Tag Archives: redecorate

Oct13

Creative Storage Ideas For Tiny Homes

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Creative Storage Ideas For Tiny Homes

If you have a pretty small home or apartment, then the struggle to find enough space to store things around the home, really is real. But if you’re not quite ready to throw the majority of your things away (Who is?!), then you need to know some awesome hacks for maximizing the storage space. Here are some ways to make the most of the space in a small home:

Floor To Ceiling Storage:

When there isn’t much storage, you want to make sure that you’re using the most of the space you’ve got. So for things like bookshelves or kitchen units, make sure that they go from floor to ceiling. You don’t want any wasted space left at the top of the kitchen cabinets, for instance.

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Floor to ceiling storage is a must.

Create Outdoor Space:

If you have the ability to add space outdoors but don’t have the budget for an extension, then something like a wraparound porch could be a good idea. It is pretty simple to construct, it adds floor space, it won’t cost too much to arrange, and is a great hang out spot for friends and family.

Use Garage Space:

If you’re lucky enough to have a garage, then you need to make sure that you’re using it wisely. If you use it for your car, do you really need to be? Could you make better use of it by using it as an additional room in the home or for storage? It might need some changes to it, through the help of garage door services, for example. But once it is secure and has everything that you need in it, it can be a really invaluable space. Man cave or she shed, anyone?

Embrace Open Plan Living:

To help a home feel larger and more spacious than it is, then some walls are going to need to come down. When rooms are small and walls are thick, it can make the home look darker and much smaller. So it could be time to opt for a kitchen diner or kitchen and living space. Just check what walls can be knocked down before you take the sledgehammer and angsty feels to it!

Use Under the Stairs Space:

The space left under the stairs can be pretty huge (Except for Harry Potter!). But because it is a little awkward, it can often just get left to hang some coats and that’s about it. But if you plan carefully, you can get some shelving and storage under there, for sure. Using every space you have is so important – even the little nooks and crannies!

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LOVE THIS!!

Get Creative With Mirrors:

Mirrors are a great way to help a room look brighter and larger, so make sure that you get creative with the use of them around your home. Aim for at least one per room and the space will feel and look much brighter, lighter, and airy.

Use Room Dividers:

If you’re not quite ready to go open plan, then you could at least think about getting room dividers instead of walls. They could be glass partitions, curtains, or even large sliding doors so that you can open up the whole space if you want to (But you don’t have to have it that way all the time.).

Sweet and small homes are amazing – but your storage might not be! Use the tips above to open up your space and make the most of it!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Oct12

Hi-Tech Your House Out

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Hi-Tech Your House Out

 

Technology is every where and is used for almost every thing. A trip to the shops? You take the car or other transport. In the stores themselves you can see aisles full of the latest gizmos and gadgets. So why let your home fall behind in the times? There’s so much cool technology out there that it would be silly to not deck your home out with it. There’s not just the tech for showing off, but there’s also the ones that will actually aid you and save you a lot of money in the long run. Let’s have a look at what you can put in each room to help you get the most bang for your buck in your home:

Kitchen:

Let’s start with something that’s going to aid you in the long run. A dehumidifier. You may not realise it, but whenever you cook and the room gets a little steamy, opening the windows doesn’t stop it from sticking to the walls to begin with. If you’re one of those people that chooses not to open the windows, then chances are that over time you’re going to get a build up of mold somewhere. A dehumidifier is perfect for preventing this. They don’t cost that much, and it could save you a lot of money from preventing an unneeded mold issue.

Living Room:

This is the center of the house, so why not have the best tech in it? Whether you’re having a cozy night in or family and friends round, use it as the room to wow them with the biggest most beautiful television that you can find. The way that TV tech has advanced in the last two years is incredible. Look into getting yourself a large, preferably 50-60 inch curved 3D TV. As big of a mouthful as it may be, the picture quality it’ll give you is insane. Try and get a 4K one and you’ll be blown away. Your kids will absolutely love the 3D element, and it’ll definitely amaze any guests that you have over. Yes, it may be pricey, but a TV lasts a long while, so it is definitely a worth while investment. Couple it with a surround sound system and it will really give that cinema quality to any film you’re watching.

Another essential piece of tech, for both the summer and the winter months, is a dual heating and cooling system, also known as an HVAC. During the colder months that are approaching, you can use it to keep your home nice and toasty. Come the summer months, reverse it and it’ll be an excellent cooling system. They are more efficient and easier to control than normal heating, and the fact that it can heat and cool is so handy. Look for HVAC contractors that can install it for you. You’ll be loving your lounge before you know it!

Bedroom:

The bedroom is the place where you retreat to escape the madness of the day. So put some tech in there that’s going to make life that little bit easier. Take the Amazon Echo for example. Yes, it can be used anywhere in the house, but it has some neat features to help you out. Simply say “Alexa, set an alarm for eight AM”. Pretty lazy right? But we live in a lazy generation, so finding a few shortcuts along the way can only help! You can also ask it about traffic on your route to work whilst you’re getting ready, this gadget finds out everything for you. So utilise it!

The Dyson Eye can be used anywhere in the house, but it is wonderful for your bedroom quarters. It’s basically a little robotic hoover that’ll go around on its own vacuuming areas. This is perfect for the bedroom, as it’s usually the room with the smallest amount of walking space. This little robot buddy will prevent constant bashes into the wall with your clunky old vacuum!

Technology is changing daily and can only make your home even more amazing. Do your research and find out which gizmos will work best for you!!

Featured Image By: Flickr 

Oct3

Bigger Home, Smaller Spend: Expand Your Property For Less

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Bigger Home, Smaller Spend: Expand Your Property For Less

It’s pretty common to start wishing that your home had more space. Your family might start to grow or maybe you even pick up a hobby that starts to take over your home. Moving is one option, but you can also consider trying to work with what you’ve got. Perhaps you have some land, even if only a small amount around your house, that seems to be going to waste. Or you might already have indoor space that you might be able to put to better use by converting it. Expanding your home can be expensive, though. If you want to do it, it’s a good idea to find ways to do it for less. Take a look:

Convert An Existing Space:

By far the easiest way of getting more space in your home is to convert a space that you already have. While it’s not technically expanding your home, you can create more liveable space where it wasn’t before. For example, your attic, basement, or garage might currently be a storage space. A smart conversion could turn it into anything you want, from a spare bedroom to a workshop, a home theater, a bar, or a games room. Before you start decorating and bringing in furniture, you might need to think about some more basic things, such as insulation and plumbing.

If your home cannot afford to lose any of its existing rooms, then that is when you would want to think about an expansion. This could be as simple as adding a sunroom to give an extra space to chill out in. If you want to go the expansion route, enter a search for “Construction company in Asheville, NC” (or your local area) to begin researching professionals and getting quotes.

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#menatwork

Alternative Building Materials:

If you’ve decided that you want to build something, possibly separate from your existing property, things are likely to get more expensive. One of the ways that you can think about keeping costs down is by selecting the right building materials. You don’t need to construct a new building out of brick. Steel is a cheap option that can work for several purposes. Perhaps you want space for a workshop, a garage, or storage space. You can easily find out how to put up a steel building so you can ensure that your project goes smoothly. Steel buildings are becoming increasingly popular for their durability and cost effectiveness. The ease of assembly for barndominium kits makes it a huge game changer for those considering a steel option. Another material to consider could be wood or, perhaps, you might think about using concrete. Both materials are good options.

When you consult with a construction team like IMI (or a similar company in your local area), it is important to have a firm budget established as well as some extra wiggle room. With your budget in mind, they will be able to recommend the materials for your project to keep you in a range that you are comfortable with while ensuring a successful end result.

Use a Pre-Fab Design:

A pre-engineered design is a great way to save money on expanding your home. If you want to add a separate addition or even a cozy cabin to your property, prefab buildings make a lot of sense. Sometimes they can be built off-site and lifted in or you can bring in the different parts and put them together when they arrive. They make construction quicker, easier, and cheaper.

With the costs you cut by using prefab buildings, you have more wiggle room with the rest of your budget. These savings can be used for skid steer rentals to work around your property, new furniture, or additional helpers. Extra room in your budget will also be helpful in putting your own unique touches on a pre-designed unit.

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#menatworkAGAIN

Save On Construction:

You might also like to think about how you could save money on construction. It’s not just the materials and planning that can cost a lot of money. Some people like to try and save on construction by doing some of the work themselves or taking on the role of project manager. However, these are both difficult things to do if you don’t have any experience. You can also make sure to get quotes from different contractors to find the best price before saying yes to anything.

If you are taking a more active role in this project, you must be aware of your limits. If you do not have the proper skill set, you could get injured or make costly mistakes. This also includes being aware of things you aren’t comfortable with completing. For example, looking into a scaffolding rental service in Dallas, TX (or your local area) might not be the best option for your DIY if you are afraid of heights. Be sure you are budgeting accordingly so you can hire the help that you need.

If you want to add space to your home, it could be more affordable than you think. Consider your options before you make any decisions!

Featured Image By: Wikimedia

Sep7

4 Reasons Why Blue Is The Most Soothing Color For Interior Decor

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4 Reasons Why Blue Is The Most Soothing Color For Interior Decor

Some colors are naturally overwhelming to your senses, but blue somehow promotes calm because most people associate blue with something good in their life. There are varying shades of blue and none of them have been noted to give you a headache from exposure. Whereas, too-bright colors, like lemon yellow or neon green, have been known to cause migraines if viewed in large doses.

Blue is a color that is widely associated as soothing and these are the top four reasons why. Incorporate various shades of blue into your decor and get your calm on!

Blue Goes with Nearly Everything in Your Home Decor:

Like your favorite pair of denim jeans that goes with everything in your wardrobe, other shades of blue go with nearly everything in your home decor. You can pick a single shade of blue, then plan an entire room around it. For example, if you deck the walls in cobalt blue, you can add touches of silver in vases, pillows, and frames, to represent the night sky directly after a sunset. Fairy lights optional!

If you are struggling to picture your home in a sea of blue but love the idea, then tools like this 3d interior visualizations software can be invaluable. You will work with a team to create a 3D mockup of your design as well as a game plan for making it happen. This is a fantastic way to experiment with colors.

There are Dozens of Shades of Blue:

You could count off two handfuls of blue shades and still not be done naming all of the different kinds of blue. There are dozens to choose from; ergo, you get more to work with when designing your interiors. And who doesn’t love options?! You could wind up with four or five different shades of a similar color just because it makes you feel calm and positive, and your room will look positively fabulous.

Blue is Associated with Good Things in Nature:

From the beautiful blues of the oceans, to the blues of summer skies or velvety nights, the color is often associated with the beauties of nature. And you can design your home with these shades of blue, using nature as your inspiration. When designing a room around your favorite nature scene, use a blue hue as the backdrop, then add onto your palette with other colors from the same scene. For instance, if you love the cerulean of a rainbow, throw in red, yellow, orange, and purple accents around the room to complete the prism look.

Often Times, Blue is Associated with Favorite Scents:

You would be surprised, but most people associate their favorite colors with their favorites scents. When someone closes their eyes and sees green, they might envision forests, fresh-cut grass, and raindrops on flowers. Whereas, when people think of blue, they imagine sea breezes, brisk summer rains, and cold winter nights. From the palest blues to the deepest indigos, the color blue inspires a scent that is as crisp and refreshing as a huge intake of clean, mountain air.

Blue is soothing because it simply is. There are different reasons for different people, but it’s no wonder why it’s such a popular color for home decor. Some people have a natural knack for interior design and choosing colors that “work”. But if that is so not you, you can always pay an hourly rate for the advice of a home renovation contractor. It will be well worth it, once you have your own little slice of zen in your home to unwind in after a stressful day!

Featured Image By: Pantone

Aug30

Bringing The Great Indoors, Outdoors: 4 Steps To Consider

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Bringing The Great Indoors, Outdoors: 4 Steps To Consider

People love to spend time outside, which is why enjoying the Great Outdoors is a modern design trend. Even with the fall and winter months approaching, homeowners want to extend the outdoor season as long as possible. But did you know that you can extend your time outdoors the whole year round? These design tips are ready-made for spending time on the patio. There is nothing better to take the edge off after a stressful day!

Here are the four things to think about if you are a lover of nature and interior design:

Invest In A Comfy Furniture Set: The first port of call is the furniture. Simply put, you can’t relax outside if there is nowhere to chill. However, any old pieces won’t do because they have to be durable enough for the cooler temperatures. With this in mind, think about opting for deep seating with a fabric finish. That way, the furniture will be cozy and comfy, but it will also be sturdy enough to deal with the worsening weather. If you want a modern twist, even contemporary living room furniture is usable outdoors. As long as there is space, a Giotto Marsala fabric chair from Sun Pan is a great alternative. And finally, furniture covers are a must, as well – especially if your area gets a lot of rain or snow.

Transition To Autumn Textures: Throw pillows and blankets have a big role to play in the development because they accessorize and add warmth. Not only is it important to offset the style, but it is vital to add a sense of functionality. To do this, think about using throws which exploit autumn and winter textures. For example, wool or fleece is a far better option than cotton or polyester. Not only is it warmer, but it also blends in with the furniture fabrics, as well as the natural outdoor textures. Also, a floor rug with a thick thread count is another chic option.

Crank Up The Heat: Covering up is always a good way to stay warm when the mercury drops outside. Still, it is not a foolproof plan, and it won’t work all of the time, especially when the weather gets terrible. If you want to spend time in the Great Outdoors, you will need a backup plan such as a space heater. Of course, the heater blasts out hot air, but it also takes up minimal space. And, it is sleek enough to keep in the corner so it will be out of the way of the other features. If you want something different, an outside fire pit is also a really cool alternative.

Let There Be Light: Last but not least, you need to be able to see. If you can’t, there is no reason to be sitting outside in the pitch black. The key to relaxing is taking the edge off, and it isn’t possible when there is zero light. You don’t want to add too much because it will ruin the ambiance, though. This is where fairy lights come into play. Not only are they dim, but they are textured and easy to fit on the gazebo ceiling or wrap around a beam. Not to mention that you can get them in a variety of adorable styles and colors!

For those who want to spend time outside even as the temperature drops, these tips for an indoors inspired outdoors are the way to go!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Aug22

Lil Red’s Dream Dressing Room

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Lil Red’s Dream Dressing Room

Hi everyone and happy Monday!! Any fashionista can agree that having a huge walk in closet would be the dream. What would yours include? A wall dedicated to your shoe collection? Display cases full of accessories? A tech system that matches your outfits for you a la Cher in Clueless? An in home Dressing Room where you could escape and be surrounded by pretty things sounds like just what the doctor ordered to me! And since we’re on the subject, mine would look something like this:

Lil Red’s Dream Dressing Room

The Color Palette:

My dressing room would be my goth queen lair so the obvious color choices for my room would be black, red, and white. I’m thinking deep, midnight black walls, one oxblood accent wall, and bright, white display features to pop against such a dark palette.

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You get the idea!

The Fixtures:

As I said before, crisp white shelving is a must in my walk in closet and each wall would have its own purpose:

Wall 1) I would want an entire wall of cubby holes dedicated to my shoe collection (I have over fifty pairs!), along with a gorgeous white wooden ladder on wheels to reach those high up pumps!

Wall 2) The second wall would house shelving for pieces of clothing that need to be folded on one side and accessories on the other like hats and purses.

Wall 3) Wall number three would feature two sturdy white iron bars for clothes that need hanging like jackets, dresses, skirts, and my black skinny jean collection. The sliding ladder from my shoe wall would also come in handy here, since your girl is only 5’1!

Accent Wall 4) Finally, on my oxblood accent wall, I would want a huge and very well lit full length mirror so that I could evaluate my outfit choices and give it the yay or nay. On both sides of the mirror, I would have glass display cases of jewelry so that I could easily add or take away accessories depending on what the outfit needs.

** And, of course, organization on my walls is extremely important. For shoes, I would display them according to their style and my clothes would be organized by season and color.

The Lighting:

Having excellent lighting in my dressing room is crucial, since the color palette on the walls is so dark. Although I do love the smaller pendant lights from Arhaus, my goth lair calls for a gigantic chandelier! I would want three chandeliers hanging from the ceiling at varying lengths with each individual one being black, white, or red. You can shop Arhaus’s lighting page for your own illuminating inspiration and then check out mine, which looks like this:

Miscellaneous Additions:

If I had my Dream Dressing Room, my friends and I would be spending a lot of time in there, so additional extras are very important. My room would definitely need:

  • A mini fridge stocked with wine and Diet Coke at all times.
  • An excellent sound system.
  • A TV to watch rom-coms with the girls.
  • A gorgeous vanity stocked with makeup and hair styling supplies.

Can you say dream hang out, or?!

Obviously, my walk in closet would have to be huge and my budget would have to be even bigger – but it isn’t called Lil Red’s Dream Dressing Room for nothing! What would be in your dream closet? Am I missing anything in mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Giphy

Jul26

Bathroom Upgrades That Will Help Sell Your House

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Bathroom Upgrades That Will Help Sell Your House

If you are in the process of selling your home, you will probably be exploring the possibility of making a few upgrades. This is an effective way to ensure that your house sells quickly and at the price which you are asking. One of the rooms that you should definitely place a lot of attention on is your bathroom. THE THRONE ROOM! Here are some suggestions on how to make your salle de bain the best ever:

Add an ottoman or stool: By adding a stunning piece of decor that is also functional, you create the ultimate private hotel suite look. Why not put a stool beside the bathtub? You can add a potted plant, candle, or some hand towels to complete the look. Another option is to go for a long ottoman or a marble side table. Nothing says “luxury” like a gorgeous piece of furniture to drape your clothes on!

Buy a new toilet: Let’s face it, who really wants to use a toilet that countless other people have been using for many years? NO ONE. Upgrading your toilet can make your bathroom look new, and it will create a good impression on anyone that is interested in buying your home. Toto Toilets are good because they offer quality, as well as a versatile style selection. But we suggest playing it safe – not many people are going to want a bright red toilet!

Change your counter tops: A lot of people assume that changing their counter tops is going to be an expensive job. However, it is something that you can do yourself. DIY faux marble counter tops will cost you less than $100, yet they will look like they have cost a small fortune. This is a great way to give your bathroom a glam update without breaking the bank.

Flower frenzy: It is amazing how much of a difference that some fresh flowers can make. Fresh plants and flowers will make your bathroom come alive, adding instant texture and color. Plus, they improve the air quality in the room, making it much more welcoming when your viewers look around. There are many different styles of plants and flowers to choose from, but lush purple orchids work especially well in bathrooms.

Stick with neutrals: If you are going to invest in new cabinets, upgrade your tiles, or repaint your walls, it is always wise to stick with a neutral palette for these elements. This will appeal to buyers, because they want to imagine living there, which can be hard to do if you choose a vibrant color that is not suited to their taste. If you do want to add some color to the room, it is best to do it via the likes of accessories and towels.

Clean thoroughly: Last but not least, the importance of cleaning thoroughly should not be understated. Giving your bathroom a quick wipe over will not suffice. You need to ensure that every inch of the room is spotless – even the corners that you don’t think your home viewers will see. A sparkling bathroom gives the impression that your home has been well loved and maintained during your time there.

Bathrooms are where luxury and smart decor is key. Use the tips above to make your home fly off of the market in no time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun22

Bedroom Makeover: Quick Fixes That Can Make A Huge Difference

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Bedroom Makeover: Quick Fixes That Can Make A Huge Difference

The bedroom is one room in the house that we probably don’t prioritize enough when it comes to decorating. We can be too transfixed with the rooms that other people see more regularly, like a kitchen or a living room. It’s understandable. Those rooms are the ones that we may entertain in and ultimately spend our waking hours in. But the sleeping hours are just as important!

Do you find that your bedroom is cluttered? Perhaps it has become a room in your home that is multifunctional? These things can be causing problems with the quality of sleep that we are getting, and every one of us deserves a place that is a sanctuary to retire to when the day is done. Here are some quick fixes that you can make to your bedroom that will make a huge difference in your quality of sleep:

Let’s Talk Mattresses: Where we lay our head at night is an important part of any bedroom, wouldn’t you agree? So it’s important to have a good quality mattress and bed to ensure that we get the most restful night’s sleep as possible. It may not be possible to change your whole bed, but one thing that you should consider is a new mattress. Companies like Puffy offer a great selection of mattresses that are comfortable, lush, plush, and perfect for a good night’s sleep. Sleep is vital for our well-being, and feeling rested for the next day can help improve productivity. So replacing your old and battered mattress is definitely a worthwhile investment!

Get Rid Of The Clutter: Clutter can be a big issue when it comes to your mindset. Any bedroom with multiple uses will not only look cluttered but feel it, too. This will make you relaxing in the evening when trying to get some sleep all the more difficult. Focus on what you need in the bedroom and try and get rid of or find homes for everything else. Invest in some good storage so that if it has to be there, then it is out of sight and out of mind.

Redecorate Your Bedroom Purposefully: We may all have our favorite colors that we go to, but when it comes to decorating your bedroom, try and decorate it with purpose. The purpose being a restful night’s sleep. This means avoiding brightly colored walls and opting for something more sedated like a pastel shade. If you insist on color, then use accessories to bring it out. Funky colored frames, cushions, and bed sheets will still enable you to get a peaceful night’s sleep. Hot pink walls? Not so much!

Finally, make sure you keep your bedroom airy throughout the day. Summer can make sleeping very difficult, so you might want to invest in a fan or at the very least open the windows during the evening to let the air circulate. A stuffy room is the farthest thing from comfortable!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jun15

Easy Ways To Create An Asian-Inspired Interior

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Easy Ways To Create An Asian-Inspired Interior

Hello everyone and welcome to a guest blog compliments of my friend, Diana! This lovely interior designer maven was kind enough to provide this post for lifewithlilred. Thank you again, darling!

Easy Ways To Create An Asian-Inspired Interior

A perfect fusion of various designs from Chinese and Japanese to Indian is what makes the Asian design so unique and wonderful. You also may find a huge deal of Oriental influence, as well, which only adds to its overall beauty. If you’ve always wanted to introduce a certain dose of Asian decor into your home, check out how to do it best:

Perfectly neutral:

The colors of nature are most often the biggest inspiration for Asian design. You can find a plethora of decorations that mimic scenic landscapes with a lot of natural hues to fit the interior. This is why you should consider cream shades, elegant greys, and even light blues when you start working on your Asian-inspired interior. The point is to create a soothing environment where you’ll have a chance to lay back and enjoy the relaxing ambiance.

A bit of vivid hues:

Contrary to popular belief, Asian style features quite vivid and rich hues. Only when you add some vivacious colors to contrast the neutral backdrop will you be able to say that it truly is an Asian theme. Consider adding some cherry pink, ravishing red, or luscious purple to awake a hint of that Oriental charm that is always present in Asian style. Also, you can never go wrong with subtle black, so you may want to think about combining golden tones with a soft neutral backdrop and adding some black hues to the mix.

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The lighting:

To add another visual and elegant aspect to your Asian inspired style, think about quality lighting. Carefully placed candles along sculptural lighting and stylish hanging paper lanterns will add a certain dose of Far East style to your home, creating a unique atmosphere. Then again, you can never go wrong with natural light, so try to bask your home with as much sunlight as possible.

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Splashing features:

Water is a key feature in Asian style, so you absolutely have to introduce it in order to create that harmonious atmosphere. Whether you opt for a small water feature in the living area, entrance room, or maybe the backyard, the ever-needed equilibrium is a given. If you have enough space in your backyard for a pool, think about building a reflective one to achieve that calming effect that everyone will enjoy. A gorgeous koi pond can be another amazing water addition that will unquestionably breathe new life into your home.

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Go minimalistic:

When you’re looking for a natural Asian design, you should definitely keep in mind that it implies clean and well-defined straight lines as well as sleek symmetry. It all comes from the Japanese influence, which allows you to enrich your contemporary space. This also means that you should avoid clutter in any part of your home at all costs. Following the main rules of Feng Shui, you must surround yourself with things that you both need and love, and remove all of the unnecessary elements from your home.

Organic design:

Eco-conscious homeowners will find this option very appealing, since Asian design cannot be imagined without organic and sustainable design. Besides your bamboo blinds, introduce some unique and quality rugs to your Asian-inspired decor, and it will make a huge difference to the entire atmosphere. Naturally, you don’t have to pay attention to the organic nature of the accessories, but the more sustainable the material, the bigger the Asian vibe in the house.

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The scent of nature:

Every home features its own peculiar scent that you can’t quite describe. An Asian-themed interior has a couple of distinctive fragrances that will help you achieve a soothing atmosphere in your home. Wind chimes, scented candles, and sandalwood incense will bring the aroma of Eastern culture right into your house. With a couple of potted plants, you’ll actually feel the Asian vibe spreading throughout the home and energizing you on a completely new level.

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Asian-themed style is the one design that can truly transform your home both visually and spiritually. With the right choice of colors, scents, furniture, and accent pieces, you can create a harmonious environment that you’ll never want to leave.

^^^ Thank you so much again to Diana for such a lovely post! How do you introduce an Asian vibe into your home? What is your favorite color palette for interior design purposes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun14

Things To Consider When You’re Designing A Kitsch Kitchen

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Things To Consider When You’re Designing A Kitsch Kitchen

Whether you prefer a vintage interior or a retro space; if you’re into everything kitsch, each room in your home should be able to reflect your style. Your kitchen (or kitschen) should be no different; as the heart of your home and where you’ll spend time cooking and hanging out, the space should exude your interior taste and any personal style elements that you enjoy. The following are some ideas to consider if you’re in the mood for an injection of kitsch character to your cooking environment:

Colorful Appliances: Nothing screams 1950s diner more than a large curved fridge in a bright or pastel hue. Your refrigerator doesn’t just have to be a functional item in your kitchen; it can become the focal point of the room and a joy to open when you’re craving a strawberry milkshake or a cola. If your budget doesn’t stretch to a shiny new fridge, then consider replacing some of your smaller appliances with colorful alternatives, instead. Toasters, food processors, and tea kettles are all items that will look great in a mint green, pastel pink, or candy-apple red shade. Do your research and bring a kitsch kick into your kitchen counter tops. For some tips on maintaining your new purchases, take a look here!

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So cute!

Your bowls, plates, glassware, and utensils don’t have to come in shy colors either. Think about investing in a polka dot range of silverware or a striped collection of cups and saucers. Display them all with pride on a vintage dresser or some shelves above your work surfaces. You can add even more vintage charm by incorporating any antique ornaments, old utensils, and postcards that you’ve picked up at a flea market. The possibilities are endless, because it’s all about adding what you love and running wild with your retro theme.

Fixtures And Fittings: A modern array of halogen lights and a sleek, stainless steel stove aren’t going to enhance a retro kitchen space, but are likely to do the opposite. So it’s worth taking a look around your cooking space and discovering what you can change so that it represents a kitsch character, and more importantly, your personal style. Consider looking at a range of sinks and think about replacing your basic steel basin with an old school-style ceramic one. The perfect choice for when you’ve got your gingham pinny on and you’re chopping up fruits for a salad. If replacing your hobs and stove isn’t an option for you, then you could look into having areas of them spray painted to give a colorful enamel finish. By the time you’ve surrounded it with all of your vintage accessories, it’ll look like a retro dream.

The lighting in your kitchen can be sourced and reclaimed from vintage stores and auctions. You’ll pay a fraction of the price of a brand new light fitting, and it’ll boast tons more character and charm. Get your polishing equipment at the ready and hunt down some personality-packed lampshades and lights for over your dinner table. Light switches and power points are also areas to consider when you want the design details in your kitchen to be a nod to kitsch charm. Look into brushed metal finishes and the shape of each fitting; paying attention to these little things will ensure that you’ll be baking your cupcakes in a kitsch environment that will keep you smiling.

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A Splash Of Paint: If you’re not in the position to replace your appliances, fixtures, and fittings; a lick of fresh paint can go a long way and will add instant charm and character to a room, depending on which hues you choose. Painting the walls in a pastel, ice cream shade will create the perfect backdrop for your old enamel advertisements and signs, taking you back to a golden era every time you cook. For a bold choice, you could choose a primary color to paint on the walls, or perhaps you could have a feature wall, where the shelving that was mentioned earlier could go.

Update your tiles and flooring with fun shades of paint and be brave with your choices; it’s your ideal kitchen space, after all. Maybe you’ll be able to source a terracotta tile or two and collect some retro tiles and could craft a lively backsplash behind the sink or stove. The braver you are, the more creative you’ll be with your choices, and you’ll have your kitschy dream kitchen before you know it!

Don’t Forget the Outside: You want your kitchen to look great from the outside looking in too. Make sure to keep control of any bushes or trees outside its windows and you may want to consider new siding to make everything look really modern and clean. Use siding company, JD Hostetter.

Maintain your kitchen: When you’re designing a cute kitchen you won’t want to forget about those important maintenance checks. Here are a few pointers to help you:

  • Check your appliances to ensure that they are working correctly.
  • Deep clean your kitchen, including the oven.
  • Inspect the drain for foul smells or signs of blockage (you may require the help of a plumber).
  • If you’re using regular light bulbs, replace these with LED bulbs.
  • Ensure that any toxic materials are stored in a high cupboard.
  • Water your plants and replace them if necessary.

Simple tips like these will help you to keep your kitchen looking cute and fresh. Your kitchen is so much more than a place to cook, it’s a space for entertaining too. Looking after your home will help you to improve your lifestyle.

Featured Image By: Miserv