10 Clever Interior Design Tricks to Transform Your Home
By - 5
Whether you’ve just moved or are looking for a quick, little home pick-me-up, or perhaps something more significant, there are some well-known interior design tricks that designers employ that you too can easily do with minimal effort and cost. Sometimes the smallest things make the greatest impact. It could be the addition of a mirror, a painting, a lamp or even a plant. Maybe you want to soften your walls, brighten a room, or add some warmth to your living space. Take a look at these clever design tips and see how they can inspire you!
1. Paint smaller rooms in softer, lighter colors to help make the room feel larger.
The living room above is a great example of how to maximize a small living space. A room of this size has the tendency to seem cramped, but the large windows, light colored walls and ample use of mirrors not only reflect the natural light pouring in from the doors and the windows but the use of mirrors also gives the optical illusion of space, making the room seem larger than it actually is. Conversely, darker colors will make a room feel smaller. Even with the abundance of natural light and the strategic placement of the mirrors, this room in a darker shade would have a more boxed-in feel to it.
2. Use decorative mirrors to add instant light to your living space.
As seen above, mirrors can also be used to make a small space feel larger. For larger rooms, or any room with a more limited amount of natural light, mirrors placed directly across from the windows, will add instant light. Decorative mirrors can also be used in lieu of art to fill empty wall space. Large or small, mirrors add light and dimension to your living space.
3. Mix it up. Mix up patterns and textures. Mix up old and new, expensive and inexpensive.
There’s nothing wrong with placing family heirlooms alongside your modern couch. All good interior decorators will tell you that the most important aspect to decorating your home is that it reflects who you are, your personality and your style. The antique Chippendale desk that was your grandfather’s tells a story. It tells the story of your past. The modern couch you fell in love with and simply had to purchase also tells a story, your present story, and there is no reason why the present and past can’t co-exist beautifully together. The same can be said for art. Now you might not want to place a painting by Salvador Dali on the same wall next to a Monet, but there’s no reason why they can’t be in the same room together. With fabrics whether it be furniture, rugs or pillows, varied colors and patterns can bring warmth and texture into your living space.
4. Slip into something a little more comfortable!
Slip covers often get a bad rap but they are truly wonderful things. They can serve as a means of changing your furniture’s look to reflect the seasons. These easily removed coverings allow you to have a sophisticated look without constantly worrying about people dirtying or spilling on your furniture. Slip covers are ideal for rooms used frequently by children. Above the white slip-covered couches gives the air of a casual, comfortable, easy yet sophisticated elegance.
5. Wicker baskets
Wicker baskets are an economical and elegant way to add storage to any room. Baskets can be used to store and display books, architectural and decor magazines, toys, towels and blankets to name a few. Place a couple of small wicker baskets on the counter-tops in your kitchen to beautifully display and store your fruit and vegetables.
6. Use what you already have to decorate.
We all have items in our possession, probably packed up in boxes somewhere and haven’t given them a second glance. Your home needs some accessories. Instead of running to the store, take a good look at what you already have. Trays, wooden, acrylic, metal or silver can be placed on top of luggage racks, tea carts, trunks, bedside tables and coffee tables for extra texture and dimension. Arrange candles on them, frames or pile books on top of them. Plates can be hung to create wonderful wall art. Art from children’s books can be framed and hung in nurseries, children’s rooms or their bathrooms. You will be amazed at what you can do with what you already have!
7. Add a hanging pot holder to your kitchen.
Kitchens are meant to be warm and inviting. We spend much of our time in them whether it be for preparing meals, serving meals or entertaining. A hanging pot rack is useful elegance. Kitchens are meant to feel as though they are in constant use and a hanging pot rack certainly makes one feel this way. In addition to looking so wonderful, (there are many sizes and styles available) additional cupboard space below is now freed up to store other items. Seldom has anyone complained of having too much storage.
8. Go green.
Add plants to your living space. Add them to every room, small or large, few or many. Plants are an inexpensive means to accessorizing your space and adding color and texture. Not only are plants beautiful but many can clean household air and balance humidity. They can absorb pollutants and remove harmful gases from the air. No home should be without these wonderful greens!
9. Paint or wallpaper your bookcases.
This instant pop of color will brighten and re-energize any room! It’s amazing how something so simple as a coat of colorful paint can instantly energize and transform your space. This built-in bookcase would be simple and ordinary without the bright blue interior. Perhaps the simplest and most inexpensive way to transform a boring space is to apply a coat of paint somewhere unexpected. Bookcases are an ideal place to start because you don’t need to paint a large area. Other fun places to add a pop of color include painting fireplace mantels, the insides of closets, hallways and ceilings.
10. Use area rugs to soften hardwood floors.
Throw rugs give warmth and can add great texture, color and personality to your living space. Hardwood floors are beautiful and easy to maintain but they lack the comfort that carpeted floors offer, especially in the cooler months. Area rugs can add fun and functionality to your living space. Use several of varying patterns and fabrics together to showcase your character. Or add several rugs of the same pattern and fabric, or different textures but the same color. The possibilities are endless. You can change your area rugs to reflect the seasons using warmer tones and fabrics for cooler months and lighter ones for the warmer days of the year. There are many lovely cotton, washable area rugs which are ideal for those homes with children. There really is no reason why a home with young children cannot also be a stylish one.
What inspired you? Personally, I’m just mad about these animal hide rugs that seem to be all the rage lately. The question is, do I go for the cow or the zebra? Or both, and just say that I live in a barn !
Walk-In Closets to Die For
By Terri Williams July 25, 2018 in Bedroom / Decorating Ideas / Cleaning & Organizing / Rooms- 0
It’s no secret that walk-in closets are one of the most valued home features. However, you may be surprised at the lengths we’ll go to for storage space. The State of Stuff in America, a new survey by MakeSpace, polled over 1,000 men and women and found the following:
- 50% claim they would be willing to be celibate for six months in order to have more closet space
- Almost 20% said they would take a pay cut for six months in order to have more closet space
- 51% of all men surveyed said they would be open to gaining 10 pounds for six months in order to have more closet space
So, when people are able to create their own walk-in closets, it should come as no surprise that these rooms are over-the-top fabulous and often the most glamorous room in the house. Looking for some ideas of your own? Check out the walk-in closets below and get expert tips on how to create the closet of your dreams.
Emulate the luxury and functionality of a boutique
“Creating the right type of walk-in closet can be a clincher when it comes time to sell, because a huge, well-organized walk-in closet is a luxurious extra,” says Jonathan Self, a real estate broker for Center Coast Realty in Chicago, IL. “If you have the square footage, make the closet look more like a boutique showroom than a closet. You’ll want a center island to fold and arrange clothing, a makeup table for the lady of the house and plenty of shelving options.”
“Walk-in-closets have become a huge design feature in recent times, and clients like their walk-in-closets to feel luxurious,” adds Carla Phillips, an interior decorator based in Melbourne, Australia. “Natural light and high-end finishes such as woodgrain are important to clients.” Plush textures like velvet and fur are also popular.
Introduce a taste of luxury into your home with high-end finishes and plenty of light. Image: Closet Factory
Seating options and an elevated mirror area give the illusion of a true boutique. Image: Jordan Rosenberg Architects & Associates
Keep storage and organization in mind
Organization is key when it comes to any closet space, and walk-in closets are no exception. Nicola Croughan, an interior stylist at Blinds Direct in the UK, tells Freshome that one trend is for clothes to be divided by color or use. “Place out-of-season clothing higher up, or pack it away.” In addition, she recommends using storage boxes and labeling them or placing photos in the front for identification. However, her most important advice for keeping your closet aesthetically pleasing is to regularly declutter. “When adding new items, try to remove something else and send it to charity.”
Make sure to include room for a hamper in your new dream closet, advises Marty Basher, home organization expert for Modular Closets. “It’s one of those details people often forget about when taking stock of their storage needs — but keeping a hamper in the closet not only can help save you trips to the laundry room, it can keep your new space looking tidy.”
These shoe closets rival the shoe department in your favorite department store – except you know that everything is in your size. Image: Wendy Scott Closet Design
Choose the right lighting
Lights are an important part of the design process. “Closets will benefit from a ceiling flush mount or semi-flush mount, but also consider track lighting systems that allow you to aim light where it is needed most,” advises Jeff Emmerson, a Lamps Plus lighting expert. But the “Star Wars” lightsaber effect — that’s just a neat bonus.
Chandeliers brighten up a space otherwise darkened by black finishes. Image: Jordan Rosenberg Architects & Associates
Show off your personal touches
“Designwise, we’re seeing people opt for open concept rather than keeping things closed off by doors,” says Phillips. “We spend a lot of money on our possessions; why shouldn’t we show them off?” She adds that the need for personalization is also driving the trend of glamorous walk-in closets. “People are installing chandeliers, televisions and other features to showcase their style in a space designed specifically for them.”
The glamorous chandelier and designer artwork are just some of the features that make this space aesthetically pleasing. Image: Reaume Construction and Design
A walk-in closet with outdoor views is a daring way to create a unique space. Image: Poliform Australia
Trend Alert: Glass Door Refrigerators Are the New Stainless Steel
By Cynthia Bowman October 3, 2018 in Kitchen / Appliances & Technology / Design and Decorate
If you’re looking for a way to freshen up your kitchen, keep an eye out for the latest kitchen trend: glass door refrigerators. They’re hot in Europe, which means the trend should be landing stateside shortly. Brands like Balay, GE, SubZero and Fisher & Paykel all have a version of a glass panel refrigerator available.
The pros
Why should you swap out your stainless or color refrigerator for one with glass panel doors? Durability. Compared to metals like stainless steel, glass door refrigerators don’t dent or scratch as easily, especially if you use a soft towel or gentle glass cleaners. Their sheen makes them look brand new for years to come. Glass door refrigerators come in a variety of glass panel styles ranging from high-gloss colored glass to frosted glass to stainless steel doors with a clear glass window insert.The cons
Glass door refrigerators tend to show fingerprints easily, much like stainless steel fridges. And if you choose to go with a clear glass panel door, be prepared to be ultra-organized, since refrigerator contents will be easily seen, even with the door closed.Now that we’ve weighed out the pros and cons, check out these 20 kitchens featuring glass door refrigerators.
Colored glass door refrigerators
Collect this idea
Sleek and high-gloss black glass doors on the refrigerator and ovens add a contemporary look to this minimalist kitchen. Image: Palazzo Kitchens
Collect this idea
The glass panel refrigerator by Balay comes in several colors, all in a high-gloss finish. Image: Balay
Collect this idea
This glass panel refrigerator has a satin sheen that hides fingerprints and imperfections more easily than high polish. Image: Deulonder
Collect this idea
The large commercial-style glass refrigerator is finished in a gray shade to replicate concrete. Image: Harrell Remodeling
Collect this idea
High-gloss white glass (as shown on the refrigerator doors) is clean, bright and expansive. Image: Harrell Remodeling
Glass panel refrigerators
Collect this idea
A modern kitchen featuring a commercial-style glass door refrigerator by SubZero. Image: Bonstra Haresign Architects
Collect this idea
The refrigerator wall is a combination of colored glass and a see-through glass door panel. Image: Enigma Interiors
Collect this idea
The built-in refrigerator and wine cooler are both finished with a combination of matching wood panels and glass. Image: Sub Zero
Collect this idea
The glass doors of this stainless refrigerator break up the grays in this beautifully classic kitchen and bring in a bit of bling. Image: JK & Sons
Collect this idea
This refrigerator by GE can be ordered with a stainless steel or wood panel frame. Image: GE Monogram
Collect this idea
This kitchen’s refrigerator features backlit glass, which expands the kitchen space and adds depth to the room. Image: Clarke Living
Collect this idea
This modern kitchen gets a contemporary feel thanks to the fridge’s blue LED light. Image: Drury Designs
Collect this idea
To create a fully integrated feel, maple panels surround this glass door refrigerator. Image: CLB Architects
Collect this idea
The glass of this fridge was darkened to a black tint to conceal the contents inside. Image: White Picket Fence
Collect this idea
Here’s an example of why you should organize food and drinks when you own a see-through refrigerator. Image:FabCab
Collect this idea
The glass doors mimic the surrounding kitchen windows that filter in light. Image: Laura Bohn Design
Collect this idea
Here’s one of SubZero’s glass panel door refrigerators from their latest collection, shown in a crisp, white transitional kitchen. Image: S Group
Collect this idea
A black laminated glass panel refrigerator mimics the color theme of the other kitchen appliances. Image: Terracotta Properties
Collect this idea
The double door glass refrigerator features the same wood veneer as the adjacent cabinets. Image: Urbatek
How to Decorate Your Apartment Balcony (Plus, Some Design Inspiration to Get You Started)
By Tara Mastroeni August 30, 2018 in Apartments / Decorating Ideas / Design and Decorate / Outdoor / Small Spaces- 0
We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.
Designing an apartment balcony doesn’t have to be synonymous with simply putting out a table and a few chairs. With a little planning and forethought, this space can become your new favorite place to spend time.
Read on to learn how to design an apartment balcony like a pro — and for some design inspiration to get you started on your own space. With a little creativity, you can create an outdoor oasis that feels equally functional and aesthetically pleasing.
How to design your apartment balcony
Though designing an apartment balcony is largely a matter of catering to your own personal tastes, there are a few things you can do to finish off your design and bring it to the next level. As you put together your design, keep the following in mind.
- Think about proportion: In small spaces, proportion is important. Proportion refers to the relationship in size between two objects. In this case, you’ll want to make sure that your furniture is appropriately sized for your balcony. Thinner furniture works best when you’re short on square footage.
- Layer, layer, layer: Layering is crucial to finishing off any design. In a balcony space, you can do this by incorporating a variety of textiles. Consider adding an outdoor rug, some throw pillows and maybe even a blanket.
- Don’t forget lighting: Lighting is a crucial element in making any space feel homey. Since you don’t want to risk your deposit by putting up any permanent outdoor lighting, standing outdoor lights or string lights are the way to go.
Apartment balcony ideas
Bringing a storage bench into the space does double duty by providing both storage and extra seating. Image: The Balcony Garden
If you have enough room, add a table so that you can enjoy al fresco dining. Image: Corben Architects
If you live in a cooler climate, consider adding textiles to extend your usage of the space. Image: Dream Design Sthlm
If you’re short on square footage, choose thin furniture to give the illusion of having more space. Image: A Home 4U
When you don’t have a lot of space to work with, use unusual shapes to keep things visually interesting. Image: David Charles Klein Design
20 Funky Lighting Ideas for a Unique Space
By Michelle Honeyager July 9, 2018 in Decorating Ideas / Appliances & Technology / Design and Decorate / Rooms
If you’re looking to create a unique space that fully expresses your artsy side, look into fun lighting creations. Lighting has become something of an art form over the years. From colored accents to unexpected light placement to abstract designs, there’s sure to be a style that allows you to express your inventive side. Take a look below for some of the top funky lighting ideas to help breathe some creativity into your space.
String lighting is another popular option when placing your lighting in unconventional territory. You might also look at customizable lighting options like orb lighting. That way, you can place light where you want without having to add whole new wiring and fixtures. These options are less permanent, so you can play around with different styles.
With hanging lights, you can find a style that goes well with any look you’re trying to achieve with the rest of the room. There are so many creative options out there, you’re sure to find one that meshes with your artistic vision for the space.
Where you put your colored accent lighting is also a matter of creative inspiration. Some people put it on ceilings, in hallways or in hot tubs. You can even frame cabinets or highlight kitchen islands. It’s truly up to you, but take a look below for some starting ideas.
Use unique lighting placement
One of the easiest ways to get a fun look with your lighting is to place your fixtures creatively. One such way is to place your fixtures so that they face multiple directions, as in the first photo below.String lighting is another popular option when placing your lighting in unconventional territory. You might also look at customizable lighting options like orb lighting. That way, you can place light where you want without having to add whole new wiring and fixtures. These options are less permanent, so you can play around with different styles.
Collect this idea
Turning wall lighting in unexpected directions gives an instant look of funky fun. Image: Amy Lau Design
Collect this idea
Don’t feel limited to string lights as wall or ceiling accents; string lights work in table centerpieces, too. Image: Lights.com
Collect this idea
String lights also add ambient light when strung around hanging rustic pieces. Image: PaveStone Brick Paving
Incorporate chandeliers and other hanging lights
Another option is to check out fun chandeliers. Many modern chandeliers feature abstract designs that defy description. Pendant lights have also evolved into unusual designs, like the one below that mimics hanging branches.With hanging lights, you can find a style that goes well with any look you’re trying to achieve with the rest of the room. There are so many creative options out there, you’re sure to find one that meshes with your artistic vision for the space.
Collect this idea
Some funky lighting fixtures go conceptual, like this design that looks like branches. Image: Kipnis Architecture + Planning
Collect this idea
While technically a type of pendant lighting, this long, sleek design is in a class of its own. Image: Elizabeth Bowman Interior Design
Think outside of traditional lighting options
To get truly funky lighting ideas, you may want to look beyond the usual lighting fixtures. One novel look that adds style to a room is industrial-looking hanging bulbs. Many of these are encased in ethereal glass orbs. Other bulbs push the look further, encased in material like webbing.
Collect this idea
Exposed hanging bulbs are always a favorite for artistic spaces, and this look makes great use of bright color. Image: Boutique Homes & Developments
Collect this idea
This design shows how a plethora of orbs can light up a space even better than a traditional chandelier or pendant lighting. Image: Rocco Borghese
Choose colored lighting
Of all funky lighting ideas, colored accent lighting is perhaps the boldest. Let your imagination and sense of creativity run wild with this idea. You can go with one color as an accent light, or use multicolored lights to achieve a more eye-catching effect.Where you put your colored accent lighting is also a matter of creative inspiration. Some people put it on ceilings, in hallways or in hot tubs. You can even frame cabinets or highlight kitchen islands. It’s truly up to you, but take a look below for some starting ideas.
Collect this idea
Colored lighting makes for wonderful accents, especially in the stark neutral color scheme of the rest of the space. Image: Diane Berry Kitchens
No comments:
Post a Comment