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An Immaculate Home for the New, Minimalist You

Friday, November 10th, 2017

American Leather Bedroom Queen Bed MEN-BED-QN

Decluttering one’s home is most homeowner’s wish. The problem is, when it comes down to actually doing the task, many just simply give up. While decluttering isn’t easy, it is easy to accumulate so many stuff in life. You justify this by saying that these things are your collections and that they even make you happy. Remember, though, that true happiness is never dependent on materials things.

So, why should you declutter?

Clutter Equals Stress

It is not an imaginary thing – clutter can cause stress. Cortisol (the stress hormone) is often associated with a high volume of household stuff. This means that the more material things remain cluttered in your home, the more stress you tend to experience.

Messy homes are even seen as places of failure.

Stress is also attributed to other conditions such as overeating and weight gain. Some people feel more tired when they see a lot of clutter in their home. And haven’t you noticed how difficult it is to focus or even to process information when you are in a cluttered environment?

Decluttering in a Nutshell

First, dare yourself to live only with the things that you need. A lot of stuff even in a spacious home could easily look like a hobo’s haven. If you can, stick to the basics such as a comfy couch, a bookshelf, an end table, and a beautiful center or coffee table.

Always be focused on cleaning up. You don’t have to begin piles of magazines. You can just clip the articles that you want then have the rest thrown to be recycled.

Categorize your possessions. This is an effective way to sort through your stuff. Begin with your clothing, then carefully check your jewelry, bags, shoes, books, electronics, and so forth.

Discard any of the items that you have not used for over six months. If there are items that you keep for posterity’s sake or for sentimental reasons, then at least store them properly so they won’t visually clutter the rooms of your home.

Give away the things that you no longer need.

Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Dining Room Long Board Rectangle Dining Table with 2-20in leaves 1586-75200B-BRN

The Decluttering Don’ts

If the professional fees of organizing professionals make you dizzy, then it’s time to DIY. But if you have to do this on your own, make sure that you’re not going to do these mistakes –

  • Do not buy boxes before you clean up. Sure, you may feel excited by the idea of buying storage boxes, bins, and baskets but they may not be used once you sort through most of your stuff. Also, be sure to measure the spaces where these bins are going to be stored in. It would be tragic to turn these storage pieces into clutter.
  • Don’t tackle the project in just one day. An entire day of cleanup is not the way to do it. Few people have ample energy to do cleanups lasting for eight hours. You could feel frustrated when your day does not go the way you envisioned it to be. To prevent this burnout experience, it is best to clean up a few hours each day.
  • Do not finish each task even when you’re already tired. Remember that you need to categorize your stuff so take your time. Arrange the items that you are going to give away and the stuff that you will recycle or sell.
  • Do not think that you’re a failure. There are many homeowners that even spent an entire month just to finish their decluttering process. Give yourself ample time to declutter, too. Embracing a tidier, minimalist space is not an easy decision to make so just take it one day at a time.

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One Walk-in Closet, A Gazillion Styles

Thursday, November 9th, 2017

The Hooker Furniture Living Room Yates Ottoman is perfect for HIS walk-in closet.

Great closets are one of the most sought-after pieces in every home. In places where space costs you a leg (e.g. New York City), you need to make wise use of every inch that you pay for. New Yorkers are even willing to pay for tiny, cage-like pieces with a lock for mere safekeeping.

Closets can be turned into space which even serves as a home for people from this state. While this is not what is being suggested, this just says a lot about how walk-in closets are the most amazing utilitarian spaces.

The Minimalist

Luckily for most people, there is no need to turn a closet into their living space. They can just enjoy their homes and, in fact, they even have ample space to spare. It is these spaces that can be converted into a beautiful, simple walk-in closet.

Even a small wardrobe can be turned into a walk-in closet. Keep it classy and classic. This is the perfect organization space for your statement and prized pieces.

A Lady’s Dream

A huge walk-in closet is every lady’s dream. Even large families can share this space. It can be luxurious-looking or it can be low-key. But, as always, it is always a space that can showcase a woman’s shoe or dress collection.

Those clothes in a storage unit can be transferred for good inside the walk-in closet. If you’re feeling it, you can even add a dress form mannequin to complete the room.

A DIY Project

Here are some steps that you can make a space become a walk-in closet –

  • First, paint the walls with an interesting hue. If a repainting job is not feasible at the moment, then you can always use wallpaper to cover the bland walls. Find the pattern that suits your chosen style.
  • Be sure to measure the lengths of clothing that will be placed in the closet. Longer dresses and skirts could require higher hanging bars.
  • Use clothes organizers that will help give the walk-in closet a tidier look.
  • Have a huge mirror installed and a cozy rug placed on the floor. Remember that you will be spending a lot of time dressing up in this part of your home so have it filled with ample lighting and windows where possible. Use ambient lighting for a more elegant look.
  • Never forget to decorate. A crown molding can be the crowning part of any walk-in closet.
  • Use drawers inside the walk-in closet for all those scarves, belts, and the cylindrical cans for your watches.

A Versatile Space

The walk-in closet also offers an opportunity to create depth in a bedroom. Since this room is often situated inside the master bedroom, it should be versatile and spacious enough to carry clothing, shoes, jewelry, bags, and just about every piece of accessory that he or she owns.

Bring in the right furniture pieces into this space. Primarily, you need a wardrobe that can serve as the focal point in this new room. Be sure to bring in a bench or two, some chairs, carpeting or an area rug, even full-length mirrors.

Shelving units and drawers are always wonderful additions.

The Biltmore Bed Bench Vanderbilt, on the other hand, is the seating piece for HER.

An Accessory Habitat

Banish all those shoes that have been scattered on the floor for the longest time. You could have shelves and organizers specifically for your shoe collection. These same shelving units can be used to house your wide array of bags and other accessories.

Make sure to use the floor space, too, for your high heels and boots. These are the ones that often don’t fit inside shelves so better create a space for them on the carpeted floor.

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Time to Decorate with Clocks – 6 Beautiful Ways to Use Wall Timepieces

Wednesday, November 8th, 2017

Uttermost Accessories Regency Villa Tesio 23- inch Red Wall Clock 06037

Wall clocks are the silent pieces in many home’s decorative schemes. Going back to when they were invented, they were used merely to tell what time it was. Pretty soon, though, it became one of the most common decorative elements. They have even quickly adapted which is why they are still a major part of many interior design styles.

Companion to An Otherwise Empty Wall

Clocks look absolutely awesome when displayed on an empty wall. There are many designs to choose from that could make a wall look complete.

‘Ever seen oversized clocks make a statement in a room? They are simply amazing, aren’t they? A minimalist room becomes less empty once a wall clock dons one of its walls proudly.

Take note that the wall clock must contrast or complement the wall well enough. If not, and if you don’t pay close attention to design elements such as color, texture, and even size, then the clock could feel lost in a sea of paint.

Keep in mind that a wall clock that has high contrast with the paint color is bound to capture more attention as it will look more striking. On the other hand, a wall clock with low contrast will appear more subtle and passive, thus, you can have one more piece serve as the focal piece.

The Focal Point

A huge clock can easily become the key feature in a living room or just about any room that needs a bold focal point. It can be used in place of a fireplace or even a breathtaking view.

A room could even have lots of visual interest but once it needs a piece de resistance, there are very few pieces that could fulfill that role.

Or the Complement to a Focal Piece

If you already have a fireplace in the living room, then what could make it more exciting than the right, complementary wall clock? It is guaranteed that there are thousands of choices out there that can make this architectural feature a more exciting visual interest.

A Welcoming Piece

The entryway could be one with a vaulted ceiling or it could be just your usual entrance point but once you decorate it with an awesome wall clock. Just make sure to choose the right size and design. Scaling the wall clock for the room or space could perfectly cap your interior design.

Picking the right color also means knowing which clock piece goes with your current color palette. The details of this decorative piece must beautifully contrast or complement the interior design elements.

The Anchor Point

Even if you have a room that already looks stunning, a wall clock is a piece that could easily pull all of the design elements together. For instance, a black wall clock could tie the rest of the furnishings. The right metallic tone could even make this black wall clock pop from a neutral wall.

Hanging a wall clock alone on a wall spells you making your statement. But before you do this, make sure that the wall clock can self-sustain. Otherwise, it is better to have some little decorative pieces frame it.

Uttermost Accessories Monarch Wall Clock Set3 06046

Outstanding Room Element

Apart from the living room and the entryway, there are other rooms that could become the home to a beautiful wall clock. The dining room could be the perfect place to a large clock. It could easily take the place of a hutch or buffet.

The right wall clock can also be hung on the upper wall of stairwells.

As for the bedroom, it could be used as a complementary piece for a beautiful headboard. The maximum diameter of this wall clock could be about 30-36 inches.

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How to Effectively Play with Dining Chair Styles

Tuesday, November 7th, 2017

The Summer Home Ladderback Arm Chair is traditional yet also shabby chic. 

You could be planning to match dining chairs with the table or you could be setting up an eclectic space; no matter what your plans are, the right dining chairs can help set the mood and tone in the dining room.

To understand how you will be able to experiment or play with the layout for your dining area, you must first learn these fundamentals –

The Four Dining Chair Types

The first type is the armchair. This is typically seen at the head of a dining table. Pieces with armrests are seen as more formal. The contrasting kinds can be used to make a statement. There are also pieces that are manufactured to match side chairs.

An armchair can come with upholstery or it can be all wood, metal or plastic.

The next type is the side chair. This kind of chair is an armless chair that sits along the dining table sides. This is the reason why they are referred to as a side chair. The more formal dining areas can have side chairs that are set at the head of the dining table.

A side chair may also have upholstery on its seat though, more often than not, they are not fully upholstered.

The third type is the parsons chair. This chair can be paired with any interior design. It can be simple with clean lines or it can be upholstered and fitted with lovely fabrics. You can have leather or linen, tufted or patterned pieces.

The upholstered or non-upholstered dining chair can be used as traditional and elegant or contemporary and sleek. You can easily switch patterns and styles. You can also have slipcovers made for these.

Five Popular Dining Chair Styles

Traditional dining chairs usually come with ornate designs. Usually, traditional pieces come with neutral color palettes. There is also a tendency to blend with the symmetry in the room as well as the accessories that are placed there.

Notice how traditional chairs work together with the wall sconces, window treatments, candles, and just about every piece of decorative element in the dining area.

Another style is the contemporary style. This is often made of metal, plastic or bent wood. If you see a streamlined, organic-looking piece paired with an equally linear dining table, then what you see is the contemporary style chair.

The third style is the Shaker or Missionary dining chair. This piece features clean lines minus the usual ornate details of the traditional pieces. The Shaker dining chair has horizontal or vertical lines as chair backs. These are often made of wood. There are also pieces that showcase curved panels.

The fourth style is the ladderback dining chair. Based on its name, the ladderback features wooden slats that sit horizontally at the back of the dining chair. This is considered a traditional design depending on the detailing and materials used. This can also be fitted into many decorative styles including transitional and country farmhouse.

Lastly, the Windsor dining chair is an English style piece. It comes with spindle back and legs. The back can either be hoped or bowed. These dining chairs are built with solid wood. Make sure that the backs and legs have been pushed or drilled into holes.

As opposed to standard dining chairs, the Windsor dining chair does not have continuous back legs.

Fine Furniture Design Dining Room Rhode Island Windsor Side Chair 1022-826

Shopping for the Right Piece

The different types of chairs come with many factors that you need to consider. At the top of the list is the material used to build it. Check also the framework. To have a general idea on how sturdy your dining chair is, give it a little shake. It should be able to withstand a simple shaking motion. A creaking sound is a telltale sign that it won’t last long.

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Sectional Couch – Do You Know How It Works?

Monday, November 6th, 2017

Hooker Furniture Living Room Esme 4 PC Power Sectional.

A sectional sofa or couch is a seating type that is commonly found inside living rooms. Compared to the traditional sofa, the sectional has various pieces that can be arranged in many different layouts. This characteristic is what makes the sectional sofa a versatile seating system. It is seen to be more useful compared even to the ultra-comfy three-seater plush sofa.

The design of a sectional varies. There are cases when they are paired with the traditional sofa. This is when the pieces form the perpendicular angle. This 90-degree angle was quite popular during the 20th century and even to this day, it is a favorite setup for many casual dens and living rooms.

Most sectionals come with about four to seven pieces. These can be arranged in many different layouts. More often than not, these pieces already include a cushion for the seat and also back cushions. There is a piece or two that comes with an armrest either on the left or the right side.

Since the pieces are used to create different angles and layouts, a lot of homeowners consider the sectional to be an indispensable furniture piece. This can be arranged as a single, long seat or it can be arranged as the L-shaped seating unit that we know it to be.

The sectional sofa is also a practical piece of furniture. It is easy to move every piece as compared to the heavy two-seaters, divans or traditional couches. Those who live in apartments find the sectional to easily fit through narrow hallways and doorways. These are definitely less troublesome to set up.

Back in the day, the choices for fabrics and designs were limited. Now, however, there is almost limitless amount of textile choices. There is also a wide array of colors and styles to play with. Whatever your taste is in interior design, there is sure to be a piece that will work for you.

There are many sectional couches that come with sturdy olefin fibers, top grain leather, and natural fiber. You can also choose from muted solids to the boldest patterns. The styles range from utilitarian to ornate.

There are also sectionals that are designed specifically for high-traffic areas and there are those that are specially manufactured for more formal settings. If you’re looking for a sectional that can be wiped clean using just soap and water, then there are also pieces like that.

Amelia Sectional Corner Chair from Protege Upholstery.

The Sectional History

Now that you know the many advantages of owning a sectional, perhaps you would want to learn about its rich history. This piece of furniture became popular during the 20th century. Though this is the case, many historians and furniture experts debate on whether or not the pieces were available prior to the Civil War in the U.S.

There are a few pieces to prove their existence during this time. Very few remain intact, though. Many believe that the end pieces of sectional couches have been erroneously called corner chairs. With just paintings as the sole pieces of evidence, this is actually difficult to prove.

The Civil War stopped the furniture-making industry in the South as craftsmen were lost and their workshops were destroyed. There was also a shortage of timber during that time. These eventually led to the loss of the most beautiful sectional pieces.

The Sectional Anatomy

The sofa comes with a typical three over three design. It can be as simple as a loveseat or console loveseats. These also come in LAF, RAF, two arm or armless styles.

The recliner is the one that you place next to the loveseat or sofa. This is longer and has two arms, RAF, LAF, and armless options.

Chairs have a non-reclining single seat. It has the same configurations as the recliner.

Square corner is the piece that fits the sectional to the corner.

Console armrest is that single armrest that comes between the two seats. This can come with hidden storage.

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Repurposing the Basement: The Timely Fresh Start

Friday, November 3rd, 2017

The Wesley Allen Youth Twin Bed 1001 is best for basement turned guest bedroom.

The Wesley Allen Youth Twin Bed 1001 is best for basement turned guest bedroom.

It is always nice to have an extra room or two when you are holding family gatherings or entertaining friends or guests. Yet when the opposite happens and there isn’t ample space to welcome everyone, the feeling can be a tad sad.

Looking for space that can be used as an addition to the rooms of your home is a significant project that you need to carefully think through. If you’re blessed to have a basement that is currently being used just as a storage area, then you’ve got the perfect prospect for a renovation project.

But what are the first things that you need to consider when you want to remodel the basement? Number one would always be safety. Moisture is a pressing issue on many basement remodels. If you’re lucky to have a drainage built as well as a working ventilation, then you won’t have much cause for concern.

Older homes, though, paint a totally different picture. Since these older basements were not meant to be remodeled when they were first constructed, it is a reality that they don’t have ventilation vents or proper drainage systems.

A contractor should be able to help you with your decision to create extra space. The basement is the perfect setting for casual family activities. You can add comfy furniture, a pool table, and a TV and you already have a working family room.

That area right under your stairs can serve as the home for your board games and DVDs. Even doors that have a divided-light window will add to the beauty and style of the repurposed room.

Incorporate a sound system as well as good lighting to turn the space into a perfect place for family meet-ups.

If you need space as a hangout room for your kids, man or woman caves, or even a library, then repurposing the basement is the way to go. Just consider what furniture goes where and why you should even invest in such furniture (e.g. every man cave must have a comfy yet durable bed while every kids’ hangout room should have shelves for their books and toys).

Basement Remodeling: The 6 Steps

First, be sure to clean the basement. Move all boxes someplace else, a storage unit perhaps. Clean the floor by using a heavy-duty floor cleaning material.

Next, be sure to frame or layout the space. Cut openings for phone and electrical wirings.  Consider insulation so you will soundproof the area; this is the third step. This is especially useful when you’re planning on building a rec or family room.

The fourth thing that you need to do is to install proper lighting. Since basements are naturally dark (most do have small to zero windows), you will need to find ways to provide ample lighting. Install recessed lighting, traditional or track lighting for the ceilings.

Step number five is to paint the walls. Of course, you would need to have a paint primer as well as dual coats of your chosen wall paint. If you still haven’t chosen a color palette for the repurposed basement, then you might want to get cues from the upstairs rooms. Spreading the color scheme even down to this new room will effectively coordinate the rest of your space.

Lastly, install durable flooring. Most basement floors are made of concrete. It would be great to consider another layer of flooring using a different material. There are many possible materials to use. Tiles are high up on the list of many remodeling homeowners. Wood flooring systems are also quite popular. These may be pricier but they do offer a look that’s difficult to match.

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5 Amazing Tips to a Spotless Sanctuary in Less Time

Thursday, November 2nd, 2017

Century Furniture Living Room Made to Measure Sectional 10-Sectional: Cleanliness also means having ample light and an airy atmosphere. 

If you’re not feeling motivated to clean your home then you’re not alone. Many postpone cleaning their habitats for as long as they can because it is far from fun. Yet messy homes can up the stress levels of their inhabitants. Also, you won’t be able to find things more quickly if there is so much clutter all around.

Having kids and pets could double your cleaning efforts. The benefits outweigh the difficulty of cleaning up, though, which means you should value a clean home more than spending more time in front of a gaming console.

The idea of steaming the carpet or wiping the refrigerator is not a project that most people look forward to doing. But if you want a spotless sanctuary, don’t fret. There are ways to cleaning your home without spending too much time being dirty.

Compartmentalize

There is no need to take a leave off work just to clean your home. And, no, you don’t have to become a speed cleaner in order to finish this cleanup project.

First, you need to divide your chores according to the frequency that you would do each. Being able to cut down your cleaning time means establishing a system.

You can work from one room to the next, with one room representing one day of the week. You can also group the cleaning chores according to their level of difficulty.

Getting the time down means you have to be consistent with the time and the day that you assign for each task.

Compartmentalization also means you have to be consistent.

Take Note of the Little Things

While it is a huge deal to clean the ceilings as well as the wall-to-wall carpet, it is also crucial to remember to clean the nooks and crannies in your home.

For example, you should remember to wipe the insides of your microwave at least once every week. You can also deep clean this appliance twice each month. Just use half a cup of water and white vinegar. Place the mixture in a microwave-safe dish. Turn on the microwave on high till the window shows some steam.

Wipe using a clean sponge.

A toilet is also a place that has a reputation as a dirty space. Clean the bathtub since it has been proven to contain more bacteria than your trash bins.

Clean the Windows Inside and Out

If you can’t seem to get the squeaky clean look that glass windows are supposed to have, then invest in a quality squeegee. Use a drop of dish soap – yes, just a drop – in a gallon of water. Spread this mixture onto the glass windows then use the squeegee to remove the sudsy concoction.

You should be able to enjoy the clearest glass windows in no time.

Organize Cleaning Tools

Have all of your cleaning tools at arms-length. Doing so would mean you won’t have to walk from the cabinet to the area where you’re cleaning. Wear an apron also when you begin cleaning. Have a carpenter’s tool belt on the ready. Use cleaning clothes that have deep pockets.

Be Positive

Yes, positivity can help you finish faster.  Be positive that you will be able to spot the areas that would require cleanup. Be positive that you will find the issues before they even require a cleanup.

A good cleanup will also ascertain that you won’t be having crawling pests. Clean up as soon as messes happen so that clutter will no longer pile up and you won’t have to worry about vermin at all.

In the process, you are guaranteed that your home’s building materials, as well as furniture and appliances, will have longer lives.

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Marble – From Quarrying to Stylizing

Wednesday, November 1st, 2017

Viniterra Curved Credenza features a shiny marble top.

 

Have you ever wondered how the beautiful, smooth surface that marble stone offers actually came into existence? Before this stone is quarried, you have to know that it has been formed by Mother Nature herself. There is even a legend that tells of the Apuan Alps which appeared after glowing stone tears formed. These tears were that of the shepherd’s daughter who cried because she was distraught and lovesick.

Marble has been hauled from the Alps for more than 2,000 years now. This stone has served as the material for many religious relics, tiles for homes, and much more. Round objects made from this stone have also been unearthed in many ancient excavations.

Roman and Greek youngsters were known to play with clay balls. Tutankhamen, renowned Egyptian pharaoh, also contained marbles, maybe because they were toys by the young king.

Marble is something that you can be proud of. Even the great artist Michelangelo braved the dangers of going up the mountains just to witness the natural beauty of the natural stone formations. No wonder that some of the most amazing arts made by masters were conceptualized on marble stone-giving mountains.

The Carrara from Italy is a famous marble quarrying site. It has quarrying caves that operate with 5,800 workers. There are over 400 sites there with some of the old workshops still operating.

Interior Design Applications for Marble

If you’ve been thinking of adding the impressive look of marble in your home, then you have to know the advantages of having this classic beauty. Generally, marble is soft though it is dense. Know also that it is more vulnerable to staining as well as scratching as compared to granite. However, if you are careful enough and you take the time to care for it properly, you will have a marble floor, wall or table that will last for many years.

Let’s take the marble top as an example here. Primarily, it is beautiful to look at. Very few materials can be compared to the beauty that is offered by marble. Just imagine a marble dining table. This will surely become the center of attraction in your dining area.

Marble can also compliment any décor or interior design theme that you set up.

Marble will surely last for many years just as long as you care for it. It even has the potential to outlive every piece of furniture in your home.

Another advantage in having a marble countertop or table is that you have a wide array of choices in terms of colors. Find out whether you will use the table in a modern, traditional or a contemporary home.

Marble furniture may be pretty but this is not the only application for this wonderful natural stone. Marble is also widely used as a flooring and wall material. As a flooring, it is elegant and sleek without even trying too hard.

Marble floors are also tolerant to polishing. This means that you will always have a smooth and shiny-looking floor. If you’re looking forward to seeing radiant light reflections on your flooring, then this is the material to use.

Art sculptures made with marble are as Greek as you can get. Yet Greek art is all about the representation of beauty and intellect so wanting to display them in your home is but natural.

Lastly, marble is a natural material so you won’t have to worry about polluting Mother Earth. This natural stone is an eco-friendly yet luxurious item. Your friends will surely notice how elegant your taste is when it comes to picking raw materials for your home.

This amazing list should help you decide whether or not you will push through with marble furniture, flooring, walls or tiling.

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The Sturdy Beauty of Clay Brick

Tuesday, October 31st, 2017

The lovely brick walls serve as the frame to the equally lovely pieces. Featured here is the Meritage Aerostat Cocktail Table. 

Two of the most abundant raw materials on earth are shale and clay. These are the main ingredients in creating bricks. These materials are then fired up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit inside a kiln. Through chemical transformation and vitrification, these two minerals are then fused for good. The resulting product can then be used as a durable piece of construction material.

A lot of people mistake concrete brick for clay brick. The former uses a gray paste to bond the raw materials. Also, the pigment is added to make the material more interesting.

Clay brick is also stronger than cement brick this is why it remains to be the most sought-after type of brick in the industry.

Architecture Made with Clay Brick

Heated clay brick has long been used as a building material in the U.S. And since this is such a durable material, majority of the colonial brick structures that were made in the 1700s are still standing today.

It is amazing to note that architectural marvels such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. The renowned Glass House, as well as the nearby brick houses, are now parts of Modern Art.

Pelli Clarke Pelli also used brick in designing the beautiful The Solaire.

Pavements made with brick were also quite popular during the colonial times. These clay pavers are now over two centuries old. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway had about three million pavers made from 1910-1911. These are still in use today and since they are made of fired clay bricks, they did not fade or even require sealers throughout the years.

Awesome Bricks in Homes

Since bricks are durable materials, it is not surprising that they are preferred by many homeowners. Just think about this – almost every Union State has a street that has the word brick on it – from Brickyard to Brick Kiln, to simply Brick.

Brick is a sturdy cladding material that is used in many healthcare structures, schools, and government buildings. It is fairly common to find brick schools and brick apartment buildings nowadays. And here’s a trivia – more than eighty-percent of homeowners think of brick when they are about to build or reconstruct their homes.

So, are you aching to have a brick wall now? That’s not shocking news. Brick is gorgeous and its presence can instantly give your home a delightful appeal.

If you’re looking to have a modern or a country style home, your go-to material is no other than brick.

The first thing that you can do with it is to create stone walls with them. Instead of thinking that brick interior walls would look cold, think the other way around. Bricks can make the atmosphere of any room warmer and more welcoming.

Brick tiles are especially great to use in hallways, living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. If you’re thinking of adding a cellar, then this is also the material that will make this new addition to your home look more awesome.

Bricks are simply magical. It may be because they have been around for so long that people instantly think of reliability, solidity, and comfort when they see them.

Proper Care for Brick Walls

While bricks are lovely to look at, you have to prepare to take care of them. Be sure to conserve the beauty of the bricks’ surface and to keep damages at bay. To do this, clean each brick then leave a glossy, layered finish. You could also consider adding matte binders since these are effective in keeping dust away.

If you’ve used brick as a bathroom solution, make sure that you won’t face damaged grout later on. Reposition your brick walls where they won’t get any moisture. If there’s no way to do this now, then be sure to seal them at the very least.

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How to Display Artworks at Home

Monday, October 30th, 2017

The Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Claydon Credenza is the right backdrop for the stunning, colorful work of art.

Now more than ever, art is within everyone’s reach. The Internet has made it possible to own the loveliest pieces with just a single mouse click. But once you have the pieces, do you really know what to do with them? Or are you – just like countless others – wondering where to place these beauties?

Gallery Wall

If you want to create a professional-looking gallery wall, be sure to know how to make a statement. This is your chance to put a message across. Mix photographs and paintings. Use black and white pieces together with colored ones.

Don’t forget to have fun while you’re doing this special wall. Be sure to plan the layouts. To do this, you can begin by putting the artworks on the floor and arranging them. Use painter’s tape to create an outline on your intended gallery wall. This blue tape will also help you visualize.

If you’re still uncertain, you can always begin with one or two anchor pieces. Place these at the center of the wall then slowly build from there. Keep in mind that every piece of art has to be seen at eye level.

Don’t forget about placement more so when you’re designing over a piece of furniture such as a sofa or a credenza that is going to be placed against the wall.

Establish a Color Scheme

In showcasing art, you will also need to consider the different kinds of shades that you will use. Will you be highlighting a pretty colorful display or will you show a simpler palette?

Specify your color palette from the outset.

Create a Story

An art gallery wall is also an opportunity to not only document what art you prefer but also a chance to tell a certain story of your experiences and travels. Include photographs of your recent or past trips or artworks that you collected as you traveled.

Frame Your Art

The gallery wall is not all about showing the world your art. It is also a wall that will show just how well you thought this project through. For instance, what sort of art or picture frames should go with your chosen art pieces?

Find unique frames that have the power to draw the eyes towards the art pieces. Look for something that has an Old World vibe if you have embraced the traditional look. If you’re a contemporary homeowner, then there are always frames that come with straight, non-busy lines.

It’s Not Always Aligned

It is wrong to think that gallery walls are supposed to be lined with framed art in straight lines. This may be the ideal setup for most people but for someone who wants to show that he or she is different, there are many other ways to display artwork.

For a less formal gallery, you can have the pieces hang at the left or right side of the center instead of the usual dead center. It also pays to mix up the pieces. You can have paintings mixed up with sketches or photographs with mosaics.

Let Yourself Go

At least your creative side, that is. Remember that creating a gallery wall is also art in itself. Since there is no single formula that points to a great display that will surely be appreciated, you can go ahead and experiment.

Just jump in and let go.

The Don’ts

If you have learned the do’s of hanging wall art, there are also some things that you need to veer away from –

  • Don’t hammer too many holes on the walls.
  • Don’t hang too many mirrors.
  • Don’t hang just a piece or two. Your gallery wall would surely look empty.
  • Don’t be impatient.

Hanging art takes time but, don’t worry, you will soon enjoy the fruits of your hard work and enjoy a vision that everyone will also appreciate.

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Posted in Accents, Accessories, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on How to Display Artworks at Home

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