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All About Hardwood Flooring

Tuesday, July 24th, 2018

You just gotta love the American Cherry Franklin Goddard Dresser sitting right on a hardwood floor inside this living room.

If you’ve been looking for the ultimate guide in buying wood flooring to use in your home, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s an aid to hardwood flooring choices, what the different types are, why they’re good, and what to consider before investing.

First off, you probably already know that hardwood flooring is costly. But there is a reason behind the sky-high prices.

The Hardwood Flooring Benefits

There are various reasons why you should choose hardwood flooring instead of other materials. First, hardwood floors can enhance the look of any room. They are elegant to look at and they can instantly give the room a certain level of warmth, thus, your home becomes more inviting.

Hardwood flooring is also versatile. They can be used with almost any theme. There is also a wide range of finishes and colors to choose from so there’s a hardwood material out there that’s surely gonna catch your attention.

Hardwood flooring is also low-maintenance. This means that they are easy to clean. All you have to do is to vacuum off the dust and dirt as deep cleaning is only needed once each year.

Another reason why hardwood floors are so popular among designers and homeowners is that they are durable. They could be dented or scratched but it would take a lot of effort to do just that. And even when the surface becomes damaged, all you would need to do is to spot clean it.

If you’re also keen on adjusting the acoustic quality in a room, then hardwood floors are your go-to flooring. You will soon observe that wood is one of the best options for an awesome sound system or home theatre.

And for those of you with family members who are allergic to almost everything, hardwood flooring is also a viable solution. You won’t have to worry about allergens unless you don’t vacuum the floors often, then that’s a totally different story. But this material is unlike carpets that take on more dust, thus, increasing the possibility of an allergic reaction.

Hardwood flooring can also add to the value of your property. Come the time when you will sell your home, many buyers would be willing to pay more because of this one feature.

Hardwood Flooring Types

There are only two major categories for hardwood flooring and these are solid and engineered. Solid hardwood is what most people generally think of when talking about hardwood flooring. These are solid planks or pieces of wood coming from your preferred wood species.

Solid hardwood is known for its natural, rustic beauty. Install it right and you are sure to have a lasting flooring for many decades. Just check which rooms are the most humid because those are the rooms where hardwood flooring should not be installed.

The second type is engineered hardwood which is made by pressing several layers of wood together. This multi-ply flooring material is known to be less susceptible to damages caused by moisture.

Engineered hardwoods are also known to be flexible. They can be used even in basements all the way up to the upper story floors. They can also be directly installed over concrete subfloors. And unlike solid hardwood, engineered ones are less pricey. So for homeowners who are watching their budgets, these can be their best choice.

Hardwood Species

So what are the most common species of wood that are used as hardwood flooring? These include cherry (with American Cherry as its most popular variety), walnut, oak, hickory, maple, ash, Douglas fir (which is loved because of its pretty uniform appearance), teak, birch, pine, to name a few.

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Why Are These Colors So Popular?

Monday, July 23rd, 2018

Neutral on neutral: Uttermost Accessories Shiro Ecru Pouf 23959

The simple act of changing the color in a room could transform the overall appearance of that space. It can be as basic as changing the backsplash pattern or painting the walls anew. The colors that you use should be the right one or the correct combination so you end up creating a timeless classic or a contemporary look that is to die for.

Before you hire the best painting contractor, though, you need to decide why certain colors are well-liked while others are simply…bland.

The Renowned Neutrals

If you are a homeowner who is looking for ways to make your home accessories pop or if you’ve made the major decision of selling your home, then it’s high time to decide also on the paint colors that you will use.

Neutrals are the safest way to go as they are guaranteed to liven up any living room or bedroom. Gray is an amazing canvas to any design element. It is also set to make unique features pop. But don’t limit yourself to just gray, white, brown or black, though.

You can also go for neutral orange and green which are always trendy. These are muted hues that are not so bold. They can also be easily paired with tan or gray hues. These plus some neutrals will add to the depth of a space as well as the warmth.

Go Gaga Over These Kitchen Hues

Kitchens usually come with interesting design features. Consider installing a lighter wood color on the kitchen cabinets. This is the most appealing that you could use when you’re pairing with pastel. A brighter hue might easily clash with a bright-colored tile countertop.

Always consider these factors when you are picking the best kitchen paint color.

When you want to play safe and you use neutrals in this area as well, then go for traditional white. Just picture an all-white kitchen which offers a clean and fresh appeal. If this is a bit more difficult to clean, then look for warmer hues such as reds or its more cheerful counterpart which is yellow.

Living Room Hues to Covet

The living room is also a wonderful area to use neutral colors. The most reliable backdrop will always be any neutral color such as beige, tan, white or cream. Mixing gray with beige is what’s now known as greige. This is a hot hue to have inside any living room.

Bold Colors on Neutral: Uttermost Accessories Colorful Cows Metal Figurines

Bedroom Colors to Die For

A bedroom is a place of relaxation so make sure that there are no jolting colors there that would disrupt the quality of your sleep.  You can paint the room with deep blue or a light green. Your preference is highly considered when picking the correct color in this part of your home. But you have to remember that creating a spa-like space is more important than the need to satiate your craving for, say, a tangerine color inside the bedroom.

Popular Bathroom Hues

Paint can make a room appear larger or smaller depending on how you would want to use it. If you have a small bathroom, then widen the room by painting it with light colors such as powder blue or pastels. Those who are bold enough to use black or navy blue are confident that they have ample space to paint.

Now the Costs

As soon as you have already decided which color to paint a room with, it’s likely that you would want to begin planning on the budget. The best results require professional help. These experts know how to best apply the paint that you want.

Average interior painting cost is at $1,679.

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The Fireplace Makeover That You Absolutely Need

Friday, July 20th, 2018

The Maitland-Smith Dining Room Scrolled Textured Verdigris Iron Fire Screen, Brass Accents, Stone Base 1351-381 spells royalty.

When you walk into a living room, bedroom or dining room that has a fireplace, where do your eyes automatically rest? The fireplace is a natural focal point as it is a huge feature and when decorated correctly, it can even add to the beauty of the space.

Easy-on-the-Pocket Updates

Believe it or not, there are fireplace updates that are affordable.  These include painting or repainting the wall surrounding the fireplace. You can also install fireplace glass doors which would replace the usual fireplace insert.

Having an old brick fireplace can be easily updated with a fresh coat of paint. Just be sure that this is what you want for a long time, though, because removing paint from brick can be an arduous process.

Don’t Forget About Safety

While decorating the mantel or the fireplace itself is important, it is crucial to also consider the fireplace safety. A fireplace that is in use throughout the year needs to have zero flammable decorative objects. Never hang decorations over the heart or right below the mantel. Do this and you are creating a major fire hazard.

Do not use plastic decorations around the area where the fire is set. Even distant heat can affect plastic and could become yet another fire hazard.

If you are making over your old living room fireplace, then be sure to check that all its parts are still in working condition. The liner and the damper, the chimney, all these need to be in tiptop shape.

Ceramic vases on the mantel: Uttermost Accessories Sara Textured Ceramic Vases

The Traditional Mirror

Another budget-friendly way of updating the fireplace mantel is to hang a decorative mirror. You can even do this each time that the season changes. Let’s begin by hanging a large, oversized mirror right above the mantel.

You have the option to hang this vertically or horizontally. The ideal ratio of the mirror to the mantel is 2:3. It should be no less than a two-thirds of the mantel width.

Assess how heavy the mirror is. Newer homes come with drywall while older ones come with brick or drywall covering. Drill a small hole to check (the one-eighths bit should do). Often, large mirrors come with a picture hanger while some have a D ring.

The mirror must be used to reflect the décor that is positioned on top of it. The ideal options are sparkling crystal, flower vase, glowing candles or large figurines. When the mirror is hung above the mantel, then you can put accessories on both sides. This achieves a symmetrical display.

Have a crystal chandelier or a lovely pendant lighting fixture hanging in the middle of the room. Make sure that the mirror reflects this amazing sight, too.

Use Decorative Screens

What easier way is there to decorate the fireplace than just install your latest fireplace screen? The fireplace screen isn’t just decorative, it is also functional. Don’t just default to a black screen. There are now many stylish ways to keep the embers and ash away from the room.

Spice up the room with a stylish fireplace screen in warm bronze or gold.

Decorating All Around

Since the fireplace draws the eyes naturally towards it, then the décor should be able to frame this one feature. While this is so, be careful that you do not drown out the rest of the room with the decorative stuff that you use.

The fireplace is cozy and naturally warm so you can arrange the seats all around it. This can become the social hub for your family. This can also be arranged in a way that bibliophiles would surely love. A reader’s nook near the fireplace is also a breathtaking sight to add.

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What Is A Dreamy Bedroom (Part 2)?

Thursday, July 19th, 2018

Achieving the dreamy bedroom is easy with the Lazarus King headboard from the Meritage Collection of Fine Furniture Design.

Previously, we discussed the first three things that could make up a dreamy bedroom which are –

  • Picking the right bedroom color
  • Bedroom cleanup
  • And the incorporation of Feng Shui.

Here are other tips that can help you achieve quality sleep –

Block Out the Light

Did you notice that keeping a night light could sometimes get in the way of quality sleep? So why should we sleep in the dark?

The human body is programmed to sleep only in darkness. This means you have to – not just minimize but to completely turn off any glowing gadgets such as your laptop screen, computer monitor, even your clock radio.

Chronic exposure to these lights during the night can be bad. This has a lot to do with the circadian rhythmicity. During the day, mankind has sunlight but, at night, we only have the stars and the moon. Mankind’s biological programming remembered these and so man is programmed to sleep in complete darkness.

Moonlight is a totally different lighting compared to artificial lights. LAN or artificial lighting at night is less powerful than the sun but a lot greater than moonlight. Melatonin suppression is to be blamed in understanding why LAN is not good for man.

The brain’s pineal gland produces melatonin during sleep. It helps in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, lowering the blood pressure as well as the body temperature and glucose levels. The brain has a group of cells right at the hypothalamus which responds to dark and light signals. Once these group of cells senses that there is light, then it tells the brain to wake up.

Other body processes then kick-start such as the production of cortisol and raising body temperature. So when you are aiming to improve the quality of your sleep, it’s as simple as turning off the nightlight when you’re ready to sleep.

Use Quality Sheets and Mattress

You know what’s tragic? When you recently bought a mattress and you’re still suffering from back pain.

If this is happening to you, then it is probable that you have chosen the wrong kind of mattress to sleep in. So what kind of mattress does your body need?

The answer to this widely varies. With a lot of mattress types, it is not just about your preferences but also about a little science that could make or break your sleep. The hybrid type of mattress is made with a fusion of polyurethane foam, latex, memory, coils, and/or various other materials.

The hybrid type is best for people who want to have a little bounce but also want support. These are sleepers who expect comfort together with a cool fabric.

The latex type, on the other hand, is best for people who also want a cool mattress that has a great bounce. Also, it is a foam that is highly responsive, meaning, for sleepers who love a good foam but are veering away from the contour of memory foam.

The third type is the memory foam which best known for its body contouring, pressure relief, and amazing support. This is for sleepers who want a great body hug.

The coil type of mattress is for the sleeper who needs the traditional feel of spring. It has an amazing bounce and cooling effect. For those who want cushion comfort, the mattress type to invest in is the pillow-top.

As for the sheets, find the ones that are not heavy and rough. Remember that the higher the thread count, the better. Also, be sure to get sheets that are temperature-regulated. Use microfiber or bamboo sheets.

Don’t forget to regularly clean your bedroom as well.

 

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What Is A Dreamy Bedroom (Part 1)?

Wednesday, July 18th, 2018

Start having sweet dreams in your Hooker Furniture Bedroom Beaumont King Panel Bed coming very soon in Hooker Furniture. Reserve your bed now.

Many homeowners, when designing their bedrooms, focus on the décor that they put in those rooms. Not a lot would consider the features that would improve their sleeping habits. If you have been struggling in falling asleep, then it could be because you missed on a few things that would have brought you comfort.

So, are you ready to set up a dreamy bedroom?

Pick the Right Bedroom Colors

If you are prepping for bigger bedroom changes to invite sound sleep, then you should consider altering the paint color that your room currently has. Bright hues tend to stimulate the senses instead of making them rest. They also easily overwhelm so it is best to stick to muted hues.

Soft lavender is an example of a sleep-inducing color. Other soothing colors include deeper shades of blue which also serve as the perfect backdrop for classic furnishings and antiques. Pale and muted tones of blue can be used by those who detest dark hues in their place of rest.

If you like the color green, then you have chosen correctly. This is one of those hues that can either be cool or warm depending on the color range that you pick. Use tints for softer green hues while shades can be added to use a darker hue of green.

Green can make your room traditional, eclectic or modern. You have a lot of styles to choose from when using this color.

If you’re bold enough to use red, then just be sure to use it in moderation. Red is a stimulating color and putting too much of it inside one room could easily overwhelm. To use this hue, pick a muted tint or have it as an accent wall instead of painting all four walls with it.

Be wary in using bare wood with red walls. These tend to clash so it is best to use painted pieces.

Clean Up the Bedroom

Not a lot of people realize that keeping their bedrooms clean can actually promote better and healthier sleep quality. Be sure to keep out dust and allergens at bay. Decluttering also allows you to rest more fully because there are no distractions to keep you from better sleep quality.

To thoroughly clean the bedroom, be sure to use a vacuum cleaner (the type that comes with a hand attachment). Use a broom to sweep regularly.

Always start decluttering by picking up dirty clothes from the floor and from places where they should not be. Clear off all surfaces then begin dusting off the furnishings. An old pillowcase can be used to dust the fan blades and other ceiling fixtures. Be sure to use dirty sheets to cover the bed prior to dusting off the ceiling fixtures and wiping out all spider webs.

For general cleaning, you can also wipe the windows and the mirrors using a window cleaner. Dust the blinds and vacuum the curtains (if any). Don’t forget to finish by vacuuming off the floor.

Believe in Feng Shui

For 2018, you can set up a harmonious bedroom that will counteract any kind of back luck. The best bedroom choice is that room that is farthest from the main entrance to your home. This isn’t just Feng Shui worthy but also improves feelings of stability and security.

Use a money tree plant in a bedroom corner. This is believed to keep the energy flowing into your home. It is also believed that improving your relationship with your partner is as simple as choosing pink and red hues in the bedroom. Use them as minimal accents rather than the jolting base for your color scheme.

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Can Monochrome Work in Interior Design?

Tuesday, July 17th, 2018

BLACK: Thomasville Bedroom Night Stand 82919-810

If you’re thinking that choosing a monochromatic palette is limiting your design potential, then think again. As opposed to popular notion, monochrome could actually give you more options than you think. And no matter the size of the space that you’re about to design or the budget that you have, there are special techniques that can give you the right monochrome look.

Since It’s Monochrome

Because we’re talking about a monochromatic look, you should always begin with a single hue. Pick any color from beige to purple to burgundy. The secret to this design is to use derivatives of the same hue.

Pick a base color that you can live with then begin looking at lighter or darker variants of the same color. These will become your secondary options.

Or White: Thomasville Bedroom Night Stand 82915-810

What’s Right for You?

So your concern now is to get the right look for your monochromatic home. Now, before you begin worrying about rules, don’t. More than any set standards, you need to make the space look and represent you.

Your starting point all begins with the theme. The leading interior designers have come up with a bunch of categories for the monochromatic palette. These are the –

  • Romantic
  • Graphic
  • Industrial

The romantic monochromatic style uses a lot of detailed and delicate textiles. You should freely use pastels and decorate with just subtle ornaments. As for the graphic monochromatic style, it is different from the first one because it features clean and strong lines. You are sure to find geometric patterns as they fill the backdrop that is chiefly black and white.

Monochrome in the industrial style shows a more warehouse look and feel. It comes with soft lines in just the right areas and there are variations of charcoals and grays that you can add to your color scheme. Use soft-textured furnishings, never think that industrial style should be stark and unwelcoming.

The Monochromatic Balance

Again, don’t be too strict with your color distribution. You don’t have to stick to equal amounts of black and white. This is more so when you are designing a small space. Begin with white walls and slowly infuse black as you continue. You will soon find out that you get the right balance each time.

Or Boldly Red: Canadel Dining Room Drop Leaf Table With Pedestal TDL4210VR-F

Monochrome Is Bold

Deciding on a monochromatic interior means you can experiment with almost any kind of pattern. Since this is so, you might as well be bold. Know how to create visual impact. This is an awesome way to keep updating the space as often as you want.

The stars to a monochromatic interior are often the textures and patterns. Don’t treat these are the sidekick elements anymore because they have a lot to offer in making your monochromatic interiors more interesting.

Look at the shades in your home and notice how they tend to blend. You will soon realize that patterns and textures tend to add visual interest. You can mix and match and use your creative skills in creating the best patterns.

Having a single color with varying degrees of lightness or darkness allows you to either be bashful or brash. The choice is really up to you.

The Monochromatic Lighting

Speaking of impact, the best way to introduce this to your home is to use an all-black ensemble for the floor lamps as well as the ceiling fixture. You can also move these lamps around to change the look of your space now and then.

Not All Black and White

Again, don’t box your style to just the monochromatic black and white. Just think about the varied grays and silvers, even the light pastel hues which all can help create a monochromatic look.

 

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Why Maximalism Is Giving Minimalism a Good Challenge

Monday, July 16th, 2018

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If you are the no-rules type of person, then you will love this style for your home.  Maximalism is the very opposite of the saying, less is more. You might agree that minimalism could be boring especially when it is not executed properly. So, more is more, then.

A Little Maximalist History

The accepted father of the maximalist movement was the late Tony Duquette. It was in the midst of 20th century when Duquette made use of many of his sculptures, paintings, and jewelry to don his home. He also wrote the first book on this interior design so he is the one to attribute when you would like to use patterned, richly layered, gilded, and frescoed spaces which now inspire many maximalist designers.

Why Maximalism Is Interesting

Once you sign up to become a maximalist, you should be ready to become unique and interesting. Be ready also to create a dimension that’s solely yours, is not supported by any historical event or movement, and is very much opposed to minimalism (which is the in thing these days).

The quality of maximalism is that you draw near to the things that you love. So how, exactly, would you set up a maximalist home?

Let’s say you are a writer, then you should focus on this theme. If you are a musician, then your home should be filled with artworks and other stuff that point out to the kinds of instruments that you play.

While minimalism is having its moment, do not fret. The more-is-more mindset may not be as widespread but it is no less amazing. Just imagine what you can do with this style. You can fuse three different styles into one home. Just picture a shabby chic and Mid-century modern home for everyone to see.

The Century Furniture Living Room Aspen Lamp Table isn’t all about chunkiness, it is also a piece of furniture worthy of attention.

The Maximalist Base

When you’re about to kick off on your maximalist design, then always begin with the floor or the walls. This is going to be your base or the anchor for the rest of the design. Be sure to pick a bold hue for your wall paint or even a loud-colored wallpaper. Even a unique wood stain on the flooring would do the trick.

Maximalism is about taking the bits one step at a time. Don’t think that you can create the entire room all at once. Just keep adding where you began and you should be fine.

Link

Maximalism isn’t the same as being chaotic or messy, though. This is a style that still has links or connections. These links can either be fabrics, colors or even patterns. An example is when you pair a block chair in green with any jewel-toned area rug. Surround these with Moroccan prints to complete the look.

Learn to Juxtapose

Don’t match the furnishings either. Use materials with styles and materials that you can easily juxtapose. If, for instance, you have a wood coffee table in your living room, then you can get away with a marble-surfaced dining table.

Organized Chaos

As it was mentioned that maximalism is not the same as chaos, then you should learn to organize clutter. Maximalism is knowing how to properly store items so that you know where to find them when you need them. You can fill up a bookshelf with chinaware or a bar cart with museum-worthy collections. Don’t always go for the usual uses of drawers and cabinets.

Innovate.

Start a Collection

Being a maximalist is also starting your life as a collector. You would want to have your stuff on display. Whether you are a collector of chinaware, antique books or even pieces from your Grandma’s attic, you need to create a shelf or closet full of these curiosities.

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Making Sense of Tangerine

Friday, July 13th, 2018

Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Jazzy Shag Rug 5820RS Tangerine

If you search for the word tangerine, the first meaning that you would encounter is that of a mandarin orange. As you continue reading the definitions, you will soon encounter that it is also a color with a reddish-orange tinge.

The wrong color selection could make or break your eventual interior design. Picking the colors to use is simple but only if you know what you want and if you know how to mix, match, blend, and whatnot. Okay, so it is no simple matter after all.

So why should you choose tangerine and why should you choose it above all other hues on the color spectrum?

Just Like Red

Orange, just like red, is an energetic and active color. If you’re looking for the same level of passion as what red evokes, then this isn’t the hue to go to, though.

Orange, or in this case a deeper shade which is tangerine, is known to promote happiness, creativity and enthusiasm more than romance or passion. It is also less formal than red when used in a corporate setting.

Tangerine does not show frequently on Mother Nature’s display. This is why we tend to notice it right away when it finally presents itself.

Tangerine just like its base color orange, stimulates appetite and metabolism.

Tangerine Tango of 2012

Tangerine was no less than the color of the year in 2011. Pantone saw the beauty of this hue and used it to describe, first, a lively dance called the tango. Second, the company recognized the spirited vibe that this hue offered which is why it became the go-to color during that year.

Seductive or Energetic

Whichever way you choose to go, tangerine can provide the vibe that you need. If you want to have a sophisticated room, then tangerine can up the seduction and drama inside that room. If, on the other hand, you choose to have a lively setup, then tangerine can also offer you that look. Just picture the Tommy Hilfiger and Elie Tahari pieces in Spring 2012 and you’d know just how lively and creative that season was.

So go ahead and energize the interior spaces in your home using this color. It is exotic, versatile and exciting but never in a threatening kind of way. Tangerine can also easily complement other colors such as green or blue. When paired with brown, it is sure to bring an amber glow.

The Tangerine Interior Design

Tangerine or orange, in general, has managed to have a reputation that’s both retro and chic. It has become a fashion element in a lot of homes in the past years.

Don’t think of this color as something that you need to avoid. In fact, with the right color to fuse it with, it can literally transform the look of your home. Pair tangerine with white by having the latter as the dominant color and the more energetic color as your accent hue.

Break up your tangerine carpets using white detailing. Tangerine walls can also be made more interesting with white cornices.

And why not go all out and have an accent wall in tangerine? That wall that encases your exciting fireplace can be made even more exciting with this bold color. And if you’re feeling up for it why don’t you have tangerine and a lighter tone as a twin tone? The easiest way to do this is to pair it with red or yellow. For instance, you can have a light tangerine wall against an interesting yellow ceiling.

Wanna have the coolest kitchen? Then have tangerine tiles as the backsplash or burnt orange as the cabinet color.

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Getting to Know the Romantic Venetian Architecture and Interior Design

Thursday, July 12th, 2018

Featured here are the Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Bedroom Swirl Venetian Mirror 1586-90004C-MIR paired with the Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Bedroom Swirl California King Venetian Upholstered Bed.

Venice is one of the renowned cities of romance which is why it is no surprise that Venetian architecture and interiors rate high in terms of charm and glamour. Venetian interiors are famous for their grandiosity, great wealth, and it could also be the fusion of the Old and new worlds (Neo-Venetian).

Venetian Home History

Venetian interiors is a melting pot of various classical designs. During the Renaissance era, classical arts were reborn including interior design and architecture. It was during these times that Venice and Florence became the foci of the European Renaissance movement.

Venice became popular for its Greek and Roman-like styles. Other interior styles that hugely influenced the Venetian style are the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Gothic styles. You are also bound to see influences of Rococo and Baroque.

No single style can be called as the sole source of Venetian styling components. Add to this the fact that homes have been built above canals and you’d be amazed at how marvelous Venetian architecture and interior design really are.

Everything’s Tall

Venetian interiors are known to be grand so the proportions are not the regular kinds of rooms or homes that you will find.

Physical space is definitely manipulated in this kind of design especially since the area needs to appear large, tall, and spacious all at the same time. Just imagine the height fused with the ornate Venetian elements and you’d have a balanced space. You won’t see overstuffed spaces or overbearing rooms. Instead, you will see spaces with intrinsic designs such as columns, pilasters, and the tall windows.

Barrel Arches in their Simplicity

Arches are at the very core of Venetian design. These are semi-circular and simple as they top door portals and windows. They are sometimes fitted with stylish fanlights.

Arches are the reinforcing structures of traditional style. These are derived from the Greek and Roman architectural elements. None can spell traditional aesthetics as beautifully as a simple barrel arch.

A Central Hall

It was during the 14th and 15th centuries when the central hall had been added to the Venetian layout. This is known as the portego and is spacious and wide, often square in shape.

The central hall also comes with wainscoting, wall designs, central seating area, and a noteworthy chandelier hanging on the ceiling. And just like all Venetian interiors, this space is tall, even cavernous.

Loggia Attachment

Sometimes, there is also a loggia which serves as a gallery or room that is attached to the house. This can have one or more open sides and is often overlooking a garden. This is a beautiful part of every Venetian interior because it gives a wonderful view of the Venetian canals.

If you also want to have this setup in your home, then make sure that the loggia is elongated and comes with arched columns and an arcade. This is almost comparable to a portico which is used as a porch that is included in a building.

Plastered, Coffered, and Painted Ceilings

Venetian interior design is not complete without one of the chief components which is the plastered ceiling. This comes in various textures and colors. It can be simple and layered or elaborate and glamorous.

Another ceiling style is the coffered ceiling where grid patterns surround hollow tiles to form cornices. These have been inspired by the Renaissance aesthetics from the past. This kind of ceiling is heavily ornamented and is difficult to ignore because of its dashing looks.

The third option for ceilings is influenced by the Rococo and Baroque movements. This is the painted ceiling wherein decorative patterns are apparent. It can also come with arabesques and gold colors.

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Living Organically: How to Set Up the Nature-Inspired Habitat

Wednesday, July 11th, 2018

Bring in the freshness of these Uttermost Accessories La Costa Greenery, Set of 3 60115 into your home.

For many centuries, homeowners have been bringing in the beauty of nature into their habitats so that they will feel more relaxed and calm indoors. Humans also naturally gravitate towards Earth’s resources because they are, after all, a huge part of Mother Nature. If you have been thinking of ways to bring the beauty of the outdoors to your home, then here are some inspiring suggestions –

Tranquility Is Key

One of the leading reasons why man is inherently nature-loving is because he feels a connection to nature. So it is obvious that people would prefer cotton, wool or leather more than synthetic materials. Picking the materials that resonate the personality of the stylist is the first step towards a nature-inspired home.

Since the look of your home depends on your personality, then it’s up to you if you like the rugged beauty of rock walls right inside your kitchen. Or you simply prefer the sophisticated look that dark mahogany furnishings offer.

Just pick the natural elements according to your style and how nature best describes you. Or if you want to really be nature-inspired, then go for things that are organic.

There is this ongoing trend wherein homeowners now prefer organic bedding and sheets over the synthetic ones. Just design the rooms in your home according to the elements that make you feel calm and soothed.

Wood and nature are beautifully fused in this Rhode Island Windsor Arm Chair (American Cherry Collection of Fine Furniture Design).

The Wood Element

Wood is a leading material in construction. It is favored by many homeowners because of its rustic beauty and depending on the finish that it is given, it can provide a shiny, gorgeous appearance or a rustic appeal because of its natural grains and knots.

If you decide to use wood in your home then you have also decided to bring warmth and coziness in.

Wood furniture is also popular because they are crafted to last. They are beautiful especially when created by the best craftsmen. Different species come with different looks. Even reclaimed wood is now being used to construct ceilings, flooring, and furniture.

If you’re worried that wood is just for the traditional home design, don’t be. Wood can be made into a contemporary piece, too, just as long as you use minimal lines in crafting furniture. The sleeker the wood furniture, the more contemporary it is.

Consider Brick

Do you remember the earliest techniques of making brick? Back in the day, brick-making involved the use of clay, mud, water, and fires in the highest temperatures. These elements bring about the sturdy construction material that we now know as brick.

Many natural materials still cannot measure up to the rustic beauty of brick. After all, bricks have a charming color and pattern which are perfect as a backdrop to both rural and urban dwelling places.

Just choose whether to leave the bricks in their natural state or to paint them.

The Natural Bathroom

One of the rooms that can naturally adapt to a nature-inspired theme is the bathroom. Where else can you feel more rejuvenated and relaxed than this room? Have a working heating and water system set up in this room. To make the room even more rejuvenating, be sure to use only natural materials such as wood walls and stone flooring.

You can complete the ambiance by adding natural daylight which closes to provide ambient lighting in the evening.

Fresh Flowers Galore

Don’t go for the artificial flowers because you are no longer in the ‘80s. Use fresh flowers in vases and bring in potted plants, too. Succulents also have an awesome way of freshening up the look of a room without even trying too hard.

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Posted in 2018 Trends, Green Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Living Organically: How to Set Up the Nature-Inspired Habitat

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