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How To Create A Minimalist Designed Home Space

January 27, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home Organization Tips, Interior Designdecorating, DIY projects, home decor, home organization, home trends1 Comment

The minimalist look is a design icon and trend that has been around for many, many years; never falling out of fashion, we long been in love with the clean, sleek lines a true minimalist designed home and business can bring.

But we live in an increasingly consumer based society; we buy so much from food to technology, that finding places to put or hide all this stuff in a minimalist design can present a dilemma. But, it is not just about the stuff we accumulate; the fixings used to mount shelves and the like can look huge, ugly and cumbersome in a minimalist design.

But there is hope and help of the horizon; technology and manufacture is moving on at a pace so that now, for those seeking a true minimalist design to their home or business there are now all kinds of fixings, such as glass shelf brackets, that allow for a sleek fixings that complement the room.

But why opt for a minimalist design?

There are many benefits to living in a minimalist designed space and although many of us hanker after this kind of design, it can be hard to achieve but, pushed on by the thought of these benefits, you will continue your pledge to live and work in a less cluttered, freer moving space…

Much less stressful – if nothing else, the absence of clutter around us makes the space less stressful. You will instantly notice that you are less ‘busy’ looking in the space, seeking out shapes and colours. This is because clutter has a habit of drawing the eye to a heap or shape of things; it will attracted to colour and then, the eye and the brain must try and work out ‘what is it?’ With less clutter and cumbersome stuff around, the space is calmer… as are you and so whatever it is you normally do in the space – sleep, eat, socialise or work – you will notice an instant change.
Much more appealing – as humans, we naturally accumulate all kinds of things and we need somewhere to keep these items. Some of these things do not need to be obvious or on display, but some items, more precious to us we may want to see and glass shelving is a fantastic way of showing these items to the best of beauty and ability. But again, with glass shelving in particular, cumbersome, noticeable brackets can instantly remove any minimalist appeal that the space has; after all, who wants a minimalist glass shelf, with huge brackets on the wall?
Easy to clean (and keep clean) – regardless of where you live or where your business premises are, there is a job that is never ending – cleaning! Some people love the satisfaction of cleaning every day but, there are some of us who do it as and when necessary. But, imagine if there was no clutter in the way! Just clean, smooth and clutter free surfaces that take seconds to clean because they can just be wiped over?

How to create the minimalist look

It is not just about chucking out stacks of clutter or hiding it in the cupboard under the stairs so that the next time this is opened the stuff all falls out or you cannot find anything when you want or need it. Minimalism is about living with what we have, accessing it and being able to enjoy a clutter free zone or space. It is not about a home or business being devoid of all personality.

Step 1: start with one room… live with it and see if you like it

Some people start and stop with this one room. They have a space that offers uncluttered space, where the mind, body and soul can rest. And if this is something you like and get along with, you can then extend it to the rest of your home or space.

Step 2: Choosing the right items

A minimalist design is not just about ‘lack of stuff’, it is about creating a design statement with the items you do have. Some people choose to replace all furniture and art work on walls, but some people decide to use the items that they have.

Step 3: you can still accessorise the space!

Many people assume that a minimalist space is devoid of all accessories but this is not the case. You can accessorise but these items need to be carefully chosen, offering clean lines and a non-fussy design. This is why glass shelving makes such an excellent addition to any minimalist design space. The fact they allow light through and bounce around off their surface is perfect for this kind of space.

Step 4: choosing quality over quantity

The essence of minimalist design is that everything is clearly thought about and is there for a reason; shelving is not there for reasons of clutter; they are there to add essential accessories to a room. Furniture is chosen because it offers the look and tone that you want from them; art work is delightful, adding a splash of colour, if that is what you want; it is not just about filling the space of a bare wall.

Step 5: enjoy!

Enjoy your calming, relaxing space… and wonder, as you sit enjoying the serenity, why you never did it before!

Tips To Modernize Your Home

January 20, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home Organization Tips, Interior Designcolor schemes, DIY projects, energy efficient, home decor, home organization, home trendsLeave a comment

Modernize your home

Photo Credit: Flickr

As modern technology changes our lives, it changes our homes too. At the turn of the twentieth century, closed-off rooms and cramped living spaces were about what the average person could expect. But now we have more solutions to home and design-based problems than we’ve ever had before, and a fabulous modern interior could be right at your fingertips.

Find the look you like

The best thing about modern home design is that there are many different styles to experiment with, styles that can be adapted and individualized. Maybe you’re a lover of the outdoors and want your living room to fade seamlessly into the garden. This can be done by using the same design elements and colors in both, and opening your living room up to the light with open space and large windows. Textures like fur (preferably not real fur), stone and wood can also add to an ‘outside’ effect in an indoor room.

Or – maybe you hate the outdoors, and want a cozy space where you can keep your widescreen television and favorite gadgets. Using soft lighting (pinks, reds) and bringing in lots of comfortable seating space can help you there. Remember, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your house, as does everyone! It needs to be something you enjoy. Make your favorite things the focal points of any design.

Choose your favorite things

Clutter isn’t going to do a room any favors. Go through your stuff and decide what you really need- don’t be afraid to get rid of anything that just doesn’t work for you. Those hideous pink cushions from your grandma? She’ll forgive you if you throw them away.

Invest in some clever storage solutions

Hidden storage spaces are often the backbone of modern room design. Sliding panels can keep things out of sight, or a piece of furniture with storage space beneath it can be used to store books, DVDs, or anything you like.

Some designers incorporate the storage space right into the room – shelving units in bright colors, a bookcase as the biggest, boldest thing in the room – which is also a perfectly valid design choice; weigh up the options and see what works for you.

Decide on the furniture

Trendy minimalist spaces often use minimalist furniture, but perhaps that’s not for you. Perhaps you want lots of cozy sofas and chairs so you can entertain guests. Well, the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive – minimalism is about the freedom of space. There’s nothing stopping you making a seating area the focal point of a minimalist room.

Try and choose furniture that will last a long time and that can be adapted to any style. Things that can be easily painted to fit in with any color scheme are a good idea too!

Choose your favorite colors

A modern design usually blends the functional with the vibrant. So you can have the metals of your chairs and the textures of your worktops topped off with a bright color, anything you choose – shades of green if you want your room to match your garden, perhaps.

Different colors can open up (or close) your room in different ways. Yellow can make an otherwise drab room feel cheerful; purple, in the right places, can make a room look sophisticated and luxurious. Blue is apparently the best color for productivity, so use it for an office or study!

But keep green in mind

Sustainability is a big issue right now. Therefore, designers are making choices to save on energy and money – did you know there’s a house made entirely out of recycled materials? – and using natural resources instead. Open plan houses with lots of windows to bring in the light use a lot less electricity. Solar power and wind power are being used as the main source of energy for some houses. This extends to the garden as well – people are creating vegetable patches to provide food for themselves, and doing away with wasteful patio heaters and outdoor lights that eat up electricity.

A modern home, done right, will always be a modern home – ideally it should be easy to update whenever an update is needed. But it should also be an open, useful, sustainable space, tailored to fit in with the likes, dislikes, and personality of the person living in it. That’s you!

Guest Post By:

Jelena Djurdjevic is a business woman, mom and wife. She is currently staying at home due to a great reason, her family. In her free time she loves blogging about home design.

5 Simple Tips To Brighten Your Interior Design

May 16, 2014adminInterior Design, Summer Tipsdecorating, design, home decor, home trends, summer7 Comments

Try these tips to brighten your interior design for Summer!

wood look wall tile — Source: www.porcelanosa-usa.com

As warm weather arrives, the changing scenery outdoors is natural inspiration for homeowners to update their interior design. Luxurious textures, bright colors and bold accents help to define today’s most popular summer decor trends, adding emotion and energy to any space.

For those redecorating or looking to make a change in their home, the season’s top interior design tips and trends will help you inject magazine-worthy style into your home for an elegant look guaranteed to impress:

Wood alternatives

The organic look of wood is timeless, providing a warm and rustic elegance to rooms. Wooden walls and floors have broad appeal, but homeowners often tire at how quickly dents and scratches appear. In addition, these blemishes require constant maintenance and upkeep. To avoid this expensive maintenance, many homeowners in are turning to wood porcelain tiles. The Porcelanosa Parker Oxford Collection features porcelain tiles designed to look like luxury hardwood, but with all the maintenance and performance benefits characteristic of tile. Choose traditional patterns or get creative with unique inlays for a look that’s one of a kind, durable and easy to maintain.

Metal hardware

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to update interior spaces within a home is to replace hardware. Just as accessories pull together an outfit, knobs, backplates handles and hinges help to define a space and give it personality. Oil-rubbed hardware continues to be popular, and gold tones are gaining interest once again. Mixing various metals in different sheens and textures adds a unique element that dresses up a space instantly.

Tile trends

More designers are paying special attention to how textures and patterns effect the emotion of different rooms, and tile is being used to achieve stunning results. The Suede Collection of wall tiles from Porcelanosa are designed with reliefs that form overlapping patterns emulating pressed cement. The result is flowing patterns of curvilinear lines that add beautiful texture to walls. Another top tile trend is hand-assembled mosaics made from geometrically cut tiles to create spectacular wall and floor coverings.

Bathroom furniture lines

Sleek furniture and flowing lines creates a larger sense of space throughout a home, but this trend is particularly prevalent in bathrooms where space is at a premium.

crystal accents — Source: www.porcelanosa.com

The Ciclo Bath Collection features KRION, a material that is smooth to the touch and endlessly customizable because it can be molded like plastic. With virtually invisible joints, the collection of sinks, mirrors, vanities and shelving makes it simple to integrate clean line design concepts.

Accent colors

Warm weather often calls for refreshed color palates within home design, but it’s not necessary to do a complete overhaul to inject the season’s hottest hues. Whether you go for vivid tones like radiant orchid, the Pantone color of the year, or you prefer more subdued gray and blue hues that are currently trending with interior designers, home decor accents make it easy to integrate color for seasonal updates. For example, swapping pillows, throws, paintings and photography takes minimal effort and little investment.

Crystal elements

A touch of sparkle is an attractive addition to rooms, particularly in unexpected spaces. Light fixtures like crystal chandeliers are no longer reserved only for dining rooms and entranceways – many now grace bedrooms and powder rooms, adding visual drama. In the bathroom, the Swarovski Crystal Elements Collection features dazzling decorative elements that reflect light and can be used to separate surface transitions on walls, showers and backsplashes. Try mixing crystal accents with organic materials like marble or wood for a striking and chic contrast look.

Guide To Decorating Your Dream Home

May 2, 2014adminHome Improvement Tipsdecorating, home decor, home trends2 Comments

A Small Guide to Help You Decorate Your Dream Home

“Home sweet home” is not just an adage. It is a manifestation of human emotions towards his dwelling; a habitat which offers comfort, shelter, social refuge, enjoyment, and blissful sleep. A home is a place where family members share their life together. However, a home is not set up every now and then. It is an asset which most people buy once in their life time. If you bought one recently or simply swapped your old home for a new one, decorating turns out to be number one priority.

Decorating your home is not an easy task. Mentioned below are some pointers which will help you overcome hurdles associated with it. This guide will help even those owners who have brought in old furniture while migrating to a new house.

1. Plan your budget

Buying a house in itself is financially challenging. After paying off everyone, there is hardly any money left for sprucing up the house. However, you can adopt the below mentioned strategies.

a) Decorate your house in sections.

b) For each section allocate a budget.

The above tactics will ensure that you never run out of money and abandon the task midway. By decorating your house section wise, you make sure that over a definite timeline your entire habitat is graced, from ceiling to floor, the way you planned.

2. Consider family members

While decorating your home be sure to consider the views and requirements of every member. A lot depends on the number of individuals and their tastes. A couple would decorate a house in a different way than a family consisting of children. It becomes mandatory to provide a separate room for them and decorate accordingly.

If your house is frequently visited by friends and relatives you need to set up a guest room or even a guest suite if you have bought a property which is expandable. In short, you will need to create additional space and accommodate the aspirations of family and also make arrangement for the guests.

3. Is this your first house or are you migrating

If you are migrating to a bigger house, chances are you will be accompanied by some of the old furniture and accessories. A word of advice here; try to dispose of as much stuff as possible except for high value fixtures and heirloom pieces. Fewer carryovers simply mean more flexibility while decorating the house. Secondly, unwanted articles can result in a house which looks cluttered, disorganized and unplanned. You don’t want to create a maze of furnishings and accessories scattered over the entire place, making it difficult to even walk or breathe.

4. Prioritize – bedroom, living room and bathroom

Finally, when the budget and requirements are taken care of, it is time to put your plan into action. Master bedroom and living room will obviously be at the top of the list followed by dining and bathroom. The rest of the areas will follow over a period of time.

5. Decorating Guide

I. Bedroom –

Although this space is extremely private, it demands extra time and efforts. At the every outset, choose a theme. You need to consult with your spouse because this is one place where you will be spending a large chunk of your life. It will be your everyday retreat. The thumb rule is to go in for wall colors which are soft, offer largeness, and soothing ambiance. Wallpaper and wall decoration is yet another option. Choose designs which match your theme. It should relax the mind and body and not cast a gloomy shadow. As for the furniture, make the best use of the space but avoid cluttering. The idea is to offer maximum luxury and breathing space.

Look up to some inspiration; either internet or magazines. Deck up the bed with light colored bedding, comforters and contrasting pillows. Curtains can either be complementing or contradicting. Either way, make sure it blends with the rest of the furnishings. As mentioned above, if you have selected a theme, stick to the rules and do not experiment.

II. Living room –

Your next target or priority will be your living room, which incidentally is the busiest area of any house. It typically means opting for flooring which can withstand continuous human traffic. Don’t forget this room is used for an array of recreational activities such as watching TV, listening to music, enjoying drinks and even for a quick bite. This requires some imagination and innovation while decorating. Simply divide this space in mini sections using various sofa pieces or other pieces of furniture.

If you brought your old furniture, now is the time to use your creativity. Make separate zones for them. If the need arises, apply a fresh coat of paint; adorn it with new upholstery and throw pillows. All this will offer a new lease of life to your old belongings. Give your living room some depth by putting up large mirrors and transparent coffee table. However, make sure you also provide enough space to move around freely. Use pedestal lamps which look inspiring from a distance and occupy little space.

Walls can be pepped up with contrasting shades of color. Use your imagination. Experiment with multiple shades, wallpaper or wall stickers. Avoid using a theme in case you are utilizing some of the old furniture along with the new ones. A theme here just won’t work. Offer a sense of belonging and warmth by laying out a large carpet or even a couple of them. Make sure the color and the design stand out against the flooring.

III. Bathroom –

The next important space is your bathroom. Now, this can be instantly glamorized by changing the basic fittings and furnishings such as towel rods, curtain rods, bathmats, dispensers, lighting fixtures and various holders. Make sure you accessorize your bathroom to complement the paint color or tiles. If your budget permits, avoid curtains all together and instead create a glass cubicle which offers all in bath solution such as sauna or steam, hot and cold water sprays, and even a Jacuzzi.

If your bathroom is small, you can make it appear larger by using full length multiple mirrors, recessed furniture and single colored wall paint or tile. Sconces are a great way to illuminate a particular section of the bathroom, especially above the mirror. Brushed aluminium or nickel faucets, transparent sinks, anti-skid flooring with heating feature are some of the other elements which can add a touch of character and class to your bathroom.

6. Miscellaneous guidelines

Refurbish whenever and wherever possible. This will save you money. Always opt for a minimalist approach. Your dream house will look cleaner and leaner. It also means the entire habitat is easily manageable, one of the essential qualities of a well designed home. Envious glances are just a bonus.

About the Author:

Robert Bryant is a blogger and passionate writer. He likes to write about Health Issues, Online Marketing, Legal Issues, and SEO etc. You can add him on Google+.

Easy Home Makeovers For Spring

March 31, 2014adminHome Improvement Tipshome decor, home improvement, home trends, remodeling tips, springLeave a comment

Try These 3-Room Makeovers To Transform Your Home for Spring!

Spring is the season of new beginnings, so is it any wonder that many Americans think about home improvement and brightening their decor when the weather warms? Simple updates can bring the cheerful perspective from the outside indoors, and revive any room just in time for warmer weather.

Make your bathroom bloom

Contemporary Bathroom by Toronto Kitchen & Bath Designers PROJEKT HOME

Relaxed modernity is ideal for a bathroom, and a serene palette is a great step to create this calming oasis. Use the beach as your muse; pastels such as light blue and eggshell white will create an oceanfront vibe no matter where you live. To bring the coastal feel to the forefront, you can easily add waves to your walls with new FrogTape Shape Tape. The tape is a pre-cut painter’s tape available in wave, chevron and scallop patterns, perfect for decorative painting. Shape Tape is treated with PaintBlock Technology, which creates crisp paint lines – keeping your painting projects looking professional. It’s simple to add ripples of waves to your bathroom walls, accessories or even the shower curtain.

The finishing touches tie any room together, and the bathroom is no exception. The right accent rug and towels will transform the look of your bath with minimal effort and deliver maximum style. Updating your decorative accents will complement your new spring color scheme, and leave the space feeling refreshed season after season.

Spring-ready bedrooms

Contemporary Bedroom by Montreal Interior Designers & Decorators Esther Hershcovich

Light hues are a great go-to for spring home decorating; utilize one of 2014’s hottest trends with a white-themed bedroom. Not only is white timeless and versatile, but it allows an array of interior design options. Add crisp white curtains to your windows to brighten the room, and for a chic addition, add a delicate white canopy to soften the atmosphere even more. For a hint of color, add in shades of muted teals – a top color for spring this year – on accessories throughout the room.

If your spring style calls for more color, add vibrant bursts throughout your boudoir. As the bed is the focal point of the master bedroom, make it the center your attention as well. Fresh fabrics and linens are essential for spring, so opt for a delicate coverlet in your favorite pattern. Also, incorporate decorative vases filled with fresh flowers throughout the space, allowing the fragrance of spring to accompany your fresh decor.

Spring-spruce the living room

Contemporary Living Room by Lafayette Interior Designers & Decorators Found Design

To kick off spring with color and character, add an assortment of patterned throw pillows to your living room. Mix and match fabrics and patterns – geometrics, florals and stripes pair well together. It will give your living area visual texture and is the perfect way to perk up this room for the season. If you’re not in the mood for a complete room redo, use your existing color palette as inspiration; simply add in complementary shades to create a modern and harmonious look.

Looking to turn heads with a simple spring update? Reposition your furniture. First, determine the main furniture piece in the room, and place it in a position that welcomes guests so that it serves as the focal point. Next, rearrange your other furnishings, photos and artwork for a whole new look that will take your visitors by surprise, without spending a dime. Be sure to keep items from blocking any natural light – a well-lit room is great for any time of year, especially spring.

With these simple home updates, you’ll be sure to awaken your abode with springtime appeal. For design inspiration and more information, contact us for a free in home design consultation!

Wall Decoration Tips and Tricks

March 12, 2014adminDIY Projectsdecorating, design, DIY projects, home decor, home improvement, home trends2 Comments

Many homes have walls that are bare and boring, making them seem more like government buildings, rather than an area where people live, breathe and enjoy life in general. One of the worst mistakes most people make is using the vision of others, instead of trusting their own sense of aesthetics. You should always ask yourself one very simple question: Does it look good? If you can answer that question clearly and if the area looks as good as you want it to be, then you’re great. If you answer that question with anything less than that, then this means it’s time for some changes and something brand new on the horizon. Begin with the following tips that should only serve as guidelines, not the rule of thumb:

You can use fabric to find a great way to make your walls look both stylish and useful. Many of us often underestimate how much can be accomplished through such means. You may be surprised at how much can be done by using fabric as a cover for walls as well as making a very unique and unforgettable visual style of your own. You can either use it as a type of wallpaper or as a window dressing as well.

You should next decide on a theme of your choice, as this will have to encompass the entire room. A very important choice, as you will be seeing these decorations for years to come in most cases, so choose wisely.

Up next, you will need to pick a colour scheme. Colours are one of the most important aspects of decorations. You need to be very careful about your choices of colours, as they will also have a profound effect on the room you’re planning on decorating. So, follow the trends, but also stick to your personal vision and sense of aesthetics.

You can also use pictures as a powerful tool of decoration, making them an inseparable part of what you can do with it. If you want to create an interesting, stylish wall, then you need to use pictures strategically for maximum effect. If you use too many, then you risk creating a stifling effect more akin to a classic conspiracy theory pad than a great-looking and well-decorated apartment.

Experiment as much as you feel you need to with your walls, but make sure you have everything flowing just right in your room. If you want to make sure you have a working room, make sure you work toward a more harmonic look, rather than something strange and off-beat. Symmetry can be a great source of calm and stress-relief.

For more tips: Battersea man with van

Calm Your Inner Christmas Beast With Simple, Festive Decor

December 20, 2013adminHolidays, Home Improvement Tipsdecorating, DIY projects, Holidays, home decor, home improvementLeave a comment

Nearly half of people surveyed in a recent Huff Post poll listed a disorganized home as a major source of stress. With the holidays looming, the stress level in your home may already be approaching critical mass. Don’t add to the clutter and confusion by dragging out boxes full of disjointed knick-knacks in the name of Christmas decorating. Transform the rooms of your home instead into a quaint and calming Christmas wonderland by using easy ideas that add shine and sparkle to your doors, windows and holiday tree. Go cozy, primitive or opt for all-out glitz with ornaments, garlands and greenery you make yourself out of items garnished from the local forest.

Handmade Ornaments

Nothing says lovin’ like a tree decked out in crafty goodness. You’ve seen all those Pinterest boards specializing in decorative uses for everyday items: burlap, chalkboard paint, stick-on gems and more. Find fun and easy ideas online, and take a tour through the holiday section of your local craft store to find the supplies needed to create unique and heirloom-quality Christmas ornaments for your tree this year.

Burlap-Stuffed Balls: Cut simple strips of rustic burlap fabric, and stuff them inside clear glass Christmas balls. Finish off your primitive ornament with a small raffia bow glued to the top.
Melt-Art Ornaments: Drop small shavings of colorful crayons inside clear glass Christmas balls, and use a hair dryer to create one-of-a-kind melt-art ornaments.
I-Spy Christmas Balls: Fill clear plastic Christmas balls with tiny trinkets and clear vase filler or sand to make ornaments that double as I-Spy games for the kids.

Christmas Greenery

Bring the aromatic best of the outdoors inside with fresh greenery picked yourself, or buy in bulk from the local florist. Pine boughs, mistletoe and holly stems all make festive garlands for your mantel, around your doors and windows and as filler in your seasonal arrangements. The large, flexible needles of the white pine tree are especially popular in garlands and wreaths as they mold themselves well around curves. They also smell divine.

Seasonal Accessories

Deck your decor with cute seasonal accessories like stenciled pillows, vinyl wall quotes, quilted table runners and cheery tablecloths. Adding Christmas-themed accessories gives your space that festive feeling with minimal work involved. It also makes un-decorating after the holidays much easier. For an even simpler solution, use two-sided accessories that celebrate fall on one side and Christmas on the other. Changing out the seasons is as simple as flipping over a pillow or turning a chalkboard to the reverse side.

Primitive Window Treatments

Capture the feel of a homespun country Christmas by switching out elegant drapes and curtains in lieu of more minimalist treatments that lend themselves to decking. Find window shades online that mount inside your window frames, leaving your rods free for garlands, greenery or a simple string of white lights entwined with grapevine. Attach decorations to your rods using strips of torn homespun material tied crudely into bows.

How to Decorate for the Holidays with a Theme

December 6, 2013adminHolidayschristmas, decorating, Holidays, home decorLeave a comment

Christmas is around the corner and one can help bring in the festive mood and grooving moment by adorning the house with Christmas home decorations.

Bring in the joyous moments by importing some essentials into your home to decorate your living room with a theme.

1. White Christmas Theme

If your curtains, furniture, carpet and walls are pale colors, this kind of theme can give an appealing Christmas home decoration.

In this theme, the ornaments have a pearl combination and can be available in all retail stores or online. The Christmas tree can be an artificial white tree made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or an evergreen conifer such as pine or fir can be bought and cotton sprinkled giving the feeling of snow and depicting the North Pole.

To decorate according to this theme, you can buy white candles and then keep them around the Christmas tree in white transparent jars. For gifts, wrap them in white or silver paper. You can also decorate your center table with white roses. Also, hang white stockings around the fireplace or on the Christmas tree. And don’t forget some background music to add flavor to the whole scenario.

http://rexohome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/White-Christmas-Interior-Decor-Idea-in-Living-Room.jpg

2. Red Ornamental Theme

Bring Color to the living room by adorning it with color Red.

Make sure the Christmas tree has red ornaments. The candles are red in color with poinsettias placed at every nook and corner while your furniture can also add in the touch of Christmas by being bright red in color or any bright shade.

Gifts can be wrapped in red or any bright colors and placed under and around the Christmas tree. Red peppermints can either be hanging from the Christmas tree or can be placed on the center table surrounded by red candles. Red Velvet cake can also be another addition to the center table.

Red Christmas stockings can also focus attention on the theme.

Adorn the fireplace with red elves or red ornaments. Red Christmas wreaths can also add in beauty to the whole scenario.

http://sweetydesign.com/media/k2/galleries2/christmas-tree-decorations1%208.jpg

3. Rustic Theme

If your furniture is in the shade of brown or charcoal and your walls are dark, no worries since there are ideas for you to indulge in the festive mood using a rustic theme.

Make sure your ornaments are red or are wood burns as ornaments. Pine Cones also bring out the rustic theme when decorated along the fireside or are hung around the Christmas tree. Green Wreaths with pinecones embedded in them can be either hung on the walls or placed on a window. Mistletoes with pinecones can be made and hung around your home.

You can decorate the center table with pinecones or multi colored ornaments all placed in a big bowl. Place white lighting in a transparent jar while decorating the area around it with red ornaments. Then put poinsettias around the Christmas tree to give a flavor of red to this theme. This can help accentuate the room while bringing in the rustic Christmas theme to your home.

http://st.houzz.com/simgs/fd213c2a00d0b54f_4-4190/rustic-living-room.jpg

4. Red & White Theme

When shades of red and white are mixed, it also gives a beautiful touch to the room while adding color and joy to any occasion.

If your couch has a pale color, you could bring in color by adding in ornaments of bright red to the Christmas tree and adding poinsettias to the corners of the room or around the tree. Peppermint ornaments can also be made and hung either around the fireplace or on the Christmas tree.

http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Christmas-Living-Room-25.jpg

Decorating with a theme is fun and always pleasant to the eyes. Make your indoors upbeat with the holiday spirit and have a joyful celebration!

Author bio: Tiffany Faming is a passionate writer. She loves to write on family, custom gifts, home décor and gardening. She recommends using Amazon Promotional Code as a great idea to save money on your Christmas purchase. Please visit her Google+ to see more amazing tips.

Give your living room a new lease of life

October 21, 2013adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, home decor, home improvement, paintingLeave a comment

The living room is arguably the most used room in any home. Watching television, entertaining guests, chatting and chilling with family are just some of the activities that take place here, so the right planning is important to ensure it’s up to the job.

Assess your needs & requirements

Before you start planning, think about how you’ll use your living room and what furniture and accessories need to be included within the confines of its shape and size. For example, if you plan on making it the main entertainment area, you’ll need an adequate seating arrangement plus space for the television and related accessories. Or maybe you plan on creating a dual purpose room that incorporates a dining area into the design.

Create a main focal point

Living rooms always work better when they are planned around a main focal point, such as the TV, a great view, or the fireplace, so it’s important that you arrange you’re seating to make the most of this. If your living room doesn’t have a natural focal point, create your own! You can do this by painting a bold shade on the main wall of your room or place your armchairs and sofas around a coffee table in an interesting and creative way. Make sure access from the patio doors or doorway isn’t obstructed and that you can easily move around the room. If you have enough space, don’t push your furniture right up against the wall as being able to see behind it can create the illusion of more space.

Getting the layout right

Use the proportions for the living room to your advantage. Long, narrow rooms are often divided into separate areas, for example, one end of the room can be used to watch TV and relax, while the shorter area of an L shaped room can be used as a dining area or home office. Take a piece of paper and draw a plan of your living room and include any accessories and furniture that will need to go in it, then alternate between different layouts until you find one that works. It is also worth doing this with your furniture, spend some time moving it around until you find the best arrangement. Quite often, the least obvious layouts are more effective than the ones that look good on paper.

Plan adequate amounts of storage

From CDs and DVDs to games, toys and television equipment, there are so many items to store in a living room. You can keep your living room clutter free by hiding unused objects in floor to ceiling cupboards. These can be fitted along one wall or in alcoves either side of your fireplace. If you prefer to display your books, you can incorporate open book shelves into your design. Other space saving ideas include footstools with space for storage underneath, or built in window seats, and dual purpose pieces of furniture, such as coffee tables or sofa beds that have adequate room for spare bedding.

Sofa suggestions

Sofas are usually the pieces of furniture that cause the greatest amount of difficulty. They are one of the most used items in any home so it’s important that you get it right. Will your chosen sofa fit into your living room? If you’re considering a corner sofa, make sure that all the doors will open properly when it’s in place. Chesterfield Leather sofas are ideal; they are durable, attractive and easy to maintain. If you choose a material sofa, it’s recommended that you buy one that has washable covers, these are very practical.

Dress your windows

Unless you live in an ultra modern glass walled home, bare windows aren’t a good look. Even if you have an amazing view and aren’t overlooked by neighbors’, roman blinds, sheer curtains or shutters will enhance rather than detract from your windows. For larger windows, go for curtains, vertical blinds or roller blinds. If your room is plain, you can add any pattern or color with curtains and blinds.

This is a guest post by David at Thomas Lloyd Leather Furniture

Tips for a Cozier Apartment

September 26, 2013adminDIY Projects, home improvementDIY projects, home decor, home improvement, home trends, painting4 Comments

When you’re renting a place, it can be easy to forget all the ways you can make it feel like a home and less like a rental. Whether you will be renting short term or long term, there are many ways you can make your rental feel cozier. Even if your space is small, adding the extra touches below will make it feel warmer, more inviting and more like your home.

Paint

Check your lease to see what restrictions you have when it comes to painting your rental. If you are able to paint, add a warm or trendy color to your walls. If you don’t want to paint your walls in their entirety, paint the wall trims a different color or stencil a pattern around the center or top of your walls. If you are not allowed to paint at all, check your local home improvement store or visit websites for temporary wallpaper or decals.

Decorate the Walls

While paint, wallpaper and decals can give your room more style, color, and textures, you still want to decorate your walls. You can use artwork and framed photos to create focal points that will make your rental feel more personalized and cozier. Your wall décor can be large or small; just make sure scale matches the size of the room.

Add Natural Elements

Adding a touch of nature to any room will make it feel more like a true home. You can do this by decorating with items found in nature like placing beautiful stones in a decorative bowl or filling a vase with twigs and branches. You can also buy art that depicts nature such as a photograph of a forest or a painting of a landscape. If you have a green thumb, you can place plants on shelves, create a windowsill garden or bring in fresh and dried flowers arrangements.

Buy Window Treatments

Many rentals come with inexpensive white or off-white blinds. While they do the job of creating privacy, they are not particularly decorative. A simple way to make your rental feel cozier is to install a rod and hang single or double paned curtains. The curtains will add a pop of color to your room, will allow you greater control of incoming light, will help keep cold air out and can help muffle outside noise. If curtains aren’t your first pick, opt for higher-end blinds that come in different colors, textures and materials other that the standard plastic or metal.

Buy Comfortable Seating

Sometimes when you select seating for a rental property, your primary focus is size and scale. While you do want your seating to be size-appropriate for your room, you also want it to be livable. When picking seating, make sure it is something comfortable and inviting: something that you would want to curl up in or sit in for long periods of time. To make less comfortable seating more comfortable, add throw pillows, throw blankets or chair cushions for hardwood seating.

All of the ideas above are easy ways to make your rental feel warm, cozy and inviting. By adding a few extra touches, you will express your personality and sense of style, and you will create a space that you’ll enjoy spending time in.

This article was provided by Chase Roberts, home & garden expert and current apartment dweller. If you’re renting your place and were looking for ways to keep your belongings safe and secure, Chase recommends Protectyourbubble.com renters insurance.

Looking to spice up your walls with a new coat of paint and live in the Westchester NY area? Give us a call and take advantage of our 10% discount for all painting projects scheduled for the month of September! ~Gary B.

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