Nonetheless, some decluttering is essential to the success of this project.

If you’re tight on storage, consider renting a self-storage unit for seasonal belongings and things you don’t use much. However, be careful with the storage unit you pick. Depending on where you’re located, you can easily find a good facility by searching online. Security and easy access to your things are paramount when making this decision. And if you’re in Birmingham, we recommend Vulcan storage, which offers both.

Deep Clean the Long-Neglected Garage

Generally, garages are mistreated spaces. They become the go-to place for everything from rusty old tools to paint cans. But, if you’re planning on giving your garage a new lease on life, you’ll need to deep clean the space from top to bottom.

There are two significant advantages to deep cleaning your garage before you start the transformation process. First, it will be easier to paint and make other cosmetic changes when the space is clean. Second, you’ll be able to get rid of any musty smells that might be lingering in the garage.

So, start scrubbing those grease stains and remove any spiders that have taken up residence in your garage — it’s time to give the space a fresh start.

Create a Floor Plan

There’s no point in having a home office if it feels like you’re working in a cubicle, right? So when planning the layout of your garage-turned-office, consider the ease of movement and how you can best utilize the space.

Will you need room for a printer or copier? Do you have enough outlets to support all of your devices? Is there space for a comfortable chair or couch? By answering these questions, you can create a functional and stylish office that meets all of your needs.

Experts recommend keeping the floor plan as open as possible to avoid suffocation and promote creativity.

Let There be Light

Lighting is vital in any office, and a home office is no exception. With the right amount (and shade) of light, you can set the tone for your office and improve your mood while working. Warm light, for instance, can help you relax, while cool light can help you focus. 

Taking advantage of natural lighting is your best bet. It promotes productivity, reduces eye strain, and is easy on the wallet. If your garage has no windows, consider installing a skylight or two. You can also try using LED bulbs, which emit little to no heat and will help you save on your energy bill in the long run. Besides the room’s overall lighting, you’ll also want to ensure you have a good task light for your desk.

Make the Space More Comfortable

You never really cared whether there was enough ventilation in the garage, but now that it’s your office, you need to ensure the space is comfortable. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to improve the comfort of your office without breaking the bank.

Invest in a good-quality air purifier to help filter out any dust or pollen that might be floating around. You can also try using a dehumidifier to keep the air from feeling too heavy.

Transform with a Can of Paint

No matter the part of the house you’re working on, a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference. So when you’re planning to paint your garage-turned-office, choose a light color that will help make the space feel airier and more open.

You might also want to consider using chalkboard paint on one wall. It can be a great way to brainstorm ideas or keep track of your to-do list. Of course, we hope you already know the essentials of a good paint job (like using primer and protecting your floor), but if not, there are plenty of online tutorials that can help you.

Add Some Life with Plants

Working from home doesn’t mean any less work stress — in fact, it might even mean more. And while you had emotional support from your colleague down the hall, now you’re on your own. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Adding some plants to your office can help reduce stress levels and improve your focus.

A study from the University of Exeter found that people who had plants in their offices had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

And if you’re worried about keeping a plant alive, there are plenty of low-maintenance options, like succulents, snake plants, and cacti. 

Personalize Your Space

It’s time to make your office space yours. While we can offer ideas and suggestions, only you know what will make you feel most at home in your new office.

So, add some personal touches, like photos, artwork, and knick-knacks. Some people even like to add a small fridge or coffee maker, so they don’t have to leave the space for frequent breaks. Other purposeful yet aesthetic additions include a bulletin board, whiteboard, or corkboard.

These can be great for organizing your thoughts or jotting down ideas as they come to you.

The Bottom Line

Working from home has its challenges. You’ll need to be extra disciplined and organized, and it can be easy to get distracted. But if you try to create a comfortable and efficient space, it can be a great way to increase your productivity and focus. We hope these tips have helped you get started on transforming your garage into a home office. Good luck!

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7 Ideas To Add Style With Plants In Your Interior Design

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

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

Match Plants With Your Interiors

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

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

Go With An Oversized Plant 

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

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

Hang Them Up 

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

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

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

Layer Plants 

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

Add Plants to your Bedroom 

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

Add Personality 

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

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

Go For A Scandinavian Minimalist Look

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

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

Conclusion 

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

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Home Improvement Ideas That Free Up Space

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

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

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

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

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

 

Look around the house

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

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

Kitchen hacks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use the height

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

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

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

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

Space under the stairs 

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

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

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

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

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

Opening up the floor plan

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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French Country Decor: Incorporate Some Rustic Chic in Your Living

October 21, 2019
Lilly Miller
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Casual, natural, laid-back, yet elegant, sophisticated, and refined – French Country design style strives to seamlessly blend old and new while still retaining a note of elegance. It is a style that celebrates natural elements, embraces the items from the past and puts them in harmony with modern pieces, with special emphasis being put on comfort and creating a warm, homely feel. With that being said, it is easy to see why many homeowners are totally smitten with French Country decor – it strikes the right balance between elegance and practicality, urban and rustic, old and new. If you’re one of the homeowners looking for a way to capture the beauty of French countryside houses, here, we are listing a couple of decor tips that you can use as a guide for introducing this popular design style into your interiors. Read on to get inspired!

A soft, muted colour palette for subtle elegance

If you take a look at interiors designed with this particular style in mind, you’ll notice that they all rely on a soft, muted colour palette in order to create the perfect backdrop for their antique furnishings and well-worn fabrics. Pastel colours such as warm cream, rose quartz, and baby blue perfectly captures the love for the countryside, and they all work to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in the living space. Drawing inspiration from the natural landscape, French Country decor also makes use of earthy hues such as sage green and summer yellow as a way to breathe life into the interiors while keeping them looking elegant and refined.

 

Detailed patterns for an effortlessly layered look

Since the neutral colour scheme this decorating style often employs needs to be broken up somehow, rich fabrics and textures are incorporated into the home decor as a way of adding visual weight and enhancing the visual interest of the living space. Achieve an effortlessly layered look by adding detailed components and pieces with different textures. French Country decor wouldn’t be the same without its traditional, signature toile, so consider introducing this quintessential print on your headboard, bed linen, or your curtains. Mix it up with printed wallpapers and throw pillows with stripes and a gingham pattern just to add that extra something and achieve the perfect French Country look.

 

Natural elements for a touch of rustic charm

When it comes to decorating in French Country style, natural elements are something you should definitely implement into your interiors. Polished wood floors and detailed woodwork are essential components of this decorating style as they perfectly capture its essence, and that is – the humble comfort and homely atmosphere. Wooden chairs with a gingham print on them would certainly add a touch of rustic charm in your dining area, while country-style barn doors made from natural timber will add character to your living space and create a warm, welcoming vibe. A natural stone wall can be used to add a countryside feel to your interiors, while a coffee table with patina would certainly add to the rustic look of your living space.

Antique decor elements for a refined rustic style

Designing a space that is influenced by this decorating style means implementing items that have a story to tell. Antique items play a vital role in decorating in French Country style, and blending them with contemporary elements is key to adding the vibe of this design style into your interiors without going over the top. Sometimes, you won’t even have to spend much money on getting antique decor elements from expensive stores. Flea market finds and pieces from thrift shops can be quite helpful in achieving the rustic vibe in your living space, and won’t set you back a lot. Hang antique frames on your walls to enrich your vertical spaces and add gilded candlesticks and bird cages to create the perfect mix of old and new.

Vintage furnishings for bringing in French country flavor

This decorating style heavily relies on the use of vintage furnishings as a way of embracing and celebrating imperfections that come with age. One way of bringing in French country flavor into your interiors through furnishings is to include pieces that add to the rustic grace of the interiors while still retaining their small imperfections. A vintage, distressed armoire will go a long way in transforming your living space while still serving a purpose. Use this vintage furniture piece to store all your clothing in your bedroom, or introduce one into your kitchen as a storage solution for keeping your kitchenware on display. Include a big, vintage dining table in your dining room and add a couple of antique chairs to complement the whole rustic, old-world look.

Now that you’re familiar with the basics of French Country decor and all the different ways you can incorporate it into your interiors, attaining this design style shouldn’t be a difficult thing to do. Use these tips as a guide for making this decorating style a part of your home and you’ll be well on your way of turning your home in to a dwelling that possesses the charm and grace of a French countryside cottage.

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Practical Ways to Decorate Empty Corners with Style

September 4, 2019
Lilly Miller
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Regardless of how we choose to decorate our home, we usually focus on the big things and focal points of the room. There is some hierarchy in filling up empty space, but in most cases, after the process is finished, most corners still remain empty. Seldom do we really have a budget large enough to actually cover everything regarding our home interior. In addition, the whole hassle is quite messy and it can be so overwhelming that we often forget about the little things and take a break once everything is functional. Usually, people stop at this point and take a rain check on the less important things. That often involves leaving all corners empty by accident. We’re here to give you some ideas on how to decorate them with style.

Potted plants

The first and most logical choice to filling up a corner is putting a plant there. Of course, you can’t put just a random plant in the corner. You need to find or make an adequate pot that is going to match the color and the design of the room. It would also be good if the pot was bigger so that the plant doesn’t look isolated and unfit for the corner. There can be a small cupboard or a tiny table underneath the pot, as well. And don`t forget to pay attention to the type of plant you choose. It would be best to choose a green leafy plant if your room has a lot of wooden furniture. This will complement the natural look of the room. Alternatively, choose a plant with a colorful flower that matches your wallpaper or room decorations.

TV corner

It may seem strange at first, but corners are excellent solutions for placing your TV. You can get those wall TV holders with a joint that enables you to tilt your screen according to your needs. It’s a fresh look that can allow you to reposition your armchairs or add a few extra pillows or tabourets that will be facing the TV. If you’re not a fan of this idea, you can put your music player and speakers or gramophone and records there and make it a themed corner with posters and musical details that will decorate it quite nicely. You can also add a single comfy chair that will enable people to sit and enjoy the music or read some magazines or a good book. 

Coffee station or bar

If you’re looking for a practical and innovative solution to decorating a corner, consider getting an espresso machine and create your coffee station in the corner of your living room. Add some appropriate photos, stickers or even wallpaper to complement the look. Make sure you make it practical and fun-looking and all your guests will admire the idea. It’s handy as you can easily make coffee without the effort of even leaving the room and it’s a creative solution that can fit into the room in a great way. On the other hand, you can also make a bar there. You’ll just need one plank and a tiny liquor cabinet and you’re finished. It would also be good to have that bottle shelf above the bar to store your favorite drinks. It’s a very nice touch.

Library

You can always have a custom-made book-shelf and fill the whole corner. However, you can also just have minimalist wall shelves and combine them with a nice lamp and a reading chair. It can be a reading corner you’ll decorate according to your own taste and preference. You can also play with the lighting and add several lamps of different shapes and intensities and make a very nice atmosphere at night when you turn them on. It can be your wine drinking corner or simply a quiet retreat where you’ll be able to rest in any way you like.

All in all, room corners can be filled with many different things. The options and ideas are many. Of course, you should make sure not to spend too much money, but at the same time, don’t just think about the aesthetics, but use as well. If there’s something you need and could be put into a corner, choose that over something that will have no use.

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How to Make Monochrome Magic At Home

April 12, 2016
Lana Hawkins
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A complete refreshment in the sphere of contemporary interior design comes in a form of monochromatic influence whose sole objective is to embellish the living space in a sleek and elegant way. For those who prefer the cleanness of the minimalistic approach, but wish to add a certain twist to it, the monochrome design allows you to play with the sleek combination of black, white and grey and create outstanding textures, patterns and shapes which will surely give your home a sophisticated approach. And for those who observe the contemporary design as tedious, this is the chance to learn how even the simplest designs can make a great difference.

Monochrome Magic

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The Dark White Rises

Going for a full modern approach like this one requires a bit of strategic planning as well. While the monochrome design has the ability to transform a space and give it a true sophisticate splendor, it is good to keep in mind that it is a thin line between monochrome and monotone. To avoid a dreadful and tedious ambient, the best way to go is up…or down for that matter. Playing with height and composition of certain objects in the living space allows you to create an illusion of movement in the room. This trick is also useful as it gives you the opportunity to make your living space a bit more interesting without digressing from the primary design idea.

Monochrome Home Decor

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Shine like A Star

As one of the main characteristics of a monochrome design is creating an ample space with a somewhat dark color palette, it is crucial to learn how to use the art of illumination to build up the ambient in the whole space. This is especially important as the magic of monochrome design tends to leave a bit of a cold and distant vibe in the space. This is where the ambient lighting comes in. The use of natural light in the space is quite often practiced in designs like this, as the warm sunrays give a warmer approach to a somewhat eerie space. Also statement lighting is something that can truly transform a home; especially modern floor lamps. For a more grandiose approach, chandeliers have the ability to add a dash of light as well as elegance to the room.

Monochrome Inspiration

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Pattern It Up

For some, the extensive use of black and white might seem a bit limiting when it comes to decorating the space. This is where textures and patterns find their way into the monochromatic design. Geometrical shapes and clean lines are still in focus, so naturally the use of horizontal and vertical lines, checker designs and dots are some of the best ways to enhance the beauty of the space.

Home Decor

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Nature Always Finds Its Way

While the minimalistic design is more focused on creating a sterile atmosphere without the use of greenery, it is safe to say that nature always finds a way to infiltrate even in the most arid environments. This is how natural materials and fabrics can greatly embellish the living space, even in the gloomy monochrome interior design. This was popularized by the Scandinavian contemporary trend, where the use of raw wood and pale timber makes a wonderful blend with the industrial finishes of the minimalistic design. For a softer approach, take it from the northerners and overstate your living space with a sheepskin throw.

A strict and bold design with a dash of sophisticated is the simplest way to describe the true wonder of the monochromatic interior design. The wise play of neutrals, the blend of nature and the fine art of illumination create a ravishing setting suitable for every soul.

Feature image source: Periodliving.co.uk

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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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