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Decor

Décor Pieces to Create Summer Vibes in Your Home

February 10, 2021

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

Little colour pops

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

Timeless blue and white

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

Get nautical

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

A tropical-themed corner

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

Relax in a hammock

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

Fresh and trendy dinnerware

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

Airy curtains

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

Colourful rugs

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

Light bedding

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

Touch up your garden

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

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

Decor

The 2020 Interior Décor and Design Trends Set to Completely Transform Your Home

January 8, 2020

Mike Johnston

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Every decade has something that sets it aside from others, and as we’re evolving, so are our homes. The beginning of a new decade symbolizes the start of new trends, and 2020 is a time when we wave goodbye to some of the 2010s trends and turn on a new leaf in terms of interior design and decor.

While some trends are expected to evolve over the next year (think white kitchens and feature walls) new trends such as handmade goods and bold hues are expected to take over our living quarters. Here, we’re rounding up the most notable 2020 interior design and decor trends set to completely transform your home we’ll be seeing as we enter the next decade.

A new take on neutrals

In 2020, the accent will be more on the warm neutral tones. Usually reserved for the background, neutrals are expected to be brought to the fore, with earthy tones like grays, beiges, off-whites, and ochres serving as a subdued, yet powerful connection with nature.

Tinted neutrals such as neo mint, a pastel green shade, are another trend expected to hit it big when it comes to 2020 interior design trends. Aside from incorporating the it colour of 2020 into your home (accent pieces are your safe bet), you should also try out a dusky peach, soft corals, slate lavender, terra cotta, golden yellows and updated versions of millennial pinks.

Sustainable harmony

The interior design trends for 2020 represent a mixture of influences, two of the most notable ones being Japanese and Nordic. Natural materials like rattan and cane are staples that stand at the core of Japanese design style, and we can expect this trend of relying on natural elements for designing minimalist interiors to continue in 2020. Scandinavian influences are reflected in the use of organic shapes and sustainable materials such as undyed yarns, plush fabrics, natural wood, and terracotta earthenware.

The thoughtful, pared-back selection of decor items and furnishings will help create a space for relaxation and infuse the interiors with the elements from the great outdoors, resulting in a sustainable and harmonious living environment.

Accent on authenticity

In the next decade, we’re expecting to see homes being treated as a tool for self-expression, with an accent on authenticity and uniqueness. Interiors will be treated as blank canvases which we can use to tell our story, be it through colours, furniture, artwork, handmade items, or DIY projects.

The tendency towards creating spaces that capture the personality of the homeowners will prevail over the styled interiors they’d usually see when flipping through magazines. This trend will have many looking for ways to express their individuality without necessarily reaching for one-of-a-kind items but rather designing with their own preferences in mind, regardless of whether they’re on-trend or not.

A bold blend of geometry and colours

For those of us who’d rather their interiors have a brighter, edgier vibe and forego the au naturel, all-neutral trend, 2020 has something for us as well. Stripes, circles, and rectangles are certain to spruce up flat and bland interiors, while the fusion of bold hues like dusky neutrals and tropical pastels with traditional hues will enhance the visual interest of the interior.

Vintage furniture design will be juxtaposed with contemporary pieces for a unique flair, while the Art Deco elements will bring a breath of fresh air while also infusing the interiors with a dose of sophistication.

From embracing the concept of sustainability to discovering new ways of interpreting minimalism and neutral hues, we’ll be seeing a shift in the ways we approach interior home design. 2020 will be all about individuality, and by the looks of it, there’s something for everybody, whether you take a liking to bold, edgy hues or prefer something a bit more subdued. Give these four trends a crack to give your home a decadal style makeover.

Decor

Decor Alert: Introducing Paint Color Trends for 2020

December 10, 2019

Chloe Taylor

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Remember a few years ago any house you walk in was either all white or gray? This trend has changed and now paint color trends for 2020 are no longer timid drop backs for more significant furnishings.

In fact, the paint color takes the center stage. We see more drama in cozy shades of brown that remind us of the simple pleasures of hot chocolate with a cinnamon roll or a sweet taste of the not-so-healthy decadent dessert we all crave. Perhaps, because these are forbidden pleasures nowadays, people voted and major paint companies, such as Farrow and Ball came up with the collection of dramatic and sumptuous new paint colors.

Have a look:

Above is the color collage I created for your reference of cozy shades of brown that are very much on-trend in 2020. They are not related to any actual paint manufacturers. But, depending on the paint store you use and the color you like, you can give them the number to march with their paints.

Here are my favorite brands as well as paint colors I love for 2020:

Farrow and Ball Deep Reddish Brown

Source: Farrow & Ball Deep Reddish Brown

Deep Reddish Brown will add focus to a room with simple furniture in blond wood. It works great with gold and beige as well.

Design: Marina Klima, MyDecoratingTips.com

The above photo shows my interior design project – a classical conservatory with large windows. We painted the walls dark brown with a purple undertone to highlight the room’s architecture. In truth, my client was reluctant to agree to such a deep color but then she loved the final result with all the other selections that we made for her traditional taste.

Lighter paint colors that are on-trend in 2020

Ultimately, deep paint colors are not for everyone, no matter if it’s a trend or not. If you like lighter colors but would like an updated look, consider a lighter shade.

Behr Raisin in the Sun

For example, Raisin in the Sun by Behr is a very pretty modern paint color that works with gray, white or softer pink. You can use it in any room, even kids’ rooms. It is very similar to my favorite, Sulking Room Pink by Farrow and Ball. Since this color is present in so many variations within the fashion industry as well as interior design I predict that it will stay in style for a long time.

Farrow & Ball Peignoir

Another beautiful and almost neutral paint color that made an appearance in major interior design trade shows all over the world is Farrow and Ball Peignoir.

It is perfect for both classical and modern rooms. Whether you use this paint color to decorate a bathroom or a dining room it will always look different in a different light. So, bottom line, you won’t get tired of it soon.

What is your take on paint color trends for 2020? Which one is your favorite?

Guest post by Marina Klima

About the author: Marina Klima is an award-winning interior designer, blogger, and a humble human being. She hangs out at her blog, My Decorating Tips where she spends her time helping families to make their home decorating projects easier and more fun.

Exterior Décor

Give Your Backyard All the Love and Care It Deserves

November 26, 2019

Chloe Taylor

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Living in a house with a backyard is one of the most enjoyable and beautiful things in the world! And if you’re one of those people who live in a house with some exterior space, you probably know how fortunate you are. However, not just any outdoor space will do, and you need to make sure your backyard is actually functional and purposeful. This means investing some time and effort into spicing it up from time to time and maintaining it regularly. But, if you manage to give your backyard all the love and care it deserves, you’ll make it look nicer and more special than ever. If that’s something you’d like to do as well, here are a few ideas you might want to look into.

Build a swimming pool

This might be one of the most difficult backyard projects in the world, but it’s one of those ideas that go a long way too. That’s why investing your time and energy into building a pool makes a ton of sense and is something you should do as well. You can always try doing that on your own, of course, and create a pool that will fit every member of your family. Dedicate some time to learning a few basic things first, though, and only then should you start with the actual process. Alternatively, you can hire experts who can build you a pool in a matter of weeks and make it more beautiful than you ever could. This is a serious investment, so define your budget and your plans first, and try to do everything right.

Spice up your patio

If your backyard has a patio, this is where you probably spend a ton of your time. Unfortunately, not just any patio is good enough for you and your family, which is why you need to spice it up every now and then. Start by decluttering this space and removing absolutely everything you don’t need in there. This will create more space and give you a chance to enjoy your patio even more than before. After that, dedicate some time to your patio furniture – repaint and reupholster it, or simply buy some second-hand furniture from your local thrift shop. Finally, add a few finishing touches – blankets, cushions, and flowers are something most homeowners do, but you can go a step further. Be sure to explore those beautiful plantation shutters that will make your patio look wonderful and add some style to your interior space as well.

Get some protection

Most backyards have a deck or a patio, which is why lots of people love spending their free time there. Whether you’re hanging out with your friends, spending quality time with your family, or doing something on your own, being in the open is always better. This is particularly true for people living in hot areas with lots of sunny days. However, if it’s too hot, you’re going to have to protect your outdoor hangout spot, especially if your kids are spending hours there as well. Doing this is rather easy, though, and you can use protective pergolas and gazebos that aren’t just effective against too much sunshine, but also look quite amazing. This way, your outdoor area will be nicer and safer than ever.

Maintain your lawn

Some people aren’t fans of spending time in the open, but that doesn’t mean their backyard deserves no love at all. On the contrary, these are the people who need an amazing lawn more than anybody else. To maintain your lawn might not look easy, but it’s actually quite doable as long as you get organized. Remove your weeds, aerate the lawn, apply some new seeds, water the lawn regularly, and don’t forget to mow it at least once a week. That way, your lawn will remain healthy, and your backyard will look fantastic. According to London-based lawn care professional Pol Bishop, a neat and tidy backyard will also inspire all your neighbors to do the same. Good-looking landscape can dramatically change how a neighborhood looks and feels like,

Final remarks

Giving your backyard love, care, and attention isn’t always easy, but it’s something you just have to do. Keep the end result in mind and find ideas that go a long way, and you’ll be able to enjoy your backyard in the decades to come as well.

Decor

Interior Design Trends: Small Changes for a Big Impact

April 15, 2019

Chloe Taylor

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No matter with how much love, devotion and enthusiasm you decorated your home the first time around, chances are that you’ll grow a bit tired of the design as time passes. Don’t worry, that’s completely normal. Since people are visual beings, it’s logical that we like to spend time in a visually stimulating environment, and if your home featured the same design since you’ve moved in, it probably became just a bit too familiar. That’s precisely why some interior design pros advise against fully decorating every room top-to-bottom at once, but rather encourage you to allow the design to grow alongside your personal growth.

However, if you’ve reached a point where redecorating seems like the only option left, here are some nifty tricks to consider. Keep in mind that, in order to fall back in love with your interior, you don’t have to spend a ton of money or go for a large-scale home improvement projects that really won’t add value to your home . Rather, it’s enough to make some small but very effective changes that will completely turn a room’s design around.

The hallway

Hallways are the most commonly neglected areas of a home when the design is concerned, which is a big mistake since a hallway is the first area of your home anyone who enters will be presented with. Therefore, inspect your hallway and see if there’s anything you can do to it to boost its visual appeal. For example, replace your old coat hanger with a funky new alternative and DIY a fun key holder. Next, get a tall wicker basket to act as an umbrella holder. Finally, create a gallery wall by framing and hanging some of your family photos, but choose the frames carefully and make sure they go well together.

The kitchen

The easiest way you can update the look of your kitchen is by simply repainting your cabinet doors and replacing all the handles with a fresh alternative. Additionally, if you want to make an even bigger change, create a new backsplash and introduce a new area rug. Just make sure that the new color you’ve chosen for your cabinets works well with the overall color scheme you have in your kitchen to avoid creating an environment that just looks too random.

The bathroom

In the bathroom, you won’t believe just how much a new shower curtain can transform the look of the entire space. You can also replace hardware fixtures and bathroom accessories for more modern alternatives. Browse some online retailers to find the right fit and give your old bathroom a modern twist on a budget. Additionally, you can even consider adding a couple of plants to your bathroom but make sure that they can thrive in such an environment.

The bedroom

Master bedrooms also generally tend to be somewhat neglected when the design is concerned because some people don’t see the point in beautifying a space that’s used primarily for sleeping. However, that is a huge mistake as a well-put-together bedroom design can work wonders for your sleep quality. So, first, take care of your window treatments. Choose the ones that allow you to completely darken up the room when necessary – afternoon naps – but still let plenty of natural light through when pushed aside. Layered curtains and drapes work best in this scenario. Next, add a luxurious throw blanket on top of your bed to make it visually cozier. Finally, add a soft, fluffy area rug that will be just a few inches bigger than your bed underneath it to both accentuate and section off that area and make it a focal point of the room.

The living room

We’ve purposefully left this area of the home for last because it’s arguably the most versatile one. The number of easy touch-ups you can do in your living room is so big that we are only going to list the most effective ones. First of all, create an accent wall. This can be literally any wall in your living room. If you have a fireplace, turn that area into an accent wall by creating an exposed faux brick wall and hanging an impactful piece of wall art just above the fireplace. Alternatively, you can choose to accentuate the wall behind your sofa by opting to paint it in a bold hue or cover it with an elaborate, textured wallpaper. Next, aside from the statement wall, you can choose to completely change up your decor items, which will give the room a whole new vibe. Also, think about replacing your rugs, throw pillow cases and other textured elements of the room’s design, or even reupholstering your furniture entirely.

As you can see, there are numerous ways you can give your home a facelift without having to spend a lot of money. Besides, these small changes really do make the biggest impact, as they shift the vibe of the room very slightly in a chosen direction, instead of turning it into a completely new, unfamiliar space.

Interior Décor

Ways to Hygge Your Home and Make It More Inviting

March 19, 2019

EmmaJ

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The concept of hygge, invented by the Danish and pronounced “hoo-ga”, means the art of creating intimacy and can roughly be translated as cosiness. It has taken the world of interior design by storm and almost everyone is trying to recreate the beautiful Nordic minimalism that manages to offer warmth in a simple, timeless décor.

For beginners, hygge means a fresh, clutter-free space with indoor plants, lovely, fluffy rugs on bare hardwood floors, soft fabrics and furnishings and books. However, hygge is more than just design and décor. It’s about togetherness and family ties, nights of simple joys of being in each other’s company and having fun. So, here are several basic ways you can easily hygge up your home and make it more welcoming and inviting.

Bring in natural materials

https://spaceoptimized.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/soft-textures.jpg

Natural materials are a key ingredient of hygge. Incorporate natural elements by bringing in simple decorative pieces such as a rustic wooden table, an organic wool throw, your collection of seashells, potted ferns, a bunch of fresh flowers or any other item from the great outdoors. If you love DIY projects, find a branch outside that you can use for a lamp post and create a stunning floor lamp that will cast a warm glow in your reading nook.

Create an ambient glow

Lighting and candlelight is an essential element in hygge and in cold and dark winter months in Scandinavia, this is the way to keep the atmosphere indoors warm and cosy. There’s a wide range of hand-made, scented candles on the market today and bringing them in your home will not only evoke warmth, but it will create peace and serenity.

You can also enhance the atmosphere by hanging a string of twinkling Christmas lights around your home and you’ll be amazed how relaxing it can be. Don’t limit this only to the living room. Bring them lights and candles into your kitchen while you’re cooking, into your bedroom while you’re reading and in the bathroom while you’re having a bath. Your kids too will love the soft glow of flickering lights hung around their bed frames.

Use textures to soften up the space

By using natural materials and textiles, it’s easy to create an inviting space. Experts advise adding light linens in summer and soft, woolly blankets in the winter. They advise against carpets but recommend area rugs and soft, white sheepskin that is minimally processed and sustainably sourced.

The nursery can also benefit greatly from hygge design. If you’re going for a gender neutral room and you’re not a fan of typically themed kiddie rooms, cladding the baby’s room in neutral, pastel colours, natural textiles such as wool, cotton, sisal and felt, you’ll design the room that will provide a warm and pleasant environment for your baby to grow up in.

Unplug and unwind

It’s easy to get caught up in work today and lose our heads in information overload. Unplugging and unwinding doesn’t mean you should bury your head in sand and stop caring about what the world around you. It’s really about practicing being present now for just a few moments every day and enjoying the company of loved ones. To have a true hygge spirit in your home, put your phones down, turn off the TV and slow down. Have a delicious meal with your family, talk and embrace the simplicity of life.

It’s all about the details

A few cosy details can go a long way and show people just how much you care. For instance, a basket with slippers by the entrance will help people kick their shoes off and relax, a tray with flowers, tea, coffee, cider and chocolates will indulge everyone’s senses and a lovely woven basket with extra blankets, pillows and favourite books will make anyone feel welcome and appreciated.

To achieve the ultimate hygge in your home, follow the tips listed here and enjoy the cosiness that will follow!

Uncategorized

Commercial Construction Trends That Are Changing the Industry

March 16, 2018

Mike Johnston

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Even though it may seem as something inflexible, the commercial construction industry is affected by various outside factors. We are talking about issues like economic fluctuations, climate changes, new technologies and job markets. This being said, here are a few commercial construction trends that will continue to shape the industry in 2017.

Green practices are the next big thing

While some people still deny the impact human behaviour has on our climate, going green is still one of the most important trends in the construction business. We are talking about the use of power-saving techniques, low-power machinery and even the increased use of eco-friendly materials in the process. Overall, the three greatest trends here are the so-called LEED certification, eco-friendly building materials and, of course, net-zero energy building. Each of these represents a massive leap forward in raising environmental awareness and boosting commercial construction.

The labor shortage is a huge problem

One of the greatest problems construction industry is currently facing is the imminent labor shortage. Even with the unstable job market, millennials still remain mostly uninterested in this field. One of the reasons this is so is due to the fact that there is a lack of technical training in schools. The problems are even greater with the skilled labor force, because they are getting more and more valuable by the minute. In the end, all of this mostly results in longer project schedules and heftier payrolls for those who do decide to try their hand in this industry. Unfortunately, with the current state of the economy, this particular problem isn’t likely to go away anytime soon.

The Internet of Things is slowly entering the market

In 2017 almost everyone knows with the Internet of Things is, but what exactly does this entail in the construction business? First of all, it allows for a better landscape survey, aided with drone technology, employee tracking and various other high-tech means of collecting information. One of the greatest boosts this can give to the industry is that of increased safety. You see, not every area of the construction site can be considered a safe zone, which means that various forms of wearables may increase the personal safety of construction workers. Finally, all the information gathered this way might, over time, become invaluable data that will elevate the industry to a whole new level.

VR and AR are ready for their grand entrance

With the help of VR and AR gadgets, architects and designers might get a better insight in their project in its planning stage. Imagine a situation where an architect can ‘walk’ through their building long before its construction starts. This way, many hidden flaws may be discovered in time which can save a fortune. Seeing how the shortage of labor and necessity for using eco-friendly materials may raise the overall cost of construction, this might help level the field.

3D printers

Finally, one of the things everyone keeps talking about these days is the impact of 3D printers on the construction industry. Namely, in a recent experiment, a huge 3D printer was able to build a house in under 24 hours. To make things even more astonishing, it did so at a cost of under $10,000. This being said, it is more than clear that these devices have a huge potential of both completely revolutionizing the commercial construction industry and solving a mortgage crisis. Nonetheless, whether or not it lives up to its full potential in the future remains to be seen.

While each of these trends may be vital to the commercial construction business as we know it, not every one of them is about to play an equal part in its development. At this point, we can only speculate which trends are going to take lead in the next several years.

Interior Décor

Bathroom Trends We’ll Be Seeing in 2018

February 20, 2018

cooper klein

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With the holistic approach to the modern living the majority of families are adopting as their silent rebellion against the exhausting capitalist living, homes are no longer fulfilling their initial roles as being just, well, homes – places where we live our regular days and keep dirty socks next to our beds. These days, homes are largely being turned into meditative spaces, with each room holding a particular reflective significance to the individual or the entire family living in it.

And so, backyards are turned into contemplative outdoor oasis, the sameness and simplicity of room design is being abandoned for the sake of personalized spaces that agree with the occupant’s temperament and sensuality, bathrooms are turned into spas and pampering spaces – and everyone is, all of a sudden, becoming aware of the importance their personal spaces have in their everyday lives.

We’re not entirely sure when bathroom design per se came in the forefront of home renovation and became an important interior stylistic solution but we’re absolutely positive the trend isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. There’s been a lot going on throughout the previous few years in terms of bathroom design trends, but 2018 is bringing something particularly exquisite. Much like the majority of home interior design, bathroom design is also turning to simple solutions and de-cluttered spaces that invite good energy in and celebrate relaxation, and that will also allow you to sell your home faster if you ever decide to do so.

If you are thinking about remodeling your bathroom or building one from scratch, go through these hot 2018 bathroom trends to get inspired:

Ceramics and marble, the romance

Ceramics and everything ceramic-related grew in popularity in the last months of 2017 and designers feel that ceramics are about to get even bigger in 2018. Used in floors, showers, and even vanities, we’re seeing a lot of geometric patterns in uniform, multi-colored, tone on tone or and even patchwork patterns that sure look phenomenal. Almost mural-like, ceramics are intended for both smaller and larger bathrooms and they have the tendency to look super luxurious regardless the space. The market is featuring a lot of ceramics that imitate higher-end materials like marble, wood, and concrete and there’s a lot of quartz featured as well.

Return to nature

The year 2017 has been all about organic living and finding ways to incorporate natural elements in our everyday lives. In 2018 bathroom design we’ll be seeing a lot of seamless lines, super clean colors, and practical and simple space arrangements embellished with a hint of organic coziness and elegance. Using a chopped trunk instead of a bathroom stool, including tall greenery in the corners, using organic wool covers over your vanity chairs, letting the light in, etc. – these and many other organic elements are going to be a true hit in 2018.

Lifestyle bathrooms

Long gone are the days when bathrooms were practical rooms only; these days the shift is transitioning into additional living area giving you the opportunity to use your bathroom for relaxing as well. Chic lighting fixtures, soft furnishings and practical storage solutions have now become the norm while recessed mirrors, indulgent rainfall showers, freestanding baths and open shelving are taking full dominance over bathroom interiors. We will be seeing a lot of ‘His’ and ‘Her’ basins too that not only look extremely stylish but are a super practical solution for busy bathrooms.

Escapism

If there was one word that defined bathroom design in 2018, it was escapism. Although practicality and functionality of bathrooms will still be paramount (cleverly hidden storage inset in walls and behind mirrors), the bathroom will turn into a spa-like space. For instance, bathrooms with a lot of floor-to-ceiling windows will make for a perfect meditative space. The inclusion of the outdoors through the introduction of natural light and earthy materials with the existing nature-inspired design will be a real hit.

Interior Décor

Biggest Kitchen Trends to Carry You into 2018

October 18, 2017

EmmaJ

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Just when you think there are no more new and innovative trends in kitchen design, the creative people from this home improvement niche surprise you. We have seen a lot of great stuff in 2017, from the rise in eclectic style full of mixing and matching to the introduction of newer materials like the tempered glass, both for worktops and the dashboard area. Lets not forget about the open concept kitchen opening slowly toward the living room. And for the fashionistas among kitchen designers, there was a great comback of colored metals in 2017, from gold to brass and copper.

The kitchen design trends coming our way in 2018 are even more surprising and will have you grabbing your shopping cart in no time. Let the discovery begin!

The two-tone cabinets are making a comeback

Until now you could only see this type of mixes in old kitchens, when some of the cabinet doors were replaced and others stayed. Now we can expect to see it in brand new kitchens. Possible combinations can include black and white as the more effective contrast, for a gentler vibe opt for the gray instead of the black option. In rustic kitchen design we can see this trend reflected in the combination of painted and plain wooden cabinets, mix of navy blue and natural oak, will be especially popular.

The color revolution

In 2018, we can expect some new color schemes to enter our kitchen. No more will the blues, whites and grays dominate. We are here to welcome the new reigning queen of kitchen color – the dramatic purple – not only will it be seen in splashes in kitchen design, but we can also expect it to cover larger spaces. Another color we can expect to see is petrol-green both for back walls and cabinets. Oh what great contrast will it bring to your kitchen space. And if these two are not enough, we can look forward to bold, exotic shades, with orange dominated pallets. You can just see the kitchen opening up like a beautiful colorful flower.

New tech is invading kitchen design

Like with everything else in our lives technology has found its way into the kitchen. And 2018 designs will show us just how much. From smart storage space to 3D printers for pancakes. You will definitely see more and more of tech solutions in your kitchen. One of the smart designs include sensor control accessories, that you can open just by waving your hand, a smart trash bin and handy toaster ovens being the perfect example. Of course appliances are getting smarter every year, now most of them can be controlled by an app on your phone. However when it comes to design, retro is still in, and you can get all the lovely features packed up in a vintage design.

Getting close and personal

Personalization options are one of the innovative trends coming in 2018. Imagine being able to get your own design printed on the new kitchen tiles. This trend will definitely bring a lot of uniqueness to the design world. In case you are not feeling creative and inspired you can work with a trusted kitchen designer to get the best possible result. Possibilities are endless and you can enjoy the entire process.

The art of transformation

Transformative taps will be one of the major trends hitting kitchen design in 2018. Don’t let the simplistic design fool you, these taps will be able to transform plain water into sparkling, or even a great tasting, perfectly brewed coffee.Yes, you read well, tap coffee, what can be more ideal in the morning. It kitchen design trends like these that really surprise us and make us grow impatient until the moment we can actually include them in our kitchen.

So there you are, the long awaited kitchen design trends for 2018. This article has barely scratched the surface of what awaits us, there are a lot more surprises to come. From smart thermometers to new designer appliances, the following year will be the perfect combination of tech infusion and color burst, and we are going to love every second of it.

Interior Décor

Introducing Japandi – The Latest Interior Design Trend

March 17, 2017

Emma K Loftus

1 Comment

If you were following interior design trends, you’ve definitely noticed the rising popularity of Japandi. This mix of Japanese and Scandinavian décor manages to tone down the extreme characteristics of both of these styles. By combining a minimalist, sleek and nature-fused theme with bold statement pieces, Japandi quickly managed to earn the title of a timeless trend. As it breaks the strict rules of the cold Nordic design and Zen-inspired environment, Japandi presents the best of both worlds. That’s why Japandi is so easy to introduce in any home.

1. Color palette

Image source: sampleboard.com

Between the bright and exaggeratedly cold color scheme of Scandinavian style, and warm wood from the Japanese, Japandi makes a perfect common ground when it comes to color palette. In general, cooler pastel shades of pink, gray and green are warmed up with earthy details and wooden elements. You can mix these up however you want, just make sure that you can achieve the perfect balance between the two very different – yet complementary – color ranges. Pops of color can be introduced here and there as long as they don’t break the harmony and the minimalistic approach to the design.

2. Bold simplicity

Three words that could best describe this design are simple, functional and impactful. There’s no room for clutter in the Japandi home. Every object needs to have its place and purpose. Still, what makes Japandi so popular is probably the fact that furniture pieces themselves act as bold, statement accessories.

Image 2 source: domain.com.au

Using raw forms in furniture design with very sharp and sleek lines minimizes the need of other décor details. Mixing and matching industrial-like pieces with rich timber or bamboo creates a very unique take on a modern and timeless décor.

3. Introducing accessories

Japandi style should look very clean, but warm and pleasant at the same time. These two features seem pretty contradictory, but they’re far from impossible to achieve. Even though you should keep accessories to the minimum, this doesn’t mean that you should completely avoid them. Curtains, rugs and decorative cushions can effectively break the overwhelming coldness of Scandinavian influence. Still, make sure to have plenty of natural sunlight as this is the main characteristic of both styles.

4. Plenty of greenery

Image source: sampleboard.com

While you can use photo frames, paintings and figurines as additional touches to your overall décor, Japandi relies on the use of plants the most. Instead of using flowers and really colorful foliage for your interior, stick to the Zen theme. Bold simplicity is evident in this aspect as well. Opt for tall plants with sleek and elegant leaves that would draw attention with their strong presence and simple form. Of course, make sure that plant pots go well with your overall theme.

Image source: domain.com.au

5. Best ways to mix and match

Image source: dailytelegraph.com.au

There are many ways you can mix and match the Scandinavian and Japanese décor in order to achieve the balanced Japandi look. Colors, materials as well as furniture’s height and form are ideal starting points. For example, you can use cooler pastel shades for your walls, yet install wooden flooring. Feel free to mix statement wooden coffee tables with urban chairs and sofas. Introduce earthy elements with accessories such as curtains and cushions. Keep the rug warm yet minimalist by choosing a fuzzy material in plain color. You can also experiment with asymmetrical height of furniture pieces in order to break the monotony of the layout.

As it leaves room for more warmth without disturbing the minimalist design, the fact that Japandi interior movement took the world by storm hardly comes as a surprise. Even though it still has its décor rules and guidelines, this design leaves more room for customization compared to the very specific Scandinavian and Japanese design trends.

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trends

Little colour pops

Timeless blue and white

Get nautical

A tropical-themed corner

Relax in a hammock

Fresh and trendy dinnerware

Airy curtains

Colourful rugs

Light bedding

Touch up your garden

A new take on neutrals

Sustainable harmony

Accent on authenticity

A bold blend of geometry and colours

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Build a swimming pool

Spice up your patio

Get some protection

Maintain your lawn

Final remarks

The hallway

The kitchen

The bathroom

The bedroom

The living room

Bring in natural materials

Create an ambient glow

Use textures to soften up the space

Unplug and unwind

It’s all about the details

Green practices are the next big thing

The labor shortage is a huge problem

The Internet of Things is slowly entering the market

VR and AR are ready for their grand entrance

3D printers

Ceramics and marble, the romance

Return to nature

Lifestyle bathrooms

Escapism

The two-tone cabinets are making a comeback

The color revolution

New tech is invading kitchen design

Getting close and personal

The art of transformation

1. Color palette

2. Bold simplicity

3. Introducing accessories

4. Plenty of greenery

5. Best ways to mix and match

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