Tag Archives: interior design

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Using light to beautifully transform your home.

When it comes to home decor, light plays a pivotal role in creating ambiance, enhancing functionality, and elevating the overall aesthetic appeal. From natural sunlight to artificial lighting fixtures, leveraging light effectively can transform any space into a welcoming haven. Here are several ways to use light in decorating your home, along with the incorporation of plantation shutters:

Maximizing Natural Light:

Embrace the beauty of natural light by strategically placing furniture and decor items to allow sunlight to penetrate deep into your rooms. Consider opting for large windows or glass doors to optimize the influx of natural light. Plantation shutters offer an excellent solution for controlling the amount of sunlight entering your home. By adjusting the louvers, you can regulate the intensity of sunlight, ensuring a comfortable and well-lit environment throughout the day.

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Layered Lighting:

Incorporate layered lighting by combining ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting sets the overall mood of the room, while task lighting serves functional purposes such as reading or cooking. Accent lighting highlights architectural features, artworks, or focal points within the space. Plantation shutters complement layered lighting by diffusing natural light and providing privacy without compromising on style.

Mirrors to for reflection:

Integrate mirrors strategically to amplify the effect of natural and artificial light. Placing mirrors opposite windows or light sources can bounce light around the room, creating the illusion of a brighter and more spacious environment. When paired with plantation shutters, mirrors help to distribute light evenly while adding a touch of elegance to your decor scheme.

Statement Lighting Fixtures:

Make a statement with eye-catching lighting fixtures that serve as focal points in your rooms. Whether it’s a dazzling chandelier in the dining area or a sleek pendant light above the kitchen island, choose fixtures that complement your decor style and enhance the overall ambiance. Plantation shutters act as a versatile backdrop, allowing statement lighting to shine while offering privacy and light control when needed.

Warmth with Soft Lighting:

Infuse warmth and coziness into your home with soft lighting options such as table lamps, floor lamps, or wall sconces. Opt for bulbs with warm color temperatures to create a relaxing atmosphere, especially in bedrooms or living rooms. Plantation shutters pair seamlessly with soft lighting, providing a cozy retreat from the outside world while adding texture and visual interest to your windows.

In conclusion, the strategic use of light can significantly impact the look and feel of your home, enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Incorporating plantation shutters into your decor scheme offers a timeless and practical solution for controlling light levels while adding charm and sophistication to any space. Whether you’re maximizing natural light or experimenting with layered lighting techniques, embracing the power of light will elevate your home decor to new heights of style and comfort.

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Using windows and doors to enhance a home.

As a homeowner, you may find yourself running out of space as your family grows or your needs change. Updating a certain aspect of your home, like the windows, is an excellent way to add more space and/or enhance the functionality of your home. However, it’s essential to maximize your home space to ensure you get the most out of your investment. In this blog post, I will share some clever ways to save space and enhance functionality in your home focusing on windows and doors.

Understanding the Importance of Maximizing Space and Functionality

Maximizing space and functionality in your home is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that you make the most of your investment. A well-designed home that maximizes space and functionality can add significant value to your home, showcase your personal style and create an all round better living environment. Secondly, it allows you to create a more comfortable,functional living space that meets your needs.

Windows

Windows are something we often overlook when thinking about how to enhance our home spaces, especially when thinking about saving space. Creating storage solutions around a window or using a window area as a book nook etc are great ways to utilise a space that would otherwise be left empty. A window is also a great functional item that can be turned into something beautiful making it a feature and something to catch the eye just like you would a piece of art on the wall.

When it comes to decorating our homes, we all want to create a space that reflects our personal style. One way to add a touch of uniqueness and elegance to any room is by incorporating cafe style shutters into our decor. These shutters not only provide privacy and control over the amount of light entering the room, but they also add a touch of sophistication to a window that can transform any ordinary space into a stylish haven.

Cafe style shutters are designed to cover only the lower half of windows, allowing natural light to flood in while still providing privacy. This unique design is perfect for those who want to maintain a sense of connection with the outside world while enjoying the comfort and coziness of their own homes. By allowing light to enter from the top half of the windows, cafe style shutters create a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or tea in the morning.

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The beauty of cafe style shutters lies in their versatility. They can be easily customized to suit any personal style or decor theme. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse look on your windows or a sleek and modern aesthetic, there is a wide variety of materials, colors, and finishes to choose from. From traditional wooden shutters to sleek metal designs, there is something to suit every taste.

Not only do cafe style shutters add a touch of elegance to any room, but they are also practical and functional. They provide excellent light control, allowing you to adjust the amount of sunlight entering the room throughout the day. This is especially beneficial in rooms where privacy is desired, such as bedrooms or bathrooms. Additionally, cafe style shutters are easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for busy households.

Doors

When it comes to decorating our homes, we often overlook the potential of doors. We tend to focus on walls, furniture, and accessories, but forget that doors can also play a significant role in enhancing the overall aesthetic of a space. By incorporating doors into our decorating schemes, we can create a cohesive and visually appealing environment.

One way to use doors in decorating is by choosing unique and stylish options that can become a focal point in a room. Instead of opting for plain, generic doors, consider selecting ones with interesting shapes, patterns, or colors. For example, a vintage-inspired door with intricate carvings can add a touch of elegance to a traditional living room, while a bright and bold colored door can bring a pop of personality to an otherwise neutral space. By choosing doors that stand out, you can instantly enhance the visual appeal of any room.

Another way to utilize doors in decorating is by using them as functional space dividers. In open-concept homes or studio apartments where there are no separate rooms, doors can be a great way to create distinct areas while still maintaining an open feel. Sliding or folding doors are particularly useful in this scenario as they can be easily opened or closed depending on the need for privacy or separation. By strategically placing doors between different sections of a space, you can effectively define different areas for lounging, dining, or working.

Doors can also serve as creative storage solutions. For example, you can install a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf within the frame of a door to create a hidden storage compartment. This not only maximizes the use of space but also adds an element of surprise and intrigue to the room. Similarly, you can attach hooks or racks to the back of a door to hang coats, hats, or bags, keeping them organized and out of sight when not in use.

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Sliding doors have become increasingly popular in modern interior design, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do they save space by eliminating the need for swing clearance, but they are also incredibly practical. With a simple push, these doors effortlessly slide open, revealing a whole new dimension to your living area. Whether you’re looking to create a seamless transition between rooms or want to maximize the use of limited space, sliding doors are the perfect solution. They add a touch of elegance and functionality to any space, making them a must-have feature in contemporary homes. So, if you’re looking to enhance the overall aesthetic and practicality of your living space, consider installing sliding doors. You won’t be disappointed!

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Giving Your Home A New Look On A Budget

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Image Credit Pixabay.com License CC0

 

Your home should bring you joy, and it should be somewhere that you feel comfortable. It should suit your tastes and your needs. 

Often, though it doesn’t seem to do that for one reason or another. Life can get in the way and we end up compromising for function over style or our money just doesn’t stretch as far as we need it to.

There are, however, lots of simple and effective things that can be done around your home to brighten it up without it costing you the earth.

Deep Clean

Having a deep clean will make your home feel so much better. You may wish to think about having your carpets cleaned by a professional. This will give your floor a new lease of life and make it look and feel less warn and tired.

Getting your doors, windows, and frames cleaned will help dramatically too. These are areas that are often neglected when doing regular cleaning, but they will accumulate grease and dust.

Open your windows and allow some fresh air to circulate. Blowing out the dust can turn a stagnant environment into something much fresher.

A Touch Of Paint

One of the biggest changes you can make to your home on a limited budget is painting it. Look at using a lighter pastel shade across most of your walls and then maybe pick a more vibrant or darker shade that you will use as a feature wall to give your room character and style.

Once your walls are completed, you can add a few wooden picture frames with some prints in them to give your home some additional character.

Highlight your door frames and skirting boards using a vibrant coloured glass paint. This will make them stand out more.

New Blinds And Curtains

You can really change the character of a room just by changing the curtains. If you want a lighter room, go for some yellow curtains made from light material. If you want to make to look more sombre, you should use heavy fabric in dark, rich colours.

New Furniture

If you are looking for some new furniture on a budget, then you can try your local charity stores to see what they have in stock. Often, a nice piece of furniture will get donated just because the previous owner fancied a change or no longer had space for it.

Another penny-saving option would be to look for an ex-display item from your local furniture store. These are often reduced to clear when they are no longer needed.

Upcycling 

Replacing your larger furniture items can be quite costly, and you may be reticent to throw away furniture because of the impact that it will have on the environment. However, your existing furniture may be a bit worn and sad right now, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Upcycling is a way of improving the look old furniture. Chairs and sofas can be reupholstered to give them a new look, and takes and shelving can be easily repainted to give them a new sense of style.

Use chalk paint to create a vintage distressed look very easily without the need for a great deal of DIY ability. 

 

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Creating Your Home Style When You Can’t Try First.

Trying things on is typically the first step of changing style. If you want to figure out what works for you, you head to a shop, and you have to try a few outfits on. However, right now, things have changed dramatically as a result of the COVID pandemic. Fitting rooms are not open to shoppers. Therefore, you can’t try before you buy. 

 There are, however, a few other options for fashion shoppers. You can come across a tonne of fashion apps that let you try on glasses or hairstyle before you make up your mind. Similarly, most shops right now let you order your items to try them at home and return if they don’t fit.

 But finding your signature look is both a matter of defining what works for you and what you like – using a moodboard for that. How does that translate to finding your signature interior style? After all, it’s tricky to experiment with interior design, so how do you create your personal style?

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Understand your criteria

Where do you start? When it comes to finding something that suits your home, your criteria are, surprisingly, similar to the main characteristics of fashion shopping. Wait, you say, buying a dress has nothing to do with transforming a room? Well, be prepared for a revelation! When you shop for fashion, you focus on a specific goal – looking youthful or dressing for your next job interview –, size, budget, and deadline – aka when you need your new look. 

The same criteria apply to decorating your home. How much can you afford to spend? What are the dimensions of the room and furniture units? When do you need it done or how long will it take? And finally, the most important of all: which room function do you want the decor to enhance? These will act as your guideline to make decor choices. 

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Invest in quality design by professionals

When you’re thinking of changing your look, you can reach out to a professional stylist. You can do the same thing for your home. If you’re looking to create an open plan design that drops all wall partitions, for instance, you’ll need to discuss your options with professional architects and home designers. They understand the unique challenges of each project. More importantly, professionals have tremendous experience in tackling different obstacles and designs, which means that they can also find alternative solutions that will work for you. 

You can see how others do it

You can find a lot of interior examples and redesign models that can act as inspiring material. Visiting friends, for instance, exposes you to new ideas and approaches to tackle common decor issues with British homes. When was the last time you spent a night in a boutique hotel? Boutique hotels invest a lot of time and effort in creating unique and sophisticated room decors, which can give you some ideas for your home. Still looking for tips? Tune in to Instagram #interiordesign feeds. You can learn more about seasonal trends and how to make them work at home. 

It can be hard to imagine how a room would look once decorated when there’s no option to try a new decor on. However, you can understand what would work for you by defining your criteria, reaching out to experts, and letting other homes inspire you. For people who find it hard to visualise, design plans and interior photos are a huge help! 

 

 

 

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Bedroom makeover on a budget

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There are so many ways to makeover a bedroom without spending a ton of money. I’m going to give you a few ideas on how to give your bedroom a glamorous overhaul without breaking the bank. If you are in a rented home and I’m not allowed to paint or drill holes to add photos or artwork there are still many ways to change your space using stick on hooks and wall coverings.

Wall hangings and tapestries are great way to make big changes to a room, you can create a feature wall using large pieces or use smaller pieces to hang like art. Choosing the right colours and patterns are very important as large tapestries draw the eye immediately when entering the room, you can decorate the entire room based around the colours or patterns or theme of the fabric.

Fabric hangings and tapestries can give rooms are very bohemian look and feel and also makes a room feel less cold as fabrics are very warming and this goes for bedding, cushions and throws eccetera. If you’re going to go for a wall hanging tapestry I suggest this is one of the first things you purchase as it sets the tone for the whole room.

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Just like a wall hangings, bedding has a huge bearing on how your bedroom looks. The bed is often the largest item in the room so covering it with a fabric definitely draws the eye so choosing bedding is very important as again it helps to set the theme or colour scheme that runs through the bedroom. The bedding tying into the theme/colour scheme of the room will create cohesion. When making over a bedroom on a budget bedding is a great place to start as it is something that will always be in the room.

Once you have decided on a theme for your room you can buy different bedding that all fall into the same category for example for beddings with peach tones or monochrome bedding sets or elephants depending on what you want to create in your room you can even mix and match bedding pieces if you want to go for a more boho vibe. If you buy a number of different bedding sets you will be able to mix and match the pieces to create anything that suits you. Bedding allows you to be creative in a space where a lot of furniture items can’t be changed frequently, so for example you’ll have a desk and a wardrobe and a chest of drawers that stay the same three years and years but changing the bedding and smaller items can make over your room entirely.

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There were so many places that do great bedding for great prices so it allows you to have many bed sets to pick and choose from or mix and match for any bedrooms in the house. You can enjoy great savings on bedding at Groupon allowing you to get more for your money and therefore way more options to play with.

The most cost effective way to make changes to a room is to switch out smaller decorative accessories. Recently rose gold accessories have been huge in home decor and really add a touch of glam to a room. I personally like white accessories at the moment just because I like clean and simple looking pieces, also it’s very easy to add colour in different ways for example bedding and fabrics. White, gold and black accessories are nice and simple and will fit in any bedroom and if you every decide to change the colour scheme completely these items could still stay.
Accessories can range from plant pots to rugs, cushions, artwork, chair covers, lanterns, pen holders anything really and they make a room feel more you and will showcase your style and character. All of these things work together so you don’t have to replace any large furniture items to get a brand new room.

20180209_145424What tips do you have for making most effective changes to make over a room? I hope you found this post useful.

 

 

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You Want A Timeless, Chic Bathroom… Here’s How To Get It!

You Want A Timeless, Chic Bathroom… Here’s How To Get It!


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There is nothing more satisfying than coming home from a long, hard day at work and soaking in a hot, bubbly bath with a glass of red. It’s how many of us unwind when we are stressed and feeling the pressure of day-to-day life.

But if having a bath after a long slog is your idea of heaven, you need to ensure that you’re doing it in style, right? Having a state-of-the-art bathroom will mean you can do just that.

So if you’re set on soaking away in style, check out our tips below on how to get the bathroom of your dreams.

 

The Contemporary vs. Classic Dilemma

Trends come and go, but a timeless design will always looks great. Bathroom design patterns change constantly,  but if you wish to give your bathroom a touch that is truly timeless, you shouldn’t settle with what’s new on the block and currently trending.

It is better to opt for classic bathroom designs as they look appealing even after decades have passed. Take the examples of castles and forts that you may have visited and stared at with wonder…their designs continue to impress tourists even after centuries have passed and that’s because people love classic décor.

When renovating a bathroom, there are many factors that you need to consider such as wall shades, fixtures, installations and flooring.

Instead of renovating a bathroom time and time again, it is better to give it a look that stays fresh and appealing, even after years have passed.

Before deciding on the design for your bathroom, it is always best to conduct thorough research. You may have to be shameless and ask your friends for a little sneak peak of their bathroom, or it may involve visiting far too many bathroom stores than you can possibly stomach right now. But it will all be worth it in the end when you have the perfect environment to warm up in.

Changing up the bathroom is also a great way for people to increase the value of their home. Adding timeless elements to your home is one simple way to add value to your house without having to splash too much cash.

It’s true that contemporary elements have their own irresistible charm too, so the possibilities really are endless when it comes to redecorating your bathroom.

But if you’re set on creating a bathroom that looks timeless and full of character, here are some suggestions that you can easily implement.

 

  • Bathroom flooring

Stone is considered to be the best choice when it comes to giving your floors a look that’s attractive and at the same time long lasting. It gives your bathroom a traditional look that complements every style and also gives a unique touch to the walls.

Travertine is the best stone option that you can choose for your bathroom, as it is easy to maintain and durable too.

It is possible that you do not prefer mosaic tiles as your first choice for bathroom floor, but you shouldn’t reject the option it as it can change the entire look of your bathroom when teamed with everything else.

For a richer, classic look, try to mix black and white mosaic tiles together. Stick to straight lines and patterns rather than conceptual outlines if you don’t want to create a bathroom that is unbearably quirky.

  • Avoid trendy colours- use bright and white

The trend of using white and bright colours will never become out-dated. They always remain timeless. You can also use a mixture of ivory, but making use of white shade will give your bathroom a timeless, roomy look. Stylish or bold shades might go out of fashion with time, but you can never go wrong with white.

If you’re set on adding a little colour to your haven, opt for trendy hues like blues, yellows, ivory and greens. Avoid anything that is too bold.

 

  • Incorporate historic finishes

Historic finishes can create a timeless feel for your bathroom. This does not mean that you have to use antiques in your bathroom, though that is certainly something to consider. But you can instead opt for antique-style finishes, such as a clawfoot tub.

When it comes to fixtures, it’s better to include vintage-type nickel installations as opposed to sparkling metals.

  • Pedestal sink

If you are designing a guest bathroom, try to use a pedestal sink rather than the obvious vanity option. These sinks will make your bathroom appear larger, which is exactly the look you should be aiming for.

Furnish it well with nickel finishes and balance the metals in your bathroom with warm wood flooring.

  • Lighting

The lighting totally depends on the overall design, furnishing, and layout of your bathroom. Apart from allowing plenty of natural sunlight into the room, there are other things that you can opt for i.e. wall and ceiling lighting.

As for roof or ceiling fixtures, you can go all out and include a large chandelier, if you really want to pull of the most glamorous design you can. If not, opt for something a little more refined but ensure it still has precious stone or glass pendants so that you still feel utterly fabulous when you’re relaxing.

 

  • Heating

One way to keep your bathroom warm and cosy is to get yourself some underfloor heating – but the cost of that will depend on the dimensions of your bathroom, so definitely get a few quotes before you go full steam ahead.

 

Underfloor heating can be installed easily, so if you do decide that you can’t possibly live without it for a second longer, start enquiring and warm up those tootsies of yours.

 

 

  • Natural materials add elegance and style

Making use of natural materials like wood can give your bathroom a timeless look. Darker wood shades provide a stylish and classy look that works fantastically with neutral tones. You don’t need to change your bathroom fittings and equipment to get this look either, so it’s a win win.

You can include few framed works of art, or a vanity mirror dark wood framing to get this look fairly effortlessly.

 

 

  • Built in storage

Who doesn’t want or need extra storage in their house? It’s an ongoing issue for most and there never seems to be enough room to put everything. Having built in storage is an extremely useful feature, especially for your bathroom where you no doubt want to hide the majority of products you use so you can relax without distraction.

A classic bathroom design never goes out of fashion and it can increase the value of your home too. By following some, if not all of the tips above, you will certainly get yourself the bathroom of your dreams. Then all that is left is for you to warn all of your loved ones that they won’t be seeing much of you because you’ll be tucked away in your little room of paradise!

 

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Pet proof homes.

Welcoming a pet into your life is easily one of the best decisions you can make, however you will find with all that love and attention that comes your way, there’s also a lot of hard work. Seen as the floor is the place where they’ll spend the majority of their time in your home, it is incredibly important to ensure that you have chosen the right one. Our guide is going to take you through the best advice on the right flooring for you, and targeting some of the main issues of having a pet, and how to deal with them, whilst also showing you that it’s a sacrifice worth making.

floor1The first flooring we’re going to look at is hardwood that comes as either solid or engineered. Engineered wood is a layered finish, whereas as solid wood is as the name suggests, simply a solid plank of wood. Both are incredibly durable, and have good levels of scratch resistance meaning that long claws won’t cause too much damage, and good static qualities meaning your pets won’t be sliding all over the place! It’s incredibly easy to clean up any loose hairs or accidents that may occur, loose hairs can be simply removed using a damp mop. It’s important any accidents are cleaned up quickly as they can permanently stain.

The next, and possibly the best alternative to hardwood is luxury vinyl tiles. Another great options as it holds a lot of the same qualities as wood flooring, but is far cheaper and some would suggest a little more durable. An incredibly water resistant material, meaning any spillages can be very quickly cleaned up. It’s also scratch resistant, meaning it similarly is unlikely to be damaged be long nails. It’s important to keep your pets nails clipped, just to ensure there isn’t any damage.

floor2The final, and by far cheapest option is laminate. The great thing about laminate is the fact the price doesn’t take away from the quality, and the effectiveness. It’s equally as durable as vinyl and hardwood, and also maintains a very nice aesthetic. It comes in a number of different shades and designs, meaning there is something for every taste. Its tough outer layer also makes it incredibly scratch resistant, however one of the downsides of laminate is if damage does occur, it can’t be refinished. We wouldn’t recommend vacuuming loose hairs up as they will simply blow around the room, and damp mop will do the trick. 

Pets truly are one of the best decisions you can make, we hope our guide has helped you to find the best flooring for your home and the best ways to deal with any unfortunate accidents. When people say pets are a friend for life, they don’t say it lightly!

 *Post in collaboration with Flooring Republic